Monday- When did we see you? Read Matthew 25:31-46. How will Jesus separate the righteous from the unrighteous according to the passage? Which group was surprised at Jesus’ choice? Was it the sheep or the goats? Why would they be surprised? Showing mercy and compassion is a critical part of being considered right with God? How are you getting right with God?

 

Tuesday – Saved for what? Read Ephesians 2:8-10 Salvation is the work of God’s grace. We have been saved by grace. But what are we saved for? If it was just to go to heaven, why doesn’t God take us the moment we say YES? What does the text say we are saved for? In his book, Outlive Your Life, Max Lucado wrote “Compassion is the consequence of salvation – The sign of the saved is their concern for those in need” (p.169). Could people tell you were saved by your attitude and actions? What motivates you to act compassionately toward others?

Wednesday – Who is my neighbor?  Read Luke 10: 25-37. The question is valid today just as it was centuries ago. With the shrinking of our world, we can no longer claim to be unaware of the crisis of hunger, lack of medical care, diseases, lack of clean water and education. Our neighbors are not just the people who live in our community because everyone is my neighbor. What will your actions toward them be? Will you be like the religious people in the story and walk past the one who is dying? Or will you do as Jesus taught, “Go and do likewise.” 

Thursday – What is genuine religion? Read James 1:26-27. The heart of God is to care for the widow and orphan, the poor and the needy. Where are those people in your world? Do they live down the street? Are they in another country? Pray that God will enable you to love the very visible poor and be faithful in doing it. May we be helpful without being condescending, judgmental or foolish. May the poor be blessed because of us and may my efforts bring honor to God. That is pure and genuine!

 

Friday – What good is it? Read James 2:14-19. One characteristic of God is righteousness. We are to embody that quality in such a way that people will see it being expressed: doing what is right; caring about what is fair, standing up for those who go without. God’s representatives in the world are you and me. If all we do is talk and don’t act on the behalf of others, what good is it? 

 

Saturday – What does the Lord require of me? Read Micah 6:8 and Psalm 82. The Scriptures are filled with verses stating God’s case to stand up for the poor, the oppressed, the widow and the orphan. No one can say, “I didn’t know.” The question for us is this, “Am I willing to do what God requires of me?” Will I make changes in my thinking and acting in order to make a difference in the world? Or not? We always have a choice of how we will respond. It is God’s great risk. But it makes all the difference.