"USURY " (INTEREST)

First of all how are you fairing out in the weather that we're experiencing lately? All I can suggest is for you to pray and continue to look up and PRAISE The LORD. We must remember to Trust God in all situations that we find ourselves in. When we take the drivers seat, well " A person not in control is at the wheel".

A while back as usual our grandsons came over and spent the weekend with my wife and I. We are always on the lookout to highlight Godly principles in what we think, do, and say especially when our grandchildren are around. Somehow the discussion turned to charge cards and loans as they were informing us of the status of their checking and savings accounts. My wife mentioned that interest was bad, (I believe she was getting at not paying your Charge Card balance each month) so I decided to do some research. I wanted to see just how far apart man is from God. The Merriam - Webster Dictionary defines the word " interest" : The lending of money with interest charge for its use. (2) An excessive rate or amount of interest charged; esp: interest above an established legal rate. (advantage) profit, benefit & gain.

In the Word of God, Exodus 22:25 " If you lend money to my people, to the poor among you, you are not to act as a creditor to him; you shall not charge him interest". In other words we are to help out our family, friends and neighbors when times are lean. We are to assist, to help them through a financial crisis and not profit from your gift. Deut. 23:19 " You shall not charge interest to your countrymen: interest on money, food, or anything that may be loaned at interest". We are not to neglect the poor, financially secure families were responsible to help and house those in need. What has happened to mankind as we do nothing, not because we lack compassion, but because we are overwhelmed by the size of the problem and don't know where to begin. If we have mercy when we come across it, we will be doing the will of the Father. God will not put more on us than what we can handle. God also doesn't expect you to eliminate poverty, nor does He expect us to neglect our families while providing for others. He does expect that when you see an individual in need, you will reach out with whatever help you can offer, including hospitality. (Lev. 25:35-37) "Now in case a countryman of yours becomes poor and his means with regard to you falter, then you are to sustain him, like a stranger or a sojourner, that he may live with you. (36) ' Do not take usurious interest from him, but revere your God, that your country - man may live with you. (37) " You shall not give him your silver at interest, nor your food for gain". In Nehemiah's day usury was abolished God says that caring for one another is more important than personal gain. When a Christian brother or sister suffers we all suffer (1 Cor. 12:26) "And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it".

God has a special love and concern for the "poor". He insists that people who have material goods should be generous with those who are needy. My dictionary defines NEEDY: being in want: Poverty - Stricken. Providing for the poor is not just a suggestion in the Bible; As mentioned before it is a command that may require a modification of attitude. When we give with no hope of receiving in return, we show what it means to serve others. May God bless you all...

UNTIL NEXT WEEK

Jim