March 9 Deut. 15-18 Hebrews 13

God tells the Israelites that he cares for his people. Hear him in Deut. 15:4-5 - “. . . there shall be no one of you in need if you but listen to the voice of the LORD, your God, and carefully observe this entire commandment which I enjoin on you today.” He also says in Deut. 15:7 “. . . If one of your kindred is in need in any community in the land which the LORD, your God, is giving you, you shall not harden your heart nor close your hand against your kin who is in need.” It is so easy to worry. We have enough, but it seems to be so close to not enough that to help another seems all but impossible. That is how I think when I exclude God. When I trust him, I have always been ok. Granted as I have often said, “Guess I won’t be buying that Corvette today,” but truth be told I don’t want one, “sorry Dad.” I am very blessed, and every time I share for the good of my neighbor, I find blessings all around me. Indeed it is not a give a dollar get a dollar, but the blessings that come are absolute signs of God’s affirming love for me. You can not outdo God. So give it a try. It is not just about sharing your treasure with others, though that is good. It is about seeing the opportunities you have to be Christ to others that need that gift from you. Enjoy.

Hebrews take us deeper into the care of our neighbor. Heb. 13:2“. . .Do not neglect hospitality, for through it some have unknowingly entertained angels.” Know that the presence of angels = the presence of God. Heb 13:16 “. . . Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have; God is pleased by sacrifices of that kind.” Sacrifice means it hurts to give calling us to think through what we do. No mindless action or as one might say, reaching into one’s wallet and handing out whatever is there. We are to engage the head and heart in our care of one another. Be not Afraid.