Verse of the Day 1/10

Verse of the Day 1/10

Matthew 6:3-4

New Living Translation

3 But when you give to someone in need, don't let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. 4 Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.

The other day I posted 1 Peter 1:13 which called us to have our minds "ready for action" which requires focus and awareness of what is going on around us and responding how the Spirit would lead us.  In today's passage Jesus is teaching us in the Sermon on the Mount, some basic principles that should be part of our everyday life, our new nature.  In chapter 6, he states three times "when you" in regards to things that should be part of our nature, they are giving, praying and fasting.  It should cause us to think of how we are doing in these areas in our lives.

Today's verses reveal that giving to those in need should be second nature to that.  It also points out that it should be done without consideration of anyone taking notice or for us to be seeking recognition for it. If it is natural, it should just be what we do without a second thought. God sees and knows what we are doing, He knows our heart and He will give back to us "accoring to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds" (Jeremiah 17:10).

As we head out into the world this week let us examine our life, are we giving, are we praying and are we fasting? May our minds be ready for action, to do these things for the benefit of others.  Be mindful that as we give to others we are also giving to the Master.

1. Give of your best to the Master;
   Give Him first place in your heart;
   Give Him first place in your service;
   Consecrate every part.
   Give, and to you will be given;
   God His beloved Son gave;
   Gratefully seeking to serve Him,
   Give Him the best that you have.

• Refrain:
  Give of your best to the Master;
  Give of the strength of your youth;
  Clad in salvation's full armor,
  Join in the battle for truth.

Blessings,

Mike

Folllow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com

Ephesians 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace.  NIV

Matthew 6:1-4

Holman Christian Standard Bible

How to Give

6 "Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of people, to be seen by them. Otherwise, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. 2 So whenever you give to the poor, don't sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be applauded by people. I assure you: They've got their reward! 3 But when you give to the poor, don't let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.