by Toni Smothers
Scripture Reading for the day: Ruth 2
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Scripture Quote: “Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world’s eyes, or powerful, or wealthy when God called you.” I Corinthians 1:26 (NLT)
No amount of money can replace, purchase or bypass Christ’s work on the cross. If it could, only the wealthy could buy their way into eternity – God forbid! No, those who cling tightly to their acquired wealth, store it up in vain.
In Ruth’s story, we see a wealthy man, Boaz, who understands his responsibility to the poor. Ruth humbled herself by following the harvesters and picking up any left over grain she could find. This act of Ruth’s, called gleaning, was set up by Israelite law as a means of providing for the poor who were willing to humble themselves and also willing to work. The rich owners of the field were grateful for all the wealth they had accumulated from their grain and rather than hoard it all, they shared with those less fortunate. Their ability to share made them blessed.
Meditation for today: It is always wonderful to see people with a good deal of money spread it around by giving to others in need. Their wealth is truly blessed when they know its source and they have a joyful heart full of gratitude that is demonstrated in generosity.
Memory Verse: “And so God can always point to us as examples of the incredible wealth of his favor and kindness toward us, as shown in all He has done for us through Christ Jesus.” Ephesians 2:7 (NLT)