Help
Then the disciples, each according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brethren dwelling in Judea. Acts 11:29
This is a great example of how the church should respond when unexpected circumstances happen. In the reading today, a great famine throughout the world was happening. The disciples in Antioch obviously had resources to share, so they sent provisions to other Christians in a neighboring area.
This reminds me of how many churches and organizations responded when the covid pandemic hit in 2020. Even though most of the country was shut down, many churches set up food banks, distributed groceries, had prayer hotlines and responders and even meal deliveries for elderly or sick people. Large organizations like Wal-mart, Costco and Sysco sent out truck loads of food and paper products to help feed those who were laid off from their jobs and home with their families teaching school and hanging on for the “two week” quarantine. Many churches are still involved in disaster relief efforts and dispatch teams to go when needs arise. It is truly the way God intended people to care for one another when world pandemic and famines happen.
Thankfully, the church overall recognizes these times as opportunity to care for one another. Ideally, you and I are preparing now for what may happen tomorrow. Either by donating regularly to disaster relief organizations or if your home church has funds or programs designated for these kinds of emergencies, you can participate by contributing there.
On a personal level, you can start a neighborhood or community cooperative to be prepared for unexpected events. If there is already something like this in the town you live in, look for opportunities to volunteer or make regular donations.
Today I want to encourage you to be prepared. Begin by praying and tuning in to what God’s Spirit is speaking to you on the inside of your heart. Ask Him to show you things that are coming up (See John 14:26). Pray for discernment to know what you will need for times of distress and how you can help right now. Be aware of places you can send help and begin to make a monthly or quarterly contribution. Get involved in your church to put a plan together if you do not already have something in place. Lastly, get in touch with national organizations such as the American Red Cross, Team Rubicon or Convoy of Hope to get training or to make donation. Let’s all get ready to be distributors and helpers for the trying times we live in.
Today’s scripture reading: Acts 11:27-30
27 And in these days prophets came from Jerusalem to Antioch.
28 Then one of them, named Agabus, stood up and showed by the Spirit that there was going to be a great famine throughout all the world, which also happened in the days of Claudius Caesar.
29 Then the disciples, each according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brethren dwelling in Judea.
30 This they also did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.
The Daily Dose 