Read: Deuteronomy 14-16
Focus Verse: “There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be open handed toward your fellow Israelites who are poor and needy in your land.” (Deuteronomy 5:11).
Devotion: Where did this sentiment go? Israel is told to be generous with what God provides. There’s an admission that in our broken state there will be poor and rich alike (always), but we are to care for one another and provide for one another. Imagine if everyone had acted and lived with open hands towards those who didn’t. How transformed would our would be if in spite of always having poverty it wasn’t an excuse. How transformed would our world be if we actually cared for all people!? This is a heavenly vision, one where we remember EVERYTHING comes from God and we leverage it to care for the poor.
Pray: LORD challenge me, challenge me for Your Kingdom! Let me learn what it means to share with others, and help others who are in need. Amen.
Additional Scripture: “I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11)