Reading for today
Old Testament: Deuteronomy 13, 14, 15
New Testament: Luke 12
Thoughts from today’s reading
Deuteronomy 15:7-11. Generosity to the poor is important to God and He encourages the Israelites to be kind hearted, open handed and willing to give to them. God promises blessings upon the generous soul.
This scripture is also where Jesus quoted from when the woman with the alabaster box had poured her expensive perfume on him. He said the poor will always be around and you can do them good whenever you wish.
Giving to the poor is a personal thing that you are responsible for. You are not meant to police others on what they are doing for the poor just like some of the Pharisee’s were trying to do with the woman that honoured Jesus.
Luke 12:22-28. The birds of the air do not sow, reap or gather into storehouses, yet God feeds them. Jesus says we are of much more value than these birds, so how much more will God care for us? He admonishes us not to worry.
He encourages us to seek God first and the things we seek after will be available to us.
We can reprioritise our lives on Gods agenda and not on ours. This is how we secure His kingdom on earth, and when His kingdom manifests, the goodness in it flows out to us.
Prayer
1. Lord, you desire that we be helpers of our fellow man especially the poor among us. Your word says that if we see a brother or sister in need we should not stop at praying for them only, but also we should give to them. Open my eyes to see those in need that I have been passing by. I open up my heart to compassion for the poor and I open my hands willingly to bless those I meet in need. At this time of minimal economic activity, Father let your blessings flow as I release of my substance to be a blessing to others.
2. Lord Jesus, you have revealed the intention of the Father to supply my needs in abundance. I cast away all worry at this time trusting that you will provide for me even without engaging in any economic activity, just like you provide for the birds who don’t have any work or business. With all the time I have, I seek your Kingdom first as I go about all my other necessary activities. Thank you Lord for supernatural provisions in Jesus’ name, Amen.