All of us need inspiration to get us through the challenges of this life and to know that God is the wellspring that refreshes our spirits, gives us courage, and guides our footsteps.

Each week the Globe publishes a “Prayer for Willie” taken from a collection by Dr. Hamilton T. Boswell, to remind each of us of the presence of God in our lives, no matter what faith, denomination or interpretation we choose for ourselves.

For information regarding Prayers For Willie, Pathways for Daily Living, please e-mail Eleanor Boswell-Raine at eleanor@theglobenewspapers.com or telephone her at 510-222-5656.

Love is giving

The standard for giving was established in every dispensation. Melchizedek, king and priest of Salem, met Abraham after he had returned from a great victory over Lot’s enemies. Melchizedek comforted Abraham with food and wine, blessed him in the name of the most high God, and Abraham gave tithes of all. (Gen. 14:17-20).
    Under Mosaic Law, the Jews were required to give a tenth of the products of the soil and of the cattle to the Lord. (Lev. 27:30-32). Concerning the cattle, every tenth animal was set apart. Then the tithe offered as a heave offering was taken to the Levites because of their service at the sanctuary, and the fact that they did not receive a portion of the land. All of the giving concerning the tithes was legislated by specific laws.
    In the Christian dispensation, love for God is the key element in giving. We serve our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who was “...the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises” than those promises given to the Jews under the old covenant, (Heb. 8:6).
    If we say we love Christ and fully understand the sacrifices He made for each of us on Calvary, we will give more than that required of the Jews, out of love for Christ.
2 Cor. 9:6 says, “But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.”
    Won’t you give to God today that which belongs to Him?