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Listen while you read: "Here O My Lord"1 (Lyrics) |
On Valentine's Day several years ago, when I was about to visit someone in The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, I decided to buy her some chocolate. Once in the store, I was moved to pick up about a dozen small chocolate bars for anyone who would be sitting around while I was visiting my family friend. The thought of taking chocolate for only the young lady I was visiting didn't seem right to me, and picking up the extra bars of chocolate was fun for me. I figured that if I couldn't give them away, then they wouldn't be wasted, because I love chocolates, too. On that particular occasion, I was able to spread love and kindness, and in return, I received several hugs from the people who received the chocolates and who needed to know that someone loved and cared about them. On that day, I received more love than I could ever imagine. It was wonderful!
Exodus 33:17,19 – The Lord said to Moses, "I will do the very thing that you have asked; for you have found favour in my sight, and I know you by name." And he said, "I will make all my goodness pass before you, and will proclaim before you the name, 'The Lord'; and I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy." (NRSV)
Each child of God is blessed with special gifts. Some of us use these gifts every day without realizing that they are gifts from God. Our daily meditation on Scripture and our devotional developments are gifts from God to make us stronger. The seeds of gratitude, serving others, and recognizing the good in everyone we meet are gifts that God willingly gives to each of us. When we practice them on a regular basis, we develop a stronger relationship with God.
People suffering with mental health issues, people with addictions, and those who are displaced always touch me and fill me with deep emotion, sadness, and an outpouring of love. Not looking the other way, but rather showing kindness and understanding is one way to help. When we see God's people in need, we are reminded to act compassionately towards those people. They could be you or me, and most importantly, they are someone else's son, daughter, sister, brother, husband, or wife. God gave each of us gifts — to act, to feel, to see, and to do.
Colossians 3:12,14 – As God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. (NRSV)
Prayer: Dearest Lord, when we think of what You have done for us, our hearts overflow with love for You. Help us to pass on Your love to everyone who has lost hope or is in need. We thank You, Father, for the gifts of compassion. Spirit of the living God, fill us, use us, melt us, and mould us to be more like You. Amen.
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May it be so, Yvonne.
Beautiful prayer. God Bless.
Greetings,
Thank you for your devotional message today.
Thank you for your devotional today!!
(Texas)
God bless you for your generosity and thinking of others. Nice story. Thanks for sharing.
As we begin Lent, we praise God for Jesus and His saving grace, sharing His love with others.
Thank you for sharing with those in need but to us, your readers. A great devotion to remind us to be thoughtful.
Thanks for today’s devotion. May we all love others as Jesus did and show compassion to those around us. Blessings.
AMEN!!
Even if we have to ensure they are “nut free”, all on favour of leaving more “munchies” around the church.
Good morning, Yvonne,
God has given us many gifts and it is good to be reminded to use them in kind and positive ways. Thanks for sharing your experience and how it was received. Blessings.
Good Morning Yvonne
Thank you for this touching lesson about God’s love. It is amazing how much we are blessed when we show His love.
God bless.
Thank you, Yvonne, for your very good and positive words today. Yes, reaching out to others with a giving heart can do so much good, not only for the person, but for others around them. You certainly showed love and care by your extra purchase of chocolate bars and sharing them with others during your visit. Blessings for sharing this writing.
I just love your heart filled devotionals Yvonne. I hear so clearly God’s heart when I read them. May you continue to write and be used by Him, blessing and teaching others. Thank you! Paul Wilber has a marvelous song called “Show Me Your Face” the YouTube video and song illustrates the beauty of Moses talking with the Lord like you mentioned in your devotional and also shows the birth and wonder of Jesus being born. It is so beautiful!
Perfect follow-up to our gifts message Yvonne, and perfect for Valentine’s Day! You did such a great job on Sunday of capturing what we were trying to accomplish…someone called the church to say what a great idea it was to have you share, and what a great job you did in sharing! Your example will help others to think of what their gifts might be and how they might use them. Thanks so much for your faithfulness!
Blessings!
Lovely, thanks.
(BC, Canada)
Thank you, Yvonne. What a lovely prayer to conclude a very meaningful devotional.
Dear Yvonne,
Thanks for the amazing devotional today, I really appreciate it. Your kindness and compassion are an inspiration that we all need to follow.
Blessings to you and your family.
(On)
Thank you, Yvonne. We never know what people really need. This is a good statement: The seeds of gratitude, serving others, and recognizing the good in everyone we meet are gifts that God willingly gives to each of us. When we practice them on a regular basis, we develop a stronger relationship with God.
Yvonne, I want to express my sincere thanks to you for writing such a powerful devotional. I reread it again today and was blessed and motivated once more.
Thanks for sharing about the chocolate bars for others. What a simple but special and meaningful gift to them.
Blessings.