THE STORY OF JESUS: Proverbs 30-31
“Give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread.” (Proverbs 30:8)
Our world seems to be divided between those with plenty, and those with nothing.
As a result, some people disown God while others dishonour God (v.9).
Our world is caught in the grip of poverty and riches, and is miserable.
Jesus affirms these words, “give us our daily bread!” (Matthew 6:11)
Where do I fit; relatively speaking, I have riches, not poverty.
As a result, my dependence on the Lord is less that it should be.
We possess so much that our possessions possess us.
We are constantly looking for more, discontent with what we have.
Could we actually survive with ‘just enough to live’?
What do you have in excess: food, clothing, space, ‘things’ for the house?
How much of what you received for ‘christmas’ did you actually need?
How aware am I of those with little or nothing, and do I care?
Is Jesus challenging my worldly spirit by teaching me to pray for ‘daily bread’?
Just enough, no more or no less – that I may own and honour Him.
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, the Enemy has succeeded in possessing us with possessions. Our perspective is skewed, and our hearts are empty. Teach me to pray this for real, and to live like I really mean it!
‘to do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly’ is a text which came to mind with today’s reading. As His follower, I too need to show the love of Christ by deeds of mercy by giving to those in need. This can be done locally or globally through individual acts or through the support of word and deed ministries of various Christian organizations. The spirit of giving at Christmas needs to be a spirit year long – not just to the family but to all people. Give. And let others know what must be done.
God forgave my sin in Jesus’ name.
I’ve been born again in Jesus’ name
And in Jesus’ name I come to you
To share his love as he told me to.
He said ‘Freely, freely you have received;, freely, freely give.
Go in my name, and because you believe others will know that I live.
All pow’r is giv’n in Jesus’ name
in earth and heav’n in jesus name
And in Jesus’ name I come to you
To share his pow’r as he told me to.
He said ‘Freely, freely you have received;, freely, freely give.
Go in my name, and because you believe others will know that I live.
God gives us life in Jesus’ name
he lives in us in Jesus’ name
And in Jesus’ name I come to you
To share his peace as he told me to.