20-20 Blog

Scripture Focus:

Isaiah 1:17
Say no to wrong.
Learn to do good.
Work for justice.
Help the down-and-out.
Stand up for the homeless.
Go to bat for the defenseless.
Titus 3: 14 Our people have to learn to be diligent in their work so that all necessities are met (especially among the needy) and they don’t end up with nothing to show for their lives.

Observation:

God cares about the needy. I see that over and over in the Bible. In Titus Paul says the goal of working is so that all necessities be met, especially among the needy.

Application:

I don’t always know how to implement this—does the panhandler on the street corner who is physically capable of working yet holds a sign as others hold jobs deserve to be helped? I can’t really answer questions like this, but I can have an attitude of help, and I can certainly help good causes, like My Father’s House.

Prayer:

God, give me your heart for people. You’ve always loved the down and out. Help me to love them, too, in a tangible way.

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Scripture Focus:

Psalm 112:5, 9 A good man deals graciously and lends;
He will guide his affairs with discretion.
He has dispersed abroad,
He has given to the poor;
His righteousness endures forever;
His horn will be exalted with honor.

Observation:

This morning’s message at church was on helping the poor, and how that is God’s heart. Over and over in Scripture, including these verses, we see that it is the mark of true righteousness and greatness to be gracious to those less fortunate, to be generous when it is within our means to do so.

Application:

We are so blessed here in America. Compared to much of the world, I live like a queen with food to eat, a comfortable home, and enough money to do more than just survive.

As we’ve learned more about helping the poor, especially through micro loans, Charlie and I have made the decision to participate in programs that help the poor, not just through handouts that quickly are gone, but through giving them an opportunity to better themselves.

Prayer:

Father God, you are gracious, full of compassion, and righteous, and you want us to be like you. We want to partner with you to help the poor and needy, both physically and spiritually.

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Scripture Focus:

Psalm 103:1–5
1 Bless the LORD, O my soul;
And all that is within me, bless His holy name!
2 Bless the LORD, O my soul,
And forget not all His benefits:
3 Who forgives all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases,
4 Who redeems your life from destruction,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,
5 Who satisfies your mouth with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

Isaiah 58:6–7 “ Is this not the fast that I have chosen:
Is it not to share your bread with the hungry,
And that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out;
When you see the naked, that you cover him,
And not hide yourself from your own flesh?

Observation:

These verses recount the good things God has done for me, chief of which is the forgiveness of my sin, but also a life of such blessing I feel like I’ve won the lottery! You can’t read these verses without wanting to cry out, “Bless the Lord, O my soul!”

On the other hand, God asks us to share from our blessing with others who are less fortunate. This is a recurring theme throughout Scripture. Over and over God tells us to help the poor.

Application:

Have a thankful heart. Remember to bless the Lord and thank him for all he’s done for you. I’ve been so grateful lately for the blessings of a place to live, with food to eat—even air conditioning—and a family where there’s peace and love.

We’re having a sermon series about the poor at church. One in six people on this earth live in abject poverty. We must do more than we’ve done to help those in need while at the same time give thanks every day for the tangible and non tangible blessings God has given us.

Prayer:

Thank you, God, for all the many blessings you have given me. Give me a heart that is glad to share what you’ve given me with others in need!

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