Help!

Posted on November 23, 2018 by America's Keswick in Freedom Fighters

“Serve the Lord with gladness…” Psalm 100: 2

Many profess to be Christians, but their lives and priorities indicate otherwise. Jesus put it this way: “By their fruits you will know them” (Matt. 7:16).

One of the results of our faith in the Lord Jesus is a changed life. We’re no longer slaves to sin, no longer held captive to the things of this world, and we want to express our gratitude for being given the gift of salvation that set us free. This creates a desire to do nice things for others, showing our love for them as a reflection of the love the Lord showed for us. “Faith without works is dead” (James 2:20).

I want to zero in on a gift of the Spirit that I don’t hear about very often. I hear about preaching, teaching, tongues, healing, etc., but here’s one that catches my attention: “And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.” (I Cor 12:28, 29)

I will accept for the moment that you can’t teach or preach, you can’t sing or play an instrument, etc. But can you help someone or some ministry? Please notice that helping could be your spiritual gift, the gift of helps!

My memory is filled with people through the years who just wanted to help. Oh, how thankful I was and am for them. A most recent example is of a man and his wife who attended our seasonal church where I was “pastor.” It began about 4 years ago. This man came after service one Sunday and said, “Is there anything I can do to help you?” (I was doing almost everything myself.) Their help began in small ways with simple tasks, but he continued to ask, “Is there anything more I can do to help you?” Thus, over a period of about 3 years (seasons in Florida), he and his wife took about half of my responsibilities and still wanted more!  Recently I retired and now he is chairman of the committee serving as a volunteer acting in place of a “pastor.”

(We have a list of regular guest speakers every Sunday.)

As CEO of a large ministry in MD, I once had an employee who would frequently say, “What can I do for you? I don’t want your job, I just want to help make you look good!” How much I appreciated him!!!! What he was doing was helping the ministry and the Lord look good.

I suspect most ministries need volunteer help of some kind. How we need faithful volunteers. We appreciate all no matter how much time they give, but those with the gift of helps are deeply involved, not just an hour here and an hour there. They are consciously doing it as a ministry.

Do you have any desire to serve the Lord by helping others?

Help!

Written by Rev. Neil Fitchthorn Rev. Neil Fichthorn is a seasoned conference and camping servant having served at Gull Lake Bible Conference, Sandy Cove Ministries as President, and an interim Executive Director at Pinebrook Bible Conference. He also served in church music for decades as a choir director and arranger. He has been Bill Welte’s mentor and friend for over 45 years.

The Daily Bible Reading: Acts 15-16 | You can download our 2018 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here

Daily Quote: “I don’t know what your destiny will be, but one thing I do know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have found how to serve.” -Albert Schweitzer

This Week’s Verse to Memorize:Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,  through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. — Romans 5:1-2