The Stranger Within Thy Gates. Part [6] 08/02/2025 (Evening thought)

Deuteronomy 24:19 When you cut down thine harvest in thy field, and hast forgot a sheaf in the field, thou shalt not go again to fetch it: it shall be for the stranger, for the fatherless, and for the widow: that the Lord thy God may bless thee in all the work of thine hands.

Several passages in the Bible echo these truths and they are written so that people, the world over will follow God’s lead. In fact, true religion is defined in large part by the way kindness and benevolence are dispensed toward everyone, regardless of creed and race, or cultural backgrounds.

Thus, the following truths, which are lifted directly from the Scriptures are to inform our understanding and practice as we seek to follow in the footsteps of Christ. Pay close attention to His universal approach to benevolence and kindness, for it pertains to all people. [1] The basic essentials such as food, clothing, and shelter are provided, and intended for all of God’s creation even for those who don’t acknowledge Him as God, even for individuals who may be His sworn enemies.

Psalms 104: 10 He sends the springs into the valleys, which run among the hills. 11 They give drink to every beast of the field: the wild asses quench their thirst. 14 He causes the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man: that he may bring forth food out of the earth; 15 And wine that makes glad the heart of man, and oil to make his face to shine, and bread which strengthens man's heart. 23 Man goes forth unto his work and to his labor until the evening.

Psalms 104:27 These wait all upon thee; that thou mayest give them their meat in due season.

May God add His blessing to the study of His word. “Good night” and God bless!

The Stranger Within Thy Gates. Part [5] 08/01/2025 (Morning thought)

Ruth 2:10 Then she fell on her face, and bowed herself to the ground, and said unto him, why have I found grace in thine eyes, that thou shouldest take knowledge of me, seeing I am a stranger?

Ruth 2:11 And Boaz answered and said unto her, It hath fully been shewed me, all that thou hast done unto thy mother-in law since the death of thine husband: and how thou hast left thy father and thy mother, and the land of thy nativity, and art come unto a people which thou knew not heretofore. 12 The Lord recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust.

Furthermore, the stranger or foreigner was not to be excluded from the religious services, once he or she had fulfilled the prerequisites given by God. In fact, the 4th commandment pertaining to Sabbath worship, also includes the stranger that is within thy gates, from which the title of the study is lifted.

Isaiah 56: 3 Neither let the son of the stranger, that hath joined himself to the Lord, speak, saying, The Lord hath utterly separated me from his people: neither let the eunuch say, Behold, I am a dry tree. 6 Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the Lord, to serve him, and to love the name of the Lord, to be his servants, everyone that keeps the sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of my covenant;

Isaiah 56:7 Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called a house of prayer for all people.

May The Lord add His blessing to the study of His word. God bless!