Just Reach Out

Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others (Philippians 2:4, New American Standard Bible).

Scripture: Philippians 2:1-5
Song: "Channels Only"

Todd gripped the jail cell's window bars and looked outside in despair. He hadn't meant to get caught selling cocaine. Now he was locked up for a long time.

He's been learning about the occult and figured he'd use his jail time to learn more about psychic phenomena. As he pondered these things, Todd looked up and saw two inmates looking at him. One held out his hand. "We wanted to introduce ourselves," the man said.

When they discovered his interest in psychic matters, the other man said he'd pursued the same thing, but "then I met Jesus Christ and was baptized." Todd listened closely and then began meeting with the men for a Bible study led by a jail volunteer. Todd was baptized in jail. After his release, Todd married, became a business owner, and eventually served as a deacon in his church.

Todd's two jail mates could have chosen to read their Bibles or pray that day. Instead, they reached out to help someone else. And so I'm seriously considering: Who in my world of associations needs a helping hand today?

Prayer: Lord, I don't know exactly who I'll encounter today, but give me the eyes to see needs and willingness to help. Thank You, in Jesus' name. Amen.

- taken from 365 Devotions by Standard (Pocket Edition)