DECEMBER 18 , 2023

BE KIND TO THE POOR

Proverbs 14:31 – “He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor.

Often times, rather than respond to the poor in love by ministering our substance to them, many focus on calculating how that a poor man’s laziness is his undoing. While that may be true, it does not excuse us from responding to the poor just as God would; reaching out to them in love.

Our opening text today makes it clear that while we look down at the poor in disdain, it is actually an act of dishonour to God. We must realize that every act of kindness shown towards the less-privileged is a loan given to God (Prov. 19:17). Your gifts and assistance to them is recorded by God.

By extension, those who lack the understanding of God’s saving grace through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ are poor in spirit, needing the veil of darkness upon their eyes to be broken. You can show them mercy today by interceding for the veil of ignorance and deception to be taken off their eyes so that they may see and receive Jesus. You can also step out and share the Gospel with them today. Make this a part of your life everyday.

DAILY PRAYER GUIDE
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Startup Prayer: Father in the name of Jesus, fill my heart with compassion for the poor, that I may extend your love and mercy unto them as you will, in Jesus Name.

PRAYER FOR A NATION -SIERRA LEONE
Over half of its population are Muslims. During the 20th century, Islam grew from 10% to over 60% of the population. The conflict in the nation in the past has left many traumatized: rape victims, victims from mutilation and maiming and former child soldiers.

Prayer for the nation: Father in the name of Jesus, we pray for complete healing for all those who were emotionally and psychologically traumatized by the wars in the nation, in Jesus Name.

Prayer for the leaders: Father in the name of Jesus, we ask for wisdom upon the government of Sierra Leone, to make policies that will bring a quick recovery to all victims of past wars in the land, in Jesus Name.

PRAYER FOR ISRAEL – (Ps 122:6)
Father in the name of Jesus, we ask today that there will be peace in Jerusalem and that your purposes be established in that city. Amen (Ps 122:6)

PRAYER FOR UNITY IN THE CHURCH
Father in the name of Jesus, we come against every orchestration by the evil one to bring disunity and division in the church: and we declare that the church of Jesus Christ will stand united even in this end times, in Jesus name.

PRAYER FOR SOULS/ REVIVAL
Father in the name of Jesus, we ask that you will grant your grace unto the unsaved in our nations, that they might be able to turn their backs from falsehood and it’s bondage in Jesus name.

DAILY BIBLE STUDY
Isaiah 15 & 16, Psalms 5, Revelation 18