"She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy."
Proverbs 31:20
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We have seen this far along how this lady is very industrious. She provides well for her family and for those in her household. It is almost like God is saying yes work and work hard, but sometimes you need to stop and take a look outside of your self and give to those around you who are hurting.
I am going to jump straight to what Elizabeth lists this week for us to do. I think that these are good tips on ways that we can look outside of our home.
How-to's of Beauty
- Begin at home- She talks about a lady who frequently fed meals to hobos and also gave them the gospel of John. She was willing to show those inside of her home that giving to others was important. I can only imagine what kind of things her kids decided to do when they go on their own!
- Give regularly to you home church- Find a ministry of your church that you can get involved in, either by doing or giving. If you are not able to find something inside your church that you can support, than think about what you can start up. Be a visionary.
- Keep your ear to the ground- Many times those who are truly in need are not going to come directly to you asking you for what they need. Yes, people will come, but usually they are just looking for a free handout- I know this is a generalization. Listen for things that people say, or just find someone and decide that you are going to bless them. God lays things on people's hearts for a reason.
- Support a worthy organization or person- Find something outside of your church that you are passionate about. Scott has become interested in Medical Missions. I am able to get some stuff free with coupons that they can use. Great use for that stuff!
- Pray about a personal project- Not sure how you can get involved. Pray. Can't give or go, pray about what God would have you to do. I am pretty sure if you are willing to do something for God, then He will give you something to do!
- Err on the side of generosity- Be willing to give, even if it does not make sense to you. Give and give abundantly.
- Live out love- What kind of love are those around you seeing in you? Make sure that God's love is flowing through you in such ways that others can see it.
I would love to hear about some practical ways that you have either been able to help out others or that you have heard of people helping others. Leave these ideas in the comments. Maybe they will inspire the rest of us :)
You can find the previous posts here:
Much of what was shared is exactly what I either do or know is done by others... and we encourage each other or work together.
ReplyDeleteIn my post re: Ladybugs, I explain part of what I do. I'm what I refer to as a "knee-jerk" person. I'm the one called if there's an emergency by the Bhutanese refugees that live up the street from me -- an inside our country missionary. There also are Burmese and I try to help...they are the ones this refers to re: roaches and other problems. These people were in refugee camps for years and years. How are they able to adjust to our culture and living situations when it's entirely different than what they ever knew? So, I'm used to teach, protect, help. Also, if someone needs to hit the ER and needs an "explainer" [not an interpreter, b/c I don't know their languages] and a helper, that's what I do. My husband blesses me and I am free to go wherever and do whatever. So, that's my present "God-job" and I'm blessed.
Very interesting. I bet there is never a dull day in what you do. Thank you so much for giving of yourself in this way!
DeleteThank you for sharing Elizabeth's list at Tell Me A Story. This is an excellent starting out point and we can go in many directions as long as we are following What the Holy Spirit is telling us to do. Not all of us will do every point, because God deals with each of us differently. However the list is something that we should read over and over again and then do as the Lord directs us.
ReplyDeleteI do agree it is important to do what the Holy Spirit is leading us to do. I love that we all have unique talents and gifts that God can use in very different ways!
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