H.E.L.P People: A Systematic Intentional Approach to Serving Others

By Compiled by Larry D. Daugherty Ed.D

Romans 12:10–13 admonishes us to “be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality.”

People are hurting, discouraged, brokenhearted, anxious, poor, fearful, without hope. As believers, we should be a reflection of Jesus in attending to their critical needs. Selflessness results in helping others, encouraging others, abundantly loving others, and fervently praying for others.

Have you been searching for a way to be more consistent in fulfilling Romans 12 or showing your faith through works as the book of James exhorts? You may find the answer in H.E.L.P. People, which offers a systematic intentional approach to serving others.

Consider, “I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything today, but I can do something. The things that I can do and should do, by the grace of God, I will do.” This is not a time to withdraw but a time to engage in unwavering care for others. Use H.E.L.P. People to assist you in that worthy endeavor. Your life will be transformed daily as the Holy Spirit whispers, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

• Language: English
• Publisher: Covenant Books, Inc.
• Release date: Oct 15, 2021
• ISBN: 9781638851714

Book preview

Four Rs of a Christian’s Responsibilities

A Christian’s responsibilities as they relate to

—increasing our love for God, for the saints, for the lost and downtrodden;

—what God is leading us to do in our service to Him and to H.E.L.P. People.

R1: Ready

Be prepared or equipped to act or be used immediately—unhesitant, willingly

We are commanded to be in a state of readiness.

Be ready for every good work (Titus 3:1)

Preach the Word! Be ready in season and out of season (2 Timothy 4:2)

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you with meekness and fear (1 Peter 3:15)

Example: Firefighters, police, military, EMTs, coaches reach a state of readiness through

conditioning,

practice,

repetition.

To accomplish the mission to H.E.L.P. People, the Christian is prepared through

Prayer:

Men ought always to pray (Luke 18:1)

Pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

Evening, morning, noon, I will pray (Psalm 55:17)

Watch and pray (Matthew 26:41)

Pray and believe (Mark 11:21–24)

Bible study:

All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy. (3:16–17)

Thy word I have hidden in my heart that I might not sin against you. (Psalm 119:11)

Your word is a lamp to my feet and light to my path. (Psalm 119:105)

Let the word of God dwell in you richly in all wisdom. (Colossians 3:16)

The word of the Lord endures forever. (1 Peter 1:25)

You shall therefore impress these words of mine on your heart and on your soul; and you shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontals on your forehead. (Deuteronomy 11:18)

Why?

For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)

To reach this level:

Then I said, I will not make mention of Him. Nor speak anymore in His name. But His word was in my heart like a burning fire, shut up in my bones; I was weary of holding it back and I could not. (Jeremiah 20:9)

Putting on the whole armor of God:

Truth—righteousness—peace—faith—salvation—sword with prayer (Ephesians 6:10–18).

Developing fruit of the Spirit:

Love—joy—peace—long-suffering—kindness—goodness—faithfulness—gentleness—self-control (Galatians 5:22–26).

Deny the flesh:

Spirit is willing (ready) but the flesh is weak. (Matthew 14:38)

Jesus said, If anyone desire to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow me. (Matthew 16:24)

Examples of high levels of readiness:

Paul: So, as much as is in me, I am ready to preach the gospel to you who are in Rome also. (Romans 1:15)

Paul: "I am ready to be poured out as a drink offering, and time of my departure is at hand." (2 Timothy 4:6)

Peter said to Him, "Lord, I am ready to go with You, both to prison and to death." (Luke 22:33)

Then Paul answered, "What do you mean by weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus." (Acts 21:13)

R2: Responsive

Reacting easily or readily to suggestion or appeal, request, or directive

Imagine what would happen if fire, police, ambulance, military, plumber, AAA do not respond.

Our acceptance of Christ took a response on our part.

When the call came, the twelve disciples responded.

Examples of inappropriate responses to the Call of God:

Moses

Who am I? (Exodus 3:11)

What shall I say? (Exodus 3:13)

What if they will not listen or believe me? (Exodus 4:1)

I’m slow of speech and of tongue. (Exodus 4:10)

Send someone else. (Exodus 4:13)

And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Moses. (Exodus 4:14)

Gideon (Judges 6:14–16)

v. 14: The Lord looked at him and said, Go in this your strength and deliver Israel from the hand of Midian. Have I not sent you?

v. 15: He said to Him, O Lord, how shall I deliver Israel? Behold, my family is the least in Manasseh, and I am the youngest in my father’s house.

v. 16: But the Lord said to him, Surely I will be with you, and you shall defeat Midian as one man.

Note the similarity to what God told Moses at the burning bush. In effect, God was saying, Gideon, it doesn’t matter that your family is poor in Manasseh, or that you are least in your father’s house. The point is not who you are, but that i will be with you. It is not your weakness that we must dwell on, but My strength. I will work through you.

So when God calls you to a task, and you have an overpowering sense of weakness and need and inadequacy—rejoice! You are in good company. Men and women of God down through the centuries have felt the same way. But they have also believed God to be sufficient for the task to which He has called them.

Jeremiah (Jeremiah 1:5–8)

v. 5: Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I have appointed you a prophet to the nations.

v. 6: Then I said, Alas, Lord God! Behold, I do not know how to speak, Because I am a youth.

v. 7: But the Lord said to me, Do not say, ‘I am a youth,’ Because everywhere I send you, you shall go, And all that I command you, you shall speak.

v. 8: Do not be afraid of them, For I am with you to deliver you, declares the Lord.

Again the point is that God is there. The all-wise, all-powerful, all-sufficient God will be by his side. In every case, this is the thing God keeps saying.

In the case of Jeremiah, God did not promise him a rose garden, but the assurance of His presence, protection, and guidance was given time and again.

Another thing the devil may use to prevent us from stepping out by faith in response to the call of God is something undesirable in our background.

Remember the following people in the Bible:

Paul—murderer, persecuted the church of God

John Mark—unfaithful on the journey with Paul and Barnabas

David—sheepherder

When God calls you to a task, let neither a sense of inadequacy nor a poor background hinder you from following His lead. "It is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure" (Philippians 2:13).

God is interested in our availability, not our ability.

Examples of appropriate responses to God:

Noah (Genesis 6:22)

He was close to six hundred years old when he responded to build the ark;

thus, Noah did according to all God commanded him, so he did it.

Disciples (Matthew 4:18–22)

Now as Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon who was called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. And He said to them, Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men. Immediately they left their nets and followed Him.

Going on from there He saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and He called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed Him.

Phillip (Acts 8:26)

But an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying, Get up and go south to the road that descends from Jerusalem to Gaza. So he got up and went;

Then the Spirit said to Philip, Go up and join this chariot. Philip ran.

Our attitude should be Here I am, Lord, send me.

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith (Galatians 6:10).

Who is all? Our family, those at church, at work, in our neighborhood, in the restaurant—in other words, just about everyone everywhere!

The call to serve is before me today and every day. It always demands a response every time.

R3: Resourceful

Able to deal promptly and effectively with problems, difficulties

Resourcefulness depends on a must-do attitude. A great sense of urgency. The ultimate desire to accomplish the task. I’ve got to find a way to do this.

The doctor in surgery: I’ve got to save this life.

The fireman: I’ve got to get people out of the building.

The scientist: I have to find a solution to this disease.

The businessman: I have to find an answer to the declining sales.

The athlete: I must find a way to win the game.

Examples of those who found a way:

Zacchaeus—climbs tree to see Jesus (Luke 19:1–10)

Nicodemus—sneaks out at night to ask Jesus questions (John 3:2)

Gideon—outnumbered, uses noise, darkness, torches to win the battle; eventually 120,000 were slain with only three hundred men (Judges 7 and 8)

Rahab—hides spies to save her family (Joshua 2)

David—uses stones and slingshot to slay Goliath (1 Samuel 17)

Woman with issue of blood—fights through the crowd to touch the hem of His garment (Mark 5:25–34)

Men on the roof tear it off so friend can be healed (Mark 2:1–5)

Peter says, I do not possess silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you: In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene—walk! (Acts 3:3)

Resourceful—using different methods, techniques, to accomplish the task God has called you to.

What works for one situation may not work in another.

What works with one person may not work for another.

Pray and find a way to H.E.L.P. those whom the Lord leads you to.

R4: Reliable

Dependable, trustworthy, counted upon to do what is expected or required

Be faithful: complete the task, finish what’s started.

Our attitude: I don’t know about tomorrow, "but I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day" (2 Timothy 1:12).

Hebrews 11: by faith

Abel—made sacrifices

Enoch—pleased God

Noah—prepared an ark

Abraham—obeyed

Sarah—delivered a child

By faith: Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Gideon, Samson, Rahab; they accomplished the work that God gave them to do, through being ready, responsive, resourceful, and reliable.

So you shall observe to do just as the Lord your God has commanded you; you shall not turn aside to the right or to the left. You shall walk in all the way which the Lord your God has commanded you, that you may live and that it may be well with you, and that you may prolong your days in the land which you will possess. (Deuteronomy 5:32–33)

I give my opinion in this matter, for this is to your advantage, who were the first to begin a year ago not only to do this, but also to desire to do it. But now finish doing it also, so that just as there was the readiness to desire it, so there may be also the completion of it by your ability. (2 Corinthians 8:10–12)

And now, behold, bound by the Spirit, I am on my way to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit solemnly testifies to me in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions await me. But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God. (Acts 20:22–24)

But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. (2 Timothy 4:5)

Jesus—Our Example

Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:1–2)

I glorified You on the earth, having accomplished the work which You have given Me to do. (John 17:4)

Therefore, when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, It is finished! And He bowed His head and gave up His spirit. (John 19:30)

We need to be found reliable to complete the mission to H.E.L.P.

If we endure, we will also reign with Him. (2 Timothy 2:12)

Paul said, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day" (2 Timothy 4:7–8).

Four Rs + C = Success

The thread that brings the four Rs together: Commitment

Without commitment, there is no

readiness—Let’s take it easy and not pray, read the Word, share our faith, or serve others.

responsiveness—Let someone else do it, not my job anyway, I’m too tired.

resourcefulness—Tried that once and failed, must not be for me. It’s too hard, it’s too inconvenient, it’s too uncomfortable.

reliability—It’s too tough. I can’t do it, too many obstacles. Circumstances aren’t just right.

The depth of my commitment to Christ will determine the extent of

my courage through Christ,

my confidence in Christ,

my communion with Christ.

Jesus said, Go into all the world and preach the gospel and minister to others. Commit yourself today to go into schools, neighborhoods, communities, and workplaces; fulfill God’s mission and plan; and commit to tasks and H.E.L.P. opportunities He has called you to.

May He find us willing to H.E.L.P. People by being ready, responsive, resourceful, reliable.

Date: ____________________

H.E.L.P. People

Serving Others to Make a Difference

Words to Live By

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord. (1 Corinthians 15:58)

I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything today, but I can do something. The things that I can do and should do, by the grace of God, I will do. Therefore, I purposefully plan and will endeavor to:

Help _____________________ by

Encourage ________________ by

Love _____________________ by

Pray for __________________ for

well done, good and faithful servant

Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

—Matthew 5:12

Date: ____________________

H.E.L.P. People

Serving Others to Make a Difference

Words to Live By

So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith. (Galatians 6:10)

I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything today, but I can do something. The things that I can do and should do, by the grace of God, I will do. Therefore, I purposefully plan and will endeavor to:

Help _____________________ by

Encourage ________________ by

Love _____________________ by

Pray for __________________ for

well done, good and faithful servant

Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.

—Galatians 6:9

Date: ____________________

H.E.L.P. People

Serving Others to Make a Difference

Words to Live By

Pray without ceasing. (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything today, but I can do something. The things that I can do and should do, by the grace of God, I will do. Therefore, I purposefully plan and will endeavor to:

Help _____________________ by

Encourage ________________ by

Love _____________________ by

Pray for __________________ for

well done, good and faithful servant

I love You, O Lord, my strength.

The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,

My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge;

My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised,

And I am saved from my enemies.

—Psalm 18:1–3

Date: ____________________

H.E.L.P. People

Serving Others to Make a Difference

Words to Live By

Do not work for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you, for on Him the Father, God, has set His seal. (John 6:27)

I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything today, but I can do something. The things that I can do and should do, by the grace of God, I will do. Therefore, I purposefully plan and will endeavor to:

Help _____________________ by

Encourage ________________ by

Love _____________________ by

Pray for __________________ for

well done, good and faithful servant

The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him,

And rescues them. O taste and see that the Lord is good;

How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!

O fear the Lord, you His saints;

For to those who fear Him there is no want.

The young lions do lack and suffer hunger;

But they who seek the Lord shall not be in want of any good thing.

—Psalm 34:7–10

Date: ____________________

H.E.L.P. People

Serving Others to Make a Difference

Words to Live By

Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:5–7)

I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything today, but I can do something. The things that I can do and should do, by the grace of God, I will do. Therefore, I purposefully plan and will endeavor to:

Help _____________________ by

Encourage ________________ by

Love _____________________ by

Pray for __________________ for

well done, good and faithful servant

Come, let us worship and bow down,

Let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.

For He is our God,

And we are the people of His pasture and the sheep of His hand.

—Psalm 95:6–7

Date: ____________________

H.E.L.P. People

Serving Others to Make a Difference

Words to Live By

Be on your guard! If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. And if he sins against you seven times a day, and returns to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ forgive him. (Luke 17:3–4)

I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything today, but I can do something. The things that I can do and should do, by the grace of God, I will do. Therefore, I purposefully plan and will endeavor to:

Help _____________________ by

Encourage ________________ by

Love _____________________ by

Pray for __________________ for

well done, good and faithful servant

But the salvation of the righteous is from the Lord;

He is their strength in time of trouble.

The Lord helps them and delivers them;

He delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in Him.

—Psalm 37:39–40

Date: ____________________

H.E.L.P. People

Serving Others to Make a Difference

Words to Live By

Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you. (Ephesians 4:32)

I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything today, but I can do something. The things that I can do and should do, by the grace of God, I will do. Therefore, I purposefully plan and will endeavor to:

Help _____________________ by

Encourage ________________ by

Love _____________________ by

Pray for __________________ for

well done, good and faithful servant

For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.

—Philippians 1:6

Today

This is the day which the Lord hath made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalm 118:24)

So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. (Matthew 6:34)

I expect to pass through this world but once. Any good therefore that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to any fellow creature, let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again." (Stephen Grellet)

This day stretches ahead of me, waiting to be shaped. And I am the sculptor.

Think of it: I get to choose what kind of day I will have!

I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything today, but I can do something.

By the grace of God what I should do and can do that I will do.

This one day will soon be past; only what’s done for Christ will last.

Living for Jesus

Living for Jesus, a life that is true,

Striving to please Him in all that I do;

Yielding allegiance, glad-hearted and free,

This is the pathway of blessing for me.

O Jesus, Lord and Savior, I give myself to Thee,

For Thou, in Thy atonement, didst give Thyself for me;

I own no other Master; my heart shall be Thy throne;

My life I give, henceforth to live, O Christ, for Thee alone.

Living for Jesus Who died in my place,

Bearing on Calv’ry my sin and disgrace;

Such love constrains me to answer His call,

Follow His leading and give Him my all.

Living for Jesus, wherever I am,

Doing each duty in His Holy Name;

Willing to suffer affliction and loss,

Deeming each trial, a part of my cross.

Living for Jesus through earth’s little while,

My dearest treasure, the light of His smile;

Seeking the lost ones, He died to redeem,

Bringing the weary to find rest in Him.

(Lyrics: Thomas Obadiah Chisholm 1917

Tune: C. Harold Lowden)

Date: ____________________

H.E.L.P. People

Serving Others to Make a Difference

Words to Live By

Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share. (1 Timothy 6:17–18)

I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything today, but I can do something. The things that I can do and should do, by the grace of God, I will do. Therefore, I purposefully plan and will endeavor to:

Help _____________________ by

Encourage ________________ by

Love _____________________ by

Pray for __________________ for

well done, good and faithful servant

But I have trusted in Your loving kindness;

My heart shall rejoice in Your salvation.

I will sing to the Lord,

Because He has dealt bountifully with me.

—Psalm 13:5–6

Date: ____________________

H.E.L.P. People

Serving Others to Make a Difference

Words to Live By

If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, and one of you says to them, Go in peace, be warmed and be filled, and yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that? Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself. But someone may well say, You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works. (James 2:15–18)

I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything today, but I can do something. The things that I can do and should do, by the grace of God, I will do. Therefore, I purposefully plan and will endeavor to:

Help _____________________ by

Encourage ________________ by

Love _____________________ by

Pray for __________________ for

well done, good and faithful servant

But he who listens to me shall live securely And will be at ease from the dread of evil.

—Proverbs 1:33

Date: ____________________

H.E.L.P. People

Serving Others to Make a Difference

Words to Live By

Honor your father and your mother, and, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. (Matthew 19:19)

I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything today, but I can do something. The things that I can do and should do, by the grace of God, I will do. Therefore, I purposefully plan and will endeavor to:

Help _____________________ by

Encourage ________________ by

Love _____________________ by

Pray for __________________ for

well done, good and faithful servant

How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God!

And the children of men take refuge in the shadow of Your wings.

They drink their fill of the abundance of Your house;

And You give them to drink of the river of Your delights.

For with You is the fountain of life;

In