Wednesday, 20th November, 2024
Bible Reading: Matthew 25: 34-40, James 1:17
Memory Verse: Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Colossians 3:12 (BLB)
There is a little coffee shop, where two people arrive and approached the counter. “Five coffees please. Two for us and three hanging.” They paid, they took their two coffees and left. I asked the waiter, “What’s this about hanging coffees?” “Wait and you’ll see,” she replied. Some more people came in. Two girls asked for a coffee each, they paid and left. The following order was for seven coffees and it was made by three women – ‘three for them and four hanging coffees.’ I was left wondering.
What is the meaning of the hanging coffees they leave behind? Then, a man dressed in worn clothes, who looked like he might be homeless, arrived at the counter and asked sincerely, “Do you have a coffee hanging?” “Yes we do, sir.” They serve him a coffee. I got my answer. People pay in advance for a coffee that will be served to whoever can’t afford a hot drink. This tradition started in Naples. Amazingly, it has spread throughout the world’s cities and towns. It’s also possible to order not only “hanging coffees” but also a sandwich or a full low cost meal.
Wouldn’t it be great if we could all start doing this in the cities and towns where we live? Small kindnesses like this can impact so many lives in ways we could never imagine. Maybe we should all try it. If all you dream and do is centred on you, your spouse, and your children, your vision is small. You have fulfilled the passage of the scripture which says a man who cannot provide for his household is worse than an infidel, but you have neglected other scriptures about giving. What about God, and His servants in full time ministry without salaries? What about the missionaries?
What about the Pastor’s children whose father is living with little or nothing? What about the widows? What about the orphans? Beloved, you must deliberately apportion part of your resources to these kind of people. Show a little kindness. Life is not in the abundance of things a man possesses. Living is giving, and giving is living. Increase your sphere of giving. Give a smile. Give a hug. Give a listening ear. Give a word of encouragement. There is no one – poor or rich, young or old – who doesn’t have something to give. Go and show a little kindness today and always.
Quote: The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the greatest intention – Khalil Gibran.
Prophetic Decree: Receive a heart full of compassion and kindness, in Jesus name.
Prayer Focus
1. I receive a heart of love and empathy, in Jesus name.
2. Lord, use me as a vessel to reach out to orphanages, in Jesus name.
3. Lord, please use me as a vessel to reach out to missionaries and mission agents propagating the Word of God in hazardous areas, in Jesus name.
4. O Lord, use me as a channel of blessings to the servants serving in your vineyard and to their families, in Jesus name.
5. O Lord, please use me as a vessel to communicate your kindness to the widows, in Jesus name.
6. I receive grace to communicate kindness to my neighbours, in Jesus name.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Acts 11-12