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Today is Sunday March 8, 2009 and we are continuing our studies on the book of Deuteronomy, please read chapters 21-23 in your Bible. You can also Click Here to read them online, if the link does not work you can copy and paste this link into your browser: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy%2021-23&version=9

Today's Message: Be A Good Neighbor
This world believes that it is every man for himself, but this selfish principle is never taught in the Word of God.

The Israelites had been taught that, because God had created all things, everything belonged to Him and they were only caretakers of His possessions. Because of their Covenant relationship with the Lord, they even were responsible for the welfare of their neighbor's property. "Thou shalt not see thy brother's ox or his sheep go astray, and hide thyself from them: thou shalt in any case bring them again unto thy brother. And if thy brother be not nigh unto thee, or if thou know him not, then thou shalt bring it unto thine own house, and it shall be with thee until thy brother seek after it, and thou shalt restore it to him again. In like manner shalt thou do with his ass; and so shalt thou do with his raiment; and with all lost thing of thy brother's, which he hath lost, and thou hast found, shalt thou do likewise: thou mayest not hide thyself. Thou shalt not see thy brother's ass or his ox fall down by the way, and hide thyself from them: thou shalt surely help him to lift them up again." (Deuteronomy 22:1-4). Under the laws of most countries, we would not be held legally responsible for failing to prevent someones financial loss. However, our stewardship responsibility to God requires that we respond to others needs in a spirit of Christ-like love.

Even when an Israelite built a house, he was required to put a railing around the flat roof to protect anyone from accidentally falling off the roof, which was often used as a patio. This was not an option, but was required. "When thou buildest a new house, then thou shalt make a battlement for thy roof, that thou bring not blood upon thine house, if any man fall from thence." (22:8). This railing, called a battlement, is symbolic of our responsibility to be our brother's keeper. If the Lord is that concerned in the building of a mere house to ensure the physical well-being of its neighbors, surely Christians should be concerned about making certain that their opportunities to help others are not overlooked.

In Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, He taught His followers to go far beyond merely helping preserve the property of a friend or neighbor. "But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust." (Matthew 5:44-45). As Jesus' disciples we must do the same. We can not have a cold heart towards others regardless of how we are treated. It may not be easy to help those who love to cause problems for others, but we are unaware of what they are actually going through. Instead of returning hatred toward them, try praying for them, often it is the best that we can do for them.

Jesus illustrated this by speaking a parable, "But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour? And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him." (Luke 10:29-34). Perhaps they had completed their religious responsibilities in Jerusalem and were on their way home to Jericho, where many of the Levite's and priests lived. To stop and help this man could have defiled them and made them ceremonially unclean or, perhaps, they felt he was undeserving to be taken care of. However, the Samaritan man wasn't looking for excuses to avoid giving aid or questioning whether the hurting man was deserving of help. Instead, this outcast, who was much despised by the religious Jews, demonstrated Christlike love and had compassion on the man.

Now, I understand that there are just some people out there that we just need to stay away from, we are just not urged to dwell with them. However, our responsibility is not to the person who needs our help, but to our Lord, who is the true Owner of all creation, and who provides us with the opportunities to express His love to the lost and unloved. The person we help may or may not appreciate or even deserve the kindness we express, but by expressing that love we are not only providing an opportunity for them to get saved we are being blessed as well. Think of the blessings that you have received simply by facing one of the most difficult people you have ever met.

Today's Psalm: 146:5-9
"Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God: Which made heaven, and earth, the sea, and all that therein is: which keepeth truth for ever: Which executeth judgment for the oppressed: which giveth food to the hungry. The LORD looseth the prisoners: The LORD openeth the eyes of the blind: the LORD raiseth them that are bowed down: the LORD loveth the righteous: The LORD preserveth the strangers; he relieveth the fatherless and widow: but the way of the wicked he turneth upside down."

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Jesus, We know that none of us are 100% humble, for we are clothed in these mortal, fallible bodies. But we do know that You are completely humble and we look to You as our example. As we clothe ourselves in Your righteousness we can overcome the pride that is ever before us. We recognize that no good thing can come from us, but all that is good comes from You. Remind us daily that gratitude is the antidote for feelings of pride. When we acknowledge that everything we have and all that we are is due to Your merciful blessings we are humbled and grateful to You, the Giver of every good and perfect gift. In Jesus' name.................Amen.

Have a wonderful night/day and enjoy your week.

God Bless You,
Christina

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