Devotionals for September 13, 2023
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READ
PROVERBS 11:25-28
A soul who blesses will prosper,
and one who gives water will himself be satisfied.
26 People curse anyone withholding grain,
but blessing is on the head of one who dispenses it.
27 A person who diligently seeks good finds favor,
but to one who searches for evil, evil comes to him!
28 Whoever trusts in his riches will fall,
but the righteous will flourish like a green leaf.
Acts 20:34-35
“You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my necessities and to those who were with me. 35 In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
A soul who blesses will prosper,
and one who gives water will himself be satisfied.
26 People curse anyone withholding grain,
but blessing is on the head of one who dispenses it.
27 A person who diligently seeks good finds favor,
but to one who searches for evil, evil comes to him!
28 Whoever trusts in his riches will fall,
but the righteous will flourish like a green leaf.
Acts 20:34-35
“You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my necessities and to those who were with me. 35 In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
REFLECT
Though self-care and rest in the Lord for your well-being and endurance, our culture tends to overemphasize prosperity. It’s so easy to put ourselves first, to hoard things, and to receive more than give. Whether it’s holding onto our time, money, or affection, there are many ways to hoard. But the Gospel calls us to give, to bless, to seek good, and to seek righteousness. When we don’t trust in our wealth, it opens our hearts to trust — and be satisfied — by the wealth of Jesus instead. Then, it becomes more natural to open our hands and to give wholeheartedly to the Lord and to others.
APPLY
Q: What causes the righteous to flourish like a green leaf?
Q: How does the life of Jesus inspire you to give wholeheartedly?
Q: How can a healthy view of prosperity — one marked my prospering others — help further the Gospel in our culture?
Q: How does the life of Jesus inspire you to give wholeheartedly?
Q: How can a healthy view of prosperity — one marked my prospering others — help further the Gospel in our culture?
SING
PRAY
"Give us today our daily bread."
Father, you have provided everything I need. Forgive me for putting myself first. Give me an open heart to give to you and to others first. I love you! Amen.
Father, you have provided everything I need. Forgive me for putting myself first. Give me an open heart to give to you and to others first. I love you! Amen.