Memory verse 1: Everything in the heavens and earth is yours, O Lord, and this is your kingdom. We adore you as being in control of everything.  1 Chronicles 29:11

Memory verse 2: “Just as the rich rule the poor, so the borrower is servant to the lender” Proverbs 22:7

Memory verse 3: “the way of the fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man is he who listens to counsel” Proverbs 12:15

Memory verse 4: “you shall not steal, nor deal falsely, nor lie to one another” Leviticus 19:11

Memory verse 5: “whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men” Colossians 3:23

Memory verse 6: “for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also”   Matthew 6:21

 

I love yesterdays video.  What test?  Whom are you going to thank for your income?

Before today’s video, let’s look briefly at one more topic on giving.

 

Giving to the Poor

“Lord when did we see You hungry, and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink?.. The King will answer and say, ‘to the extent you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me” Matthew 25:35-40

If that isn’t motivation to give, I’m not sure what is.  Giving to the needy is giving to the Lord Himself.

There are 3 areas of our life that are affected by giving to the poor.

1. Prayer

A lack of giving to the poor could be the cause of unanswered prayer.

“Divide your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into the house… then you will call, and the Lord will answer” Isaiah 58:7-9

LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR. Isn’t that one of the two greatest commandments Jesus gave us? If we cannot or will not do that, in other words we have not love in our hearts, this will hinder our prayers. Again, we see God calling us to be outward focused. Bless others.

2. Our Provision

“He who gives to the poor will never want, but he who shuts his eyes will have many curses” Proverbs 28:27

I think when our hearts begin to focus on others, we will never want not necessarily because God is showering us with money or possessions, but possibly a heart change where we actually become content with what we do have. I also think it’s possible that part of the “curses” could be that we are remain so self focused that we are in constant need of “things” to fill the empty void in our lives.

3. Knowing the Lord Intimately

“he pled the cause of the afflicted and needy; then it was well. Is not that what it means to know Me? declares the Lord” Jeremiah 22:16

Over and over God says to love others, give to those in need, bless your neighbors. This is the heart of God, and to not understand this or do this shows a disconnect from the Lord. We cannot truly know God if we do not have love for others in our hearts.

Today I challenge us all to pray for God to show us to whom we can show love and generosity. Let’s follow the example found in Job

“I delivered the poor who cried for help, and the orphan who had no helper…I made the widow’s heart sing for joy…I was eyes to the blind and feet to the lame. I was a father to the needy, and i investigate the case which I did not know”  Job 29:12-16

Okay, time for video 3. And I believe this is the greatest biblical study video I have ever watched. I guarantee you will learn things you may not have ever heard before. Enjoy

 

 

God bless you all, have a great day!