Pass It On

Sunday, October 13, 2024
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Listen while you read: "Can A Little Child Like Me"1 (Lyrics)

A Revisited Devotional from October 14, 1996

Psalm 116:17 – I will offer to You the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the Lord. (NKJV)

I have a vivid memory of one particular day when I was ministering in Trenton, Ontario, Canada. The doorbell rang, and it was Lottie Jones Florist with a big bouquet from a member of the congregation. As if in answer to my unspoken question "Why… ?", the card read simply, "Just Because." The lady who sent it had no idea that I was going through a very distressing period in my ministry, and that I desperately needed encouragement. I took it as a sign of God's love, that He would motivate her to express her appreciation for my ministry at just the right time. How valuable it is to say, "Thanks!" And when it comes "out of the blue", when it's not expected, it vastly increases in value.

The "Thanksgiving" time of year reminds us to express gratitude to God for all of His good gifts. I'm sure that it's very encouraging to Him when His people actually remember that we deserve nothing from Him, yet His abundant mercies never cease. I pity those members of our society who recognize no God to express appreciation to. How do such people say "thanks" for a beautiful sunset?

What are you thankful for? Now retired, I'm grateful to God that I attend a congregation with wonderful people, warm-hearted, co-operative, generous, with such good morale and harmony. And I'm grateful for a Saviour Who loved me and you so dearly that He would lay down His life for us.

What can we do in return? Recently, I read about a woman who discovered that the man in the car ahead had paid her toll at the booth. He was already gone, so she couldn't pay him back. But she could have paid for the car behind her. God has paid the price for our sin and has been so good to us; we can't pay Him back, but we can do good to someone else. "And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord". (Colossians 3:23a NKJV)

Prayer: Thank you, Father, for all Your precious gifts. Give us the opportunity today to pass on Your generosity to someone else. Amen.

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About the author:

Robin Ross <rross@telus.net>
Mission, British Columbia, Canada

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1 Comment

  • PresbyCan Feedback says:

    Thanks, Robin, for the good reminder.


    Thank you for that Robin. Very touching this morning.


    Thanks, Robin, for sharing this good memory and the lesson we can learn from it.


    Happy Thanksgiving to you. With special thanks for your writing today.
    (Manitoba)


    What a wonderful proof that God really IS aware of us all at every moment – and that by His Providence, we are encouraged and helped more than we realize. God bless.


    Robin, yes, simple acts of compassion and kindness can oftentimes be far more effective than words. You remind me to be aware of how I be an encouragement to others.


    Robin, It’s nice to read one of your “classic” devotionals from a time prior to my familiarity with PresbyCan. Recyling good devotional thoughts are fresh and new to many readers. Thank you!


    Thank you, Robin, for your dedication to this ministry….52/7.
    Approaching 82 I have been serving as Session Clerk at my church for 45+ years. Retirement service is rewarding and fulfilling, isn’t it?
    Thanks again Robin.


    Thank you, Robin, for your devotional today looking back to twenty-eight years ago. No matter what time of life we are in, it is important that we reach out to others with the same loving kindness shown by Jesus. We certainly would have a more peaceful world these days if more people would do that. Blessings for sharing your thoughts through your writing.


    Good morning, Robin,
    I noticed the note yesterday about classic devotional, but didn’t realize what it was – such a good idea. I was not reading Presbycan back then.
    Your message is a great reminder to remember to thank God and to pass it on. Thanks for sharing. Blessings.


    Good morning, Robin,
    Thank you so much for your grace filled devotional – it was very touching. I myself would like to thank you for all the good work you have done for me and that you continue to do. May God bless you with His abundant blessings of good health and mental well-being to enable you to continue doing His good works.
    Grace and Peace to you – today and always.


    What a powerful testimony of God’s faithful love. He hears us! He’s listening – as He promised! I’ve been meditating on Psalm 4, recalling especially vs 3 which was given to me at my baptism when I was 18 years old. “Know that the Lord has set apart his faithful servant for himself…” (NIV) For years I did not realize that the verse included the words, “… the Lord hears when I call to him.”
    Robin, for me your testimony is a perfect example of Ps. 4:3 – the full verse.


    A very good one. Thanks for sharing.
    (Ontario)


    Good Devotional, from one who knows!
    With family; grateful for being together!
    Bless you and yours, Robin.


    Good morning, Robin
    Thank you for this devotional. It is rewarding in ways we do not expect when we do a pay forward. It is a golden opportunity to show God’s love in just paying for someone’s coffee that are unknown to us. I have been blessed as a giver and also as a receiver. God is so good!!
    God bless.


    Thank you for this encouraging reminder of how much of a difference we can make for someone else.

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