Today's Word for Friday October 8, 2010
RIGHTEOUSNESS
DEFINITION
Characterized by uprightness or morality; virtuous or devout.
SCRIPTURE
Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit. Titus 3:5.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
Many people in our world will tell you that they strive daily to live a righteous life. When you ask these people to tell you what they mean by being righteous, you will get many different kinds of responses. Some will say that being righteous is living an honest life. Others will say being kind to people. Some will say that being helpful to others is living a righteous life.
Most people will also tell you that it is very hard to live a righteous life and others will tell you that it is impossible if you are going to be successful. Many people are trying to achieve righteousness by their own strength and actions, but it is impossible to overcome our evil desires because of the sinful nature we are born with.
One cannot buy righteousness and we cannot earn it. Paul writes in Romans 3:10 that "There is no one righteous, not even one." A person that does not know Jesus as their Savior cannot experience the righteousness we are talking about today. Righteousness comes only after we are saved.
The scripture above begins very clearly by stating, "Not by works of righteousness which we have done." It is because of God's mercy that He saved us and through Him we can experience righteousness in our lives. In Galatians 2:21 we are reminded that righteousness does not come through the law. If it had been possible to obtain righteousness by keeping the law and doing good then Christ would have died in vain.
Paul goes on to tell us in Philippians 3:9 that we ourselves do not have our own righteousness from the law but it comes to us through faith in Jesus. In Ephesians 6:14 he tells us that we are to put on the breastplate of righteousness, that only God can give us, to stand firm against the temptations of the devil. And finally Paul tells us in I Timothy 6:11 that we are to flee the things of this evil world and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience and gentleness. Look at the company that Paul puts with righteousness. Are you practicing and growing daily in faith, godliness, love, patience and gentleness. Each day we need to strive to be more like Jesus but it is only because of His mercy we will be righteous in His sight.
LEARNING
Our memory verse for this week is found in Colossians 3:17.
And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the father through Him.
PRAYER
Help me to increase my faith to be more like You today. May I put on the breastplate of righteousness that Paul talks about, so that I may stand firm against the attacks of the devil and wage the war on Your behalf against evil.
October 10, 2010
Materialism: October 7, 2010
Today's Word for Thursday October 7, 2010
MATERIALISM
DEFINITION
Devotion to material things rather than to spiritual; preoccupation with self needs or interests.
SCRIPTURE
"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:19-21
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
The desire to have as many "THINGS" as possible today is prevalent among our society and because, in most cases, the motive is wrong it is a most serious concern for us. It is important to note that there is nothing wrong with a person or a family to have "THINGS." All material things which one can enjoy on this earth last only for a short time, but mean nothing for eternity.
Money is one "THING" that is considered by many as materialistic. Money in itself is not evil, but as Paul tells us, it is the love of money that is "the root of all evil." (I Timothy 6:10) The love of money will turn us away from pursuing God and storing up our treasures in heaven.
In Matthew 6 (above), Jesus was speaking to the masses delivering His Sermon on the Mount. He made it very clear that our first priority, as believers, while we are living on this earth is to spend our time building up treasures in heaven.
We are reminded of a dear friend who God had blessed with great wealth. He and his dear wife had worked hard operating several businesses and God had honored them with riches. They had their priorities right because they invested their money in missions, Sunday schools, churches and spiritual things -- not on the material things that would make their lives more comfortable. They had two cars, both more than 15 years old and they lived in a small house that they had lived in for over 40 years. They could have lived a more luxurious life, but they chose to live frugally so they could do more of the Lord's work. They were an excellent example for us, reminding us that we needed to store up our treasures in heaven.
Sometime ago one of our children was reflecting back over the years in a conversation with us. She commented that as a child growing up she understood that we were involved in Christian ministries and thus had limited income. She went on to comment that none of our six children ever missed a meal and really had all their wants and desires met. Yes, they may have wanted new clothes instead of having to wear hand me downs from the older child, but they were always clean and always looked appropriate. Even though we had a tight budget, we rarely talked about it. Dottie stretched the food budget by being very creative and we did not go out to restaurants. We did not spend money on frivolous things. But everyone was happy and we all had the same goal -- storing up our treasures in heaven.
Times have changed and many things we would have considered luxuries are now considered necessities. Advances in technology have made all kinds of new things available. Computers, cell phones, HD TV's, ipods, just to name a few. These are wonderful "THINGS" to have as long as they do not become so important that we devote all of our time and energy to obtaining them and to using them. The danger of "materialism" is that it can become our master.
Jesus tells us in Matthew 6:11, "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other." If we say we want to serve God we must consider what occupies more of our mind, takes more of our time and has a higher priority. Is it materialism or is it God?
It has been very rewarding to us now to watch our children training their children in the same manner that they were trained. They understand that treasures in heaven are far more valuable than treasures on earth. They are using the "things" they have been blessed with to serve the Lord.
LEARNING
Our memory verse for this week is found in Colossians 3:17.
And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the father through Him.
PRAYER
I want to thank You first for every material blessing You have allowed me to receive. Help me today to evaluate carefully how I use these "THINGS" to further Your work on this earth. May my family honor You with always storing up our treasures for our time in heaven.
MATERIALISM
DEFINITION
Devotion to material things rather than to spiritual; preoccupation with self needs or interests.
SCRIPTURE
"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:19-21
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
The desire to have as many "THINGS" as possible today is prevalent among our society and because, in most cases, the motive is wrong it is a most serious concern for us. It is important to note that there is nothing wrong with a person or a family to have "THINGS." All material things which one can enjoy on this earth last only for a short time, but mean nothing for eternity.
Money is one "THING" that is considered by many as materialistic. Money in itself is not evil, but as Paul tells us, it is the love of money that is "the root of all evil." (I Timothy 6:10) The love of money will turn us away from pursuing God and storing up our treasures in heaven.
In Matthew 6 (above), Jesus was speaking to the masses delivering His Sermon on the Mount. He made it very clear that our first priority, as believers, while we are living on this earth is to spend our time building up treasures in heaven.
We are reminded of a dear friend who God had blessed with great wealth. He and his dear wife had worked hard operating several businesses and God had honored them with riches. They had their priorities right because they invested their money in missions, Sunday schools, churches and spiritual things -- not on the material things that would make their lives more comfortable. They had two cars, both more than 15 years old and they lived in a small house that they had lived in for over 40 years. They could have lived a more luxurious life, but they chose to live frugally so they could do more of the Lord's work. They were an excellent example for us, reminding us that we needed to store up our treasures in heaven.
Sometime ago one of our children was reflecting back over the years in a conversation with us. She commented that as a child growing up she understood that we were involved in Christian ministries and thus had limited income. She went on to comment that none of our six children ever missed a meal and really had all their wants and desires met. Yes, they may have wanted new clothes instead of having to wear hand me downs from the older child, but they were always clean and always looked appropriate. Even though we had a tight budget, we rarely talked about it. Dottie stretched the food budget by being very creative and we did not go out to restaurants. We did not spend money on frivolous things. But everyone was happy and we all had the same goal -- storing up our treasures in heaven.
Times have changed and many things we would have considered luxuries are now considered necessities. Advances in technology have made all kinds of new things available. Computers, cell phones, HD TV's, ipods, just to name a few. These are wonderful "THINGS" to have as long as they do not become so important that we devote all of our time and energy to obtaining them and to using them. The danger of "materialism" is that it can become our master.
Jesus tells us in Matthew 6:11, "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other." If we say we want to serve God we must consider what occupies more of our mind, takes more of our time and has a higher priority. Is it materialism or is it God?
It has been very rewarding to us now to watch our children training their children in the same manner that they were trained. They understand that treasures in heaven are far more valuable than treasures on earth. They are using the "things" they have been blessed with to serve the Lord.
LEARNING
Our memory verse for this week is found in Colossians 3:17.
And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the father through Him.
PRAYER
I want to thank You first for every material blessing You have allowed me to receive. Help me today to evaluate carefully how I use these "THINGS" to further Your work on this earth. May my family honor You with always storing up our treasures for our time in heaven.
Peace: October 6, 2010
Today's Word for Wednesday October 6, 2010
PEACE
DEFINITION
Freedom from war or civil disorder; harmony in human relations; tranquility; quietness; not quarrelsome.
SCRIPTURE
"The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace." Numbers 6: 24-26.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
In these verses we read about the blessing that God gave Moses to teach Aaron and his sons and how they were to speak to bless the children of Israel. They were to communicate these words to them as they completed their worship of God. Many pastors today use this blessing given by God through Moses in their church today. Worshippers desire to leave their churches knowing they have the peace of God in their hearts as they go out to face the evil world we all live in.
Adam and Eve knew what it was to have God's perfect peace. In the Garden of Eden they walked and talked with God because they were in the right relationship with Him. They had the joy of fellowship with the Lord.
When the world thinks of peace, it is considered to be the opposite of war and to be a time of absence from conflict. Peace is what the world desires. Many peace treaties have been made, but all the peace treaties in the world cannot give the assurance of real and lasting peace.
God is the author of peace and Satan is the author of discord and conflict. When Eve listened to Satan who caused Adam and Eve to sin they became in conflict with God. They not only lost their peace with God but every man or woman born since is born into sin and is in conflict with God. The only way to resolve our conflict with God is to get back into a personal relationship with Him. God offers us a peace treaty to make that possible. We just have to accept the terms.
In war, peace is obtained by surrender. Peace treaties as a rule require reparations to be paid. When God sent His Son to die on the cross to make a peace treaty with us Jesus paid all the reparations for every sin, for every person. The terms for receiving peace with God are simple and uncomplicated. All we must do is acknowledge we are sinners and surrender our lives to Jesus and accept Him as our Savior making Him Lord of our lives. When we are free from the guilt of sin than we can fully understand the meaning of the blessing of peace spoken by Moses in the verse we have written above.
Most people in our world today are searching for peace. Never have we seen more frustrations in people's lives. Truly, many people are hurting and because they are hurting, they are searching for peace in their personal lives and for their families. If you are one of those people it is our prayer that you might find that peace that comes from developing a personal relationship with Jesus.
Isaiah (26:3) tells us that "You (God) will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You (God)." After the death and resurrection of Jesus just before His ascension into heaven Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you, not as the world gives do I give to you." John 14:27. The apostle Paul in Philippians 4:7 reminds us that the peace of God will guard our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
We do not live in a peaceful world. Countries are fighting each other. Cultures are in conflict with one another. Families are at war among themselves. There is only one answer to the conflicts that we face today in our world. The answer is found in Jesus. He is the Prince of Peace. He will be returning to this earth bringing peace. Many will promise peace, as the scriptures say, but Jesus is the only one that can bring peace to hurting and lonely people.
LEARNING
Our memory verse for this week is found in Colossians 3:17.
And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the father through Him.
PRAYER
Thank You for the peace that You have given me because I have accepted You as my Savior and have been restored to fellowship with You. Help me to serve You faithfully and continue to walk close to You so that others may see in me the peace that You can give to anyone who puts his trust in You.
PEACE
DEFINITION
Freedom from war or civil disorder; harmony in human relations; tranquility; quietness; not quarrelsome.
SCRIPTURE
"The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace." Numbers 6: 24-26.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
In these verses we read about the blessing that God gave Moses to teach Aaron and his sons and how they were to speak to bless the children of Israel. They were to communicate these words to them as they completed their worship of God. Many pastors today use this blessing given by God through Moses in their church today. Worshippers desire to leave their churches knowing they have the peace of God in their hearts as they go out to face the evil world we all live in.
Adam and Eve knew what it was to have God's perfect peace. In the Garden of Eden they walked and talked with God because they were in the right relationship with Him. They had the joy of fellowship with the Lord.
When the world thinks of peace, it is considered to be the opposite of war and to be a time of absence from conflict. Peace is what the world desires. Many peace treaties have been made, but all the peace treaties in the world cannot give the assurance of real and lasting peace.
God is the author of peace and Satan is the author of discord and conflict. When Eve listened to Satan who caused Adam and Eve to sin they became in conflict with God. They not only lost their peace with God but every man or woman born since is born into sin and is in conflict with God. The only way to resolve our conflict with God is to get back into a personal relationship with Him. God offers us a peace treaty to make that possible. We just have to accept the terms.
In war, peace is obtained by surrender. Peace treaties as a rule require reparations to be paid. When God sent His Son to die on the cross to make a peace treaty with us Jesus paid all the reparations for every sin, for every person. The terms for receiving peace with God are simple and uncomplicated. All we must do is acknowledge we are sinners and surrender our lives to Jesus and accept Him as our Savior making Him Lord of our lives. When we are free from the guilt of sin than we can fully understand the meaning of the blessing of peace spoken by Moses in the verse we have written above.
Most people in our world today are searching for peace. Never have we seen more frustrations in people's lives. Truly, many people are hurting and because they are hurting, they are searching for peace in their personal lives and for their families. If you are one of those people it is our prayer that you might find that peace that comes from developing a personal relationship with Jesus.
Isaiah (26:3) tells us that "You (God) will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You (God)." After the death and resurrection of Jesus just before His ascension into heaven Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you, not as the world gives do I give to you." John 14:27. The apostle Paul in Philippians 4:7 reminds us that the peace of God will guard our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
We do not live in a peaceful world. Countries are fighting each other. Cultures are in conflict with one another. Families are at war among themselves. There is only one answer to the conflicts that we face today in our world. The answer is found in Jesus. He is the Prince of Peace. He will be returning to this earth bringing peace. Many will promise peace, as the scriptures say, but Jesus is the only one that can bring peace to hurting and lonely people.
LEARNING
Our memory verse for this week is found in Colossians 3:17.
And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the father through Him.
PRAYER
Thank You for the peace that You have given me because I have accepted You as my Savior and have been restored to fellowship with You. Help me to serve You faithfully and continue to walk close to You so that others may see in me the peace that You can give to anyone who puts his trust in You.
Prosperity: October 5, 2010
Today's Word for Tuesday October 5, 2010
PROSPERITY
DEFINITION
A successful, flourishing, or thriving condition.
SCRIPTURE
Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers. III John 2
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
Most people today do not understand the real meaning of prosperity. You can ask one hundred people what their definition is and most will say financial success. John gives us a different look at the word prosperity in the above verse when he prays for his friend that he will have good health and that his soul will continue to prosper.
John understood that God is concerned not only for our spiritual condition (our soul) but for our physical condition as well.
The world has its priorities wrong. The priority of the world is all about making money and gaining power. On the road to obtaining their prosperity, people destroy their physical health with stress, lack of sleep, sexual immorality, alcohol and drugs. People seem to be willing to pay the price.
Prosperous people find it difficult to obtain spiritual prosperity. They fear that if they come to the Lord they will have to give up their prosperity and many of the "things" they have and they are not willing to pay the price or do not want to give up that much. They do not understand that God wants to bless and prosper those who love Him and honor Him in their lives.
Jeremiah 29:27 reads, "I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future." This promise was given to the nation of Israel. As we read through the Old Testament we see that time and time again that God prospered the nation of Israel when the people were following Him and keeping His commandments. We also see how when the Israelites turned away from God they lost not only their prosperity but eventually their whole nation was lost and scattered.
What God promised the Children of Israel are the same promise's He gives to us. God's first desire for His people and for each of us is that our soul will prosper. That is why the first commandment that He gave Moses was that we are to have no other gods before Him. God also showed that He was concerned about their physical health when He instructed Moses to establish dietary rules as to what they could and could not eat. God also established laws of sexual morality because He knew the power of immorality to destroy one physically and spiritually.
For the Christian, prosperity in life is dependent on what God blesses us with. In the Old Testament we have numerous references which reveal to us that how we prosper in life is dependent on how our soul prospers.
We read in Genesis 39:3 about Joseph, who at that time was a slave and his master saw that the Lord was with him and "made all he did to prosper in his hand." Joseph stayed faithful to the Lord in spite of the pagan environment that he was in and God prospered not only his soul but everything he did. In Deuteronomy 29:9 Moses instructed the Israelites to "keep therefore the words of this covenant, and do them, that you may prosper in all that you do."
In II Chronicles 26:5 we are told that King Uzziah, a 16 year old when he became ruler of Judah, honored God in all his deeds and thoughts and the scripture says, "As long as he sought the Lord, God made him prosper."
As we read these illustrations from the Bible it is clear that what John says, in the verse we have put above, that prosperity will come to each of us as our soul prospers with our Lord.
Our family is not what the world would call wealthy but we feel we have been very prosperous. We have been blessed by God far beyond what we deserve. Although our prosperity has not been riches or wealth, God has prospered us in many other ways. He has given us good health, talented and God fearing children and ministry opportunities where we have been able to touch the lives of those who were spiritually and physically hungry.
And now for the past eighteen months God has prospered us in a new ministry of these free family daily devotionals. We are able to say that these devotionals have given us prosperity because of the hundreds of friends like you who have sent us emails asking for prayer and other needs and concerns.
LEARNING
Our memory verse for this week is found in Colossians 3:17.
And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the father through Him.
PRAYER
Thank You for guiding me in my walk with You. Give me direction, wisdom and understanding as I learn to serve You so that You can use me to further the good news of the gospel.
PROSPERITY
DEFINITION
A successful, flourishing, or thriving condition.
SCRIPTURE
Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers. III John 2
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
Most people today do not understand the real meaning of prosperity. You can ask one hundred people what their definition is and most will say financial success. John gives us a different look at the word prosperity in the above verse when he prays for his friend that he will have good health and that his soul will continue to prosper.
John understood that God is concerned not only for our spiritual condition (our soul) but for our physical condition as well.
The world has its priorities wrong. The priority of the world is all about making money and gaining power. On the road to obtaining their prosperity, people destroy their physical health with stress, lack of sleep, sexual immorality, alcohol and drugs. People seem to be willing to pay the price.
Prosperous people find it difficult to obtain spiritual prosperity. They fear that if they come to the Lord they will have to give up their prosperity and many of the "things" they have and they are not willing to pay the price or do not want to give up that much. They do not understand that God wants to bless and prosper those who love Him and honor Him in their lives.
Jeremiah 29:27 reads, "I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future." This promise was given to the nation of Israel. As we read through the Old Testament we see that time and time again that God prospered the nation of Israel when the people were following Him and keeping His commandments. We also see how when the Israelites turned away from God they lost not only their prosperity but eventually their whole nation was lost and scattered.
What God promised the Children of Israel are the same promise's He gives to us. God's first desire for His people and for each of us is that our soul will prosper. That is why the first commandment that He gave Moses was that we are to have no other gods before Him. God also showed that He was concerned about their physical health when He instructed Moses to establish dietary rules as to what they could and could not eat. God also established laws of sexual morality because He knew the power of immorality to destroy one physically and spiritually.
For the Christian, prosperity in life is dependent on what God blesses us with. In the Old Testament we have numerous references which reveal to us that how we prosper in life is dependent on how our soul prospers.
We read in Genesis 39:3 about Joseph, who at that time was a slave and his master saw that the Lord was with him and "made all he did to prosper in his hand." Joseph stayed faithful to the Lord in spite of the pagan environment that he was in and God prospered not only his soul but everything he did. In Deuteronomy 29:9 Moses instructed the Israelites to "keep therefore the words of this covenant, and do them, that you may prosper in all that you do."
In II Chronicles 26:5 we are told that King Uzziah, a 16 year old when he became ruler of Judah, honored God in all his deeds and thoughts and the scripture says, "As long as he sought the Lord, God made him prosper."
As we read these illustrations from the Bible it is clear that what John says, in the verse we have put above, that prosperity will come to each of us as our soul prospers with our Lord.
Our family is not what the world would call wealthy but we feel we have been very prosperous. We have been blessed by God far beyond what we deserve. Although our prosperity has not been riches or wealth, God has prospered us in many other ways. He has given us good health, talented and God fearing children and ministry opportunities where we have been able to touch the lives of those who were spiritually and physically hungry.
And now for the past eighteen months God has prospered us in a new ministry of these free family daily devotionals. We are able to say that these devotionals have given us prosperity because of the hundreds of friends like you who have sent us emails asking for prayer and other needs and concerns.
LEARNING
Our memory verse for this week is found in Colossians 3:17.
And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the father through Him.
PRAYER
Thank You for guiding me in my walk with You. Give me direction, wisdom and understanding as I learn to serve You so that You can use me to further the good news of the gospel.
Poor: October 4, 2010
Today's Word for Monday October 4, 2010
POOR
DEFINITION
Having little or no money or goods; dependent upon charity; characterized by or showing poverty; lacking in ability or training; humble; modest; deficient in desirable ingredients or qualities.
SCRIPTURE
"Blessed is he who considers the poor, the Lord will deliver him in his time of trouble." Psalm 41:1
"I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinks upon me." Psalm 40:17
"He who has pity upon the poor lends to the Lord, and He will pay back what he has given." Proverbs 19:17
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
I will never forget the little 12 year old girl that came to our warehouse at World Opportunities to pick up food. This warehouse was there to give food to groups and churches but not to individuals. Our warehouse man asked me to come to the gate to explain to the mother and girl that they would need to go to a local church or feeding center to get help.
When I arrived at our gate and saw the tearful eyes of this little girl and heard the mother say that they had not had any food for three days, I could not send them away empty-handed. I asked one of our workers to gather several loaves of bread and food so we could give them a large box of items to take with them. When the little girl saw the bread she asked if she could open a loaf and have a piece. When she took that first bite her tears changed to a smile and in moments the piece of bread was all gone.
Someone once said that we can learn from the poor. I did that day and when I went home that night the story of this little 12 year old girl reminded our whole family what it meant to be poor. But more important we were reminded of two more things. First, to thank God for all that He has given us. Secondly, for us to have hearts that were open to help the poor whenever we had the opportunity.
Over the years we have seen so many examples of really poor children. The children who live on the garbage dump in Manila, the families who live in the slums of east Africa and the orphans [street children] who live in "lean to" houses in Guatemala. These examples and many more remind us that we must do all we can to help poor people wherever they are.
We are reminded often in the Bible to remember and care for the poor. The real test of our Christian faith and beliefs is the way we treat people we meet whether they are rich or poor. Do we scorn the poor or do we have mercy on them and care enough to help? Do we get awe struck by the rich and then forget the poor? In Matthew 25: 41 - 46, Jesus speaks of the final judgment when He will separate the believers from the pretenders. He lists in these verses the acts of kindness that sets apart the followers of Christ from non-believers.
There is a powerful verse found in Matthew 25:35 that tells us: "For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me." Then Jesus reminds us that when we do these things we are doing it for Him. Our loving acts of kindness to others brings glory to God as it reflects our love for Him and the working of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
In Psalms 40:17, David tells us about a different meaning to the word "POOR." David was poor in spirit at the time he wrote these words. He was feeling alone, empty, downtrodden and he was in a real need for spiritual help. We have all been there. When David felt down and out, he knew where to turn. David knew that even though we feel insufficient God is always aware of what those who trust in God are going through. David knew that God was thinking about him in his hour of need.
It is when we are feeling poor and needy that we are most likely to seek after God and that is when God is able to do his greatest work in us. When you are feeling poor and needy, know that God is thinking about you. Know that you can turn to Him just as David did.
LEARNING
Our memory verse for this week is found in Colossians 3:17.
And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the father through Him.
PRAYER
Thank You for the many blessings You have given me and my family. Thank You that when I am feeling poor and needy that You are thinking of me and that You care for me. Today I pray for those who have so little. I pray that You would lead me today to someone who is either physically or spiritually poor. Help others to see Christ in me in all that I do.
POOR
DEFINITION
Having little or no money or goods; dependent upon charity; characterized by or showing poverty; lacking in ability or training; humble; modest; deficient in desirable ingredients or qualities.
SCRIPTURE
"Blessed is he who considers the poor, the Lord will deliver him in his time of trouble." Psalm 41:1
"I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinks upon me." Psalm 40:17
"He who has pity upon the poor lends to the Lord, and He will pay back what he has given." Proverbs 19:17
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
I will never forget the little 12 year old girl that came to our warehouse at World Opportunities to pick up food. This warehouse was there to give food to groups and churches but not to individuals. Our warehouse man asked me to come to the gate to explain to the mother and girl that they would need to go to a local church or feeding center to get help.
When I arrived at our gate and saw the tearful eyes of this little girl and heard the mother say that they had not had any food for three days, I could not send them away empty-handed. I asked one of our workers to gather several loaves of bread and food so we could give them a large box of items to take with them. When the little girl saw the bread she asked if she could open a loaf and have a piece. When she took that first bite her tears changed to a smile and in moments the piece of bread was all gone.
Someone once said that we can learn from the poor. I did that day and when I went home that night the story of this little 12 year old girl reminded our whole family what it meant to be poor. But more important we were reminded of two more things. First, to thank God for all that He has given us. Secondly, for us to have hearts that were open to help the poor whenever we had the opportunity.
Over the years we have seen so many examples of really poor children. The children who live on the garbage dump in Manila, the families who live in the slums of east Africa and the orphans [street children] who live in "lean to" houses in Guatemala. These examples and many more remind us that we must do all we can to help poor people wherever they are.
We are reminded often in the Bible to remember and care for the poor. The real test of our Christian faith and beliefs is the way we treat people we meet whether they are rich or poor. Do we scorn the poor or do we have mercy on them and care enough to help? Do we get awe struck by the rich and then forget the poor? In Matthew 25: 41 - 46, Jesus speaks of the final judgment when He will separate the believers from the pretenders. He lists in these verses the acts of kindness that sets apart the followers of Christ from non-believers.
There is a powerful verse found in Matthew 25:35 that tells us: "For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me." Then Jesus reminds us that when we do these things we are doing it for Him. Our loving acts of kindness to others brings glory to God as it reflects our love for Him and the working of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
In Psalms 40:17, David tells us about a different meaning to the word "POOR." David was poor in spirit at the time he wrote these words. He was feeling alone, empty, downtrodden and he was in a real need for spiritual help. We have all been there. When David felt down and out, he knew where to turn. David knew that even though we feel insufficient God is always aware of what those who trust in God are going through. David knew that God was thinking about him in his hour of need.
It is when we are feeling poor and needy that we are most likely to seek after God and that is when God is able to do his greatest work in us. When you are feeling poor and needy, know that God is thinking about you. Know that you can turn to Him just as David did.
LEARNING
Our memory verse for this week is found in Colossians 3:17.
And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the father through Him.
PRAYER
Thank You for the many blessings You have given me and my family. Thank You that when I am feeling poor and needy that You are thinking of me and that You care for me. Today I pray for those who have so little. I pray that You would lead me today to someone who is either physically or spiritually poor. Help others to see Christ in me in all that I do.
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