“Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, He also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard. A gift in secret pacifieth anger: And a reward in the bosom strong wrath. It is joy to the just to do judgment: But destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity. The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding Shall remain in the congregation of the dead. He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: He that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich. The wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous, And the transgressor for the upright.”
Proverbs 21:13-18 KJV
https://bible.com/bible/1/pro.21.13-18.KJV
Live Prepared
Pause and think of the people who, at a moment’s notice, have to be ready for anything. Maybe your list includes first responders, the military, athletes, teachers, parents, pilots, surgeons, or pastors.
But does your list include you?
As followers of Jesus, we are called to…
“…Be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”
1 Peter 3:15 NIV
We can’t expect people to observe what Jesus has commanded unless we are also observing His commands ourselves.
Do we want people to learn about God’s love? Then we need to show God’s love to people. Do we want people to learn about Jesus’ compassion? Then we need to be compassionate. Do we want people to give generously? Then we need to be good stewards of our own money. Do we want people to study God’s Word? Then we need to study it for ourselves.
When you give Jesus control over your life, you allow His ...