DATE POSTED: Sunday, December 24, 2023, and I was blessed to be at Kyle, Texas when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find, read or listen to any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE FROM THE Good News Translation (GNT) IS FOUND IN Proverbs 21:13; 25-26;

THE BIBLE TEXT IS: If you refuse to listen to the cry of the poor, your own cry for help will not be heard.
Lazy people who refuse to work are only killing themselves; all they do is think about what they would like to have. The righteous, however, can give, and give generously.

APPLICATION OF THE WORD: Please, please, don’t be upset over the subject I chose for this devotional, especially where this particular Scripture does not mention Christmas, or the birth of Christ. But since this is the time of year that we tend to think of RECEIVING gifts, this Scripture reminded me of how much more we should concentrate on GIVING. I truly believe that Satan has been working overtime in getting God’s people thinking just the opposite of what God demands. In verse 13, we are told to be conscious of the poor. This sounds like sound advice for any unselfish person, especially one who aims to imitate the love and concern of Jesus, our Lord. But I would be surprised to hear of many who would read this Scripture and not feel a certain amount of guilt. Unfortunately, many Christians have gotten into the excuses of the world, and decide: not to help a poor beggar, because they will only take the money and buy booze or drugs. Or b). Not to help a poor country of people, because they have bad leaders who often fight against our country. Or c). Can’t help those people down the road, for they have never appreciated our church and our ministry. But friends, what if we gave anyway, because we believe what God said in His Word – that we may very well find ourselves in need one day and not receive help, because of our earlier decisions to withhold help to the poor, when we were truly able to help? Further in the same chapter as the above Proverb, I found it interesting that for those those who could find employment and earn money for their personal needs, God would tell them what appears obvious. Don’t sit by waiting for your ‘ship to come in’, especially when you could load that ship yourself if only you would choose to work. And although we could easily add a few additions to God’s advice, I believe that the child of God must be reminded that this scenario exists, so that they could try and help those better understand the truth of what they are doing. Plus, we are also told that the righteous will give, give and give some more of what God has blessed them with. Friends, there is no room in the Kingdom for those who choose to use their money as a bargaining tool in Kingdom work here on earth. Some may not give because of a pastor who preaches straight from the Bible, regardless if the Word will ‘step on the toes’ of the rich, poor or indifferent. Some will withhold tithes until the church hears their demands to get a new pastor, or fire an elder, or whatever their selfish demands are. When we give from a heart and life that has been blessed by God over and abundantly, we will give until we know that God is pleased, and not until our selfish demands are met. But we are just hours away from Christmas. Are you anxiously awaiting the moment to see the face of someone you gave a precious gift to, or are you more concerned with what else is under the tree for you? Remember, God gave to us more than anyone ever saw fit to do. We will celebrate the gift of Jesus, given to us by our Father, God. There is absolutely nothing we can reciprocate in giving back to God for this awesome gift, unless we finally get the BIG picture and give ourselves to Him while acknowledging that we can’t do life without Him. Are you ‘all in’ with this type of giving this Christmas? I sure hope so, dear friend!

PRAYER BECAUSE OF THE IMPACT OF TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: Lord Jesus, we are indeed a blessed people. We’ve been blessed by our earthly parents, and we’ve been especially blessed by You, in providing the One who came to save us from our sin. Many of us may be surprised by a gift given this Christmas, because it was given in spite of the giver knowing our inability to reciprocate. But none of us ever expected the Creator of heaven and earth to give His only, holy, and special Son for our eternal life in heaven. Thank You Father God for Your precious gift, thank You Jesus for Your sacrifice so that our sins would be forgiven and our promised home in glory become a reality. Thank You Holy Spirit for being with us each and everyday to help us keep focused on our heavenly goal. With so much being sacrificed and given to me, Lord I beg You to show me how I might give to bless others in much the same way as You demonstrated Your love for me. AMEN!

FOOTNOTE: There’s another page on my website, entitled ‘To Know Jesus’. If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading or listening to this devotional, please go to this page, or speak with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. Please allow someone to pray with you and give you help and/or encouragement as you begin or continue your walk with Jesus. If you would like to read more of my devotionals, or subscribe for a daily email containing each new devotional, please go online to NuggetsFromGodsWord.org. For my podcast, go online to Apple Podcasts or, using the Apple Podcast app, simply search for Nuggets From God’s Word to hear more episodes, or click ‘Follow’ to be notified of Podcast updates. Friends, please allow me to encourage you to find a church home nearby your home and attend as frequently as you could. Get to know God and allow His people to encourage and strengthen you in your Christian walk, while making every effort to be a blessing to them. God is at work among His people! Please consider growing in your faith, as you worship with fellow believers!