Springing Spring and Other Things
Okay, I admit there are still a few more days to go until official spring but the cats are happy—the sun streaming through the windows is pretty convincing. Mind you, if they had to go outside they might not be too impressed.
I've had some great stuff from the Scriptures to share over the last days but can't seem to get myself organized to post every day. It's frustrating because I hate to be so sporatic, but hopefully once life gets a little more settled, that will change. I can't say when life will get "more settled"—that part is a "God-thing" that I am leaving up to him to put into place.
This morning's reading was from Deuteronomy 13-16. I had a question last night that I was looking for an answer for and this morning's reading gave me the divine instruction. I share it with you because in these tough economic times, it is an application that all of us need to be reminded of.
"There should be no poor among you, for in the land the Lord your God is giving you to possess as your inheritance, he will richly bless you, if only you fully obey the Lord you God and are careful to follow all these commands I am giving you today…If there is a poor man among your brothers…do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward your poor brother. Rather be openhanded and freely lend him whatever he needs…Give generously and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to. There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land" —Deuteronomy 15:4-11
I took note that it isn't the generosity alone that guarantees the blessing. Just "giving at the office" doesn't cut it with God. Obedience to all God commands is part of the package. In our land we are so blessed. Since returning from Venezuela I appreciate being able to go into a grocery store and finding everything available. I like knowing that water and electricity aren't rationed, and that I can walk the streets in relative safety. No matter how tight things might get we still have more than the majority of the world. And that blessing needs to be shared with our brothers in need.
I've had some great stuff from the Scriptures to share over the last days but can't seem to get myself organized to post every day. It's frustrating because I hate to be so sporatic, but hopefully once life gets a little more settled, that will change. I can't say when life will get "more settled"—that part is a "God-thing" that I am leaving up to him to put into place.
This morning's reading was from Deuteronomy 13-16. I had a question last night that I was looking for an answer for and this morning's reading gave me the divine instruction. I share it with you because in these tough economic times, it is an application that all of us need to be reminded of.
"There should be no poor among you, for in the land the Lord your God is giving you to possess as your inheritance, he will richly bless you, if only you fully obey the Lord you God and are careful to follow all these commands I am giving you today…If there is a poor man among your brothers…do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward your poor brother. Rather be openhanded and freely lend him whatever he needs…Give generously and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to. There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land" —Deuteronomy 15:4-11
I took note that it isn't the generosity alone that guarantees the blessing. Just "giving at the office" doesn't cut it with God. Obedience to all God commands is part of the package. In our land we are so blessed. Since returning from Venezuela I appreciate being able to go into a grocery store and finding everything available. I like knowing that water and electricity aren't rationed, and that I can walk the streets in relative safety. No matter how tight things might get we still have more than the majority of the world. And that blessing needs to be shared with our brothers in need.
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