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Day 90 Proverbs 13:23 Proverbs 13:23 Much food is in the tillage of the poor: but there is that is destroyed for want of judgment. There was a time when it was common for people to plant gardens and harvest fresh vegetables so they would have food year-round. Few people plant gardens today compared to fifty to a hundred years ago. There is a comeback in gardening with city gardens, but still more people are prone to buy their produce from the store rather than plant their own or able to do so. In Solomon’s time, planting crops was the only way people had food, and those who did not plant, went without. Even the poorest landowner had food on his table when he took the time to plant and harvest. Today there are a lot of people who think the best way to eat is by standing on a corner with a sign asking for money or applying for government help so they can buy food instead of going out and seeking a job. Those who do such things will always be in need and never have what they need. Those who actively seek employment and ways to earn the money they need to take care of their needs will always have more than enough. God also had a government program to help the poorest people in the land, those who could not plant or take care of their own needs, not the ones who could and didn’t want to. Funds were set aside for three years so that every three years, people would be able to get enough to feed their families or themselves. Deuteronomy 14:28 At the end of three years thou shalt bring forth all the tithe of thine increase the same year, and shalt lay it up within thy gates: 29 And the Levite, (because he hath no part nor inheritance with thee,) and the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, which are within thy gates, shall come, and shall eat and be satisfied; that the LORD thy God may bless thee in all the work of thine hand which thou do. If people had to wait three years today, they would be in an outrage. It might also force them to go out and seek employment. As Christians, Jesus told us we are to help those who are unable to take care of themselves. Matthew 25:31 When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: 32 And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats: 33 And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. 34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: 35 For I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: 36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. 37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungered, and fed thee? Or thirsty, and gave thee drink? 38 When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? Or naked, and clothed thee? 39 Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? 40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. When you follow what God laid out for you, seeking him in everything, even how you give to those in need, you will always have what you need and there will never be lack in your life. Let’s pray: Father, help me be a good steward of what you have given me, helping those in need as you direct me. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen. Copyright © 6 December 2016 by Valerie Routhieaux Image courtesy of Pixabay