July 20 - Giving Opportunities.

Proverbs 28:27
“He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.”
 
How often do we hide our eyes from those around us that are in need of our assistance?
 
Lamentations 1:12
“Is it nothing to you, all ye that pass by?”
 
The parable of the Good Samaritan is the ultimate example of how most people just pass by someone in need of help.
 
Luke 10:30-35
“And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.”
 
He could have passed by just like the others did; yet not only did this Good Samaritan stop and help, but he also had compassion on the man and went the extra mile to do whatever he could to fulfill his need. He gave his time, used his ability to take care of him, and then gave money to pay for anything else that was needed.
 
2 Corinthians 9:6-7
“But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.”
 
Every day God gives us opportunities to give what we have to those in need.
Some days it may just be our time.
Sometimes our talents can be used to help.
​Some situations require us giving of our treasure.
 
The Lord promises that when we give, we shall not lack.
Proverbs 19:17
“He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.”
 
Whatever the need, we should seek to use every opportunity we are given to do something for someone else, because we are ultimately doing it for Him.
 
Matthew 25:40
“And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”
 
What will you give today?
 
 
Bible Reading:
2 Chronicles 35-36  |  Titus 1  |  Proverbs 20