January 28, 2025 -- Proverbs 28:8, 27 -- Hearing the cry of the poor

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

Whoever multiplies his wealth by interest and profit
gathers it for him who is generous to the poor.
 
Whoever gives to the poor will not want,
but he who hides his eyes will get many a curse.
Proverbs 28:8, 27 ESV
 
It is the love of money that is the root of all evil whereby righteous men and women pierce themselves with sorrows because they profess God but love money. John Wesley wrote: ‘The last part of a man to be converted is his wallet.’ Look at today’s verses, taking special note of the love and compassion God our Father has for the poor. Why is this the Father’s attitude towards the poor?
 
You were poor, spiritually dead, morally bankrupt and all you had was invested in the Bank of the Kingdom of Darkness. No one has cause to boast in his riches. No one is a “self-made man”. Is there anything you have that has not been given to you by Christ our King?
 
God sent Jesus, Your rescue story so that in Christ you were made alive. All you have now is entrusted to you, a gift from God.
 
When believers in the Old Testament came to believe in the One True God, they needed help from the people of Israel. Think of Ruth who was as a widow was committed to caring for her mother-in-law and was lifted from poverty by a kinsman-redeemer. Think of the Gibeonites, that people who were put under the protection of Israel, they were slaves in Israel, woodcutters and watercarriers But their financial poverty was more than generously compensated by the fact that they were covered under the care of God through His people.
 
When at the Day of Pentecost believers from 15 nations and regions came to Jerusalem and by the power of the Spirit were saved and about 3,000 souls were saved, then locals supported the foreigners out of their own means.
 
Ask yourself this, aware of the fact I can’t take my money with me when I die, aware of the fact that all I have belongs to Jesus Christ, am I generous when hearing the cry of the poor, or am I tight-fisted? I encourage you to contemplate today’s verses and the quotation from Wesley while you ask the Spirit of God to lead you with regards to your finances.
 
Father in heaven thank You for the riches that are mine in Jesus Christ. Thank You for the splendour of eternity the riches of which are already tasted by the powerful presence of Your Spirit living in me. I confess there are so many worldly (and even Christian) financial planners and advisers who recommend this and that in view of retirement and saving for needs. I confess as their advice thunders in my ears I am tempted to hold my wallet tighter to myself. I pray, in view of Your Kingdom, guided by Your Spirit and instructed by Your Word, show me and embolden me to be faithful to You with all the resources You have given me so how I handle my money brings honour to Jesus Christ, Who has rescued me from the dominion of darkness. Jesus, Captain of Salvation, lead me in Your righteousness. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/cO725In6VT8?si=R5VrbbRvK5SzTxPp We Give Thee but Thine Own
 

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