Reading for today
Old Testament: Psalm 108, 109, 110
New Testament: 1 Timothy 6
Thoughts from today’s reading
Psalm 109:14-19. Whatever a man sows, that he shall reap. This Psalm is a prayer against the man who loves to curse and withhold good from others. Every curse spoken against him is one which he has spoken against others. But God will stand on the side of the merciful and the oppressed to deliver them from the ones who seek their harm.
1 Timothy 6:6-10. We need to practise contentment and be thankful for everything that God has blessed us with. The pursuit of riches motivated by the love of money will cause us to stray from our faith in God. Jesus said no one can serve two masters, God and mammon (money). As we yield to God He makes all things follow us. Money should be a servant and not a master over us.
Prayer
1. Heavenly Father, as you have shown us mercy and forgiveness, may we be channels to continually extend mercy, forgiveness and blessings to others, especially to those who have no one to help them. Jesus you said we should bless those who persecute us so that we may reap a blessing. Thank you that you are the one who judges and brings a recompense on the head of the wicked oppressor so we leave all vengeance to you.
2. Lord, we come before your throne and ask for grace to help us deal with the roots of greed and lusts for the things of this world. We refuse to give our affections to money, but rather to the kingdom of God. Father, in contentment, we give you thanks for all that we have. You have been so faithful to provide for all that we need. You have been gracious and we have not lacked nor begged for our bread. Thank you for all your many blessings that money can never buy. We thank you for our home, family, friends, love, joy, peace, health, the ability to enjoy what we have, and much more. Blessed be your name O God.