Monday: Caring For Widows– Read Psalm 146:9, Isaiah 1:17 and James 1:26-27. In God’s word, we see the character and heart of the Lord.   Caring for widows, orphans, and the oppressed is who God is. It is how we are to live as the Body of Christ. It is justice – a sense of fairness – that God wants us to embody. The righteous character of God is to be seen in the righteous character of God’s people. Why do you suppose God cares so much about them?  How are you living this out in your life? 

 

Tuesday: Caring For Our Families- 1Timothy 5:4-8. The support of our families is important to the Lord. Again, it is more instruction on caring for widows but expanded out to speak to our relatives and immediate family. How do you care for your family? Do you pray for them? Do you listen and give them appropriate counsel and wisdom? Do you support them as best you can with love and encouragement? Is forgiveness spoken in your home?  How are you a good role model and example for them? If they are young, do you set appropriate boundaries? In what ways are you providing for their faith development? Provision is more than just earning a paycheck. It is about building a life. Pray that you will leave a legacy of godliness for your children and grandchildren.   It is the only thing that will truly last once you are gone. 

 

Wednesday: Caring For Us– Read 1Peter 5:6-7 and Matthew 6:25-34. If God cares for the birds and the flowers, how much more will the Lord care for you? The imperative, “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things will be added on to you” comes from the heart of Jesus. God loves you. Just like a loving parent doesn’t always give a child what he/she wants, the parent always provides what is needed. Will you trust in the Lord to provide for you? Remember God loves the world and paid a great cost for this love – the life of his one and only son (John 3:16).

Thursday: Faith to Put Out More Vessels: Read 2 Kings 4:1-7. When the widow is told to go ask her neighbors for jars, Elisha said, “Don’t ask for just a few.” Do you get the sense that he knew God would abundantly fill those vessels? In verse 7, all the jars were full and the oil stopped flowing. Do you have the faith to ask for more than a few jars? Where in your life have you been asking God for just a little when God has wanted to richly bless you? 

 

Friday: Working Through Others: Read 2 Kings 4:1-7. Notice how God helps the widow in the story. First, the widow helps herself – she put in all of her resources and also gathered the jars. Secondly, her neighbors help her by lending her their jars. They were willing to help out when asked. Finally, God provided through his representative, Elisha. If anyone of these wouldn’t have done their part, perhaps the miracle wouldn’t have happened? Everyone can make a difference. How are you making a difference in the life of another?

 

Saturday: Abundant Grace: Read Ephesians 3:17-20. God is able to much more than we could even imagine or ask. The fullness of our blessing comes when we empty ourselves of our self sufficiency and need for control and permit God to work in our lives. Available people can be used for mighty works. Their reward is knowing the love of Christ! God’s grace will flow like the oil in the story: Into empty vessels, not full ones. May you be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God! And overflow into the lives of others.