Give Life and Share the Care
Jun26
Love your Neighbor…….Think Beyond Yourself!
Luke 10.27-37
For the past month we have talked and talked about caring for others… feeding hungry people, visiting hurting people in foreign countries, walking for life and giving blood. These are great examples of how the ministry tries to facilitate caring for others. I also have to admit the pain of those times when we don’t feel adequate to meet certain needs. I talked to a man who needed a house and I couldn’t meet that need. But thankfully there was a friend who was able to offer this family an apartment to live in until things got better. Have you reached out to anyone lately? It doesn’t have to be something earth shattering, but simple acts of kindness like encouraging a friend, sending a text or meeting a simple need. Can you share a great care story without giving specific names or details?
We would love to hear how you are thinking beyond yourself and Giving Life! Please help me “Share the Care” by texting, emailing and tweeting the idea to all your friends. We want people around the world to feel cared for and “share the care” with others.
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I think everyday we have an opportunity to help someone even if its just asking if they are okay. God uses this form of Zoe life to remind us of what this life in Christ is all about. I think one of the most creative ways to help someone is to pay for their gas, or buy groceries for a single parent. A task such as washing a car or asking an elderly person if they need anything from the store when you are going, can make a huge difference in the lives of others. I have learned that my motivation must be Love when chosing a life of service. Anything else would be unfruitful..God Bless!
Hi Mr. English,
I hope that by now you have received a copy of our guidelines. Please let us know if we can be of further assistance.
Terry Webb
Executive Director
B. Courtney McBath Ministries
I just went through the most terrific and horrific experience of planning, executing and participating in my wedding on the 4th of July. When I was running off nothing but per adrenaline–as I had not slept in 48 hours come time for me to walk down the aisle, when I returned to my cell phone I received a very disappointing text. A dear friend who I knew was suffering from cancer, but planned to be there on that day–she could not make it. Whereas, I refuse to take, make or txt anyone on that day–I actually sent her a comforting and loving message–telling her it was okay. Not only did I take that time to communicate with her when my availability time was preposterous, I met with other friends that day to discuss a plan to visit her very soon.
I could have waited until the next day–I just did not know if she could
I wrote this a few days ago–it seems to go right along with this blog….
Waiting for the Wagon? Why not Drive the Wagon!
July 23, 2009
Sometimes we need to drive those wagons! Preacher Eric Harrison sings the song in church that depicts the father/son story of Jacob and Joseph as they were reunited after the deception of Jacob’s other sons that separated him from his son Joseph. Scripture tells us Joseph’s brothers realized all the great things that had come Joseph’s way and how GOD had blessed their young brother’s life. Joseph wanted a reunion with his aging father. These things were told to Jacob, and the aging father was sent for. “When he [Jacob] saw the wagons which Joseph had sent to carry him, the spirit of Jacob their father revived: And Israel said, It is enough; Joseph my son is yet alive: I will go and see him before I die” (Genesis 45: 27-28). What a glorious reunion this was!
Even though we cannot reunite families in this way, we do wait around for the blessings of GOD in hopes someone will drive wagons by for us. GOD does give us skills, talents, resources, and knowledge to be drivers of wagons for those in need. Christians are unique in so many ways. We are not the same. GOD didn’t make us all to do the same job in the church nor in our communities, yet we think our abilities aren’t that important to others. To me, I love to write and to read, but what good is that to my church and community? If people ask me what I would rather be doing other than being in church or taking care of my family, then I will quickly say reading and writing. How is that a skill or talent that can benefit people? (I’ll leave that one for everyone to think upon!)
GOD gives us signals that people are in need or in trouble. He does not literally pick us up and drop us on the front door even though there are some He probably should do that way. He brings that person to our minds. This is a clear signal that person needs PRAYER first and foremost. Does this person need to see some hope as well? If you know nothing of the person’s situation, then prayer is what the person needs, but if you know more, then there is more you can probably do.
I think about my Mother. To the best of my memory, we were young, and she had just finished making a banana pudding. She told us kids she would be back in a few minutes as she left the house with that banana pudding. She took that dessert to a family that GOD placed on her mind. To this day, I have no idea who that family was, but she did what GOD told her to do. This family needed a little more that day. Even though today we are living in times where people are offended to offer their skills and help to others, we can still offer since years ago helping neighbors was part of daily living. Mother is this kind of person—she’s a giver of what she has. This is her talent.
The next time GOD places someone on your heart, pray for this person. Also, ask yourself what can you do for this person to make a difference in his or her life. Can you make this person a dessert? Help this person repair a deck outside? Take this person to the doctor? Pick up a few groceries for this person? Take some garden food to this person’s house? Clean out a closet and take in some clothes? Cutting grass and weeds? Mailing a card with a meaningful note? Inviting the person over for dinner?
Why not visit the person? You might find he is in need of something and doesn’t have the money for it. You might learn the family has an appliance not working, and due to the economy, they have not had the money to repair or replace it. Since you have two ovens—one in the house and one in storage, you offer to give your brother in need one. Little things like this can take a load off one’s mind! Christians love to help people with their needs if they know what they are. Remember, GOD put this person on YOUR heart for a REASON!
Even though Jacob received a BIG BLESSING, sometimes if we begin driving those wagons with little blessings for people, GOD will send wagons by our way in times of need!
Pastor:
When we came to visit the church on June 21st (Father’s Day), it was just like coming home. We felt so welcome and loved and it was truly a blessing to hear and see you again. May God continue to bless and keep you and your family in all that you do and He is smiling daily seeing what you are doing with his Word.
Much love,
Michael & Terrie
I have been given the privileged of encouraging and praying for a woman I met while doing my nursing home ministry. I was about to leave the home and she stopped me and said that she could tell I was a Christian , and she asked me to pray for her and her husband. I usually feel a little self conscious praying with others in public , but I was moved to pray with her on the spot . As I took her hand and we prayed it was like electricity flowing through my body . I have never experienced anything like it before . After wards , on the way to my car I had to ask God , What was that?!
I’m a single 50 yr old woman , never married and God has given me the opportunity to share the teaching that I have learned while anchored at CRC. I have a new friend and prayer partner. God is good!
It’s always a pleasure to help others. God has grace me with the opportunity to meet the needs of others in more ways than one. I felt so bless and priviledge that I was able to meet the need as well as make a difference in the lives of the individual(s).When we help others,it is like God touching them through us. My prayer for the Saints is that in the near future , they will be debt-free so that they could meet any need that arise be it great or small.
My husband and i were just visiting a family member who has a husband and two daughters. when we got there, their cupboards and regrigerator were bare. so my husband asked our family member’s husband (in a very dignified way) if he can take him to the grocery store. so we bought them whatever they needed…close to $200 worth of food. They were so, so grateful! And we were thankful to be in a position where we could bless them in that way!
Sometimes, we don’t have to SAY one scripture…just DO it!
Bishop I’m with you 100%.Having needs and living by faith I’m finding that in my travels there are so many people who are worst off than I.My hurt was touched during our morning devotion when one of the men prayer that in spite of my needs and wants Lord help me give to someone less fortunate than myself.I’m spreading the word and teaching the message Bishop. It is more blesseth to give than to receivie.That’s real talk.
I gave a young lady a listening ear to her situation at home. The discomfort that she was having living with her mother was so heartbreaking. The only thing that I could do was listen because I never experienced it myself. It was heart-breaking to hear and see her go through the situation.
At times, listening is better than doing nothing at all.
I’m so glad that I took the time out of my life to help a friend when things aren’t where they want it to be. I could have easily said no so many times, but I chose to help. The shoe could have easily been on the other foot and I would want someone to be there for me.
Loving someone and caring about someone is a powerful combination.