Christian Foundations

DEVOTIONAL ARCHIVE

Leaves of Life
Daily Inspiration by Margaret Bird Steinmetz

APRIL TWENTY-EIGHTH

Charles Cotton born 1630.
James Monroe, Virginia, fifth President United States, born 1758.
Anthony Ashley, Earl of Shaftesbury, born 1801.

During a long life I have proved that not one kind word ever spoken, not one kind deed ever done, but sooner or later returns to bless the giver, and becomes a chain, binding men with golden bands to the throne of God.

—Earl of Shaftesbury.

There's many a time when the bitterest thing
Is said without reason, and God knows
The courage it takes to suffer the sting,
By hiding the wounds that the heart shows.

There's many a sob we bravely keep down
For the sake of old times revered so,
There's many a head with thorns for a crown
Where kisses would soon make the heart glow.

—Edwin Leibfreed.

So shalt thou know wisdom to be unto thy soul;
If thou hast found it, then shall there be a reward,
And thy hope shall not be cut off.

—Proverbs 24. 14.

My Father, if I am to-day without happiness, may I go in search of it. Help me to remember that the will thou hast given me to overcome evil with good I may use to overcome misery with happiness. Make me careful that I may not be trapped by selfishness as I look for joy. May I delight in the sweet sensations that are felt in having consideration for others, and may I make kindness a daily habit. Amen.

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