CONTENTIOUS
Today’s Reading: Proverbs 21
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).
This stone bridge is located in eastern Turkey at the entrance to Tarsus, home of the Apostle Paul, on the Ankara – Adana Road. This bridge, with three arches, was restored in 1978 and continued to handle all of the traffic until very recently. Because goods to be sold were taxed when crossing this bridge, it was given the name “Bac” (tax) bridge. With Christmas shopping underway, our governments will take in huge amounts in taxes on the goods we purchase. It’s great to give of our own free will to meet human need and, in our country, receive a charitable receipt which can help lower the amount of taxes we pay.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verses: Proverbs 21:13
Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor
Will also cry himself and not be heard.
Today’s reading contains instruction for the proper use of wealth. God does not condemn the possession of riches as long as they are procured in a legitimate manner and used in a God-honouring way. Our key verse makes it clear that one of the proper uses of wealth is to help people in need. Failure to do this is so serious a matter that the person who does not help when it is in their power to do so will cry someday and not be heard in their day of trouble. This same thought is presented to us by the Apostle John in 1 John 3:16-18. If we are blessed with this world’s goods and fail to share them, we do not know the love of God!
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Dear God, I pray for a greater measure of Your love so that I may love others as Jesus loves me! John wrote that You loved us so much that YOU GAVE Your only begotten Son for my salvation! THANK YOU!!! I ask for the grace of giving sacrificially. In the Name of the One who gave His all, Jesus Christ, I pray, Amen!!!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
I am deeply moved by the recent refugee crisis. Mary, Joseph and Jesus were refugees from the violence of King Herod. They travelled into Egypt where the gifts from the wise men probably cared for their needs. Now there are refugees coming into Canada. As our key verse says, respond to “the cry of the poor.” Norma-Jean and I have looked for ways to help the refugees arriving from Syria, Iraq, Jordan and Turkey. May the Lord protect from any terrorists who may try to spread their evil by posing as refugees.
Yours for opening our hearts to the needs of others,
David
Thanks, HJR, for the video about Israel earlier this week. I haven’t finished watching it, but I will. It’s sobering. We need to keep on praying for our leaders. Please, God, wake us up, I ask in Jesus’s great name.
Amen to your prayers Rob. I am glad you are watching the video. Yes it was very sobering and definitely a lot to think and pray about.
I pray too that families will get together over this Christmas season, and count their blessings and give thanks, as we are truly blessed. It bothers me that Christmas has become so commercialized, the reason for the season seems to be lost by everyone trying to out do the other on materialistic gifts.
Please Lord, forgive our shortcomings and help us to be truly grateful for your gift of salvation. Amen
David could for see the refugee situation becoming a Trojan horse…. and it did.That video from HJR really stirred my soul.That congresswoman is a real jewel.
They Call Me St.Nick
They call me ‘St Nick’ in my land,
Because I practiced love to all,
But then it quickly got out of hand;
The lie became my life’s downfall.
I am not Christmas,nor a saint,
But am promoted only to sell,
I detest that they made me quaint,
So they could make their money swell.
If you love Christmas,give it back,
To the true King,Lord of all lands,
Only He can replace what we lack,
You’re right beside where He stands.
So if you truly love Jesus,the Lord,
Welcome Him into your humble abode
He is the Gift we can all afford,
He keeps giving but is never owed.
G W (Bill) Marshall / 2 Dec,2012
My Christmas card to everyone
Silver and gold I have none
But I wish for all this Christmas season
That we love each and everyone
As a blessing to His Holy Son.
G W (Bill) Marshall / 22 Dec,2021