October 8

In the parable, he who asks bread for the stranger, receives "as many as he needeth." And in what measure will God impart to us that we may impart to others? "According to the measure of the gift of Christ." Eph. 4:7. Angels are watching with intense interest to see how man is dealing with his fellow men. When they see one manifest Christlike sympathy for the erring, they press to his side and bring to his remembrance words to speak that will be as the bread of life to the soul. So "God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." Phil. 4:19. Your testimony in its genuineness and reality He will make powerful in the power of the life to come. The word of the Lord will be in your mouth as truth and righteousness.

             Christ’s Object Lessons p.148

Yesterday we discovered that it is for the needs of others that we should be praying. We shouldn’t, of course, neglect our own needs but we should put the needs of others before our own needs.

Here we see another aspect of God’s continuing, and reliable, concern for us and our world. I love the picture that the Apostle John paints of our connection with God – that God is in us. I really appreciate the image given by Paul that as we ask for the Holy Spirit we are inspired. There is something outside of ourselves that gives us the strength and desire to serve God and to follow His will.

I also like the setting of the reading. There we are, going through our day minding our own business when an opportunity to help someone arrives. An angel, we are told comes alongside us and reminds us of words that we can use to brighten someone’s day.

Yesterday I went to our Doctor’s surgery to pick up a prescription for my wife. I went by bike to save time and to get some exercise. As we live out in the country there is a distance to travel. My bike tyre punctured and I was left having to run, walk and push my bike home. The cyclist who stopped to offer me a new tube, not a puncture repair outfit, was, I imagine, accompanied by an angel. The words he spoke to me put a smile on my face and gave me a little encouragement that has lasted the whole night through.

Today you might find yourself in a position to help someone. You might realise that the opportunity has been prepared in advance for you by God. Now understand that as you help God is also giving you the resources you need to speak for Him. We really can, "do all things through Christ who strengthens us."