Christian Foundations

DEVOTIONAL ARCHIVE

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“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’”

--Matthew 25:37-40

Once there were two young men working their way through Leland Stanford University. Their funds reached an all-time low, so they got the bright idea to solicit Polish pianist Ignace Paderewski, who was touring the U.S., for a piano recital. They decided they would devote the profits to their board and tuition.

The pianist’s manager asked for a guarantee of $2,000. The fearless students worked hard to promote and stage the concert, but wound up only raising $1,600. After the concert, the two students presented the artist with their earnings along with a promissory note for $400 explaining they would earn the amount as soon as possible and send it to him.

Paderewski said, “No, I’m sorry, but that won’t do.” He tore the note to shreds, returned the money to them, and continued, “Take out of this $1,600 all of your expenses, keep for each of you 10 percent of the balance for your work, and let me have the rest.”

Years went by and Paderewski became the premier of Poland. As war came upon the world, Paderewski strived to feed thousands of his starving Polish countrymen. Paderewski knew there was only one man in the world that could help his people. He called upon him, and tons of food began to flow into Poland for distribution.

After the people were fed, Paderewski traveled to Paris to thank his friend, Herbert Hoover, for the relief sent. Mr. Hoover replied, “That’s all right, Mr. Paderewski. Besides, you don’t remember it, but you helped me once when I was a student at college and I was in a hole.”

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Ask the Lord to give you the opportunity to serve others in need this season. Thank Him for the blessings He has given you and for taking care of all your needs.

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