DAILY BIBLE READING:
2 Chronicles 24:1–25:28
Romans 12:1-21
Psalm 22:19-31
Proverbs 20:8-10
BIBLE VERSE(S) FOR TODAY:
Romans 12:13 (CSB) "Share with the saints in their needs; pursue hospitality."
REFLECTIONS ON TODAY'S BIBLE VERSE(S):
My reflections this morning are more personal in nature than what I normally write about. I hope you don't mind.
We moved to Murray, Kentucky a little more than 4 years ago. We prayed for a miracle because our house in Florida had lost about half of its value in the housing bust. Long story short, the bank holding our loan did a "deed in lieu" of foreclosure, they forgave us the remaining balance (tens of thousands of dollars!), and Uncle Sam did not hold us responsible for that remaining balance (capital gains) when tax time rolled around.
So, we were praising God and continue to do so!
Also, we are so grateful that we had a safe place to land here in Murray. We ended up renting a house. And we have the best of landlords! I won't go into detail about all of the things she has done for us but I can honestly say that we have been blessed. The next tenants will undoubtedly feel the same way.
But, to be honest, we have wanted a place of our own. We have wanted to put down more permanent roots here in Murray. There have been some very specific things that my wife and I have been praying for among which is a large living / dining room area so that we can invite larger groups from our church family to our home so we can get to know them and vise versa. Plus, we wanted to get such a great deal that it wouldn't tie our money up so we can continue to help others as we are led by the Lord.
Essentially, we want to comply with the instructions found in our Verse for Today:
"Share with the saints in their needs; pursue hospitality." (Romans 12:13)
Well, we believe that God has answered our prayers. We are under contract for a home here in Murray! The house has all of the major items that we have been praying for and most of the minor items. We are so excited!!!
God is good ... all the time!
DAILY BIBLE READING:
1 Chronicles 26:12–27:34
Romans 4:13–5:5
Psalm 14:1-7
Proverbs 19:17
BIBLE VERSE(S) FOR TODAY:
Proverbs 19:17 (CSB) "Kindness to the poor is a loan to the Lord, and he will give a reward to the lender."
REFLECTIONS ON TODAY'S BIBLE VERSE(S):
As I write this, I am sitting in a hotel room in Denver. The sun has not yet risen and my body is extremely tired. But, my I have discovered that my days just don't go well unless I spend time with the Lord each morning.
I'm tired because I am with a team from our church on a mission trip. We are helping with a soccer camp that is providing a fun, safe environment for refugee children. I've been out in the sun and doing a little more extended exercise than I've done in awhile.
So, why would a group of 13 of us pay over $1,000 to travel at least 2,000 miles (round trip) to do things that will bring us to the point of weariness and maybe even exhaustion?
Among other reasons, our Verse for Today gives the explanation.
Proverbs 19:17 (CSB) "Kindness to the poor is a loan to the Lord, and he will give a reward to the lender."
As Christians, we believe that whatever we do for those who are less fortunate than us will be repaid by our Lord. Since we know that the Lord, in His own way and in His own time, will reward us for our acts of kindness, we can forego the expectation to be immediately repaid by those we are helping.
So, why not be kind to someone today who cannot help you back? Do so knowing that the Lord is watching and will repay you one day. Maybe it won't be until the Day when you stand before Him and are judged and rewarded. But, my friend, it will happen.
So be kind and generous today.
DAILY BIBLE READING:
Judges 17:1–18:31
John 3:1-21
Psalm 104:1-23
Proverbs 14:20-21
BIBLE VERSE(S) FOR TODAY:
Proverbs 14:20-21 "A poor person is hated even by his neighbor, but there are many who love the rich. The one who despises his neighbor sins, but whoever shows kindness to the poor will be happy."
REFLECTIONS ON TODAY'S BIBLE VERSE(S):
The book of Proverbs is a wealth of knowledge. It is a compilation of wise saying and observations that are generally true. They aren't necessary true all of the time but they are definitely true most of the time.
In our Verses for Today, we come across Proverbs 14:20 where we are told what we know to be true - people tend to avoid ("hate" / "despise") the poor and try to stay in the company of those who are wealthy.
Why is this? Personal interest. When we are around the poor, we suspect that it will require us to give what is ours and receive nothing in return. When we are around the rich, we suspect that it will require nothing of us but some of their wealth may rub off on us.
Well, Proverbs 14:21 tells us what we need to hear if we are behaving like verse 20.
First of all, if we despise our neighbor (look down on and refuse to consider helping the poor who we see throughout the day), then it is sin. It's not just bad manners. It's an offense against a holy God. It is also a sin against a person created in the image of God.
Secondly, when we give to those who need help in spite of the fact that we think we will get nothing in return, we will get something in return. People who give to those in need realize that there is a joy attached to helping someone else. It feels wonderful to help someone in need. If you don't believe me, just try it today.
Finally, rarely does the wealth of the rich slip out of their hands into yours. On top of this, it is utterly self-centered to try to befriend someone who is wealthy simply because of what you can get out of them.
So, today, see those around you as people of value. Don't base your judgment of their worth upon what you perceive to be in their bank account. Access their worth based upon the fact that they were created in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27). And if they have a need that you can meet and you believe God would have you to meet that need, then do it and receive joy in return.
DAILY BIBLE READING:
