Daily Devotionals
Daily Devotional: Psalms 72:12-15
Ps 72:12-15
12 For he will deliver the needy who cry out, the afflicted who have no one to help. 13 He will take pity on the weak and the needy and save the needy from death. 14 He will rescue them from oppression and violence, for precious is their blood in his sight. 15 Long may he live! May gold from Sheba be given him. May people ever pray for him and bless him all day long.
Eph 4:28
28 He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.
There is no better way to show our thanksgiving to God than to share what we have with others and especially those who are in need. But who is in need? What do I have that I can share with someone? Almost everyone is in need. Financial needs are the most obvious but often the greatest needs are not anything money can buy. We need friends who will care about us and listen to us. Most of us can take a little time and visit with someone who is shut in and lonely. There are needs such as helping the elderly around their homes or helping some young mother with her children. We can speak a kind word to someone and lift their spirits for the day. Most of all, we can pray for others and let them know we are praying for them and their situations.
God delivers the needy and comforts the depressed. He can do his job without us and our interference but he would rather use us in his service. This means we can be the voice of God in a dark world. We can be the hands of God to those in need or the feet of God for those who cannot get out on their own. The word of God places great emphasis on compassion, mercy, being thoughtful and helpful. Jesus often felt compassion on those who were oppressed.
So this Thanksgiving season, let each of us see how many ways we can show our gratitude to God for all he has done and is doing in our lives by helping someone each day. Then when the turkey is all gone, we can continue to do this for the rest of the year until it becomes a habit and eventually a part of our lives.
My loving heavenly Father, I thank you for all you have done for me and all you do for me each day. Without you I would not be here and I would not be able to share such great love with my family. I am so thankful for your spiritual family and the ability to be a part of it. I want to have a pure heart like Jesus your Son. I need your help to be as compassionate as he was while on earth. Keep me from being selfish with what I have and use myself in your service by serving those around me. Be with those who are sick and struggling today. I pray in Jesus name.
Robert
