Simple Obedience - The One Year Daily Acts of Kindness Devotional

Simple Obedience

Today when you hear his voice, don’t harden your hearts.

Hebrews 3:7-8

Making gift bags for the homeless is one of my children’s favorite ways to help in our community. We usually have bags in our car, but during an unusually busy summer I found my car completely empty.

“No big deal,” I thought, “I’ll get some more supplies later.”

A few days went by, and I found myself behind schedule, rushing around town to get to an appointment on time. I was already late when I drove by an intersection where a homeless man I did not recognize was standing on the corner. “Will work for food,” his sign read. Arguing to myself about how I did not have time to stop and how we were out of our gift bags anyway, I quickly turned my head away so as not to make eye contact.

I hurriedly pulled out as the light turned green and then felt a small pang of conviction hit my heart. No, I did not have a gift bag, but there was a gift card in my purse I’d just received from a friend and a fresh, unopened bottle of water I’d taken with me when I’d rushed out the door. I quickly turned the next corner, deciding to go back and hand my meager gift to the very appreciative man on the corner.

Later on that night I told my kids what had happened, explaining to them that the small conviction I felt was from God and how important it is to be sensitive to respond when we feel like God is asking us to do something. My kids nodded their understanding as we prayed again for those experiencing homelessness in our community and asked God to help us be willing to obey what he asks of us.

Have you ever felt conviction over something you did or did not do? Listening to God’s voice and being sensitive to what he is asking of us is an important part of our relationship with him. We should be careful to notice when we feel moved to do or say something—whether we’re at home, at work, or even just driving down the street.

—Kendra

— Today’s Act of Kindness —

Be sensitive to God’s conviction. Listen for what he’s asking you to do, and then obey what he says.