6 Minute Read

Be Still

To the best of your ability, get rid of all distractions. Take a couple of minutes to breathe deeply, to quiet yourself in the Lord’s presence. Then, prayerfully ask the Lord to speak to you in this time and let Him know that you will be listening and will make whatever adjustments He will reveal to you.

Today’s Bible Reading:

1 Chronicles 26:12–27:34
Romans 4:13–5:5
Psalm 14:1-7
Proverbs 19:17

Listen to the Lord

Slowly and reflectively read the following verses and listen to what God will say to you through them. Then, consider writing down any insights He reveals to you.

Proverbs 19:17 (NLT): “If you help the poor, you are lending to the Lord — and he will repay you!”

Reflections from Scripture:

(The following is an edited version of an article I wrote 4 years ago.)

As I write this, I am sitting in a hotel room in Denver. The sun has not yet risen, and my body is exhausted. But, I have discovered that my days just don’t go well unless I spend time with the Lord each morning.

I’m tired because I am with a team from our church on a mission trip. We are helping with a soccer camp that is providing a fun, safe environment for refugee children. I’ve been out in the very hot sun and doing a little more exercise than I’ve done in awhile.

So, why would 13 of us pay over $1,000 to travel at least 2,000 miles (round trip) to do things that will bring us to the point of weariness and maybe even exhaustion?

Among other reasons, the verse I have chosen for today gives the explanation.

Proverbs 19:17 (NLT): “If you help the poor, you are lending to the Lord — and he will repay you!”

As Christians, we believe that whatever we do for those who are less fortunate than us will be repaid by our Lord. Since we know that the Lord will reward us (in His own way and in His own time) for our acts of kindness, we can forego the expectation to be immediately repaid by those we are helping.

So, why not be kind to someone today who cannot repay you? Do so knowing that the Lord is watching and will reward you one day. Maybe it won’t be until the day when you stand before Him and are judged and rewarded. But, my friend, it will happen. 

So be kind and generous today.

Spend Time in Prayer

Lord Jesus, Your Word tells me that it is more blessed to give than to receive. So help me to do something for someone today without any expectation of getting something in return. Help me to rest in the fact that You will one day reward anything I do in Your Name. Thank you. I pray this in Your Name, Amen.

Matt Ellis is the pastor of First Baptist Church in Polk City, Florida (fbcpolkcity.com). His latest book is God’s Grace in the Real World. Connect with him on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.

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