6 Practical Ways You Can Help People In Need

Read: Matthew 25:31-40

Not too long ago I went on an outing to a local wildlife refuge wetlands area to enjoy some bird watching and hiking.

It was a cold late fall day and I was outside for hours. About an hour into my time I realized I was getting cold and even though I'd worn a warm sweatshirt and warm outdoor vest, I'd forgotten a hat and gloves. Needless to say I was feeling it. I pressed on for a couple more hours but then my hands and ears started to feel numb and my hands started to turn reddish. So, I decided that I better get out of the elements and warm up a bit.

On the way back to the car I saw a path I hadn't taken...then after I started down it I stopped myself and turned back to my car because I was starting a shiver because of my poor planning. Yes...I needed to get out of the cold.


The thing is...it was definitely poor planning on my part because I have several adequate warm winter coats and I just forgot to bring my gloves and hat in my zeal to get out the door and to my destination! :-) 

It struck me while I was out there that I'm blessed even with my bad planning to have options to keep warm but the reality is... many others do not.

I cannot imagine having to survive day in and day out in those conditions!?

Through one circumstance or another they have found themselves either homeless living on the streets with no food, shelter or a way to keep warm and dry or some are without money to pay for heating in their homes.. There are many other situations as well and in many cases, there's no planning there way out of there current circumstances.

That's where you and I come in...

We don't have to be independently wealthy to help our fellow man no matter what season it is...you and I just have to be ready and willing to do our part to bless someone else in need.

There are low income, under employed, homeless neighbors and others who simply need someone to care...simply need someone to help them get on their feet again...or simply help them feel like they matter! 

You can be that person!

During late fall or during winter time as the temperatures start to plummet (or during the hot summer heat)...you and I can be source of help in big or "small" ways right where we are.  

Just look around in your community and you'll see a need you can fill! 

Need a few ideas??

Here are 6 ways you can help...

1. Collect warm clothing (Hats, Gloves, Socks, Scarfs, Blankets, Sleeping bags, etc) in your office, church or neighborhood to give to the many homeless shelters or find someone who's in need and bless them with winter clothes. 
2. Collect canned or other non-perishable food items to benefit local foot pantries or shelters.
3. Buy a few extra warm meal fixings when you go grocery shopping to keep on hand to make and take to those in need. Or, simply make sandwiches and package sack lunches to hand out.
4. Purchase firewood or wood pellets for a neighbor who doesn't have the  means this year but it's their source of heat via their fireplace, wood stove or pellet stove.   
5. Set some money aside and purchase small dollar amount gift cards to local fast food establishments to give out to people you meet so they can get get something warm to drink and eat.  
6. During the summer time...collect food and water to help others. 

There are many more ideas I can share but now it's your turn!

What are you going to do to help those around you? Why not take time to think about it, plan a little, act on it, then come back here sometime and leave comment to share what you decided to do? Would love and be encouraged to hear your ideas as well as your actions!

Jesus said it best when He said:

For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’ -Matthew 25:35-40

Simply help someone. Be His hands and feet to those in need..."To one of the least of these"...

Many Blessings,


rlk