31 Days: Day 19 - Giving

For Day 19 of my 31 Day Challenge (read a chapter a day in Proverbs and post my favorite verse(s) each day for 31 days) I was drawn to this verse from Proverbs 19, and this sets the entire tone for this post:

"He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward him for what he has done."

Proverbs 19:17

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I have shared with you previously about a wonderful ministry called "Daily Prayer for You" (click link here or in sidebar to find out more and sign up to receive the prayer by email), and today's prayer that came by email was just perfect to go along with the Proverbs 19:17 verse above. How fitting and wonderful for the Lord to confirm it so sweetly to me when I read the Daily Prayer and the verses that go along with it. Here's the prayer and accompanying verses from today...

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"I myself have gained much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because your kindness has so often refreshed the hearts of God's people." Philemon 7 (NLT)

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"The generous prosper and are satisfied; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed." Proverbs 11:25-26 (NLT)

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Father, may we give generously out of the abundance of blessings that we have received. Your Word tells us that as we give, we will be refreshed and will ourselves be satisfied. Show us today what kindness we have to share that would refresh others.

Lord, I pray in particular today for those who are weary and faint. May they take the ounce of joy and love they have from you and share it today, so they themselves may receive refreshment and strength. Help us Lord, no matter our own circumstances or troubles, to always keep our hearts open to generously share ourselves with others. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

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"I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint." Jeremiah 31:25 (NIV)

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I also found this YouTube video clip from James Robison's ministry - it is based on a poem written by an African man who was a small boy when James Robison came to establish a feeding program in Africa. Though it is not the greatest quality video, the words of this poem and the faces you will see will touch your heart. You can find out more about the wonderful outreach ministries (feeding the hungry, providing clean water, and so much more) of James Robison and his wife at their website called "Life Today" at http://www.lifetoday.org/site/PageServer