In a world marked by diverse challenges and inequalities, the Bible provides ever present wisdom and guidance on how to extend a helping hand to those in need. The biblical scriptures inspire compassion, empathy, and a sense of responsibility towards the less fortunate. We explore 5 key sources that shed light on God’s calling to us to be a help in our society and offers guidance on how we can actively engage in acts of compassion and make a positive impact on the lives of others.

The Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) One of the most profound stories of compassion and mercy in the Bible is the Parable of the Good Samaritan. In this parable, Jesus illustrates the importance of reaching out to those in desperate situations, regardless of societal divisions. The story emphasizes that true neighborly love transcends boundaries and calls believers to respond selflessly.

This text teaches us that genuine love for our neighbors transcends boundaries of race, ethnicity, and social status. It encourages us to overcome prejudices and actively engage in acts of kindness towards those in need, without expecting anything in return. By helping the less fortunate, we demonstrate true compassion, embodying the essence of the Good Samaritan’s actions.

The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) The Sermon on the Mount encapsulates Our Savior’s teachings on a wide range of topics, including compassion and generosity. In Matthew 5:42, Jesus urges his followers to give to those who ask, and not to turn away from those who seek assistance. He emphasizes the transformative power of giving, stating that it is more blessed to give than to receive. The sermon encourages believers to be mindful of the needs of others, showing mercy, and actively participating in acts of charity and justice.

The Widow’s Offering (Mark 12:41-44) The story of the Widow’s Offering provides an invaluable lesson on the significance of sacrificial giving. Jesus observes a poor widow contributing two small coins to the temple treasury, which was all she had. Despite her meager resources, Jesus commends her for giving more than the wealthy individuals who offered larger amounts but out of their abundance. This account illustrates that it is not the size of the gift that matters but the heart behind the act of giving. It teaches us that even our smallest efforts can make a significant impact when offered sincerely and sacrificially.

The Call to Serve Others (Galatians 5:13) The apostle Paul, in his letter to the Galatians, emphasizes the importance of using our freedom in Christ to serve one another. He encourages believers to consider how they can humbly and selflessly assist those in need. Paul highlights that true faith is manifested through love, and by helping others, we fulfill the law of Christ. This verse reminds us that helping the needy is not just a suggestion but an integral part of living out our faith and imitating the example set by Jesus.

The Call to Justice (Micah 6:8) Micah 6:8 encapsulates the fundamental principles of justice and compassion. The prophet Micah asks, “What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” This verse reminds believers that their faith should manifest in their pursuit of justice for the oppressed and disadvantaged.

Helping the needy goes beyond mere acts of charity; it involves addressing the systemic issues that perpetuate poverty and inequality. By advocating for fairness, equity, and the well-being of all, we align ourselves with God’s heart for justice. We are called to challenge unjust systems and promote social change that uplifts the marginalized.

The Bible provides a wealth of teachings that guide and inspire believers to extend compassion and support to those in need. The Parable of the Good Samaritan, the Sermon on the Mount, the Widow’s Offering, the Call to Serve Others, and the pursuit of justice are just a few scriptures from the Bible  that encourage us to actively engage in acts of kindness, mercy, and justice. By imbibing these teachings and putting them into practice, we can make a profound difference in the lives of those less fortunate, embodying the love and compassion that lie at the heart of our faith.

“Stewardship” is a word often used in church that many just don’t understand. Most think it just means putting some cash or a check on the offering plate when it is passed, but it really means far more than that.

From the very beginning God wanted us to care for all of His creation, to be stewards–managers and caretakers–of the earth and all living things. I believe this is what God meant in Genesis 1:28-30 when He told Adam and Eve to “subdue” His earth and to “rule over” all of its plants and animals. Taking this concept a few steps further, consider the fact that God made each of us. He gave each of us the abilities, health, and strength to make a living so our needs could be met. It then follows that all we “own” is really not ours, but are rather gifts “on loan” from God. He is allowing us to manage these “loaned gifts” as His stewards. Not only are we to be stewards of the money, time, property, talents, and “things” He has given us, but we are also to be the stewards of our own bodies! We are to take good care of our bodies–“the temples of God”–as the Bible so clearly reminds us in I Corinthians 3:16-17.

Recently it was a real “eye-opener” for me to re-read the account of God’s instructions to Moses and the Israelites concerning the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings. Exodus:25-31 and Exodus:35-40, give very detailed descriptions of all that was involved in this process. From these passages we can glean many conclusions about God’s gifts to us–and our gifts to Him. Over and over again the expected standards are stated: only the best for God…the purest gold, silver, and incense to be used in His house of worship; only the most gifted artists to work the wood, precious metals, and textiles; only the best teachers to guide willing workers; and only the first and the best–the “firstfruits”–to be sacrificed on God’s altar. It is emphasized in Exodus 36:3-7 that the giving of belongings, wealth, time, and God-given talents was to be done out of a willing heart, and that all who willingly gave, were not to stop giving until God, through Moses, told them to stop! (To give until God tells you not to give any more can be a scary thought to many but I think God would rather we view it as a challenge to grow in our faith in Him.) It is also made clear in the Exodus passages that material wealth, time, and skills are gifts from God and are to be given back to God as gifts of gratitude.

Romans 12:6-8 and 2 Corinthians 8:12 and 9:6-15 point out our further responsibilities in the using and giving of our God-given gifts: if God has given us a gift in the form of a skill or ability we are to use it to benefit others and to further His kingdom; we are to give willingly of what we have–God certainly doesn’t expect us to give what we don’t have, whether material things or skills–and we are to give cheerfully, knowing that God will always supply our needs and bless our giving.

Take a look at all that God has given you: your family, your health, your job, your home, and so on. Your personal list of God’s blessings to you could go on endlessly. God gives only good gifts to us, His children. What good gifts will you give back to Him? Will it be your best, given willingly out of a grateful heart?

What does God’s Word, the Bible, say about this?

Exodus 34:26a “Bring the best of the firstfruits of your soil to the house of the Lord your God.” NIV

Exodus 35:5a “From what you have, take an offering for the Lord. Everyone who is willing is to bring to the Lord an offering” NIV

Matthew 7:9, 11 “Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? If you, then, …know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” NIV

Romans 12:6-8a “We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously” NIV

2 Corinthians 8:12 “For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have.” NIV

2 Corinthians 9:7 “Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” NIV

Now read the following Bible passages in your favorite version of the Bible:

Genesis 1:28-30
Exodus 31:1-6, 34:26, 35:4-35; 36:1-7
Matthew 7:7-12 and 25:14-30
Romans 12:6-8
1 Corinthians 3:16-17
2 Corinthians 8:12 and 9:6-15

by Susan Gurney 

Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com–CHRISTIAN WRITERS

One of the things that I genuinely love doing is giving. That’s why I’ve made it a must that some of the monies we receive from our membership for Keeping It Real Magazine go to charities and we tend to buy each of our members a gift once they have fully subscribed with us.

We have been taught as children to give and as parents we teach our children how important it is to give to others. But are you practising what you preach to your children or still practising what you have been taught as a child?

As humans we do have a tendency to have a selfish streak within us. If it doesn’t benefit us then we won’t give or if it’s going to take up too much of our time then we might not attend a certain place when were asked to. Then we ask God to bless us, but why should we ask God to bless us when we don’t want to bless others?

It’s important to give not only if it benefits you. For example our members have no hesitation in paying the subscription because they want to bless others, they want to bless others by sharing their personal experiences knowing what they write will help someone that has gone through a same situation as them. And I know they feel so good knowing that they have encouraged somebody. They’re not just giving to the magazine but giving to others and I believe God will bless them. I have personally known for myself that you can never out give God every time I have given I have received a blessing back.

If you read throughout the Bible Jesus always gave, yes don’t get me wrong there are times you will need to spend by yourself especially in prayer and meditation, but don’t forget that you were put on this earth to help others and to give back to others.

In Matthew 25:34-46 this scripture stresses the importance of giving to others. So this is not something that needs to be taken likely. Believe me when you give you’ll experience so much more joy in this life.

By giving you are respecting and valuing human life more, most importantly you are pleasing God. So what’s in your gift box today? Whatever it is don’t hold it back live to give.

Marie Grossett aka Vanessa Grossett is a published Author, and has interviewed best selling and award winning Christian Authors.

She is a Literary Agent at The Authors Care Services ltd. www.theauthorscare.co.uk vanessa@theauthorscare.co.uk

Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com–CHRISTIAN WRITERS

It is a form of love and humility to pray, especially for other people. When we pray, we are asking the LORD to get involved in specific ways in our lives and others’, and He hears and answers our earnest prayers! 

The LORD prompts me very often to pray for my pastors, and early this morning, He gave me specific Scriptures to pray for them. I will share them below with you. 

Speaking the Word over others and ourselves always causes a positive reaction–although it may be unseen for a while–for the Word of God is always at work (Isaiah 55:10-11), accomplishing His perfect will in the earth!

The LORD has chosen to limit Himself, overall, to His actions being a response to our faith-filled prayers. What an honor and privilege and responsibility we have–to affect the course of things and people in the earth, with our words! 

I’m so glad the LORD taught me to “personalize” the Scriptures, for most of the verses in the Bible can be applied to one’s own life, and the lives of those we cover.

Praying for any spiritual leader in the earth is good, but praying for one’s own pastor(s) is even more targeted. 

First, start off by thanking the LORD for your pastors. They are gifts to the church body!  (I have personalized these and the following in this writing.) I Thessalonians 5:12-13 is a good place to start: 

1. Thank You, Father, as You say in I Thessaloniana 5:12 and 13, 12 we know and thank You for our pastors, who labor among us [We recognize them for what they are, acknowledge and appreciate and respect them all]—our leaders who are over us in the Lord and those who warn and kindly reprove and  exhort us. 13 And we hold them in very high and most affectionate esteem in [intelligent and sympathetic] appreciation of their work. We are at peace among ourselves.
2. To personalize the Scriptures, you can put your pastors’ names there, and put it in the present tense. For instance, you can take Colossians 4:12 and do that: [I am] always striving for Pastor (name(s)) earnestly in my prayers, [pleading] that he/they may [as persons of ripe character and clear conviction] stand firm and mature [in spiritual growth], convinced and  fully assured in everything willed by God.
3. Thank You, Father, as You say in Ephesians 1:15-19 (MSG), we praise You that we 15-19  hear of the solid trust our pastors have in the Master Jesus and their outpouring of love to all the followers of Jesus, so we can’t  stop thanking You for them—every time we pray, we think of them and give thanks. But we do more than that. We ask—ask You, God of our Master, Jesus Christ, the God of glory—to make them intelligent and discerning in knowing You personally, their eyes focused and clear, so that they can see exactly what it is You are calling them to do, grasp the immensity of this glorious way of life You have for Your followers, and oh, the utter extravagance of Your work in those who trust You—endless energy, boundless strength!

So we thank You that You are giving them endless energy and boundless strength in doing Your will! 

1. Thank You, Father, as Ephesians 1:17 (AMPC) states, [For we always pray to] You, God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, that You may grant our pastors a spirit of wisdom and revelation [of insight into mysteries and secrets] in the [deep and intimate] knowledge of You,
2. Father, all of Psalm 119 is excellent, for every one of us Your people. For our pastors, we pray Psalm 119, especially these: verse 1: ¹ Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) are our pastor(s) the undefiled (the upright, truly sincere, and blameless) in the way [of the revealed will of God], who walk (order their conduct and conversation) in the law of the Lord (the whole of God’s revealed will); verse 18, that You would ¹⁸ Open his/their eyes, that he/they may behold wondrous things out of Your law; verse 38: ³⁸ that You would establish Your word and confirm Your promise to them Your servant(s), which is for those who reverently fear and devotedly worship You. Thank You, Father, that, also as verse 47 says,he/they delight himself/themselves in Your commandments, which he/they love.
3. As Romans 15:29 (KJV) says, Let him/them be sure that, when he/they come(s) to us, he/they come in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ.
4. As Ephesians 3:18 says, That he/they may have the power and be strong to apprehend and grasp with all the saints [God’s devoted people, the experience of Your love] what is the breadth and length and height and depth [of it];

We ask all of these things for our pastor(s), in the glorious, victorious, all-powerful Name of Jesus Christ, the King!

Hallelujah! What an honor and privilege to come before the God of Heaven and earth and have a personal audience with Him; to be heard and answered by Him! He is such a personal, amazing, darling Father God!

The best way, in my opinion, to pray Scriptures for your pastor(s) is to pray them for yourself and your spouse and family at the same time! The Word of God is for everyone, praise Him!

After all, we are–as true Believers in what the LORD Jesus Christ did for us on the cross by shedding His blood to pay for our sins and give us eternal life, Hallelujah!–all in the same Royal Family of God! 

Even if you only use the pastor(s)’ name(s) when you declare these Scriptures, you will still be sowing the living, eternal, unchanging, all-powerful Word of God into your own heart and mind, and expanding and strengthening your arsenal–and your knowledge and delight in the LORD!

There are so many more I could list, but let it be a treasure hunt for you to ask the LORD to lead you to more to pray for your pastor(s), others, and yourself!

If you don’t have a current pastor, pray for pastors and other spiritual leaders around the world. They need it!

Also ask the LORD where your Bible-believing church is, for you need to be part of a body, tthat can cover and help encourage and strengthen you, and help you otherwise in time of need. King Jesus is coming soon! Hallelujah!

Meanwhile, the world is not getting any better, and you need a covering!

Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.—Hebrews 10:25, KJV

Go for it, and spread the Word! Help others do the same, for it’s a win-win!

by Tonja Taylor

Tonja K. Taylor lives to exalt God, and she and her husband are licensed ministers with Harvest Int'l. Ministries. Get her book VISIONS OF THE KING: JESUS REVEALED (Amazon), and visit her "RiverRainCreative" channel (with 300+ videos). Also, Book IV of the P.O.W.E.R.* GIRL, series is in the works!

Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com