Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
May 10, 2022
Read Deuteronomy 15:7-11
7 Now if there are some poor persons among you, say one of your fellow Israelites in one of your cities in the land that the LORD your God is giving you, don’t be hard-hearted or tightfisted toward your poor fellow Israelites. 8 To the contrary! Open your hand wide to them. You must generously lend them whatever they need. 9 But watch yourself! Make sure no wicked thought crosses your mind, such as, The seventh year is coming—the year of debt cancellation—so that you resent your poor fellow Israelites and don’t give them anything. If you do that, they will cry out to the LORD against you, and you will be guilty of sin. 10 No, give generously to needy persons. Don’t resent giving to them because it is this very thing that will lead to the LORD your God’s blessing you in all you do and work at. 11 Poor persons will never disappear from the earth. That’s why I’m giving you this command: you must open your hand generously to your fellow Israelites, to the needy among you, and to the poor who live with you in your land.
Good Morning, Give generously to those in need.
We are called to serve God, but we are not to serve because we feel obligated, but we are to serve happily in response to our many blessings. Sometimes, we are so busy that we fail to see the needs of others. Other times, we question their needs. i.e. a person with limited resources who continues to smoke. We think, “if they quit buying cigarettes, then maybe they can afford their basic needs. Maybe the person in need simply scares us. Finally, we find many excuses like I don’t have much myself, or I’m too old to help.
For anyone who has ever been on the other side of this story, you understand the amazing blessing of those who give graciously. Imagine a time when you are down to your last bit of food, and someone unexpectedly brings you food. I believe that there are angels among us watching and waiting to help.
There are families who are embarrassed by their needs and are uncomfortable asking. Perhaps their needs could easily be met by you if only you were aware. Over the past three years, my dad has been greatly blessed by neighbors and church members who have come together to help him with simple things like providing a ride to an appointment or fixing him Sunday dinner.
How can we make the process of asking easier or less embarrassing so that others can reach out to us for help? Pray, listen, and become more aware of those you meet. Think first, what do they need and how can I help? Each time we share the blessings with which we have been bestowed, those blessings will grow exponentially. What a mighty God we Serve!
Loving and Gracious God, Thank You for loving us. Jesus showed us how to serve with love. May we take this opportunity in our hearts and serve those who are in need. Thank You. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: If I ask, God will give me opportunities to show love to others.
Serve with Joy! Pastor Liz
Comentarios