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Listen while you read: "Give Me That Old Time Religion"1 (Lyrics) |
God has chosen ordinary people — you and me — to help others. Occasionally, it is for something very significant, but usually, it is for something small. However, in every case, we have to be willing to try in order for God to use us.
Where I now live, there is a self-serve breakfast buffet. The coffee dispensers sit on a shelf that is a little high for short people. The other day, I noticed a new resident struggling because of her height, having difficulty filling her cup. A nearby person provided assistance and engaged in a welcoming conversation. When the helpful lady returned to the table where I was seated, I complimented her on her kind act. She replied, "Well, I tried."
That little act has resulted in the new resident feeling welcomed, the two starting an ongoing friendship, and both parties benefitting, just because someone was willing to try to help.
The famous hockey player, Wayne Gretzky, is quoted as saying, "You miss 100 percent of the shots you don't take." If we don't try, we will never succeed.
I have often told others that God wants to use us, but He can't do so if we are just sitting on our backsides and not trying. God is a master at correcting mistakes, providing we have tried. I have over eight decades of proving that fact. It seems that I am always saying or doing something that I later regret, but at least I am trying to help others.
Every day, I observe simple acts of kindness where one person is willing to try to help another. Interestingly, those little acts of kindness seem to bring even more pleasure to the giver than the recipient.
Galatians 6:7 – Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. (KJV)
Basically, this verse plainly sets out that every action has a reaction. When our actions are helpful, we always seem to gain even more from the reactions.
There is a Salvation Army chorus that has these words:
- I want to live right, that God may use me
At any time and anywhere.
Every day, you and I have the opportunity to choose to be used by God to help others. We only have to be willing to try!
Prayer: Dear God, we don't understand why You have chosen to help others through us. However, we do thank You that You give us the privilege to be a part of Your scheme of life. Help us to be willing to try to do our part in the extension of Your kingdom. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
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Thanks for the challenge, Vincent.
Knew it was you from the get go. Good word, keep it up.
Blessings.
Thanks Vincent for this encouraging devotional reminder to step up when we see a need. Blessings.
Dear Vince,
Thank you for the helpful devotional and your prayer.
Keep writing.
I need this reminder in the midst of deadlines when it is so easy to overlook these opportunities.
Thanks.
Thank you for your devotional today, so easily understood, and an inspiration and challenge for us all to be willing to help, wherever God leads us.
Thank you, Vincent, for this reminder today that we can all be a part of God’s plan to help one another and be a blessing to those around us, we just need to be willing to try!
Blessings.
Hi Vince:
Please accept our sincere gratitude for the devotionals that you have authored. They are very current, engaging and inspirational. Please continue to share your “works of Art” as they become available.
Keep up the great writing.
Hi Vincent,
Good devotional this morning. We do indeed have the opportunity to be God’s help every day. We do make a difference, as it said on a card I received from someone.
Thank you for writing.
Dear Vincent
So true. I’m looking after my husband who has dementia, as well as other medical concerns. I certainly have my hands full. But with God’s grace, I make it through the day. Sometimes I yell and then feel bad afterwards; frustrations coming to a head. So, I guess I’m trying to do my best what God has put on my plate.
Hello my friend
This is another good one. I so enjoy your devotionals. It is like being right there with you, or else it is me wishing I was right there with you, gleaning from you the years of experiences. You are a light and a special one at that.
God bless.
Greetings Vincent,
Many thanks for another special devotional. It is so amazing that when we do some very simple action to help someone else, it can be such a major help to them. The Lord’s timing is precise at placing helpers where and when needed in so many circumstances.
Blessings,
(B.C.)