Tag: poverty
The Crown of Life
Scripture reading for December 2: Revelation 2
“”And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: ‘The Words of the First and the Last, Who died and came to life. “I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich) and the slander of those who say that they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of Life. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death.'” Revelation 2:8-11
The glorious and resurrected Jesus Christ revealed Himself to John on the prison-island of Patmos and there gave him personal letters to deliver to each of the seven church that John was elder over. This devotion is taken from the short letter to the church at Smyrna that was at that time under severe persecution and poverty. Jesus introduced Himself as the “First and the Last, Who died and came to life.” Jesus wanted this church to know that He was before all things and would exist after all things. He reminded them of His sacrificial death on the cross and His glorious resurrection. A vision of Jesus in victory would help His people to stand firm.
Jesus then told the church that He knew about their tribulation and their poverty because of it. He knew about the slander spoken against them by those who were religious Jews but void of God’s Spirit. Jesus reminded them that they were really rich through adoption into God’s family. Jesus told them not to be afraid of the suffering that would come to test their faith. The suffering would have a set time and then pass. If believers would be faithful to Jesus, even unto death, they would receive the Crown of Life eternal awarded to all overcomers! They would conquer death and the devil by faithfulness and faith and the second death would not hurt them. Christ’s blood would shield them from eternal fire.
Have you considered the possibility of a time of tribulation and suffering because of your faith in Jesus? How does this world view clash with our current culture of health, wealth and prosperity? What did Jesus mean to have ears to hear the Spirit is saying to the churches in this letter?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for Jesus Christ, the First and Last. Persecution for the Name of Jesus is certainly in our world today and many have died for their stand of faith. Help me to stand firm and use my ears to hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches. I am desiring the Crown of Life! Amen.
Giving fairness!
Scripture reading for August 7: 2 Corinthians 8
“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you by His poverty might become rich. And in this matter I give my judgment: this benefits you, who a year ago started not only to do this work but also to desire to do it. So now finish doing it as well, so that your readiness in desiring it may be matched by your completing it out of what you have. For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have. For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened, but that as a matter of fairness your abundance at the present time should supply their need, so that their abundance may supply your need, that there may be fairness.” 2 Corinthians 8:9-14
The subject of giving money is often a difficult issue in the church as well as our world. But money is a part of our world and is a test given by God of our faithfulness and stewardship. Scripture teaches us that all we have comes from God. He gives to us through our family and national identity. He gives gifts and talents to use for His glory. He gives jobs and responsibility that earn wages and serve Him and others.
Paul used Jesus as the supreme example of giving. Although Jesus was owner of all, He chose to humble Himself and take the form of a human being, becoming poor to identify with us. He did this that all mankind might be made rich with eternal life through adoption back into God’s eternal family. Jesus’ example was for the benefit of us all for all time.
The Corinthian church had been asked to prepare an offering and planned for it for over a year. They had come upon some hard times, but were still well-supplied compared to the Jerusalem church that was enduring persecution. Paul encouraged them to complete what they had started. He pointed to the principle of fairness to help them cheerfully give. Their comparative abundance should be freely given to those in need at the present time. There would be a time when they would need help and the others they had blessed would return the offerings! God understands that we can only give out of what He supplies.
What is your world view concerning money and wealth? How does it affect your attitude towards giving and discussing what to give to God’s work? Do you plan your giving in advance?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for Your blessing in providing everything in my life. Thank You for gifts and talents to serve others and You. I freely give of myself, my time and talents and my money to further Your work. It is truly more blessed to give than receive. (Acts 20:35) Amen.
Jesus sees our giving!
Scripture reading for February 25: Mark 12
“And He sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the offering box. Many rich people put in large sums. And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny. And He called His disciples to Him and said to them, “Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”” Mark 12:41-44
God is Love and love means giving and generosity is a result of that love. God, Himself, is a cheerful and generous Giver. “For God so loved the world, He gave His One and Only Son, that whosoever believes on Him shall not perish, but will have eternal life.” John 3:16 When on earth, right before leaving earth, Jesus took a seat opposite the temple treasury. There He observed those who gave and how much they put in in relation to what they had in their possession. He called His disciples over to comment on those giving and told them that the poor widow had put in the most in comparison to what she had.
That poor widow had put in two small copper coins that equaled on penny. The others had put in much more. But it was the widow who caught Jesus’ attention so much that He used her gift and giving heart as an example of what God holds dear. Jesus sees things differently than the world. Jesus sees our hearts and attitudes. He values faith and the widow gave all she had in trust that God would take care of her needs. She gave as an act of worship that pleased God extravagantly! God took notice and we are remembering her giving and attitude yet today! Jesus boasted to His disciples about her attitude.
When it comes to giving at church, do you ever think that God is watching you and your attitude? How would Jesus evaluate your giving in relation to what He has blessed you with? What worth do you ascribe to God with your worship through giving?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for Your love and giving of Your Son that we might have forgiveness of sins and eternal life through Him. Help me to please You with my giving to You as You have blessed me. Teach me to truly worship You through giving. Amen.
Delighting God!
Scripture reading for September 25th: Zephaniah, Psalm 74, 2nd Corinthians 8
Key Scriptures: 2nd Corinthians 8:1-5 “We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints–and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us.”
Paul commended the Macedonian churches for their gracious giving. These churches were in severe persecution and were suffering physically and economically. But Paul was impressed with their joyful hearts and gracious giving, even beyond their means. They did not need to be persuaded, but begged to be part of the relief of other brothers and sisters. Their giving was marked by giving of themselves to the Lord first and then their offerings.
Psalm 74:12 “Yet God my King is from of old, working salvation in the midst of the earth.”
Faith confession and prayer: Lord Jesus, You are my King, working salvation. Keep my heart in step with Yours, full of mercy and generosity. I give myself to You to dwell in my midst and open my hands to give as You direct.
Zephaniah 3:17 “The Lord your God is in your midst, a Mighty One Who will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness; He will quiet you by His love; He will exult over you with loud singing.”
Our mission to the poor!
Scripture reading for February 25th: Deuteronomy 12-16
In many cultures, the poor and needy are viewed as under the judgment of the gods. These people are despised and live in the worst conditions on the fringes of society. Children born in the families are destined to live in poverty, sickness, and usually have an early death. India has millions living in the caste system and viewed as nearly untouchable by their peers. The Hindu religion and the teaching of reincarnation and the caste system keep the bondage in place.
The God of the Bible, creator of heaven and earth, is compassionate and merciful. When He formed the nation of Israel and delivered them from slavery, He instructed them to care for those society had looked down upon. The orphans and widows were singled out for special care. (Deuteronomy 14:28-29) God promised to bless the Israelites when they cared for them. The alien was also to be cared for, because the Israelites were aliens and strangers in Egypt and could identify with being on the outside of the economic and political power system.
God said that there should be no poor among His people. (Deuteronomy 15:4) If they fully obeyed the Lord in keeping all His commands, God would so bless them that they would have an abundance to help others. They would lend only and not borrow. (Deuteronomy 15:6) God’s heart was and is to prosper His people. (3 John 2) However, some would be poor and need help. God’s people were to be generous, not to be “tight-fisted” or “hard-hearted”, but “open-handed.” (Deuteronomy 15:7-10) God told them it was a sin to be stingy toward the poor brother! Through their generosity they would honor the generous God who had given them everything!
“A generous man will prosper and he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed” (Proverbs 11:25)
“He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their maker, but he who is kind to the needy honors God.” (Proverbs 14:31)
“He who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will reward him for what he has done.” (Proverbs 19:17)
Woes of the Sluggard
Scripture reading for July 12th: Proverbs 25-29
Solomon’s instructions to his sons included warnings about sexual temptation, alcohol addiction, and lots of sayings about laziness. God’s people are to be workers, using their talents and abilities diligently. When Jesus Christ picked his twelve disciples, they were all working a jobs and busy. Jesus, Himself, was always about His Father’s work and used time wisely for productive purposes.
“The sluggard says, “There is a lion in the road, a fierce lion roaming the streets!” As a door turns on its hinges, so a sluggard turns on his bed. The sluggard buries his hand in the dish; he is too lazy to bring it back to his mouth.” (Proverbs 26:13-15)
A sluggard is a lazy person who is always making excuses. Some excuses may make sense, but many are irrational justifications for not doing anything productive. The sluggard in Solomon’s example is worried about a fierce lion that could possibly attack him. He uses this as an excuse to stay in bed. Sleep is a way to pass time without having to face life and use talents and abilities. Solomon pictures this sluggard as one who grabs food out of a dish, but then is too lazy to eat it for nourishment. All he does is take up space and waste resources that could help another be a blessing. The sluggard is also wise in his own eyes, making correction of his ways impossible. (Proverbs 26:16) The sluggard goes hungry and his family suffers, too.
On the other hand, the wise person keeps close watch over their herds and flocks. They diligently care for them by harvesting hay to feed them and shearing their sheep for wool. The wool provides clothing for the family and God replenishes the hay and the wool. The flocks can be sold for money to buy land and your flocks and family will have plenty of food. (Pr0verbs 26:23-27) God works with those who will themselves work. He blesses their efforts and multiplies seed sown and efforts invested in honest labor.
Many in our land have become passive and will not work. Welfare has given them this option and their time is wasted. God has strong warnings in His word about laziness and passivity. Those who will not work should not eat! (2nd Thessalonians 3:10) Life is miserable for them and their families. God is glorified when we work! Check out your life today!
What about the poor?
Scripture reading for February 25: Deuteronomy 12-16
In many cultures, the poor and needy are viewed as under the judgment of the gods. These people are despised and live in the worst conditions on the fringes of society. Children born in the families are destined to live in poverty, sickness, and usually have an early death. India has millions living in the caste system and viewed as nearly untouchable by their peers. The Hindu religion and the teaching of reincarnation and this caste system keeps the bondage in place.
The God of the Bible, creator of heaven and earth, is compassionate and merciful. When He formed the nation of Israel and delivered them from slavery, He instructed them in the care of those society had looked down upon. The orphans and widows were singled out for care by the Lord. (Deuteronomy 14:28-29) God promised to bless the Israelites for caring for them. The alien was also to be cared for, because the Israelites were also aliens and strangers in Egypt and could identify with what it felts like to be in a strange culture and on the outside of the economic and political power system.
God said that there should be no poor among His people, however. (Deuteronomy 15:4) The reason given was that if they fully obeyed the Lord in keeping all His commands, God would so bless them that they would have an abundance to help others. They would lend only and not borrow. (Deuteronomy 15:6) They would also rule and not be in servitude. “The rich rule over the poor, the borrower becomes the slave of the lender.” (Proverbs: 22:7) This is God’s heart desire for His people. (3 John 2)
God seems to contradict Himself later in Deuteronomy 15:11. He only seems to because here God is telling the Israelites not all will fully obey. Some will be poor and they will need help. Those who are fully obeying the Lord are to be generous with the poor. They are not to be “tight-fisted” or “hard-hearted” towards their poor brothers, but are to be “open-handed” and “freely lend”. (Deuteronomy 15:7-10) God even goes so far as to say it is sin to be stingy toward the poor brother! He is indicating His care for those who are truly needy. God always pays well when we help the poor. We can’t outgive God!
“A generous man will prosper and he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed” (Proverbs 11:25)
“He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their maker, but he who is kind to the needy honors God.” (Proverbs 14:31)
“He who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will reward him for what he has done.” (Proverbs 19:17)