Today’s Readings: Lev 16:29‐18:30, Mark 7:24‐8:10, Ps 41:1‐13, Prov 10:15‐16

Psalm 41:1
“Blessed is the one who considers the poor! (or weak)
In the day of trouble the Lord delivers him.”

“God helps those who help themselves.” – Sidney Algernon (1622-1683) I have always struggled with this famous quote. I believe the Bible teaches, as in Psalm 41 above, that “God helps those who help others.”

Many people do not give because they believe they need to save up for a rainy day. Clearly we need to handle our finances wisely, but the principle reflected in the verse above tells us that when the day of trouble comes, God is going to deliver those who have helped the poor.

This last week on twitter this quote stood out to me: “If we live at the same level of affluence as others who have our level of income, we are probably giving away too little.” – CS Lewis

Prayer: Lord, help me live for the day you say: “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.”

How do you decide when NOT to give to someone in need?