“Our Daily Bread”   

http://odb.org/2012/09/23/available-now/

The Daily Devotions of Greg Laurie                                  

http://www.harvest.org/devotional/daily-devotions/home.ht 

1 Peter 4:9… Use hospitality one to another without grudging.  (NKJV) 

My Bible study notes written by John MacArthur, say that the word hospitable in Greek means “love of strangers”… In Jesus’ times, it was common to open one’s house up to strangers passing through town…  It might have been a traveling preacher, or anyone in need of a place to spend the night…especially if they had little or no money… And feeding a total stranger was something you just did because it was the right thing to do…

I am reminded of what Jesus taught those around Him, in…Matthew 25:34-36…   “Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: ³⁵ for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; ³⁶ I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’ ” (NKJV)

Those listening to Jesus, asked Him when did they feed Him, or give Him something to drink, or any of the other kind gestures Jesus was speaking about ??… Jesus responded with this, in…Matthew 25:40… “And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’ ” (NKJV)

Jesus is telling us that giving to a poor person in need, is just like giving to Jesus Himself…

Everything a Christian has is because God has given it to them… All Christians are called to share whatever they can with those in need; whether it is from an abundance of wealth, or their time, or their talent to help others; including their fellow church members…or even strangers on the street…

We see this written about people who have, but do not share, in…1 John 3:17… But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?  (NKJV)

God promises that we will have all that we need as faithful Christians; if we continue to share our abundance to do further good works in His name…2 Corinthians 9:7-8… So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.⁸ And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.  (NKJV) 

The absolute key to pleasing the Lord, as seen in this scripture and the opening scripture…is to give to the church and to those around us in need with a cheerful heart, and the right motive… God will bless us for our gifts, and continue to supply our needs, as long as we continue to share our abundance with a cheerful heart and no regrets

Heavenly Father, I pray that all of us can see that giving to our church and to those in need, out of the abundance You have given to us, with a cheerful heart and the right motives…is what You have called Your children to do… I pray Lord, that Your Word would keep us focused on doing what is right in Your sight…in Jesus’ most precious name and for His sake…Amen…

written by bruce r mills