HomeWord - May 14, 2007

Encouraging Others 
This devotional was written by Jim Burns

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. — Romans 12:9-16

If you are a teenager, you may not even remember Cary Grant. Cary Grant was an actor and superstar in every sense of the word. In his later years he made occasional appearances in theaters around the United States billed simply as "A Conversation with Cary Grant." He didn't need much advertising; one small ad would appear in the local newspaper and the theater would be immediately sold out. Everywhere he appeared, he received a standing ovation simply for walking out on stage.

At the end of his performances he always read a piece he called A Meditation, saying he didn't know who wrote it but that this meditation also expressed his own feelings of life. I like it very much and offer it to you today:

"Now Lord, you've known me a long time. You know me better than I know myself. You know that each day I am growing older and someday may even be very old, so meanwhile please keep me from the habit of thinking I must say something on every subject and on every occasion.

Release me from trying to straighten out everyone's affairs. Make me thoughtful, but not moody, helpful but not overbearing. I've a certain amount of knowledge to share, still it would be very nice to have a few friends who, at the end, recognized and forgave the knowledge I lacked.

Please give me the ability to see good in unlikely places and talents in unexpected people. And give me the grace to tell them so, dear Lord.".

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GOING DEEPER:

1. What point in A Meditation strikes you the most?

2. Paraphrase (put into your own words) Romans 12:9-16. Ask God to help you to live out Psalm 128:1-2 in your life this week.

FURTHER READING:

Psalm 128:1-2

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