Today’s Devotional |
Today's Devotional
- Memory Verse
- Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled (Matthew 5:6).
One of history’s greatest revivals took place in Wales in 1904. There was such a move of God evident that writers and ministers from several countries visited Wales to become eyewitnesses of the revival. One Chicago religious paper published the following account: “A wonderful revival is sweeping over Wales. The whole country, from the city to the colliery underground, is aflame with gospel glory. Police courts are hardly necessary, public houses are being deserted, old debts are being paid to satisfy awakened consciences, and definite and unmistakable answers to prayer are recorded.”
Notice the emphasis on the changed life during the Welsh revival. Playing church goes out of style. The heart’s desire is for righteousness during revival. And no wonder! The revived heart is surrendered to the Lord and the fruit of the Spirit comes through: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law” (Galatians 5: 22-23).
The world has seen enough empty profession. It is time for Christians to demonstrate the righteousness of Christ in daily life: “He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked” (I John 2:6).
Imagine the impact of the ministry of your pastor if every member of the church had righteousness as his aim. Gone would be the excuses of backsliders and sinners who have been pointing accusations at those who are inconsistent in Christian living.
What changes would you experience in life if righteousness became your goal?
Daily Devotionals
“As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God…”
Psalm 42:1, 2
“Soul Food” is a daily devotional written by Dr. Jack Van Impe that brings God’s Word to life.
“The Tender Touch” is a weekly devotional from the heart of Dr. Rexella Van Impe.
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- Soul Food
- Tender Touch
- Memory Verse
- Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, 0 LORD God of hosts (Jeremiah 15:16).
What does a revival do to the attitude of people toward the Bible? Listen to Jonathan Edwards: “While God was so remarkably present amongst us by His Spirit, there was no book so delightful as the Bible; especially the Book of Psalms, the Prophecy of Isaiah, and the New Testament. Some, by reason of their love to God’s Word, at times, have been wonderfully delighted and affected at the sight of a Bible; and then, also, there was no time so prized as the Lord’s Day, and no place so desired as God’s House.”
Since the Holy Spirit is the source of revival and is also the Author of the Bible, it is not surprising that the work of God and the Word of God are closely associated. The Bible is a mighty power in giving victory over sin. Neglect of the Bible brings spiritual bankruptcy to any Christian.
“These two hath God married
And no man can part;
Dust on your Bible
Means drought in your heart.”
Revival, then, sends men to their Bibles for guidance, comfort and victory over sin. You have those needs right now. They are always with us. Therefore, we do not have to wait until someone declares the arrival of revival. Go to God’s treasure chest — the Bible — and allow its message to change your life. Find spiritual food there for the battles of this very day!
- Memory Verse
- For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:12).
Today’s church is often afflicted by the “spectator syndrome.” The saints sit and soak while the pastor does most of the ministering. But this is not God’s plan for His people. Here’s the plan: “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:11-12).
Every Christian is to be ministering. This is God’s order. And in revival, the saints are activated. They are no longer content to try to fulfill their obligations to God by giving toward the pastor’s salary and being listeners. Yet this may describe your present participation in your church.
Ask God to stir your heart today and get busy for Christ! There is no excuse for inactivity. God has given you everything that is necessary to perform His will. Whether you are ministering to the needs of other Christians or busy in evangelizing your community or the world, you can do the task God intends for you to do. So, begin where you are and with what you have.
- Visit someone who is sick and pray for him.
- Take food to a needy person.
- Volunteer to teach a Sunday School class.
- Shock your pastor by showing up for visitation.
- Distribute tracts throughout your neighborhood.
Don’t wait for the pastor to bring revival. Think on the teaching he has already given and put it into practice. Do the work of the ministry.
- Memory Verse
- Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, 0 God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness (Psalm 51:14).
Backsliders are silenced. Their testimonies are squelched. They feel unworthy to talk about the Lord to others. They ask, “Who am I?” Before they return to the Lord, their lives are barren — desert like. Hear David describe his feelings while in this condition: “When I kept silence, my bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long. For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me: my moisture is turned into the drought of summer” (Psalm 32:3,4).
But no one needs to dwell in that desert.
All backsliders are invited back to the open arms of Jesus.
Read David’s description of his return: “I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin” (Psalm 32:5). How blessed!
Psalm 51 is David’s prayer of confession as he returns to the Lord. Note that he not only expected forgiveness but also knew that his song would return, as well as his usefulness: “Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee” (Psalm 51:13).
Are you far from God? It is time now for you to rid yourself of that heavy load you have been carrying. Confess your sins to Christ and claim His forgiveness. Commit your life to Him and get busy in His service. Return to your church and let others know what has happened in your life!
Returning, your tongue will again sing aloud of His righteousness and love.
- Memory Verse
- And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD (Psalm 40:3).
Do you remember the pit? The one you were in when Christ saved you? You called and He answered. You came to Him and found that He would not cast you out. Your heart was overjoyed and you began to tell others about your Saviour. There was a new song in your mouth, even praise to your God.
But something has happened to your song.
Like many others, your most fruitful time of witnessing was right after your conversion. Your feet stood firm on the solid rock after having been lifted from the miry clay. You felt secure for the first time in your life. Your sins were gone and you knew it. Heaven was ahead and you rejoiced in it. All your old friends became prospects for witnessing. A number of them were saved as a result of your radiant testimony. You thought seriously about becoming a missionary, a pastor, a youth worker, or some other full-time Christian servant.
Then you began to take the Christian life for granted. Seeing others content to just go to church and take in without giving out, you concluded that must be a normal Christianity. Somehow, you settled down into a rut. Not the pit...but a rut. Now you’re tired of living this way. You want to get back to the basics... reality... revival.
What can you do?
Glance back at the pit again. Don’t dive in, but just remember what it was that Christ did to save you from that awful miry clay. He died for you...gave himself on the cross...shed His blood.
Now aren’t you glad you’re saved? If you are, start singing!
- Memory Verse
- I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me (Psalm 39:1).
Some things are better left unsaid, especially in the presence of those who are looking for some reason to doubt the reality of your faith in Christ. A watching world is far more likely to remember your lapse than your light. Christians are continually on display and careless words can spoil a testimony that has taken years to build.
A fit of anger can be forgiven at the moment you confess your sin to the Lord, but it will never be forgotten by those who witnessed your explosion. Your demand for your rights may seem perfectly justified but it would be far better to take wrong if your witness for Christ would be damaged by some indignant outburst.
Perhaps you remember a time when you lowered your standards of speech before others. You complained when you should have been thankful. You used near profanity to punctuate and emphasize an argument. You gave someone a piece of your mind over a trifle.
What can you do about it?
Probably nothing. Even apologies may accomplish little.
But you can bridle your tongue in the future. There are more important things than getting your way. If you are a Christian, you represent your Saviour. You are the best Christian somebody knows. Don’t give the enemies of the Lord cause to rejoice.
When you feel like exploding, keep that bridle handy.
Don’t disappoint Jesus by what you say.
Take heed...that you sin not with your tongue!
- Memory Verse
- Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men (Romans 12:17).
There was in a certain village a very mean man who sold wood to his neighbors, and who always took advantage of them by cutting the logs a few inches under the required four feet. One day the report came that the woodchopper had been saved. Nobody believed the report, for they all declared that he was beyond being reached.
One man, however, slipped quietly out of the grocery store where the conversion was being discussed and soon came running back in excitement and shouted: “It’s so! He has been converted! I have been to his house and measured the wood that he cut yesterday. It is a good four feet long!” That testimony convinced the crowd.
Some who are saved are still cutting short logs! If revival came to their hearts, the logs would lengthen. Their customers would begin to get fair measure. The government would receive honest income tax reports. Their employees would receive better wages. Their employers would get a day’s work for a day’s pay. The Lord would receive His due.
Words are wasted when one who is not honest tries to witness to others about Christ. Actions speak louder than words.
Some time ago, Newsweek revealed that cheating is so prevalent in our schools and colleges that the practice is considered to be normal. Those who assist the cheaters are considered “good neighbors.”
When God is in control of a life, cheating and dishonesty in business must go. Revival makes men walk as they talk.
How long are your logs?
- Memory Verse
- And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold (Luke 19:8).
At the conversion of Zacchaeus, he announced he would make restitution to those he had wronged. That was Scriptural and is a good sign of the work of God in our hearts. Here are some facts about restitution:
1. Restitution begins with a desire to be right with men.
2. Restitution is personal and private. Zacchaeus did not give details or names to the crowd, only an announcement that he would deal privately with those he had wronged.
3. Restitution has to do with money or property. It is impossible to make restitution for immoral acts.
4. Restitution is biblical (Exodus 22:1).
5. Restitution is different than reconciliation. Reconciliation is the putting away of differences so that enemies become friends.
Revivals always produce acts of restitution. Debts are paid that have long since been written off as lost. Items that have been stolen are returned or paid for. Damage that has been done to another’s property is cared for by payment or repair. These are acts that flow from the God-given desire to be right with man.
A store clerk once asked: “What has happened to that young man from your church? He was in yesterday to pay for candy that he said he had stolen.” God had moved his heart and he wanted to do right. That is a sign of revival. The 21st century finds churches full of hypocrisy. So-called Christians won’t pay their debts and make amends.
If you don’t want to do right...better not pray for revival!
My husband and I were recently in
Israel. Almost everywhere we went, we saw
children, running, playing, shouting. I thought
that Jesus must have seen children, too, as He
visited the places we did, and I was tenderly
reminded of how much He loves children.
On one occasion the disciples tried to keep
the children from Jesus, and the Bible says He
rebuked them. Jesus said, Suffer little
children, and forbid them not, to come unto me:
for of such is the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 19:14).
Jesus not only had a special love for
children while He was here on earth, but when He
returns He is going to give special attention to
them. Zechariah 8:5 says, And the streets of
the city shall be full of boys and girls playing
in the streets thereof.
Unfortunately, there are people today who
do not share God's love for children. Instead,
they abuse children, mistreat them, and even
kill them. Child abuse is now being called
"the most under-reported crime in the United
States." America's children -- our nation's
most precious resource -- are in peril.
Scarcely a day goes by without the
headlines screaming out the tragic loss of a child's
life somewhere in the country, or the media
reports another case of sexual abuse of an
innocent child or the beating of a youngster. It
is a tragedy, a crime of monstrous proportions,
with children -- the most vulnerable members
of our society -- the targets of abuse.
Psychologists are now telling us that
parents who physically or emotionally abuse their
small children were reared in a similar
manner. In view of this, child abuse is a matter we
must make our concern. My reading has
revealed that parents who batter their children,
whether emotionally, physically, or a
combination of both, say that is how they were
raised. They say they don't know any other
way to keep their kids in line. Thus the cycle
of abuse continues from one generation to another.
Abuse often goes unrecognized
One tragedy of child abuse is that parental
or adult child abusers often go unrecognized
for a number of reasons. Often the outside
world really doesn't want to become involved
in what could turn out to be a long, drawn-out
situation. There may not be enough evidence
for outsiders to justify their early involvement,
or they may want to spare the child any
additional, needless hurt.
Another reason child abusers go unrecognized
and unpunished is because of adult
denial. When a child reports that he has been
or is being abused by an adult, too often his
parents or the authorities will deny it. Some
parents who do not wish to cause problems
within the family or with friends or neighbors
will shame their children into silence.
We have Sigmund Freud to blame, in part,
for parental denial. He fashioned what came
to be called the "seduction theory" based upon
early encounters with young girls who were
brought to him by their parents. In 1905 he
published the theory that children were ruled
by their infantile sexual desires and that the
sexual "abuses" children reported could not be
believed as real events because the abuses
were merely the children's own deepest wishes.
Because of this, our culture, pervaded with
Freudian psychology, for 60 years has ignored
or de-emphasized children's reports of seduction,
cruelty, and sexual coercion by family
members and/or by friends or neighbors.
Some adults are now speaking out after
years of silence and telling of their experiences
as abused children. They say that a
common message they received was, "You're
bad even to think such thoughts," when they
tried telling their mothers what was actually happening.
Fortunately, today people are beginning to
be aware of child abuse, to talk about it, and to
do something about it. Recent reports in the
news media about child abuse at preschools
have done much to heighten public awareness
of the problem. This has led to the formation
of community services and self-help groups
to deal with the increasing problems both for
abusers and the abused.
Awareness within the Christian community
has grown along with public awareness.
Adult "care-givers" in both arenas are working
diligently to provide treatment and counsel.
They are even teaching youngsters how to
protect themselves from abuse and where to
go for help if it is needed. We should recognize
and admit that the abuse of children is a
problem that affects not only society but the
church as well. The church should be ready at
all times to minister to an abused child or to
an abusive family.
What is child abuse?
How is child abuse actually defined? The
public is, by and large, uncertain as to what
constitutes abuse, and that accounts, in part,
for an under-reporting of suspected child abuse.
"Doesn't every parent have the responsibility
and the right to discipline his child?"
someone may ask. As Christians, we believe
we have a biblical mandate to train up our
children in the way they should go, and where
necessary, to use corrective measures. My
own parents, as well as Jack's parents,
exercised controlled discipline with us, and I see
others doing the same. The key word is
controlled.
Professionals who speak of child abuse are
not referring to the spankings parents give
their children now and then when the children
deserve a firm hand on the bottom of their
anatomy. Abuse, they say, isn't something
that happens "now and then." It is consistent
and severe and is motivated by the parents'
hostility and unresolved inner conflict rather
than by a desire to change the child's behavior.
It is usually irrational and uncontrolled.
Often the abusing parent has unrealistic
expectations of what the child is capable of
doing and giving. I've seen parents fly into a
rage in a restaurant when their two- or
three-year-old spills his milk. Parents who respond
in an uncontrolled manner will view the
child's accident as a commentary on their
behavior rather than as a normal three-year-old's
clumsiness.
The National Committee for Prevention of
Child Abuse describes child abuse in this way:
- Child abuse is an injury or a pattern of
injuries to a child that is non-accidental. - Child abuse is damage to a child for
which there is no reasonable explanation. - Child abuse includes nonaccidental
physical injury, sexual molestation,
neglect, and emotional abuse.
Nonaccidental physical injury may include
severe beatings, burns, human bites, or
immersion in scalding water.
Sexual molestation is exploitation of a
child for the sexual gratification of an adult,
such as rape, incest, fondling of the genitals,
or exhibitionism.
Neglect is a failure to provide a child with
the basic necessities of life which include
food, clothing, shelter, or medical care.
Emotional abuse is excessive, aggressive,
or unreasonable parental behavior that places
unreasonable demands upon the child to
perform above his capabilities. Examples may
include constant teasing, belittling, or verbal
attacks; no love, no support, and no guidance.
- Child abuse is NOT usually a single
physical attack or a single act of deprivation
or molestation. Child abuse is a
pattern of behavior. Its effects are
cumulative: the longer it continues, the
more serious it becomes and the more
serious the child's injuries.
Signs of abuse: what to look for
What should you look for if you suspect
abuse? Are there signs?
Victims will often retreat into a silent
world. The reason for this is that they are
frightened or they may innately sense that
what has happened to them is wrong and they
are too embarrassed to tell. They believe they
will be thought of as bad and that they will be
blamed or punished.
Watch for physical signs, warnings that
something is amiss. There may be bruises,
welts, genital pain, or bleeding. If a parent
observes drastic changes in a child's behavior,
he or she should be sensitive to the fact that
something may be wrong. A toilet-trained
child may suddenly, for no apparent reason,
become a bed wetter. A child might resist a
babysitter whom he or she hadn't objected to
previously.
Children may be sending unspoken
messages -- an unusual quietness...not wanting to
discuss things that are happening at school.
Or the children may be unusually fearful.
There may be a cringing, drawing back from
being touched, a reluctance to meet strangers
or even people they know.
A child's inability to concentrate in school
and subsequent poor grades may indicate that
some form of abuse is occurring in the home.
A child's withdrawal from friends and fun
activities or difficulty in sleeping or eating are
other signs that something is amiss.
What can you do?
If you are a parent or care-giver and you
suspect child abuse, take the child to a
physician. Reassure the child that you love him,
but take steps to protect the child by calling
the police or child welfare bureau. Above all,
provide that assurance the child needs from
you. Impress upon him that he didn't do
anything wrong in telling you. If you suspect
your spouse is molesting your child, win the
child's confidence and ask appropriate
questions.
Teach your children how to recognize
danger. Let them know that most adults are
loving people but that there are some who may
cause them harm. They need to be taught that
they are not to go anywhere with a stranger or
even with a casual acquaintance and that they
are never to accept candy or money from such
a person. Teach your children to say no to an
adult who tries to bribe them in some way.
Teach your children that there are some
parts of the body that are not to be touched by
other people. You can teach your children that
not even people they love and trust should
ever touch them in these places...and they
should be wary when adult friends are acting
secretive or when they say, "Don't tell."
If you are an abusive parent who needs
help, I am happy to tell you that there are
support systems available. Parents Anonymous
has chapters throughout the country which
offer non-judgmental help. Their toll-free
number is 1-800-421-0353. Another self-help
organization is called SCAN, Stop Child
Abuse Now. For these and other helpful
groups, look in your telephone book under
"Child Abuse."
There are also community mental health
clinics which provide help; family counseling
services; city, county, or state social agencies;
family mediation and crisis centers; and
parents' aid societies. All such agencies and
organizations are listed in the telephone directory
white or yellow pages and most provide
services free of charge.
If you suspect that a child is being abused
in some way -- whether physically, verbally,
emotionally, sexually, or through neglect -- act
at once by calling the police department.
Even if you have no proof, don't hold back.
Don't be afraid of "causing trouble." I've
been told that the police will act on
anonymous complaints of suspected child abusers,
so don't fear involvement with the authorities.
Remember, it is the lives of innocent children
who are in peril.
I suppose this story has been told in a
variety of ways, but it illustrates so well the
heart-cry of all mankind.
As I heard it, a little boy woke up in the
midst of a violent storm, frightened by the
thunder and lightning, and cried out for his
mother. She reassured him, and told him
never to be afraid of the dark or the storm
because God was right there with him.
In a few minutes the child cried out again,
and the mother went back to his side and
reminded the youngster of her earlier assurance
that God was with him in the storm. "I
know," said the lad, "but I want someone with
skin on!"
Don't we all? Religions based on noble
thoughts or impersonal cosmic forces, or
centered around idols made of stone or wood, do
not satisfy the deep longing inside the human
breast for a God with whom we can have a
personal, living experience. We seek a God
we can touch -- Someone with skin on -- to be
our Example, our Saviour, and our Intercessor.
Centuries after the time when God himself
came down to the Garden of Eden in the cool
of the evening to walk, talk, and have fellowship
with Adam and Eve, sinful man had lost
sight of who God was and what He was like.
Mankind stumbled about in the dark, disobedient
and lost.
So God sent His Son to earth once again to
reveal to man what God is like and to restore
the lines of communication and fellowship.
And to help man relate to God, the Father
wrapped His Christmas present to the world --
the divine spirit and person of His Son -- in
human skin!
The Apostle Paul wrote, For God, who
commanded the light to shine out of darkness,
hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of
the knowledge of the glory of God in the face
of Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 4:6).
Jesus, our Example
The old gospel song, "Where He Leads I'll
Follow," has a tremendous message in its
lyrics. One line in particular describes Jesus
by saying, "He the Great Example is, and
Pattern for me."
The truth is, Jesus gave us an example for
living as well as His life. When we see how
Jesus lived, how He acted, how He responded
to other people and the circumstances of daily
life, we catch a glimpse of how we should
live. Oh, if only we would ask ourselves,
"What would Jesus do?" when faced with
life's tough decisions and choices.
We know that His life was an outpouring
of love and joy. His very first recorded miracle
was performed at a wedding! He had dear,
cherished friends in Mary, Martha, and
Lazarus, in whose home He enjoyed rest and
fellowship. When Lazarus died and Jesus was
called, we're told He wept for His friend.
Onlookers even noted, Behold how he loved
him! (John 11:36). And Jesus raised Lazarus
from the dead.
The Gospels are filled with examples of
the compassion of our Lord. And Jesus, when
he came out, saw much people, and was
moved with compassion toward them (Mark 6:34).
We're told He taught them...and later
fed them.
Acts 10:38 tells how God anointed Jesus
of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with
power: who went about doing good, and healing
all that were oppressed of the devil; for
God was with him.
This is the example Jesus set for us -- He
went about doing good. In love and compassion,
He met people's needs, touching, healing,
and lifting them. And that is what we are
to do.
In today's dark world, you and I may well
be the only light some people will ever see.
We are the only hands of God that will ever
touch them. Ours are the only feet that will
bring the good news of the gospel to them.
I tell you, if Christ's hands are not extended
through ours, He will never reach out to
some people. That individual in your world
crying out for someone with skin on to come
to him...is waiting for you.
"Oh, Rexella," you say, "how could we
ever expect to be like Jesus and minister as He did?"
Because He said so. Jesus said, Verily,
verily, [truly, truly] I say unto you, He that
believeth on me, the works that I do shall he
do also; and greater works than these shall he
do; because I go unto my Father. And whatsoever
ye shall ask in my name, that will I do,
that the Father may be glorified in the Son
(John 14:12,13).
Jesus, our Saviour
A short time after the birth of Jesus, Mary
and Joseph brought Him to Jerusalem to the
Temple to be presented to the Lord, according
to the law of Moses. Two remarkable and
beautiful things happened there that day.
First, there was a priest named Simeon, an
old man who had been promised that he would
not die until he had seen the Lord's Christ.
When He saw Jesus, he took Him in his arms,
and blessed God, and said, Lord, now lettest
thou thy servant depart in peace, according to
thy word: for mine eyes have seen thy salvation
(Luke 2:29,30).
There was also an 84-year-old prophetess
named Anna in the Temple. The Bible says
that she coming in that instant gave thanks
likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him
[Jesus] to all them that looked for redemption
in Jerusalem (Luke 2:38).
Why is it so significant that Simeon and
Anna recognized Jesus as the Saviour?
Perhaps God knew that we today needed to see
this confirmation of the faith of others in the
holy Scriptures. The majority then and now
could not see who He was and is because of
spiritual blindness. The Lord Jesus entered
the world He had created to rescue fallen man,
yet those with whom He desired to be
intimately associated rejected Him.
The Bible says, He was in the world, and
the world was made by him, and the world
knew him not. He came unto his own, and his
own received him not (John 1:10,11).
Jesus knew the price He would have to pay
as the Saviour of the world. The Christmas
card picture of Him being revered as a beautiful
baby in a manger was for a brief moment.
The adulation of those touched by the compassionate
prophet, teacher, and healer lasted only
a few days.
Jesus grew up in a humble home, in a
despised village. His brothers and sisters
misunderstood Him. The religious leaders of the
day hated Him. And finally, when He was
falsely convicted and crucified, His own disciples
forsook Him.
But He died for everyone to redeem all
mankind, willingly, by choice. He came to be
a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord (Luke 2:11).
Someone has said that Jesus would have
come to earth, suffered and died, to save just
one person. And I believe that is true. But it
is also true that, had the Lord been born ten
thousand times in Bethlehem, it would have
been ineffective...unless He had a birth in our
hearts. Only then is He our Saviour.
Jesus, our Intercessor
I've often heard the old folk proverb which
suggests that before one criticizes a person, he
should walk a mile in his shoes. The point is,
of course, that one cannot really understand
someone else's behavior unless one has gone
through their tests and trials.
The writer of the Book of Hebrews
reminds us that because Jesus, the Son of God,
came down and wrapped himself in human
skin and walked in our shoes, He knows what
we're going through...He understands. For we
have not an high priest which cannot be
touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but
was in all points tempted like as we are, yet
without sin (Hebrews 4:15).
Under the law of Moses, the role of the
high priest was to intercede before God for
mankind. And Jesus, who provided the
ultimate sin offering in His death on the cross,
now serves as our Intercessor in heaven before
the Father.
Having walked the rocky road of human
existence before us, He fully understands what
it means to be hungry, tired, and penniless
...to be misunderstood, slandered, falsely
accused...to endure heartache, physical pain and
suffering...even death!
Oh, He knows what you're going through,
He understands what you need...and He cares!
He sees your struggles, He hears your cry.
And He is reaching out to you.
I heard about a little girl whose mother
was in the hospital, and who was spending the
night alone with her father. Soon after her dad
turned out the lights, the little girl said,
"Daddy, are you there?"
"Yes, child," he said, "I'm here."
It was quiet for a moment, and then a little
voice asked, "Daddy, are you looking at me?"
What a joy to know that, in our darkest
hours, we can go ahead and go to sleep knowing
that Jesus stays awake all night looking
after us!
I love the beautiful words of the old song
that says,
Can we find a friend so faithful,
Who will all our sorrows share;
Jesus knows our every weakness;
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Just now, reach out and touch the "skin" of
Jesus the Lord, God's "unspeakable gift" of
love. Receive Him as your Example, accept
Him as your Saviour, trust Him as your
Intercessor.
In my daily Bible reading, I've been noticing
how much is mentioned about the hands
of our Lord. Again and again the Gospels
relate how He reached out to people in their
need and hurt and sorrow. And when He
touched them, they were never the same
again.
His hands healed the sick
After He began His earthly ministry, great
multitudes thronged about Him wherever He
went. Those who were sick, blind, and
lame -- even those marked for death with the
curse of leprosy -- came to Him seeking to be
healed and made whole.
When the hands of Jesus touched them,
pain and suffering ceased, diseases and
infirmities were cured, and lives shattered and
ruined by sickness were restored.
His hands fed the multitude
It was the hands of Jesus that fed the
multitudes who followed Him out into the desert
place to hear His words. When evening came,
Christ's disciples urged Him to send the
people away. But Jesus saw their hunger and
weariness and, in compassion, desired to
minister to them.
Taking a few small loaves and fishes --
barely enough for one small boy's lunch -- the
Lord blessed the food. Then His hands began
to break and divide the bread and fish into
portions which He gave to His disciples to
serve.
We're told that 5,000 men were fed that
day, not counting the women and children.
And when everybody had eaten all they
wanted, there were twelve baskets full of
leftovers! The hands of Jesus not only provided
enough...but plenty to spare.
His hands blessed the children
Loving children as I do, my heart is
touched to read the biblical account of how
the hands of Jesus blessed and comforted the
little children. He specifically told His disciples
not to prevent them from coming to Him.
And in my mind's eye, I can see the Lord
sitting down and opening His arms to them. As
they eagerly jostled about, perhaps He lifted a
toddler into His lap, shook hands with an older
lad, touched the cheek of a shy little girl. And
as His gentle hands patted little shoulders and
smoothed tousled hair, the Lord blessed these
little ones. Somehow I think they probably
never forgot that day when the hands of Jesus
touched them.
The hands of the Master
No doubt the hands of Jesus were strong
and powerful. Growing up around Joseph's
carpenter shop, He probably learned to hold
and use various tools to shape and assemble
wood into useful items. His hands knew how
to work.
It was those strong hands that later would
grasp a whip as an indignant Jesus drove the
callous money changers out of the holy halls of
the Temple. Those hands were instruments of
righteousness and justice.
It was those hands that reached out to lift
and save impetuous Peter who, after walking
on the water toward Jesus, took his eyes off
the Lord and began to sink.
There are so many other references to the
hands of Jesus that we could talk about. But
the single most important mention of Christ's
hands is when they were nailed to the cross.
A very dear, life-long friend gave me a
beautiful wall plaque, which I have hanging in
my kitchen. It says:
I asked Jesus, "How much do You love me?"
"This much," He answered, and He stretched out His arms and died. |
Greater love hath no man than this, said
Jesus, that a man lay down his life for his
friends (John 15:13).
And who is Jesus' friend? The deeply
spiritual and very religious? The learned and
respectable? The proud traditionalists?
No, our Lord said that He was called a
friend of...sinners! (Luke 7:34).
The Apostle Paul reminds us that Christ
died for the ungodly...in that, while we were
yet sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:6,8).
It is strangely and beautifully significant
that the first person to benefit from Christ's
sacrifice at Calvary was a thief on the cross
next to His! Think of it -- the first person to
whom the Lord stretched out His nail-pierced
hands was someone totally unworthy of His
love.
Love-scarred hands
Some time ago my husband, Jack, and I
were guests at a Christian fellowship dinner in
another city. During the meal I got acquainted
and talked with a dear little mother who sat
next to me. After a while, with tears streaming
down her cheeks, she leaned over and
whispered the sad story of a wayward daughter
who had run away from home, mounted up
many debts, and fallen to the very depths of
sin, even into a life of prostitution.
"I pray for her every day," she said, "and
every time I hear from her I beg her to come
home. My husband doesn't make a lot of
money, so I got a job to help pay off the debts
our daughter made. I'm doing everything I
know how to do to help her. Please pray with
me."
When I reached out to take hold of this
precious mother's hands to comfort her, they
were rough and calloused, scarred by long
hours of hard work, week after month after
year. Those hands were scarred by love...by a
mother's selfless sacrifice and desperate desire
to reach and save her wayward daughter.
As I held those hands and prayed, I was
reminded of Christ's nail-scarred hands that
also were pierced for that lost daughter...and
for every lost sinner in the whole world. They
were scarred for me...and for you!
Just as the hands of our Lord ministered to
men and women, boys and girls, wherever He
went during His time on earth, so we today
can feel the touch of His hands in our daily
lives. His power is still available to us today.
In our times of pain and suffering, He is
still the Great Physician who lays His hands
upon us and restores our bodies. Whether our
healing comes through medication, the skill of
a surgeon, or by the power of faith alone, we
know that He is the source of all healing.
When we are hungry and experiencing a
lack of supply -- when we're empty physically,
emotionally, and spiritually -- Christ's hands
will bless and multiply the smallest things we
have to offer Him and make it sufficient to
meet our need...with plenty to spare.
When we've tried and failed -- when like
Peter, we're sinking into the depths of trials
and tribulations, with no hope in sight -- He
will come to us, walking on the waters of our
stormy sea. His hand will save us, lift us up,
and lead us safely to the solid rock!
The challenge of Easter
I love Spring! There's something special
about seeing the sun light up winter's gray
skies, and nature stir the grass and trees into
new life. Surely it is no coincidence that we
celebrate Easter in the springtime.
Each Easter we are reminded that Christ
died for us -- but He rose again! Without
Easter, we might be tempted to forget that it
is through the outstretched arms and
nail-pierced hands of Jesus that we have life
eternal. Had it not been for His sacrifice on
Calvary and His bodily resurrection, there
would be no everlasting life.
As we look around us and see all of nature
coming back to life anew, let us be reminded
of Christ's great love for us.
But let us also be challenged to reach out
in His love into every man's world with a
helping hand. Let us emulate our Lord's great
example and use the resurrection power that
flows through us to minister to the needs of
those around us.
Never forget that for many people in the
world, their first glimpse of Christ may be in
you...the only hands that will touch them in
love, that will comfort, lift, and bless them,
may be your hands.
Reach out whenever you can, wherever
you can, to whomever you can. However
unlovely or unworthy the person you find may
be, remember that Christ's sacrifice is
sufficient...and that He loves that individual just as
much as He loves you.
Do not be afraid to stretch forth your hand
to anybody. For you minister, not in your own
strength and ability, but in His love. So when
you reach out, it will not be just your hand that
touches them, but the hand of God through
you!
I love the beautiful gospel chorus that cries
out --
Oh, to be His hand extended,
Reaching out to the oppressed,
Let me touch Him, let me touch Jesus,
So that others may know and be blessed.
Look around you today and find someone
who is hurting or needy, someone who is in
trouble. Ask God to guide you to someone
who needs Jesus.
When you find them, don't hesitate or
delay. Go to them with a smile filled with the
light of His love and simply say...
"Give me your hand."
During the war in the Persian Gulf, when
Iraq's Saddam Hussein was aggressively defying
the whole world and turning a deaf ear to
any voice of reason, many people were
confused and dismayed.
Even facing the mightiest air force and
army in the world, this madman refused to
back down. Instead, he provoked even further
outrage by launching Scud missiles toward the
peaceful neighborhoods of Israel and into
Saudi Arabia.
"This is getting totally out of control," I
heard one man say, shaking his head in frustration.
And a news commentator noted that after
40 years of East-West confrontation, just when
the danger of the "cold war" finally seemed to
be going away, the Persian Gulf exploded.
I think most of us often feel that we have
very little control over what is happening in
our world today.
Scientists warn that the ozone layer high in
our atmosphere is being destroyed and the
earth may soon become uninhabitable. In the
meantime, our waste disposal systems can't
handle all the trash and garbage our huge
cities are piling up. Is our world out of control?
Economists tell us that most Americans
work almost five months of the year just to
pay their taxes, yet our federal deficit
continues to soar...totally out of control.
Medical experts report that disease and
suffering is still uncontrollable. New kinds of
cancer are being found almost every year, and
there is still no cure. AIDS, the modern
plague, continues to take its deadly toll among
increasing millions. In some parts of the
world, entire populations are at risk.
Police officials admit they are losing the
battle against crime in this country and the
world. Murder, rape, robbery, and senseless
violence make a mockery of our systems of
so-called law and order. People don't feel safe
going out on the streets -- or even inside their
own houses. Crime is out of control.
World political leaders have to acknowledge
that after two major wars, hundreds of
regional conflicts, and decades of work by an
international organization dedicated to
maintaining world harmony, we have not changed
human nature or materially improved relationships
between nations. The world's political
turmoil seems more out of control than ever.
Is our world out of control?
At the very beginning of the war in the
Persian Gulf, Jack and I were on national
television with Paul and Jan Crouch. Much of the
program was spent in prayer for our country,
especially for the men and women on duty
with our military forces. As Jan was praying,
she said, "Oh, God, send a legion of angels to
protect our troops!"
Instantly it went through my mind --
"They're already gone, Jan, because God says
He knows what things we have need of before
we ask Him, and that when we call on Him,
He will answer" (see Matthew 6:8; Psalm 91:15).
When it was my turn to lead in prayer, I
asked the Lord to send His angels to protect
the families our troops had left behind. I
called on the Holy Spirit to comfort the little
girls who had to go to bed each night without
their mommies or daddies, and to strengthen
the little boys who had to be the man of the
house with dad away. And I had the comfort
of knowing that even before I called out to
Him, God was ready to answer.
"I am in control!"
Later, on the airplane flying home, I spent
the travel time in prayer. And the Holy Spirit
dealt with me in such a wonderful way. Again
and again I sensed the voice of the Lord
saying to me, "Rexella, I am in control! I have
not left you ignorant -- I've told you what's
going to happen. Don't worry -- I'm in control."
I began to realize that because of God's
foreknowledge of what is going to happen, we
must be ever vigilant in our prayer life to be in
His perfect will. God provides answers for
our prayers beforehand, according to His
foreknowledge. When you pray, He already has
the answer for your prayers -- it's been ready
since the dawn of creation, waiting for you to ask!
God's plan is working out
When circumstances seem totally
unreasonable and unmanageable, the hand of God is
at work behind the scenes. When everything
in the whole world appears to be chaos from
man's point of view, God can see the pieces of
the puzzle falling into place according to His
plan. He is in control. The Word of God is
very plain about what will happen in this
world. No matter what man does, God will
still have His way.
Has He not spoken it? Shall He not bring
it to pass?
How exciting to realize that you and I can
be used of God to help bring about the fulfillment
of His plan on the earth. When we see
the world seemingly out of control, we have a
powerful weapon at our disposal to bring
about change and order! It's the weapon of
loving, compassionate prayer!
God knows what is needed before we pray,
and He's already prepared the answer. So if
He can depend on you and me to ask, He's
already prepared to take control of the situation.
Why we must pray
I believe if we fail to pray and ask God to
send the answer for a particular situation, it
may not be dispatched. There is great truth in
the old song that says:
Oh, what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer.
Does it seem out of control? Is the confusion,
strife, trouble, and pain more than you can
handle alone? Try prayer!
When you cry out to Him, God will give
you peace -- a peace that is greater than just
a temporary lull in the fighting, or a shaky,
uncertain cessation of hostilities. He'll give
you a peace that will surround you even in the
midst of trouble.
Jesus said, My peace I give unto you: not
as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not
your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid
(John 14:27).
Is the world out of control? As far as man
is concerned -- yes! But not for God. He's in control!
I pray that God will open our spiritual eyes
today and let us see the "long" view. And as
the fog of doubt and confusion rolls away,
we'll be able to see the glorious truth
expressed so well in the simple eloquence of the
old Negro spiritual that says:
HE'S GOT THE WHOLE WORLD IN
HIS HANDS!