10-9-26   THOUGHTS

We continue yesterday’s thoughts with some Old Testament dimension.  GOD INTENDS FOR His people to be lovers and givers.  1John 3:17   “But whoever has the world’s goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him?”

Deut 15:7-11  "If there is a poor man with you, one of your brothers, in any of your towns in your land which the LORD your God is giving you, you shall not harden your heart, nor close your hand from your poor brother;  8  but you shall freely open your hand to him, and shall generously lend him sufficient for his need in whatever he lacks.  9  "Beware that there is no base thought in your heart, saying, ‘The seventh year, the year of remission, is near,’ and your eye is hostile  toward your poor brother, and you give him nothing; then he may cry to the LORD against you, and it will be a sin in you.  10  "You shall generously give to him, and your heart shall not be grieved when you give to him, because for this thing the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in all your undertakings.  11  "For the poor will never cease to be in the land; therefore I command you, saying, ‘You shall freely open your hand to your brother, to your needy and poor in your land.’”

Our Prayer:
Open our hearts to love and giving, O God.  Help us to find the blessings from You as we seek Your WAY!  May the joy of Your salvation occupy our hearts and souls.  May we learn that love and giving come from the same source, O Father, that YOU ARE LOVE!  We praise You that things are this way...   In the name of our Lord,   Amen.