Someone to Touch
And he put forth his hand, and touched him . . . (Luke 5:13)
Commuters on a Canadian Metro train witnessed a heart-moving conclusion to a tense moment. They watched as a 70-year old woman gently reached out and offered her hand to a young man whose loud voice and disturbing words were scaring other passengers. The lady’s kindness calmed the man who sank to the floor of the train with tears in his eyes. He said, “Thanks, Grandma,” stood up, and walked away. The woman later admitted to being afraid. But she said, “I’m a mother and he needed someone to touch.” While better judgment might have given her reason to keep her distance, she took a risk of love.
Jesus understands such compassion. He didn’t side with the fears of unnerved onlookers when a desperate man, full of leprosy, showed up begging to be healed. Neither was He helpless as other religious leaders were—men who could only have condemned the man for bringing his leprosy into the village (Lev. 13:45–46). Instead, Jesus reached out to someone who probably hadn’t been touched by anyone for years, and healed him.
Thankfully, for that man and for us, Jesus came to offer what no law could ever offer—the touch of His hand and heart.
Father in heaven, please help us to see ourselves and one another in that desperate man—and in the merciful eyes of Your Son who reached out and touched him. Amen.
As I read this I couldn’t help but stop and think about those in my life who just need a touch, a hand extended when no one else will and today I will be more open to take a risk of love for those I don’t even know. Use me today Lord and even in those moments when that love may be rejected, help me to stand firm and continue to love and remember, Love can build a bridge.
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Luke 5:12-16
Expect and Extend Mercy
When I complained that a friend’s choices were leading her deeper into sin and how her actions affected me, the woman I prayed with weekly placed her hand over mine. “Let’s pray for all of us.”
I frowned. “All of us?”
“Yes,” she said. “Aren’t you the one who always says Jesus sets our standard of holiness, so we shouldn’t compare our sins to the sins of others?”
“That truth hurts a little,” I said, “but you’re right. My judgmental attitude and spiritual pride are no better or worse than her sins.”
“And by talking about your friend, we’re gossiping. So—”
“We’re sinning.” I lowered my head. “Please, pray for us.”
In Luke 18, Jesus shared a parable about two men approaching the temple to pray in very different ways (vv. 9–14). Like the Pharisee, we can become trapped in a circle of comparing ourselves to other people. We can boast about ourselves (vv. 11–12) and live as though we have the right to judge and the responsibility or the power to change others.
But when we look to Jesus as our example of holy living and encounter His goodness firsthand, like the tax collector, our desperate need for God’s grace is magnified (v. 13). As we experience the Lord’s loving compassion and forgiveness personally, we’ll be forever changed and empowered to expect and extend mercy, not condemnation, to others.
Lord, please keep us from falling into the trap of comparing ourselves to others. Mold us and make us more like You. Amen.
When we realize the depth of our need for mercy, we can more readily offer mercy to others.
Another devotion that hit so close to home. I was just having this exact conversation with my husband yesterday. I myself struggle with allowing social media and my opinion of the “sins” and “lies” of others to effect my thoughts and in return I allow bitterness and frustration to take root in my heart and mind and my husband asked me one simple question, what does it profit your soul? I had to pause for a moment, I wrestled with the honest truth to that simple question and I in return responded, nothing, it profits me nothing. It allows the enemy an avenue to use me to gossip, weather I’m “gossiping” to someone else or it’s just in my head, it’s still a thought and gossip should have no place in my life. Just as the devotion stated today, when I give place to that, I am sinning. Empower me today, Lord, to expect and extent mercy, not condemnation, to others. It’s your place to judge and my place to love. Finally, in finishing this, my husband reminded me of a scripture yesterday that came resounding back to me once I read this today and I want to leave you with this scripture to ponder. For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? (Mark 8:36)
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Luke 18:9-14
Let Honor Meet Honor
Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. (Matthew 6:1)
I’ve always been impressed by the solemn, magnificent simplicity of the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery. The carefully choreographed event is a moving tribute to soldiers whose names—and sacrifice—are “known but to God.” Equally moving are the private moments of steady pacing when the crowds are gone: back and forth, hour after hour, day by day, in even the worst weather.
In September 2003, Hurricane Isabel was bearing down on Washington, DC, and the guards were told they could seek shelter during the worst of the storm. Surprising almost no one, the guards refused! They unselfishly stood their post to honor their fallen comrades even in the face of a hurricane.
Underlying Jesus’s teaching in Matthew 6:1–6, I believe, is His desire for us to live with an unrelenting, selfless devotion to Him. The Bible calls us to good deeds and holy living, but these are to be acts of worship and obedience (vv. 4–6), not orchestrated acts for self-glorification (v. 2). The apostle Paul endorses this whole-life faithfulness when he pleads with us to make our bodies “a living sacrifice” (Rom. 12:1).
May our private and public moments speak of our devotion and wholehearted commitment to You, Lord.
Grant me the strength this day, O Lord, to persevere, to return honor to Your name where I am serving. My desire is to give myself in selfless devotion because of Your love for me. Amen.
The more we serve Christ, the less we will serve self.
Wow! This has to be shared, over and over. I finally had a moment to pause today and read this, wow, what truth! May my private and public moments speak of my devotion and wholehearted commitment to Him!
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Matthew 6:1-6
A Costly Cross
And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away? (Luke 9:23-25)
Living well comes at a great cost, but so does living poorly. There is a price to pay and a sacrifice to be made for every decision in life. These costs vary, from something as mundane as a speeding ticket, to something as great as the loss of friends or familial ties (Luke 12:53).
Following Jesus is costly. In fact, that word falls short to describe the depth of sacrifice required in walking after him. Taking up a “cross” would not have been the sanitized allegory to Jesus’ original hearers that it can be to us today. The cross took everything from men. It was a torturous end to human life. It was not meant to merely punish, but to kill. In fact, the legacy of the cross lives on even in our language, as the word excruciating literally means “from the cross”. A pain so intense, a loss so tremendous, it had to be associated with the worst death a human could die. This phrase cannot be glazed over, it cannot be brushed aside.
There is a reality here we must rediscover; following Jesus Christ means death. And, though death costs much, it is the price of eternal life. Save your life and follow Jesus today.
When I initially read, following Jesus Christ means death, I thought, well that’s a terrible way to look at it but then as I pondered what it was saying I realized yes, following Jesus Christ does mean death, death to the old man, death to sin that held me captive, death to so many things and yet life eternal with Him. What a mighty God we serve. He chose me!! He chose you, will you choose Him today?
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (Romans 12:1-2)
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Luke 9:23-25 & Romans 12:1-2
Life In Vain: Your Job
It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep. (Psalm 127:2)
Our standard work week in America is 40 hours. We work five more hours a week than the French, which totals a whopping nine more weeks a year for Americans. Most of us get two weeks off for vacation, while the average European gets six weeks of vacation. Two out of three Americans also fail to get eight hours of sleep a night, and 40 percent of them said they have a hard time staying awake on the job. We are working harder, longer, and sleeping less. This isn’t anything new as we read today’s Bible verse.
We aren’t any happier than we were 50 years ago when we worked less, made less money, and had less productivity. King Solomon had it right when he said that we work too hard and sleep less in vain. We do this in vain because we are “eating the bread of anxious toil”. Essentially, we are worrying too much about having enough money for things that ultimately don’t matter (Matthew 6:31-33)
Instead of seeking money to pay for all of the things we are worried about in life, we should first seek God, his kingdom, and his righteousness (Matthew 6:33). After all, he is the Creator of the universe. This isn’t to say that we should go about our lives without working or having a job, but that we will have a purpose; no longer will we work in vain, but we will work for the kingdom of God. Our job won’t be just about money, but doing what the Lord has called us to do to advance his kingdom. Imagine going to work and not dreading it because you know God has a plan for you there. Sometimes we worry too much about our future instead of asking God what he wants us to do in the here and now.
Are you too busy working for yourself, instead of stepping back and asking God where he would have you work?
When I read this it blessed me. It caused me to stop and pause for a moment, even as a stay at home mom I too have to ask myself this very question, do I worry too much about my future instead of asking God what he wants me to do in the here and now? Let’s all take time today and answer this very question. Let’s prioritize God as first in our lives, to often we allow life to take the place of our relationships, our church time and before we know it we haven’t set a Christlike example for others or maybe even our children to follow after and Church is no longer a priority in our homes. My prayer is this series had struck a cord deep down and even if it’s just one who stops and goes, this is me, I need to prioritize things differently in my life, then it’s done what it has been sent to do. Let’s be real with God and ourselves and choose to make a change, not only for us but for our future generations. A heart on fire for God starts with you!!
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Matthew 6:31-33
Life In Vain: Your City
Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain. (Psalm 27:1)
We just learned that our lives can be referred to as a house, and that Jesus should be our foundation in the previous devotion. Today, our talk turns to cities. The city was especially important to King Solomon because it is where the Temple was. This was the place that God literally dwelt and was the religious center for the Jews. If the city of Jerusalem went, so did the Jewish culture.
We all can choose whether we want to be a part of a city of light set on a hill (Matthew 5:14) or, follow the path of Lot and be part of the city of darkness where he eventually lost everything he had (Genesis 19). Both cities have watchmen over them.The city of light has Christ watching over it, while the city of darkness has the politicians, celebrities, writers, and people of influence watching over them. While living in Africa as a missionaries, we had a guard watching our compound (the place where all the missionaries lived) for a week at a time. Obviously, they couldn’t stay up for a whole week and had to sleep. Multiple times, when they were asleep, people would sneak in while we were even sleeping and steal solar panels and other supplies. We felt as though we were being watched over, when in reality we weren’t. Our “city” was being watched in vain. We really weren’t being kept safe by our watchman. You might feel safe in the the city of darkness, but in reality the watchmen are not protecting you.
While Christ should be the head or watchman of your life and family, he is also the watchman of the Church (Colossians 1:18). The Church is really a smaller city within the city it resides. If you aren’t a part of one of these cities, be sure to find one soon! Make sure that their watchman is Christ and not just a smooth-talking leader/preacher. Also, remember that our watchman, Jesus Christ, laid down His life for the city and does not watch over it in vain (John 10:7-11).
Is Christ the watchman over the city you belong to?
When I read this I instantly thought about how blessed we are to have leadership in our church that preach the truth and who’s watchman is without a doubt Christ and they don’t give place to “smooth talking.” What city are you apart of?
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!!
Today’s Reading is John 10:7-11
Life In Vain: Your House
Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain. (Psalm 127:1)
In the Bible, the building of a house can often be referred to as your life or family (Genesis 16:2, Ruth 4:11, 2 Corinthians 5:1-4). The most important part when building a house, or any building for that matter, is the foundation.
All of our lives are built on foundations which determine their direction. Jesus tells us in a parable that when we build our house on a foundation of our own choosing, it ends up crumbling when the bad times happen (Matthew 7:24-27). When we build our own foundation, instead of a foundation that is on Christ and his words, we build it in vain. All the hard work we put in ends up crumbling down from one thing, or another.
As we lay the foundation for our lives on Jesus, we allow him to do the heavy lifting. When we let God construct the foundation, He is the one who ends up building our house and the direction of our lives. When this happens, all things work for our good (Romans 8:28) and when the storms of this life come, we are still left standing (Matthew 7:24-27). We also begin to pray that not our will, but His will be done (Luke 22:42). We find our lives are no longer built in vain, but on a foundation that will never fail.
Examine the foundation your life is laid on, and be encouraged today that you can start anew with Christ as your foundation.
One question crossed my mind when I read this, What foundation is your life laid on, is it a foundation of your own choosing or is it built on Christ and His words? Let’s ponder on this today and answer honestly.
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Matthew 7:24-27
Life In Vain
Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain. It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep. (Psalm 127:1-2)
We are starting a four part daily devotional series called “The Vain Life”. This series focuses on the first two verses of Psalm 127. This Psalm was written by none other than King Solomon. He is the writer of Ecclesiastes and Proverbs also known as the wisdom books. He was considered to be the wisest man in the world. Not because of how smart he was, but because God said he would make him wise (1 Kings 3:12). He had everything his heart desired, yet never seemed to be happy with all the pleasures of the world.
We often think of the word vain as a person who is full of themselves, however, King Solomon was referring to what Merriam-Webster defines as “having no real value, worthless, marked by futility or ineffectualness.” King Solomon tells us in the Bible that we can live our life in vain even if we have everything we want. Our life can be useless or meaningless if it isn’t a life that is living for Christ. This can be very convicting for us. Fortunately, in the two verses we are going to study, we can learn about areas in our life that we can learn to live with a purpose and not in vain. Here are a few questions to think about before we dig into these verses over the next few days:
1. Are there areas in your life where you are living in vain?
2. Are the things of the world really worth living for?
3. When you die, could people say you lived your life with purpose?
4. Think about what would make you really happy now, and examine if it is in line with living for Christ.
Remember that God doesn’t want us to live our life in vain, and has made a way for us to live a life with a purpose through the Cross of Christ.
After reading this I thought it would be great to join in on this four part daily devotional series. I hope you will join with me as we take this journey together the next four days and I pray at the end you are spiritually stronger than you were today. Take a moment today and honestly answer those four questions, maybe even write your answer down to reflect upon at the end of this four part daily devotional series.
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Psalm 127:1-2
Disciple Maker – Everyone
But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. (2 Corinthians 3:18)
Who do you look like? As you ponder that question, reflect on 2 Corinthians 3:18, where Paul tells us that we “are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” As we seek to honor Jesus with our lives, one of our goals is to take on His image. Of course, this doesn’t mean we have to grow a beard and wear sandals—it means that the Holy Spirit helps us demonstrate Christlike characteristics in how we live. For example, in attitude (humility), in character (loving), and in compassion (coming alongside the down and out), we are to look like Jesus and imitate Him.
As we “contemplate the Lord’s glory,” by fixing our eyes on Jesus, we can grow more and more like Him. What an amazing thing it would be if people could observe us and say, “I see Jesus in you”!
Lord, help us to gaze on You, to study You, to know You. Transform us into Your image by what we say, how we love others, and how we worship You. May others see Jesus in us. Amen.
Wow! When others see you do they see Jesus in you? Do you show Christlike characteristics or only when it’s convenient? We must strive every day to show love, humility and compassion. When I read this I couldn’t help but think, I may be the only bible some people read. Allow the Holy Spirit to help you demonstrate Christlike Characteristics!! Love is the family resemblance the world should see in followers of Christ.
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is 2 Corinthians 3:17-4:2
Living With Lions
. . . He is the living God, and stedfast for ever . . . his dominion shall be even unto the end. (Daniel 6:26)
When I visited a museum in Chicago, I saw one of the original Striding Lions of Babylon. It was a large mural-type image of a winged lion with a ferocious expression. Symbolizing Ishtar, the Babylonian goddess of love and war, the lion was an example of 120 similar lions that would have lined a Babylonian pathway during the years of 604–562 bc.
Historians say that after the Babylonians defeated Jerusalem, the Hebrew captives would have seen these lions during their time in Nebuchadnezzar’s kingdom. Historians also say it’s likely that some of the Israelites would have believed Ishtar had defeated the God of Israel.
Daniel, one of the Hebrew captives, did not share the doubts that might have troubled some of his fellow Israelites. His view of God and his commitment to God stayed steady. He prayed three times a day—with his windows open—even when he knew it would mean entering a den of lions. After God rescued Daniel from the hungry animals, King Darius said, “[Daniel’s God] is the living God, and stedfast for ever . . . . He delivereth and rescueth” (Dan. 6:26–27). Daniel’s faithfulness allowed him to influence Babylonian leaders.
Dear God, give me the strength to continue to trust in You when I am discouraged. Help me to experience Your never-ending love and stay close to Your side. Amen.
Wow, what truth, when I read this I couldn’t help but think, there are always those watching our walk with God even at times testing our faithfulness in Him. May we continually show our faithfulness to God so we can inspire others. God can soften even the hardest of hearts through our faithfulness in Him. No matter the kind of day your having, stay close to His side and remember, He’s still God!!! Greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. (1 John 4:4)
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Daniel 6:19-28