"Helping Others"

"Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men." Ephesians 6:7

During the American Revolution, a man in civilian clothes rode past a group of soldiers repairing a defensive barrier.

Their leader, a low-ranking corporal, seemed to delight in shouting orders. He shouted, but he made no effort to help with the task at hand.

When the civilian asked the corporal why he was conducting himself in such a manner -- calling out commands but making no effort to provide assistance -- the corporal drew himself up tall and said, "Sir, I am a corporal!"

The civilian apologized for his ignorance. Then he dismounted from his horse and helped the exhausted privates.

When their job was completed, he turned to the corporal and said, "Mr. Corporal, the next time you have a job like this and you don't have enough men to do that job, please go to your commander-in-chief, and he will come and help you again."

If that story about George Washington isn't true, it ought to be.

It ought to be true for all of us. We all ought to be helping each other whenever we can, with whatever gifts the Holy Spirit has given us.

That's what the Lord Jesus did when He was about the work of saving us.

He knew we couldn't save ourselves. We couldn't get that job done. So He pitched in and did everything -- everything that was necessary to win our forgiveness and salvation.

Now He has entrusted us with the opportunity of glorifying Him by helping others.

Following the Lord's example and doing as Washington did, parents can provide direction to their children; employers can give encouragement to those who work under them; churches can reach out to those who are floundering and lost.

Helping those who can't do the job themselves is not just an obligation; it's an opportunity that can change the world.

From a devotion originally written for "By the Way"

THE PRAYER: Heavenly Father, help us use the gifts You have given us to uplift and uphold those who need the help and comfort we can provide. This we ask in the Name of Jesus who did that for us. Amen.

(Used with permission by Lutheran Hour Ministries)

 Greetings friends,

Like these books helping each other to hold the shelf up; so we as His children are to help each other to hold His Word up -- to hold each other up. 

During this time of season, Advent, our church congregation gathers each Wednesday before service in the fellowship hall for fellowship & a delicious meal prepared & served by one of the many groups within our congregation.   In past years the three groups have been LWML, Youth, and Preschool.  This year the Youth group wasn't able to serve but we didn't know (Only because the "messenger" was in the hospital.) until that Saturday before when it was announced in the monthly newsletter.  

The following day at Pastors Installation meal, the Fly Away Gang (band) stepped up and filled the "opening" serving a wonderful meal with great fellowship. 

One of the blessings I recieved when moving up to MN from AZ to help Mom & Bob out was that I was able to get an apartment just 3 blks from them. 

On the 6th of December, my step-dad had hip replacement surgery. When Mom announced this in email -- I replied back saying I'd do the shoveling realizing that Mom would enjoy waking up to the daily paper with her morning coffee anyway. 

Not only that but it's an incentive to get fresh air & exercise by walking over every day.  Another blessing because Winter months I tend to hibernate in my apartment not getting either one -- I dispise the cold & the white stuff aka snow!  Hench the reason for moving to Arizona in 1996.  :-)   Not that I was running from family, it was the COLD weather Minnesota gets.

I do LOVE being active with Summer sports such as bicycling, motorcycling, swimming, hot-tubing, camping, hiking... all of which I can do year-round in AZ ~ not to mention the social activities that still occur outside during Winter!  :-)

Helping others is a big part of who I am, it comes natural for me.  I believe much of that was ingrained in me through both my parents.  Dad was always ready & willing to help or teach someone with whatever the need was.  He was quite the gifted & talented man, able to do many different things.  Another blessing that I recieved from of him!  He taught me well.  Along with my mom who taught me "office procedures," sewing, math, reading, card making, cleaning, etc.  Yes, I'm a fortunate & blessed person in many ways. 

Today, as I sit here this EARLY Sunday morning with my coffee, it's hard not to share with you a smile across the miles.  I'm so very Thankful for what Jesus has done for all us if we only believe & accept Him into our lives.  FAITH!  What a glorious day it will be!  Hallelujah! 

Sharing the Love of Jesus!   Prayers go out to my step-dad for his healing during his recovery of hip surgery.  And to all those who are homeless, fatherless, or suffering.  May your Sunday & weeks to come bring you many blessings from Him above!

                                     Audio for todays devotion click here.