Devotion of the Day

“Get” or “Give”?

Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?
Matthew 19:27.

Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.
Acts 3:6.

A lot of water had run under the bridge in Peter’s experience between these verses. Too many disciples are out for what they can get instead of what they can give. “What do I get out of church, what is there in the Christian life for me?” Church members too often expect service and never think of giving it.

Peter had no money to offer but he performed a miracle. The church today no longer says, “Silver and gold have I none,” but neither can she say, “Rise and walk.” Men, money, movements, there are aplenty but few miracles. And there will be none until the Getters become Givers.

Have you moved from “What do I get?” to “What can I give?”

The daily devotions are from Day by Day by Vance Havner. Fleming H. Revell Company, 1953.

Quote of the Day

In one way or another, many of us are “living in the ‘woulds’.” Consider the things some would do if they could. Beyond all the evil that is actually done, think how much more harm would be wrought if men dared or were not prevented. We quote figures on crime and juvenile delinquency, but no one knows how many more would do the same things if they thought they could get away with it. The depravity of the human heart is far deeper than statistics reveal; it boils up in thought and intention and desire. He who looks upon a woman in lust has committed adultery already in his heart. He would hates brother is a murderer. This is “living in the ‘woulds.’ ”

It works the other way. Paul would have visited the Thessalonian believers, but Satan hindered him. Some would have gone to the mission field, but could not. It was in their hearts to go and in God’s sight they really went. “For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not” (II Corinthians 8:12). What would you do if you could?

Of course, some could if they would. God had to overcome the reluctance of Moses and Jeremiah who were unduly modest and timid before their duty. We can do anything we ought to do. It is as wrong to underrate as to overrate ourselves when God calls us. To say that two and two make three is as wrong as to say two and two make five.

The daily devotions are from Pepper ‘n Salt by Vance Havner. Fleming H. Revell Company, 1966.