The Upper Room Devotion for Friday, August 18, 2023, was written by Wayne Holland of Nevada.
Scripture
32 This Jesus God raised up, and of that all of us are witnesses. 33 Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you both see and hear. 34 For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he himself says, ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at my right hand, 35 until I make your enemies your footstool.”’
Acts 2:32-35 NRSV
Author's Thoughts
One day when I was in line at the grocery store, a woman was looking to see how much money she had. Sadness grew on her face as she saw she did not have enough to cover everything. She ended up having to leave a couple of items behind. As she walked away, the person right behind her told the cashier to put her remaining groceries on his tab. The box boy grabbed the groceries and chased after the woman as she left. A few minutes later she came bounding back into the store, thanking everyone she could find for helping with her purchase. She never found the person who actually bought those last couple of items, but he saw her and had a big smile on his face.
Jesus wants his follower always to look for opportunities to serve, to "pass his love forward." For that man the amount of money he spent for the woman's groceries may not have been very much; but to her, it was significant. I don't think anything can truly be called a "small kindness." What we may consider insignificant might move someone from sadness to hope. As Christians we should understand that no matter how small the kindness we exhibit, it can be magnified many times over by God to change someone's life.
Pastor Anthony's Thoughts
Friends,
I invite you to reread Wayne's reflection and ask yourself: How will I partner with God to bless someone today?
Author's Prayer
Dear Lord, strengthen us to show your love and kindness to everyone we meet. Amen.