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Thu 10/26

I AFFIRM

My life is anchored by my faith and values.
Thu 10/26

I AFFIRM

My life is anchored by my faith and values.
—1 Corinthians 13:4-7
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”

NIV

Devotion

October 26 2023 Devotion Audio

I Chose Kindness

By: Roberta Messner

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Devotion

I Chose Kindness

By: Roberta Messner

Recently, someone resurrected a perceived wrong I was to have committed two decades before. It was in a setting where I wasn’t given the opportunity to defend myself. I felt wronged … defeated, as the accusation was so targeted, so personal. 

As the days wore on, I found myself closing my heart to doing good for others. That’s people for you, I would tell myself. You try to help everyone, and this is the thanks you get. 

Then my laundry room was out of commission, and I had to take a couple of loads of clothes to the laundromat. I loaded my washers only to discover I was short eight quarters. The change machine was out of order, so I canvassed the aisles.  

“Do you happen to have eight quarters in exchange for two dollar bills?” I asked each person. I was met with blank stares and empty nods. I expected as much, I muttered to myself as I retreated to my car to search for spare change. That’s people for you. 

But when I returned, there were two stacks of four quarters on top of one of my machines. Again, I canvassed the aisles, this time to identify my benefactor. And again, I was met with blank stares. This time, though, they were accompanied by sly smiles. Every single person vehemently denied helping me. 

The kindness was targeted, and oh so personal. And in that moment, I understood. Every day, I have a choice as to which type of person I want to be. 

My once-closed heart cracked open wide. I chose kindness.

Story

October 26 2023 Story

Walking in Confidence of God’s Love

Based on a story by Shawnelle Eliasen
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Shawnelle stood on the sidelines of her youngest son Isaiah’s first baseball practice, watching him step up to bat. His older brothers had all played baseball, and Isaiah had spent several years in the bleachers. Now, it was his turn. He was young for his team, and small. He seemed uncertain, too.

Isaiah lifted his bat, positioned his feet, and looked at the pitcher-coach. When the ball came in, he took a mighty swing. He missed.

He then retook his stance, but his shoulder was sagging. The coach noticed and suggested a smaller bat. They went to the dugout and found one, then took their places again. The ball came in. Another miss.

This went on for a bit, as the coach offered instruction and encouragement. Shawnelle stayed on the sidelines and prayed. Another ball. Another swing. And at last the bat and ball connected!

Isaiah took off running, but instead of looking ahead, his eyes were on Shawnelle. He wore a pure-joy grin. His arms were pumping. His legs were moving. But his eyes were locked solid on hers.

She worried that he’d trip and fall, but he stayed steady, and soon he was on base, a gap-toothed smile beaming bright under his blue helmet. He gave Shawnelle a thumbs-up.

Shawnelle cheered and hollered and whistled. Not because of his performance, but because she loves him.

It occurred to Shawnelle that we all want approval. There’s a longing in the heart that beats for acceptance. We hope for someone to celebrate us. To cheer loudly, to see who we are, and to stand on the sidelines, rooting us on. She was certainly thankful that the Lord had faithfully “cheered her on” throughout her life.

Isaiah rounded the bases and took a seat on the bench, helmet in hand. Shawnelle felt gratitude for the blessing of celebrating her son and offered a silent prayer that as the years passed, Isaiah would find even more joy in the Lord’s rejoicing than in hers.

Reflect

How will you practice gratitude today?

By thanking God for loving and supporting me throughout my journey.

By expressing my gratitude to those around me who help me when I need it most.

By changing my perspective on ordinary things in my life and viewing them with appreciation.

May God’s love encourage and guide your steps today. We’ll see you again soon!

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