Monday, October 14, 2013

Do not conform

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” -Romans 12:2

Coincidence? 

Concluding Exhortations

13 Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.

Do not quench the Spirit.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:19 (NIV)
 
Early one morning after a big storm, I looked up from my desk to see an agitated young man standing in the doorway of my office. When I invited him in, he sat down and poured out his troubles.
He said he needed food and shelter, which I was able to help him with. Then he said that what he really needed was a new pair of sneakers since his had been ruined by walking in the floodwaters. I suggested a nearby thrift store, and he replied that he had been there and that they would not be open for four days.

 Then the Holy Spirit nudged me to ask him what size sneaker he needed. He said that he wore size 12. That happened to be my size, so I said, “Come with me.” We walked to the trunk of my car where I retrieved the spare pair of size-12 sneakers that I always keep there. I handed them to him; he thanked me, and continued on his way. I returned to my office, grateful that God had used me to help someone and awed at God’s wonderful timing. It reminded me that life’s coincidences are often God’s way of leading us to acts of service.

Thought for the Day

Our interruptions may be God’s opportunities.

Prayer

Ever-present God, we thank you for your guiding Spirit who helps us to look beyond ourselves to see the needs of others. Teach us to listen for your leading and give us the strength to follow. Amen.
 
Prayer focus   To look for opportunities to serve