GOD BLESS YOU!
Today’s Reading: Deuteronomy 15-16
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion on the right-hand side).
It would appear that this man sitting among the ruins of ancient Philippi is in need of encouragement. Let’s find someone today who may be discouraged and give him or her a lift.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verse: Deuteronomy 15:7
If there is among you a poor man of your brethren, within any of the gates in your land which the Lord your God is giving you, you shall not harden your heart nor shut your hand from your poor brother…
The generosity mentioned in our key verse will be rewarded. We will be blessed when we open our hands wide to anyone who has need. There is ample evidence that God keeps His promise to the giving person. In verse ten of this chapter it states, “For this thing the Lord your God will bless you in all your works and in all to which you put your hand.” This exhortation is repeated in chapter 16:17, “Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the Lord your God which He has given you.” The Apostle Paul refers to the instruction given by the “Pillars” of the Jerusalem church. “They desired only that we should remember the poor, the very thing which I also was eager to do” (Galatians 2:10). To practice this as Jesus did, we may want to read Matthew 5:38-48.
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord Jesus, by the Holy Spirit and the reading of Your Words, please grow in me a generous spirit. You are the greatest Example, by far, when it comes to giving. You gave Your very life for poor humanity. For starters, I give my life to You by giving my life for others. Please bring across my pathway, every day, someone I may help. In Your generous Name I pray. Amen!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
I’m meditating just now on God’s promises found in the Words of Jesus: “Give, and it will be given to you, good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over…” (Luke 6:38). When I read from the Hebrew Scriptures, I recognize that, in His humanity, Jesus is Jewish. No doubt He read the words of today’s reading as a boy. Jesus, as no one else, practiced generous and sacrificial giving. I’m thinking about what Jesus has received as a result. Amazing!!! IT SEEMS TO ME THAT THE GREATEST POVERTY IS TO LACK THE KNOWLEDGE OF JESUS AS SAVIOUR AND LORD!!! I try to watch the 100 Huntley Street telecast daily, sometimes twice a day. While I was in hospital, I would watch online at 100huntley.com. It is a lifeline for many people. Will you help me do something extra as a sacrificial, year-end offering to Crossroads? The quickest way to do this is to make a toll-free call to 1-800-265-3100 with a credit card in hand (or give online HERE). I know that you, my blog reader, are doing your best.
Yours to help us all to give as God has blessed us,
David
“But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy” (Titus 3:4-5).
For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. For just as you were at one time disobedient to God but now have received mercy because of their disobedience, so they too have now been disobedient in order that by the mercy shown to you they also may now receive mercy.
For God has consigned all to disobedience, that he may have mercy on all. Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!
“For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?” “Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?” For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.
Romans 11:29-36 ESV
White Christmas, Bing Crosby
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IOkyBqGw2Wg
https://youtu.be/k7tfBYESaoo
I can not remember if you posted this Song, Beverlee, or where I got it from but I sure enjoyed- made my heart glad.
Bing Crosby’s Song rekindles so very many sad memories from youth. Mom loved Bing Crosby (even named our dog, Bing). She died, 23 years ago- Christmas Day, at my home…..
Anyway, music can affect one in so very many ways!
May this Christmas be a wonderful time of release and renewal. May we keep our eyes focused on our beloved Saviour. May His Mercy teach and guide us; may His Love fill us to overflowing.
God bless you Laur, as you remember your Mom. Indeed, music keeps us linked in a special way. My maternal Grandmother died on Christmas day, 41 years ago. God bless you and keep you Laur–this Christmas and always.
💚✨🎄
You as well, Beverlee and all that are here-now!
Lord, help us to be generous with others. May we give of our resources, our time, our talents, etc., freely, …..for You love a cheerful giver.
I want to wish all of you a joyful, merry Christmas. May you sense God’s presence, His peace and love!
Blessings to you also, Luisa and all the Bloggers!
Blessings to all this Christmas. His Name shall be called Wonderful Councillor, Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end. Isaiah 9: 6. NIV
https://youtu.be/yR_7RoJIGAg
Another beautiful Song to make your heart soar.