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by Marilyn Ehle
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“What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if people claim to have faith but have no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead” (James 2:14-17).
Before every meal at a table lavishly filled with hot, fresh, healthy food, the religiously correct man thanked God for the bounty spread before him and his family. And every prayer concluded with these words, “And please provide for those who this day are hungry.”
While theologically correct, the words rang hollow because those seated at the table had often heard the man’s harsh words toward the very hungry he prayed for: “With a little hard work, anyone could feed their family. There’s no need for me to give my hard earned money to lazy people.”
While God occasionally intervened with the miracle of manna or quail from heaven or water from a rock to feed the hungry, a careful search of the Bible finds only a few prayers imploring God to do so. Instead the pages of Scripture teem with words like “If your enemy is hungry, give him food.” Jesus himself said, “I was hungry and you gave me something to eat.”
Similarly does God hear our prayers for justice in the world as hollow and meaningless when we are unwilling to obey his practical command to “hate evil, love good; maintain justice in the courts”?
We are commanded to pray for people in need, but God also expects that we become His hands and feet in the divine plan for meeting those needs.
~ Lord, thank You for the bounty you provide for me, but help me better understand what my part should be in distributing that bounty. Forgive my hard-heartedness. I want to be Your hands and feet in the world
Questions: How can you and I be God’s hands and feet? Tell us about some of your experiences as you have reached out. Why does Christ say,”… , faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead”
About the Author
This devotional was written by Marilyn Ehle. Read more about Marilyn: http://www.talk.thelife.com/authors/marilyn-ehle/
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Several months ago, while in the dollar store picking up something, I decided to use a five dollar bill and get 5 umbrellas. I live in Florida and although we were at the start of summer, I knew hurricane season was coming soon and I always see people getting caught out in the rain. Well, I stored those umbrellas in my car and I was never out when it was raining. This past week, the weather finally caught up with us and we got hit with a torrential downpour. I came off the interstate and there stood a man (a common spot for begging) and I, as usual, had no money on me – and have been warned several times by my husband that these are just con men. Any way, the rain had been coming down hard for about 10 minutes and I opened my door to the man two lanes away, when he approached the car, I told him I had no money on me, but I hope this umbrella would help. His eyes widened and you would have thought I had given him a new car, he was so thankful. I was just as excited to be able to meet a need for someone. It’s true that God’s people get fulfillment from a giving heart! Thank you for reminding us to care for one another.
Was reading my Bible this morning and God showed me something. As I processed it, felt I was to check today’s devotional to see if there was a relationship there. Yes, I believe there is!
I was reading John 13:27,28 where Peter declares that he will lay down his life for Jesus, and Jesus asks him if he really means it.
The question came: “When I promise to lay down my life for Jesus, do I really mean it? Or when ‘The bell tolls’ for me will I remember my unkept promises and weep as Peter wept?
Sorry, wrong reference in reply above. That was John 13:37,38. Will out the light on next time!
This was such an excellent reminder to be the hands of feet of Christ and to put our faith into action. Question for others: how to handle all the men and women begging on street corners?
This devotional reminds me that even though my husband and I struggle to make ends meet, we are still privileged to be blessed with all that we have and that we shouldn’t take it for granted. It also motivates me to want to do more for others and helps me to realize that doing something for another doesn’t necessarily have to be something monetary.
I loved Dorothy’s comments at the top. I too live in Florida (South) and on a typical day might come across a minimum of 5 homeless people at traffic lights begging for money…why not give them something one day instead of money like Dorothy did. Maybe food or a blanket.
Loved this devotion. It hit home for me, as I know we don’t do enough here to help the poor.
Last Thanksgiving a friend from church found herself without a husband. He was falsely accused and is in prison.
She has no family except for a 10 year adopted daughter from China. Holidays had been very special to her family, and she was devastated about how they might spend future Holidays. My son was dating a girl from China (they are now married.) I prayed and asked God if He would soften my husband’s and son’s heart to allow these 2 to share the Holidays with us. My husband is a loner and normally doesn’t like the holidays, let alone have company. My son is more outgoing but usually wants just “us” at holidays. I truly needed God’s help with this. Both my husband, and son said “yes” they wanted this mother and daughter to come for the holidays. When I introduced the 2 chinese girls, they found they were from the same area of China! What a blessing this has been. God is good. Our family continues to bond with these 2 special Chinese girls.
One of our tenants hugged me last night for allowing her to pay her rent in installments. I let her know that I am praying for her every need to be met.
Father God, thank you for allowing us to minister to the poor in different ways. However, I don’t feel we do enough. Dear Father, help us to be more creative by guiding us with your wisdom. When we truly see others as you do, we will see opportunities to give more. Thank you for forgiving us when we miss opportunites, and thank you for second chances.
This devotional really hits home for me I am on a disability and don’t have a lot of money. I never make it to the end of the month. But I am always asked for spare change by others but at that moment I just don’t have even a penny on me.So I have to say no. When I do have a little change me I will give it. But what I find to is that there are those who are just as bad off as I am who feel that just because people whom use the soup kitchen, which here in my hometown not only the street people can use but anyone who is on a low income like disability or welfare, I am called a bum. When he calls me that again I want to be able to come up with a verse from the bible to say to him, can anyone let me know some verses to say to him rather then get angry and mouth off.
My husband and I also struggle financially at times, but still feel it it very important to give to those who are hungry and homeless. You can’t minister to people without first meeting life’s basic needs of food and shelter. A lady came up to me while I was out shopping the other day and asked if I had any spare pennies, nickels, or dimes. I asked if she was hungry and she said yes. I felt led to give her all my change, which I usually put into a piggy bank. She repeatedly thanked me and smiled from ear to ear. I gave her a “God bless you” and she went her way. I don’t know what she intended to spend the money on, maybe food, maybe drugs, but whatever she bought, the fact is, she asked. And we are commanded to give when anyone asks. I can’t help but believe that God smiles when we make sacrifices for others and as I sat down to our family meal that evening, I wondered if the lady was having something to eat. Our pastor is preaching a series on Where Our Treasures Are. Using Randy Alcorn’s book Treasure Principles, he reminds us that we can’t take it with us, but we can send it ahead. What a blessing it is to know that. My husband and I may die in deep debt, but I hope we never forget to give to those in need. Jesus gave all. Are we His followers?
Bless all of you for your comments! Some of you made me cry reading..and ARE “His Hands and Feet”! Loved Dorothy’s idea with the umbrella and the Lord sheltered that man through her..June L’s making arrangements for the renter and then praying for her needs..Thank YOU Jesus for these “disciples”..And for Susan giving to that lady..not questioning if she needed it, but trusting YOU who sent her!
Susan, your comments touched me so deeply..we’d rather die in deep debt here, too, than not give. Your Pastor’s quote from that book reminded me of Catherine Marshall’s words about her Dad after his passing? She found only cents left in his bank account…and she related how he gave all he had while on this earth and how deeply that touched her about his earthen life! He, like your Pastor shared, sent his treasures ahead!
Like Chris, our income is greatly diminished. But, daily we ask Him to show us “how” to give..He never fails..and shows a way to share something! Sometimes it is cooking and sharing that, HE taught me to knit through a magazine article..sometimes it’s a warm scarf, a prayer for someone..and HE has made us “warriors” out of our own circumstances. Once I told my husband if we can just “smile” when we are out and about..We’ll “give” those away, too! And, like Chris, some weeks that’s all we have “to” give..But, that smile might be just what someone needs that day! We BELIEVE and pray for others!..It’s our gift..and this gift from others is what has held us up through our “battle”..That and the one who fights it for us..Our LORD (2nd Chronicles 20:15..Powerful WORD)…
My husband is a long-time professional pianist and is allowed to do some playing jobs along with his social security..But jobs are few in our struggling economy right now..But? When he plays downtown..anytime he parks, he gets requests for help. Like Susan if he has change (or during a good week a dollar), he always gives what he has and silently prays for them…and gives even the little, lovingly… He is a very quiet man ..but a beautiful disciple in God’s eyes..He’s gone through so much in this financial hardship..but, the Lord has drawn him so close and made us both “aware” of the needs of others more than we ever could have been before…and, hard as it has been? We PRAISE HIM daily for what HE has taught us and for the daily growth it is producing in us!
Today? We Praise Him for a phone payment that allows me to stay on here and be blessed! It was easy to pay that bill before all this challenge? Today? We Praise with each payment! June L’s prayers, am confident, brought that last minute job, too! Bless HER, Father!!!! Bless her for compassion to her renter, too!
Chris, pray for that misguided person that made you feel badly. “Heap coals…” on his head like the Bible says praying blessings for him. When we ask for someone to be blessed? God will change them and make them worthy of that blessing. It is amazing when we “pray for our enemies”! You are so very, very worthy and daughter of the KING!
And, June L, what a gorgeous grandson you are going to have soon with his heritage! A beautiful… special child! And what a grandmother he will have!
Thank you, dear ones, for your sharings! Forgive this being too long..But you girls bring it out of me! Blessed Weekend for all..And every prayer request lifted, too!
Susan, I loved your testimony about what God is doing in your lives, and enjoyed all others as well.
Fran, I loved that story a few days ago about the child you were babysitting. I can tell that you are a fine Christian that is obedient to help and share with others…even your time. And I can’t wait until this American-Chinese grandson gets here in October. From the sonograms he is really cute and looks like his mother, whose is beautiful inside and out.
Our son is blue eyed and was blond (cotton head) as a child, so it is going to be interesting as some of his features come out in this baby…and they will. My son and I are having lunch today while he is in the area…always a blessing!
Sharon, thanks again for your prayers. Your comments always bless me. My husband is healing well, but desparately needs salvation. One good thing came out of this heart surgery. He quit smoking in the house. I prayed he would quit all smoking FOR ABOUT 5 YEARS. He says he ONLY smokes a couple CIGARETTES a day in his shop. Never give up ladies.
For June L,
Those sweet neighbors paid us for the babysitting..and since I was homeschooling couldn’t had forgone outside work..But?!!! The Lord used our “hands and feet” to vacuum, clean, and cook for them! They’d be so surprised when they’c come home and find those things done! And, you can imagine how a family of five had plenty of laundry. I can’t take any credit for that, though, it was all the Lord’s idea! He, somehow gave the energy for it, too!
Sooooo excited about your beautiful grandchild. Loved the writings of Pearl Buck and the sharings of Ruth Graham about her upbringing in China. And?!! Was that a “divine appointment” or what with that lady’s child being from same part of China as your precious daughter-by-LOVE!!!! WOW!!! Thank you for sharing that!! Have Blessed weekend. Praying and believing for your husband, too! God WILL deliver!!!
Ladies what a blessing all your comments were to me today.
I feel also that we are not giving enough to those in need.
During the holiday season of 2006, the impressed upon my
heart to celebrate his birth by sowing a financial seed to
those he put on my heart . This was a sacrifice he wanted
me to make for him. When I sow the seed I let the persons
know it was for Jesus birthday, a thanksgiving offerings
unto him. I felted such a joy doing this, knowing how Jesus
must have felted to offer up himself for the whole world
sins. God please nudge us when we get to caught up in our
own lives, to consider others. Remind us daily father that
we are you body in this earth to be used by you for your
purpose and glory. Thanks for reminding us through today’s
devotional that we are our brother/sister keepers. Ladies
may the knowledge of God will for your lives increase more
and more to over flowing.
Dear Shirley,
Forgot to thank you for your wonderful comments yesterday! And?! The way you celebrated HIS BIRTHDAY last year gave HIM ALL GLORY! God Bless you!! THAT is the “real Reason for the Season”!! AMEN AND AMEN.
Shawn I find to that there are to many people on street corners begging for help. It is impossible to give each one something. What I do is give to the Gospel Mission in our town and that way you can help more in need. And of course God hears our prayer for those in need. And also when I see a car for instance broke down and I can’t stop I pray that God will send someone to help them. Just things like that we can pray and God sees and hears and helps.
I have been blessed reading all the comments today, it is so true that we have so much to give even when we think we have nothing..and I think most importantly we have compassion, so many times it is easy to turn our head and look the other way when we see homeless, or a person that appers to be on drugs or a mother standing in the grocery line with children lined up behind her paying for her food with foodstamps..I think even the simple expression on our face speaks to a person, and compassion, a warm smile, a simple touch to the sholder of that young mother stading in line infront of you it speaks multitudes..they say the eyes are a window to our soul and I pray that if we don’t have money cloths or food to offer, we give what God has given us compassion, love and a Jesus Loves You Smile…
And funny that the devotion talks about helping other because our family witnessed that this very day…My nephew was bitten by a brown recluse spider monday and had to go to a clinic on campus last night because he was at collage, they called my sister last night and said he needed to see a surgeon today due to the wound on his face, my sisters husband passed away last year and she has a limited income and no health insurance wanting her son to recieve the best care and knowing how dangrous these spider bites are I agreed with her in prayer and reassured her God would make a way..Now my nephews roomates father is the administrator of the hospital and he and his wife are wonderful christian people, they have helped so much since my brother-in-law passed away, and so Justin’s Father (the roomate) called my sister and said he really felt like Alex (my nephew) should go and see a certian surgeon there at the hospital he was one of the best..so Alex went by the doctors office today and got all his meds and when he got home he told his mother he had an app. to go back next Thursday where he could sit down with her and Alex and discuss further treatment, and then he said “Mom I ask about the bill and the doctor said don’t worry about it, it has been taken care of.” My sister could barly hold the tears back, I’m still not sure who and how but God knows and I’m so thankful that he cares..and I’m so thankful that people whom ever they my be Doctors, hospital adminstrators, a woman that gives you an umbrella, a family that opens their house to strangers during the holidays, a woman that babysits, or a simple eye to eye contact from a stranger with a gental smile that says I care..I’m so thankful that compassion still reigns in the hearts of everyday people!
Maia, another beautiful testimony of what God is doing in your life and your family’s life. Praise Him.
Father God, continue to pour your compassion into all of us so that we might share with others that desparately need it.
Amen
there are many ways to help Gods people. my husband was in line at the store and a man was 50cents short for a gal. of milk and had no more money he paid for it.
i help the lady next door who is 87 years old by sending her food going to the dsr. with her visting with her she has no family close to here. one Christmas eve we sat at the hospital while she had surgery. not only did it make her fell good but it made us fell good too it really does make a person fell good to help others. you could provide a way for those who have no way to go to the store appointments babysit for some one who is in need free of charge. lots and lots of ways sorry if this is to long but icould keep going. God be with you all
sharon
Dear Sharon,
Loved what your husband did at the store for that gentleman. That happened with us one day, too. We were down to coins that week and were at the self checkout and the lady next to us was short for her purchase and looked panicked. Our Lord soooo good! We had just enough coins left so she could get her babywipes. We did have to accept pay for the big babysitting job I wrote about the other day,They insisted and were able.. but we helped that family with extras to make their family time pleasant when they came in! We’d leave behind a nice clean house, sometimes supper cooked, and vacumed rugs. Mopped a time or two, also!That wasn’t in the arrangement, but those “helps” meant more than money to them!! The Lord showed my son and I to be His Hands and Feets..so they could come in and enjoy family time. It made my son and I feel so good. He was only 9 or 10, but learned about taking care of children along with our homeschool lessons. And those little people learned, too! We “played school” after his lessons! They learned so much during that time..Their parents were thrilled! Sometimes? It isn’t money, but “time” which is a blessing to others. You gave that at the hospital that Christmas Eve and other ways. Rides for the eldery are soooo important, too! “Visiting” eldery like that lady who lived near you that didn’t have relatives nearby..an important ministry, too! God Bless you!
“Faith without action is dead” has at least two meanings. The first is that action is a fruit of faith, and if action is absent, so is true faith. The second is that ideas and beliefs that aren’t reinforced by taking action on them die out and are eventually totally forgotten–therefore die.
So actions are both evidence of faith and the reinforcers of faith.
I end up feeling grateful when I have the opportunity to help others in these ways.
LOVE the things you ladies have shared doing!
One way to be God’s hands and feet is to take in foster children. There are so many needs in the country for children who have lost their parents. Then, if you are able, go a step beyond and adopt children who are in foster care.
june l i will pray for your husband to stop smoking. mine did nine years ago with Gods help and i am sure He will do so for your husband too in His time. sometimes i have a hard time with that part all things in His time. but we well just keep praying. fran i do do babysitting for people when they work but i also do a lot of freebies when they are sick or out of work thing like that. my children i babysit for are just like my grandkids in fact i have two sisters i,ve had sence they were three months old and they call all the time just to come visit. thry go to church with us too God is great they have both been saved!!!!Bless you.
sharon
Sharon,
thank you for your kind words, encouragement, and especially your prayers. Yes, the waiting is difficult, but the answer always worth it. Praying for you and your back problems. I hope those you care for and babysit for, realize how blessed they are. Remember you are one of His “jewels”, and a “princess.” (((HUG for Sharon)))
Sharon..
That was precious about the little sisters you helped get to church and they received their Salvation! June L is right! You are a jewel of a Princess! And those you lend yourself to are so very, very blessed!
I prayed for my Mom and Husband who were both long-time smokers years ago. “Preaching” or “nagging” to smokers doesn’t work, of course!…Both stopped smoking within a week of one another (years ago) and never restarted! All Glory to our Lord.. Amen and Amen! Keep those prayers going up, ladies..HE listens!
Sharon, Sorry you are having a bad day. Remember we all have ups and downs. Praying you soon be feeling “up” again.
May His many blessings bring you much joy!
For Sharon
(((((((Sharon)))))))
He loves you soooo much, He “delayed” your reading the messages so they’d be “right on time”!! Lifting you UP! And? You ARE a Princess AND a Jewel!!!!!!
thanks for your uplifting. i fell beter today. God bless you
sharon b