And whoever gives

one of these little ones

even a cup of cold water

because he is a disciple,

truly, I say to you,

he will by no means

    lose his reward.

             Matthew 10. 42

(Because we are believers

and follow Him,

the love of Jesus

    changes our hearts

    and compels us

       to respond to need.

It is not "I have to"

   but "I get to,"

running into the need

    instead of away from it.

That kind of heart

   is what distinguishes us

   as disciples.

And even outsiders

   expect us to live selflessly

   because we love Jesus,

responding to need

       in many different packages

--physical, spiritual, relational.

What is the cup of cold water

   I need to offer today?

Is my water bottle filled

          and ready to give?

Do I realize

    it is my witness today?)

O LORD,

Prepare our hearts this day

   to give and serve

   and love others

in every glimmer of need.

May we be a witness

   by sensing need

     both visible and hidden,

and by how we respond with

  water bottles ready to give

without even

          a moment's notice.

May love, kindness and grace

    be our default

    and our first response.

Others are watching,

not to see if we fail

     or are perfect,

but if we really love You

   by loving others.

May we bring You honor

    even with this little cup

which is never

      little in Your Kingdom.