GIVING
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Daily Readings: Luke 10 and Psalm 26 The parable of the Good Samaritan (v.30-35) is one of Jesus’ best known stories. It’s point is so crystal clear that we risk not seeing the wood for the trees if we dissect it in minute detail. An expert in the Law approached Jesus with a technical question…
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Daily Readings: Ephesians 4 and Psalm 141 On Friday, in reflecting on Ephesians 3, I invited you to … “Imagine when we are empowered to encounter this love not only inwardly and individually by the Spirit, but also as it overflows between us in loving relationship too. Imagine when each member becomes an instrument of…
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Daily Readings: 2 Corinthians 9 and Psalm 127 2 Corinthians 9 promises us that when Christians give willingly, freely, joyfully and generously (v.6-7), God uses that generosity to produce many good outcomes. Using an agricultural metaphor, the apostle Paul explains that just as generously sowing seed in the ground later produces a generous crop, so…
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Daily Readings: 3 John 1 and Psalm 51 We can learn a lot from this letter written by John (“the elder”), particularly from the way he describes its recipient, a local Christian named Gaius. The letter was most likely sent as a letter of recommendation and support for those who carried it (one of whom…
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Daily Readings: Matthew 27 and Psalm 27 It all happened so quickly after Jesus was betrayed, arrested, abandoned and falsely accused that Thursday night (Matt. 26). Early on the Friday morning, shortly after the rooster crowed the third time, Jesus was already hauled off to the palace of Pilate, the Roman governor. Standing alone and…
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Daily Readings: Matthew 25 and Psalm 25 The three parables in Matthew 25 continue the theme of our calling to be faithful to the tasks to which Jesus has called us. Our Lord Jesus calls us to remain faithful at all times. He calls us to be mindful that He is right at hand and…
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Daily Reading: Galatians 6:9-10 “10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” Although it can feel like a tired cliché, “Charity begins at home” is a very Christian concept. We do bear the responsibility of being Christ-like by doing good and being…
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Daily Reading: 2 Corinthians 8:1-9 “… We want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. 2 In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. 7 … (S)ee that you also excel in this grace of giving.“ In encouraging the Corinthian…
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Daily Reading: Acts 2:42-45 These first 3000 believers in Jerusalem were the earliest expression of a local church. Led by the Holy Spirit, they dedicated themselves to the most important elements of basic discipleship. They were committed to being taught by the apostles, sharing deep fellowship with each other, worshiping at the temple together, eating…
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Daily Reading: Deuteronomy 15:7-11 ” … do not be hard-hearted or tight-fisted.” What a challenging set of words, and what a great test for ourselves: In my attitude and actions towards others am I hard-hearted and tight-fisted or soft-hearted and open-handed” ? To use yesterday’s key word, “Do I have the heart and the habit…
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