Daily Devotional Give It Away Read 1 Timothy 6:17-19 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give. - Matthew 10:8 (NIV) The phone rang late one night after I had already gone to bed. It was my friend, Jim, who said, “I’m sorry for calling so late, old buddy, but I just had to give you something.” “Give me something?” I replied. He explained that he had recently promised himself — and God — that he would give away something every day that year. “It doesn’t have to be a big deal,” he said. “I’ve given a quarter to a kid who lost his money in a candy machine, or a book I’ve enjoyed to someone I think will like it. But I realized just a few minutes ago that I hadn’t given anything away yet today, so I thought I’d call you.” “What are you going to give me over the phone?” I asked. “It may not be much,” he answered, “but it’s something.” He then proceeded to read me a short poem that expressed his deep love and respect for me. It was truly a gift. Imagine giving something away every day for a year — or even for a month or a week! It may seem incredible, but it’s not impossible — as my friend’s late night phone call proves! Such generosity can bless the one who gives, even as it blesses those who receive. The Author Robert R. Hostetler (Ohio, USA) Thought for the Day Reading scripture revives the soul. Prayer Dear gracious God, make me a channel of your blessing to someone today. Amen. Prayer focus: To give generously The Daily Reflections from Upper Room Ministries invite you to spend some time with God in reading, prayer, and meditation. Each reflection is based on an excerpt from an Upper Room book or magazine. Visit daily.upperroom.org/ and subscribe for free to receive reflections each day in your inbox.
Posted on: Fri, 12 Jul 2013 13:49:32 +0000