Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Scripture Thursday ~ Help Where You're Able

Source
Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due,
When it is in the power of your hand to do so.
Proverbs 3:27

We were finally able to have a conversation with my sister in law and family who live in New Jersey among the devastation of Hurricane Sandy.  For days we could only communicate through simple texting.

The aftermath of this storm has left families without their homes, vehicles, belongings and some -  their most precious possessions - loved ones and friends.  The stories she described seemed incomprehensible. 


After eight days they reached a safe haven where they were able to shower, and have a hot meal.  They are preparing for the long ordeal of putting their lives back together, although it will never be the same again.  This is just one story of thousands along the Mid Atlantic Coast. 
This has given me a different outlook on what I HAVE vs. what I NEED and will be looking for ways to share my resources. 
One such organization which gives like the verse below describes, is Samaritan’s Purse under the direction of Franklin Graham.  They are in New Jersey and New York with countless volunteers helping where they can. 
Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give,
not reluctantly or under compulsion,
for God loves a cheerful giver. 
2 Corinthians 9:7





In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive. 
Acts 20:35

Look around your own neighborhood, circle of friends and family, church family… who needs help? 

Who could use a meal

a bag of groceries
a gas card
prayer 
a note of encouragement
clothes
a telephone call
a visit


He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD,
    and he will reward him for what he has done.
Proverbs 19:17


Let's try to reach out, be merciful, and give,  expecting nothing in return. 
Even if it seems out of our comfort zone.

One man gives freely, yet gains even more;
    another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.
Proverbs 11:24



Generosity is impossible apart from our love of God and of His people.
But with such love, generosity not only is possible but inevitable.

~ John MacArthur ~
For those who have the Lord, there is always hope.  We cling to His promises and are reminded by recent events that this world is not our home, and we are just passing through.  Someday we will be in a place where we will never hurt, suffer, in any way again for all eternity.

I press on toward the goal to win the prize
for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:14

If you would like to help the hurricane victims, you can visit Samaritan's Purse here: 
Samaritan's Purse US Disaster Relief

or email me littlebirdieblessings@gmail.com
for some more information on ways you could help. 

Thank you!


7 comments:

  1. I love this Abby! You are so right on and the needs are all around us. Thank you for the reminder!
    Blessings!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Once again, your post is a breath of fresh air. I love your generous heart for others, you inspire me to give more!
    AND, I love what you said about hope: "For those who have the Lord, there is always hope." Let's behave as Christians whose faith and trust is in the LORD!

    ReplyDelete
  3. This is a very motivating post! "Even if it seems out of our comfort zone" particularly spoke to me. Thank you for stirring my heart today - you're always a blessing! Hope you have a good rest of the week!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Thanks for sharing the good news about your family and friends Abby! So many are still struggling and so close to the holiday season too.
    Keeping everyone in prayers and thoughts,

    ReplyDelete
  5. Thank you for posting this it is very good. We love to give to Smaritains Purse. They help so much.
    Hugs,
    Sharon

    ReplyDelete
  6. I've been working with World Renew (The Green Shirts) in NJ and we often are working with/following individuals working with Samaritan's Purse. We do muck-outs and sanitizing of the homes to prevent black mold. Prayers are always appreciated.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Thank you so much gurian6 for your part in helping in such a way. Prayers are definitely being spoken for you and all those helping and in need. ~ Abby

    ReplyDelete

Your comments are blessings to my day.