Pensamento:
Temos exemplos de alguns que usaram suas riquezas sabiamente e abençoaram outros generosamente, assim honrando a Deus no processo – por exemplo, Barnabé em Atos 4; veja também 2 Coríntios 8-9 e 1 Timóteo 6:17-18. Mas, o Novo Testamento nos adverte repetidamente sobre nosso desejo de ser rico. Desenfreado, este desejo pode se tornar nosso deus e nos levar à ruína (1 Timóteo 6:9-10). Ele pode se tornar uma idolatria total (Colossenses 3:5). Correr atrás da riqueza é apenas mais uma tentativa em vão de dar significado para a sua vida. Nos últimos dois versículos do livro de Eclesiastes, o Homem Sábio revela onde mora o verdadeiro significado e explica o que Paulo quer dizer quando diz, “A piedade com contentamento é grande lucro” (1 Timóteo 6:6).
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
This devotional falls near Mother's Day for many in the Western Hemisphere. For all of us, however, it is a great time to honor our godly mothers, especially widows. To our shame, many modern churches have copied the leadership roles (or at least the leadership names) listed in the New Testament. We have bishops, elders, shepherds, pastors, ministers, deacons, ministry leaders... Why have so few churches had a "Widows List"? Why have we seldom recognized and valued godly women like the early church leaders did? Paul said that the women on the "Widows' List" had proven their godliness in lives well lived with genuine character. Paul emphasized that the Church should help support and care for them so they can continue their lives of ministry unworried by their essential needs. In a time when the world honors mothers, let's make sure our godly women, especially godly widows, are honored for their good deeds and service to God's people. Let's ensure they receive the love, support, and respect God wants them to have in the Church!
Notice that this year we are using the date to be a selection tool for our verses — May 10 (5/10) for 1 Timothy 5:10 — which challenges us to consider overlooked verses like this one!
Oração:
Todo Poderoso e generoso Pai, obrigado por me abençoar tão ricamente. Por favor, encha meu coração com a sua generosidade, para que eu possa ser um canal de bênçãos para aqueles necessitados ao meu redor. Proteja meu coração de avareza, egoísmo e inveja, para que possa receber seus presentes com gratidão e compartilhá-los com alegria. No nome de Jesus eu oro. Amém. || Veja a imagem em Eclesiastes 5:10.
My Prayer...
O Father, thank you for those women among us who have been faithful to their husbands, loving to their children, and hospitable to your people. Forgive our churches for not valuing these godly examples and resources of inspiration and ministry more. During this challenging time, open our eyes to those godly women among us whom we need to serve, support, and bless. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
