The Christian has great power in his or her hand- power to do real good.--In Proverbs 23-7 we find an instruction not to withhold- the object we should not hold back is good- the subjects who are to receive good are those to whom it is due- the circumstances in which we are to do good to those to whom it is due are when it is in the power of our hands to do good.--The example before us is always that of our Lord Jesus Christ. Given his mercies toward us, we need to reflect on our lives, repent of our sins, and repair what is broken and restore what is lacking.

A clear mind is vital if we are to hold our course under any circumstances, let alone the present difficulties. Amidst a flood of information-much of it misinformation or disinformation, opinion masquerading as fact and news-the apostle Paul calls us to fill our minds with whatever things are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report. We are to concentrate on what is truly virtuous and genuinely praiseworthy-pleasing to God himself. These are the things that are most clearly manifested in Christian character and action.

The Lord Jesus had been demonstrating his might and mercy among the people who thronged to him, teaching, preaching and healing. --What did he see- He saw a multitude gathering around him, full of need.--What did he feel- He felt compassion, moved to the depth of his being with divine pity.--Why did he pity them- Because of their spiritual plight-they were weary and scattered, mangled and thrown down, as sheep having no shepherds. They had been betrayed, abused, afflicted, abandoned.--How then, did he pray, and instruct us to pray- That the Lord of the harvest would send out labourers into his harvest field.