Daily Scripture Text: "He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor." - Proverbs 14:31

Commentary:

Proverbs 14:31 is a powerful verse that underscores the significance of how we treat the poor and needy among us. This scripture highlights two contrasting behaviors: oppressing the poor and showing mercy to them. It provides a clear moral and spiritual imperative regarding our actions toward those less fortunate.

The first part of the verse states, "He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker." This implies that mistreating the poor is not merely a social injustice but a direct affront to God, the Creator of all. The poor, like everyone else, are made in the image of God. When we oppress or neglect them, we dishonor their inherent dignity and worth, and in doing so, we dishonor God Himself. This part of the verse calls us to reflect on our attitudes and actions toward those who are vulnerable and disadvantaged.

The latter part of the verse offers a stark contrast: "but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor." Showing mercy to the poor is equated with honoring God. This mercy is not just about giving alms but also about treating the poor with kindness, respect, and compassion. It involves advocating for their rights, providing for their needs, and standing against any form of injustice that oppresses them. When we act with mercy and compassion, we reflect God’s character and fulfill His commandments to love our neighbors as ourselves.

Questions:

How does Proverbs 14:31 challenge your perspective on poverty and your responsibility toward the poor?

Reflect on a time when you had the opportunity to show mercy to someone in need. How did it impact your faith and your understanding of God’s love?

In what ways can you be more intentional about advocating for and supporting the poor in your community?

How can you encourage others to honor God by showing mercy and compassion to those in need?

Exercise:

Take some time to identify specific ways you can support the poor and needy in your community. This could include volunteering at a local shelter, donating to organizations that help the poor, or simply offering a kind word and assistance to someone you encounter in need. Write down a plan and commit to taking action.

Additional Reading:

Explore the theme of justice and mercy further by reading Isaiah 58:6-7, where God speaks about the kind of fasting He desires—actions that break the chains of injustice and provide for the needs of the oppressed.

Prayer:

Father, thank You for the reminder in Proverbs 14:31 that how we treat the poor reflects our relationship with You. Help us to honor You by showing mercy, kindness, and compassion to those in need. Open our hearts to be more empathetic and proactive in supporting the vulnerable in our communities. Guide us to live out Your love and justice in tangible ways, reflecting Your character to the world. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Imagining Jesus sitting right next to you, what would you say to Him?

Jesus, as I feel your presence beside me, my heart overflows with gratitude for your unwavering love and guidance throughout my journey. In this moment, I am filled with both awe and humility, knowing that you are here with me, witnessing every joy and every struggle I face.

I would first express my gratitude for your sacrifice and the profound love you have shown me, despite my shortcomings and failures. Your presence brings me comfort and reassurance, especially during times of uncertainty and doubt.

I would share my deepest hopes, fears, and struggles, knowing that you understand and empathize with every emotion I experience. Your wisdom and compassion provide me with the strength and courage to persevere, even when the path ahead seems daunting.

I would also seek your forgiveness for any moments when I have strayed from your teachings or failed to live up to your example. Your boundless mercy reminds me that redemption is always possible, and your grace offers me the opportunity to start anew.

Most importantly, I would express my desire to deepen my relationship with you, to walk ever closer by your side, and to live each day in a way that honors your teachings and reflects your love to others.

Thank you, for being my constant companion, my source of hope, and my guiding light. With you beside me, I am never alone, and for that, I am eternally grateful.

~ Walk alongside of Him and you will know ~ Poetic piece in caption. Listen to This Some people demand attention Some are in complete contentment A restless soul certainly is cold A restful soul is merely bold There are moments we are united Most the time we are divided Being a hater is a sad maneuver It makes one feel like a loser There is a way to unite the divide Elevate the power of love inside Put your heart where your mouth is Believe your Higher self can do this Do not listen to the serpent Every soul is important Think of your eternal future The only thing that matters The drums are rolling Soon trumpets blowing The Galactic Federation is preparing for intervention Prepare for the majestic Preferably in the collective Every soul shall be affected Let your objective be effective Author: Lorenza Palomino @godzillionloveandlight 🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊 #listentothis #walkalongsideofchrist #walkwithchrist #higherself #heremindsyouofmanythings #higherselfknowledge #galacticfederation #galacticfederationofangels #divineintervention #beready #drumsrolling #trumpetsblowing #galacticbrethrens #universe #universalbrothers #universallaw https://www.instagram.com/p/Chk76krPvmE/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

This is my Victory Smile amidst adversity. ☝️ When One is faced with a challenge and Victory is nowhere yet in sight, know and Pray this: walkbyfaithnotbysight "Dear God, cleanse me from anything that is blocking me from walking in victory. Fill me with strength LORD, that I may stand and walk in victory. Let hope fill my heart so that I can rise and stand firm in your promises. In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen. " Remember God is Never Late and He is on your side. - Rain Nerona Says 🙏💪❤️💯 #godsloveneverfails #rainneronasongs #godfirst #powerfulprayer #pray🙏 #powerfulwomen#prettyeyes #powerofpositivity #powerup #walkwithchrist #trustgod #godsplan #godsvictory #rainnerona #rainneronasays #youtuber #smile https://www.instagram.com/p/Cf84hsOJpQX/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Haiku of the day: Tell Me What to Do

Help me to be brave

Change my self and walk with You

Tell me what to do

Photo credits to YouVersion Bible app

🙇🙇🙇🙇🙇🙇🙇🙇🙇🙇🙇🙇🙇🙇

This haiku is dedicated to @1323mosee

Thanks for the follow and may you have courage to change your self and live as Jesus did.

Let us never deny Christ because of what other’s think. The walk may be lonely but you & I are never alone when we #WalkWithChrist. #PersonalChristianity #ChristAndI #TrueTransformation #PersonalJourney 💜 Sabbath Greetings https://www.instagram.com/p/CWf_F8Tl6ek/?utm_medium=tumblr

What’s most important...

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”   

Luke 10:41-42

Martha was more concerned about cleaning up the house and getting the meal ready for Jesus and His disciples, instead of pausing for a moment to truly understand that the Son of God was in her presence, carrying a message of forgiveness, salvation and eternal life.  We see through the words of Jesus that Martha was “worried and upset about many things”, but that her sister Mary went right to the feet of Jesus upon His arrival, so that she could hear every word.  

Preparing a home for a guest isn’t a bad thing, especially when it’s for the Son of God!  But many times in life, we can get so bogged down and worried about checking boxes and making things look a certain way that our focus isn’t on Christ, but on worldly tasks.  At the end of this story, we see that Martha wasn’t only distracted by the initial preparations, but that she was upset that her sister Mary wasn’t helping…so her worry spilled over into her relationship not just with her sister, but with Christ. When we get distracted by routines and checking boxes, it will hinder our relationship with others as well as our Lord and Savior.  May your actions be an outpouring of God’s will for your life, and not a self-generated to do list.

Say He won’t do it! Yes, He will. The Lord God will do what He said He will do. Whatever is weighing on your shoulders, turn it over to God. Set yourself free from the bonds on the culture. The Lord God will do what He said He will do. How do I know? Jesus. Christ The Lord. Say He won’t do it! I already know He did it. The world says- Whatever! Shut it down! The world rambles talking like a stinky landfill, full of useless manure. The light of God’s love fills up your soul, nourishing like a loving parent to His family. The Lord God says. The Good Lord does. Say He won’t do it! I already know He did it. How do I know? Jesus. Christ The Lord. Now that’s what’s up! #RealTalk #WalkWithChrist #RunToGod Peaceful Journeys, Stormy Faye The Christian Runaway  #FaithForTheJourney @stormy_faye    StormyFaye.com Use this link when you shop: https://stormy-faye-llc.myshopify.com/collections/all https://www.facebook.com/groups/708592369301103/?ref=share #StormyFayeTheChristianRunaway #October17th2020 https://www.instagram.com/p/CGeA52Dp1yt/?igshid=1vvgg8gmeopop

Just thought I'd share. Delighting myself in the Lord (Psalm 37:4) by taking in His Love and Wisdom. He always makes me feel at Peace. 😌❤🙏🏽

Even if the rocks have to cry out. The journey continues. Always study. #lifejourney #humility #empathy #study #propeheticBlacktradition #imcoming #instagram #facebook #twitter #tumblr #mindfulnesspractice #lifetraveler #walkwithchrist #losangeles #atlanta #newyork #brooklyn #california #notasprintbutamarathon https://www.instagram.com/p/Bvkdah6gluY/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1v99x2fdvf6fv

Call on him📞 - . . #musician #music #artist #instamusic #happy #songwriter #soundcloud #studio #singer #rapper #singers #bmeraki #faith #believe #faith #Godslove #believe #walkwithchrist

If we choose to walk with God, we must walk with him. We can’t take a different road that he is taking. • • • #walkwithgod #walkwithgod👣 #walkwithchrist #walkwithchristdaily #walkwithjesus #iwalkwithjesus #1john #1john2 #1john26 #1john2v6 https://www.instagram.com/p/BtZSOrvlKKX/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=mnetle45fz8

Shout out to Jesus for being the homie. When I am wrong, off the righteous path, and not fulfilling my God-given purpose, He’s there with merciful arms of love. 💙 Today makes one year since my family/friends/business partners/loved ones and I were saved together! I told myself I wanted to be baptized in the right church for me, and these people helped show me the way. 🙌🏼 Shout out to @alfcrancho for being the church I’ve been searching for my whole life. Even in Sacramento, I still livestream the services every Sunday! 🙏🏼 Thank you @xuanpablo_ and @pattie_melt for being there and @mountainiou for capturing this special moment. I love you guys! ✝️ #servantleadership #teamofpurpose #top #missionovercommission #crossroads #higherpurpose #unitedsavingamerica #abundantliving #innercircle #valuetainment #walkwithchrist (at Abundant Living Family Church - ALFCRancho) https://www.instagram.com/p/BwI7C_QgX9W/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1bfdhiy5fiaco

Have a blessed day. #walkwithchrist https://www.instagram.com/p/BpAOFAOHZnk/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=sle1ft6c9hby

#diamondsinthedark #radiant #Hehelpsusshine #wednesday #itworkswithscotty #scripture #hopefortheday #simplicity #betteryourself #moldourfuture #trustinHim #letHimin #love #fuckyouheroin #retiredaddict #walkwithChrist #ohhappyday

Life and Death 🌹🥀 🌤🌓💒🖤💔❤️#walkwithchrist #bible #biblequote #biblequotes #bibleverse #kjv #flesh #spirit #life #death #christ #jesus #jesussaves #changeofheart #change #love #christian #christianity #christianlife #walkinginthespirit #spiritual #growing #lifeanddeath #choice #romans #wordofgod #word #living