There are No Buts for God. You of Little Faith, Part 7

Today's Bible Verse: Mark 16:14 Later Jesus appeared to the Eleven as they were eating; he rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen him after he had risen.

So the disciples were "stubborn in believing!" Sounds familiar, doesn't it?

A few weeks ago, as the service was concluding at church, the pastor gave an altar call. When no one but the expected usuals came forward, I was overcome with a sudden urge to pray. To my shame, my reply was far from honorary: "Not now. I don't feel like it."

"Pray!"

"But…I don't know what to pray about!"

"Pray!"

So I started to pray, and as I did, God's Spirit took over. I had the feeling that there was someone in the audience who desperately needed to answer the call, but was reluctant to come forward to stand in front of the audience. After a few minutes of prayer, peace came over me. I continued to pray, however. After all, God had told me to pray!

"Open your eyes!"

"Not now!" I insisted. "I'm praying like You told me to!"

"Open your eyes!"

I eventually obeyed, just in time to see a man walking down the isle to give his heart to Jesus. Tears of joy rolled down my face at that sight of this soul who had been saved for eternity.

Is it possible that our stubbornness often prevents us from experiencing God like we should?

"And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints." (Eph 6:18 NIV)

Will we let our stubbornness control our relationship with our Maker?

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The "Control" Issue

Today's Bible Verse: Job 37:15 Do you know how God controls the clouds and makes His lightning flash?

I believe each of us likes to be “in control” of our lives, and we want to know where we are going. This is definitely true for me, especially if I am going to take a car trip. I always get the map out, plot out my course and know exactly where I will be driving.

When I had the opportunity to spend a week end at an Emmaus retreat, I was excited. “Where is the retreat held?” I asked. My sponsors were vague, but I wanted details! Where would it be, what would we do, etc., etc., etc.!!

Well, the night we left for the retreat I just got in the car and let them drive. I had no idea where I was going, nor had I mapped a course on a road map. I trusted my sponsors to get me to the correct destination on time and in good shape. The road was narrow and the nighttime sky descended upon us, but I no longer cared about details, because I trusted the driver. TRUST- what an important thing this is.

Am I willing to turn over the drivers seat of my life to God? To allow Him to get me to my destination? I know my final destination is Heaven, but is it necessary for me to know every detail on the road there? Don’t I trust God enough to know He’ll be right beside me, no matter the twists on life’s road or how suddenly darkness can descend?

Sometimes, I try to give God the road map and tell Him the way! How silly! He is more “in control” than I am! God is the sponsor of my life, and I need to let Him stay in the driver’s seat, taking me down life’s road of surprises.

Marion Smith

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Let's Move Mountains. You of Little Faith, Part 6

Today's Bible Verse: Matt 17:19-20 Then the disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, 'Why couldn't we drive it out?' He replied, 'Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, "Move from here to there" and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.'

Oh how I loved to watch the North Sea when I was young. The movement of the waves mesmerized me, transporting me in my imagination to fabulous, exotic places. I loved to dive into the waves and swim to my heart's content. The technicalities of sandcastle construction were my expertise, and so was having a swell time on the beach with my friends and family.

But at times I longed for the mountains. What would it be like to hike to the top of one and see the view? Would the sun always be at the top? What kind of adventures could I encounter in such surroundings?

I was barely ten years old when I discovered Mat 17: 20 and muttered these words in a prayer: "Father, please move some mountains to my neighbourhood." I firmly believed it would happen. Hey, didn't I have a Bible verse backing me up? I held that promise firm in my heart for hours … a day … a few days… but after a week I gave it up. There were no mountains moving into my neighbourhood.

"Did God forget me?" I wondered.

Eight years later I attended school at a seminary that, by coincidence, was located near Geneva. The first time I arrived there I was astounded to find myself surrounded by … mountains! My heart skipped a beat or two and I started to race to the top of the first one. The view from up there was unbelievable, and yes the sun always shone at the top of the Salève, even though heavy clouds were covering my valley.

I realized then and there that God did answer my prayers. However instead of having the mountains move in my neighbourhood, he gave me the privilege of moving to the mountains!

Now in my old age, I am torn between the sea and the mountains. Maybe I should retire on an island on the South Pacific Ocean where both dreams can be fulfilled. No matter what, I will be satisfied with what God has in His plans for me.

Reflecting on these thoughts, I realize that we often lack that mustard seed kind of faith. We are too impatient and too geared up to please only ourselves! In such circumstances all we can do is stop in our tracks, look up into heaven and pray: "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!" (Mark 9:24 NIV)

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1. Can you believe the New Testament?

Discover how reliable the New Testament books are. The verdict will be yours to make!

2. Jesus, a Fraud, a Lunatic or the Messiah?

Who was Jesus Christ? Were His claims true? Was He really who He said he was? Is there anyway to verify who He truly was? Who do YOU think Jesus really was? Was He a liar, pretending to be someone that He truly was not? Was He a lunatic, truly believing He was someone that He was not and deserving to be locked up in an institute? Or was He the one He proclaimed Himself to be?

3. Basking in God's Unfailing Love, An Open Invitation to Experience God Personally

To a world gone mad, trying to get to know Jesus may seem foolish. However if you give Him a try, you will desire to get to know Him more and more at the deepest level possible. His relationship with you will be more precious compared to any other human relationships out there. Enjoy getting to know Him.

These Bible studies are available on the Net at http://answers2prayer.org/studies.htmlor can be requested to be emailed to you. Subscription is free.

Come and discover the wonderful purposes Jesus has for you. Enjoy!

In His love,

Rob Chaffart add@sermonillustrator.org

My Father Knows Best

Today's Bible Verse: Acts 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

There I was sixty years of age (my husband fifty-eight) with two adopted daughters, ages 11 and 14; which we had since they were babies. I had one grown, married daughter with three children of her own and my husband had three grown daughters and one grown son with 13 children between them.

Our lives were full and very busy and here was Social Services, on the phone, asking if we wanted to adopt one of two sisters that we had fostered for a period of time. One we had, lacking three weeks of being a year; and we did not want to let her go. Her sister we had for six months and due to behavioral problems that we weren't equipped to deal with, we asked for her to be removed where she could get the special help she needed.

When we went to talk about adopting the younger child, the lady who had taken the older sibling said she wanted both for she thought they belonged together. Which I agree that siblings belong together, as-long-as it is in their best interest.

No one even thought about the original reason of why we separated the girls to start with.

All of this was running through my head when the Holy Spirit came over me, (it is such a wonderful feeling when that happens, one that you wish would never stop) and said ... "let her go"; ("We live by faith, not by sight." 2 Cor 5:7-8 NIV) It was not easy to let go of a child that you have loved and cared for, for almost a year .... but my Father knows best.

I wished the woman well and told her that she did not know what she was letting herself in for. You see, she was a retired RN from the army (but worked at a local hosp. In the ER) and had never had children. She was used to a very structured life. Oh my, was she ever in for it!

I prayed every night that God would look after these two girls and His' will be done, not mine. I totally let it go, turning it over to the Lord; after all ... my Father knows best.

Now here it was, just four weeks later and Social Services was begging me to take the younger sister back. It seems that the woman who took them, could not control them. The girls fought, screamed and carried on and wouldn't listen to her at all. Finally one day, it got to be too much for her, and she hauled off and slapped them both across the face. Those of us who have raised children know how much they can get under your skin. So I imagine for someone who had never, really, been around children, then to take in two troubled ones ...it must have been really hard for her. ("Judge not, that you be not judged." Matt 7:1-2 NKJV)

I'm thinking do I need this? My plate is full, I work and I have two pre-teen daughters who take up a great deal of my time. We had just gotten our home back to the way it was before we took in the two younger girls. The two we had already adopted no longer had to share a room, they could go back to having their own space. So I told DSS that I would not be able to do it.

Later that same night, the Guardian ad Litem (she is the one who advocates for the rights of the children in her charge) called and asked me basically the same question; except she asked me to take both of the girls back. I also told her no, that I was not willing to do that. As a family we discussed it and prayed about it. I also called my Sunday school teacher and she and I prayed for an answer. Then we went on to our church where we were holding revival; it was the first night and we did not want to miss any of it. I asked others, at church, to pray for these girls and that we had made the right decision.

The next night DSS called me once more and asked if I would change my mind and take the younger girl back. I was getting ready to tell her that we had decided the night before to take her back, when the Holy Spirit came over me (If you have never felt this calm, peaceful feeling ...don't worry, someday it will be like that for an eternity) and said, "don't take one, without the other." I told the head social worker that I wanted both of the girls. She tried to talk me out of it, knowing the problems that we had before with the older one. I told her right then and there, that God had told me not to take one without the other. That I had never said no to God and I was not about to start telling Him no now.

(Matt 25:40 I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.)

I picked them up the next night on the way back to our second night of revival. The youngest child, when she saw me, started laughing and crying all at the same time. The older one was crying and said she was scared to death not knowing where she was going. She thought we would not take her back. If I live to be a thousand years old, I will never forget that pitiful look on her face; oh, how my Father knows best.

I told you all of that, to tell you this. Two days before this past Thanksgiving of 2008, my only birth child died of an overdose. It has to be the worse thing that a parent goes through, to out live their child. I was numb, and for the first time in years I could not pray. I went from Wed. to Sat. without even taking a bath or brushing my teeth, I could not do even simple mundane things; and I did not even realize that I was not doing them. I would not talk to anyone who called; not family, not friends, not even to my Pastor. I just couldn't, for that is the way I am. But, thank God, that did not stop my Pastor and his' wife from coming over and having prayer with me. When I hurt, I want to be by myself. When Sat. night came, I started my routine of getting ready for church Sunday morning; I guess God decided that I needed to be there with people who loved me and cared for me and who would cry with me. God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1

For the sake of the four daughters that God gave me, I had to rouse myself out of it and keep going. Christmas was coming and I had to prepare for it; I was even in the play at church. I made it through, but my heart was not in it.

Then one day, out of the blue, it hit me. My Father Does Know Best. If He had not sent those two little girls back to me, I would still be in shock sitting in a corner somewhere. For the two older ones could take care of themselves; but the two little ones needed me too much to just give up. I told this one night in church, when the Pastor asked us what were we thankful for. Through the hurt and tears I was able to thank God for sending me two little girls that I didn't know I wanted. But He knew I needed, for He knew (as He knows all things) that my oldest daughter was going to die and even though they could never take her place, they ease the pain some and keep me going.

Most of the time the girls are such a joy and blessing. But, the two younger ones children came from a home where they had seen and heard things that an adult, let alone a child, should never have to see or hear.

It has not been easy and many times I wonder if I made the right decision, then I realize ... I didn't make the decision ... God did. That is why I never have, and never will question my Father; after all ... He knows best.

(May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Acts 15:13)

That is what it is all about ... TRUST ... to trust God to handle things, for He already knows the outcome. Since the death of my daughter, I have learned to let go more and leave it in God's hands. Amen and amen

Pat Finn

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Dwellers of the Past. You of Little Faith, Part 5

Today's Bible Verse: Matt 16:8-10 You of little faith, why are you talking among yourselves about having no bread? Do you still not understand? Don't you remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered? Or the seven loaves for the four thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered?

How often don't we hear someone say: "I should have done that differently!" Or "I shouldn't have said that" or "I wish I hadn't done that".

Jesus apostles did the same thing. One day they were worried about not bringing bread with them. I can imagine the conversation between them must have gone something like this: "I should have remembered!" "I should have reminded you! Now what will we do?" "I wish we could turn back the clock!" "What's a clock?" "Don't worry, it hasn't been invented yet!"

Did Jesus ever worry about whether or not He should have done things differently?

Never! In fact He points out that this kind of worrying is a demonstration of our lack of faith: "You of little faith, why are you talking among yourselves about having no bread? Do you still not understand? Don't you remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered? Or the seven loaves for the four thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered?" (Matt 16:8-10 NIV) He has a good point. Why worry at all when we have the Provider on our side?

I remember my first trip to Mexico. We had dined at a cheap, local restaurant, and had enjoyed an exquisite meal. However, not even an hour later, my stomach started to take a sharp turn right, then another one to the left. And before I knew it, it was completely upside down. I didn't have to worry about anyone not believing me, either: My face was the proof! It was as green as a spinach leaf!

Naturally in such circumstances, no matter how hard you try, you have to say "Auf wiedersehn" to your exquisite meal! (Wait a minute! I should say this in Spanish, not German! "Adios!") I still remember fretting about this afterwards. Thoughts such as: "I shouldn't have drunk the water!" Or "Maybe I shouldn't have gone to that cheap restaurant." Or "I wish I had stayed home!" Were foremost in my mind.

Did all that fretting and worrying make me feel any better? In all reality, it made me feel worse! What was I? Some kind of a masochist?

The issue is not about what I should or shouldn't have done, or how I should have done things differently (many math students face similar dilemmas!), but rather, have I learned from my experience? How can I depend more on my Provider instead of on my stubborn independence? Hasn't He always come through for me in the past? Why shouldn't He come through for me now? I know He loves me. Why do I even doubt?

If you would like to know where you can eat an exquisite Mexican meal, I sure can help you with this.

What? No takers?

Rob Chaffart

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Curious Suspicions. You of Little Faith, Part 4

Today's Bible Verse: Matt 14:31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. 'You of little faith,' he said, 'why did you doubt?'

One of our biggest weaknesses is our expert tendency to doubt anything and everything.

"It's too good to be true!"

"I wonder what his intentions are!"

"What's the catch?"

It is true that we live in a world filled with deceit, and most of the time there really is no such thing as a free lunch.

However, if you combine doubt with curiosity you can end up in a nefarious situation!

I still remember the time we visited Nogales, Mexico. My wife was attending an university in Arizona, and as we had little in the way of money, we didn't expect much from our Mexico shopping spree. All we really wanted to do was to immerse ourselves in the typical Mexican ambiance and experience the Mexican culture.

We admired the handwork of the many Mexican artists: Vases, statues, rugs… In one store an eager salesman accosted us as we were admiring a splendid … (I don't even remember if it was a vase or a little statue! It must not have been that splendid after all!)

He immediately began to bargain with us, and he soon realized that we didn't have the means to match his price. It's simple, really: Almost no income = Almost no purchases, especially the non-necessary-for-survival kind!

Then he asked us point blankly: "How much can you afford?" Our price choices were pretty low, and we were certain we would be booted out of the shop. Imagine our surprise when he muttered: "Be at such and such corner of the street in one hour!"

We looked at each other and tried to figure out what he meant. It sounded a bit fishy. One thing was certain, however. He could not hit us over the head to rob us of money we didn't have! Curiosity got the better of us, and an hour later we were at the specified corner with the sales person.

"Do you have the money?" He asked us matter-of-factly.

"What money?" We responded.

He flipped back the corner of a blanket in his hand, and there was the coveted item (which I don't even remember what it was!) This was not the way of doing honest business, and we felt like Eve confronting the serpent about the attractive forbidden fruit. We wondered out loud why we had come!

The sad part of this story is that we indeed have a tendency to put more credence and faith into worldly things than in God Himself! How often don't we treat God as someone who will take advantage of us! How often don't we look at God with suspicious, doubt-filled eyes!

With such an attitude, is it any wonder that He can't come through for us more often? He is no criminal! He never lies! He doesn't ever want to lure us into something disastrous to our souls! So why the doubt?

In fact, to set our broken relationship with Him straight, His Son willingly took the cross and died so that we would have reconciliation and an opportunity to spend eternity with the Lover of our soul!

Isn't it time that we set aside our doubts and start trusting the One who promised us real living? "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." (John 10:10 NIV)

Would you be interested in this beautiful worthless knickknack that will cost you your soul? The price is right, don't you think?

Rob Chaffart

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That Which Is Lost

Today's Bible Verse: Mark 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

The phone rang. "Hello, Kathleen?"

"Yes," I answered, bracing myself to deal with a telemarketer.

"We have your wallet; you left it at the church."

I hadn't even noticed that my wallet was missing. Some good soul had turned it in, and a woman from church kindly brought it to my home. In it are my driver's license and other forms of identification, health insurance cards, library card, photos of my son, some cash, credit cards, gift cards, business cards, and the usual assortment of old receipts and coupons. My wallet is a mini-representation of who I am. If it had not been returned to me, I would have been in danger of identity theft. The repercussions of a lost wallet make me shiver. I think about the lost time in tracking things down, the lost cash, the cancelling and replacing of Ids, credit cards, etc., the pictures of my little boy in the hands of a thief. ... I would not have been able to conduct my life normally until I'd replaced most of what is in it. And the longer I might have gone without knowing my wallet was missing (if it hadn't been returned), the greater the difficulties and entanglements. I would have eventually realized my loss, but when it was brought to my attention, through an act of kindness, it relieved me of a whole lot of angst.

I thought about how this is a picture of God's grace. Those who are spiritually lost might not realize that they are missing the essential element of their lives. They might be oblivious to that for a long time. Or they might be scrambling about, trying to replace or fill the hole left by what is lost, without realizing that it's held safely in the hand of Another, just waiting to be given to them. In my wallet scenario, the people at church did not wait for me to call and enquire if I'd left my wallet there. They knew I needed my wallet, called me, and actually brought it to me. I was very, very grateful. They were proactive. Contrast that with how shy I sometimes feel about telling others about Christ's love, about the riches in Him, and about how our identity can be in Him.

Are we proactive in telling others about Christ? They may or may not know that they are lost without Him, that they are missing that which is most essential in life and death. Let us think about the anguish that they may be spared if they knew, right now, that Christ loves them.

Prayer: Lord, help us to be led by You to tell others about Your wonderful love. Amen.

Kathleen Ageton katbabc@hotmail.com Makawao, Hawaii, USA

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Whom Do I Trust? You of Little Faith, Part 3

Today's Bible Verse: Matt 13:58 And he did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith.

"He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them. And he was amazed at their lack of faith." (Mark 6:5-6 NIV)

I once was asked why God's miracles are more prevalent in poorer countries than they are in the Western world. Why don't we see more miracles here in North America? Ever since I was asked this question, it's been bothering me.

I have discovered that in the Western world, we lack one important ingredient to receiving answers to our prayers. What we lack is eager anticipation that our prayers will be answered!

So often we utter a prayer in the morning and then forget all about it by early afternoon. And often our prayers are answered, but because of our frenzied schedule and our hectic attitude, we literally miss the boat! We don't even realize that God has bestowed His grace upon us! When this happens, we can't thank the Lord for what He's done, because we don't realize we have anything to be thankful for!

Sadly, we miss out on a wonderful opportunity to enter into a closer relationship with our Heavenly Father. We also sadly miss out on our opportunity to deepen our faith in our Provider!

Is it possible that we have become too dependent on our own efforts to obtain answers to our prayers? Have we neglected the child-like faith that our Heavenly Daddy will come through for us? Is it possible that the reason we, in the Western world, are too suspicious, the reason we haven't developed enough faith, is because we just can't trust anyone? Not even our Provider? Are we more willing to receive than to commit?

The following testimonies of miracles have been sent in by three of our prayer warriors, one from Nigeria, one from India and the other one from Kenya. Child-like faith in the One through whom everything is possible indeed opens the door to God-size miracles and opportunities to getting to know Him more intimately!

"Five years ago, my sister suffered from cerebrospinal meningitis. She lives thousands of miles away and I couldn't see her. I just got the call but could not speak to her because - I was told - she was unconscious (it was that serious). For the next two days, I was frantic with fear for her life. I was praying for her, and also got some Christians I know to pray for her. At last, I was able to speak to her, for only a few seconds. God heard our prayers and she slowly started to mend.

After about two weeks, she was discharged from hospital but alas, she had lost her hearing! She was taken to E.N.T specialists who, after the tests, declared that she would never hear again unless she used an artificial hearing aid. We were all dismayed. We continued to pray for her. When she became strong enough, she came home and I went to see her. I cried when I found I could no longer talk to my sister except I used signs.

During her stay at home (they had granted her a sick leave, to recuperate) she indicated her desire to attend a crusade that was held by a catholic priest who was richly endowed by the Holy Spirit. She was taken there and, believe it or not, came back hearing!. Well, she couldn't hear very well at first but the healing continued to manifest with amazing speed. Within two days, she could hold normal conversations and today, you would never know that she has ever suffered hearing loss. Praise God!" Nkiru Ugwu Nkiru@answers2prayer.org from Nigeria

"I came to know about Jesus when I was 15 yrs old at that time I was sick. I had an injury on my right leg. The wound was not getting cured and the septic had reached till my knees. I was afraid whether I would loose my leg but one of my friends introduced me to Jesus one night, when I was in terrible pain. He prayed for me and when I gave my life to Jesus I was completely healed.

Since then God has been with me and my family. GOD gave me a wonderful church and a pastor through whom I learned so many things. Today I am pastoring my own church in Pune for the last 5yrs. I and my wife we will try our best to be a help Answer2prayer . Please ray for us and our church Light of Life." Atul Atul@answers2prayer.org from Pune, India.

"This my testimony that God hears, answers and that His way are truly mysterious and amazing.

Over the festive season of December 2008 I was visiting my nephew Kennedy in Nairobi and on Sunday 28th joined his young family at their local Redeemed Gospel Church. In the course of prayer the pastor by name Prophet Zack revealed that he had received a prosphesy regarding a visitor to the church. Let me say at this juncture that even my nephew being quite young did not have much information about me and my history. So when the Pastor picked me out from the other visitors and proceeded to talk about my turbulent and hectic past, I was amazed!

He talked about my family separation, job loss from a senior civil service position, a motor vehicle lost in a shady deal, money poorly invested, my lost passport and travel documents, my previous battle of 25 years with alcohol, my rampant womanizing, my love for short time pleasure, my lack of serious commitment to anything tangible etc etc!

The Prophet read my life file in a way I myself could not have done it! It was divinely inspired.

In his prophesy, he said 2009:

1. Would be my breakthrough year in all aspects of my life.

2. All shackles holding me back would be broken.

3. That the holding job i was the having would pave way for what i should have been doing all along. "This brother is manager material"-were his words.

4. That God would use me in a special way to reach His people.

5. That family reconciliation was coming.

All the prophesies are being fulfilled one by one! The prayers of the righteous are powerful.

1. The year 2009 is indeed bringing breakthroughs in many areas.

2. Whatever hold the evil one was having on me is gone for now i experience a kind peace that surpasses all understanding.

3. Have now gotten a worthy job as a Trainer &Trainings Coordinator with a consulting firm in Nairobi.

4. What we are doing through Answers2prayers is truly special. At my local church i do coordinate Sunday service scripture reading.

5. Me and my separated spouse are now able to meet, discuss and plan about our children, whereas before even a telephone conversation was out!

Prophet Zack continues to strengthen me and reminds that blessed are those who wait upon the Lord.

My life and the positive changes in my life is a true testimony of the power of prayer, faith and His endless grace and mercy.

Glory be to God now and ever!" Sammy Mwate Sammy@answers2prayer.org from Nairobi, Kenya.

Our loving Heavenly Father is still in the miracle business. But are we willing to completely trust Him with eager anticipation, no matter what happens to us?

Rob Chaffart

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Do you need to be prayed for or do you know someone in need? Don't hesitate to contact us at prayerrequest@answers2prayer.org . We are here to pray for you and to offer you encouragements.

Bill

Today's Bible Verse: 1 Cor 13:1 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.

Why do bad things happen to good people?

People who are strong in faith will tell you there is always a purpose but when the bad is happening to you it’s sometimes hard to see the good.

A couple of months ago my wife and I had a huge fall out. I was on the point of walking away even though I had nowhere to go! It was a horrible, traumatic time and I am so glad we sorted it out. Where was the good in that? Well …

I had an appointment in a neighbouring town but arrived way too early. So I decided to walk along the shorefront. It was a dismal day. The sky was full of rain. But I had a new waterproof coat and a warm home to go back to. I reckoned I could enjoy the weather for a while.

Almost immediately I met someone who wasn’t so lucky. He had swept back salt ’n’ pepper hair, a bushy grey beard, sky blue eyes – and he was wet to the bone!

“Could you do me a favour?” He held his hand out.

“Probably not,” I replied. Things had been very tight financially and for the past fortnight I had been telling the family we can’t do this and we can’t afford that.

“I’ve been trying to chase up the price of a beer.”

Well, I admired his honesty. If I’d been living on the streets like he obviously was a beer might be important to me too. I had a single, solitary coin in my pocket.

“Here,” I said. “I hope it helps.”

He could hardly take it for shivering. He explained his sleeping bag had been soaked the night before – while he was in it – and he hadn’t been able to get dry since.

“It’s rough,” I sympathised.

“It’s an easy situation to get into,” he added. “Just fall out with your wife and have nowhere else to go. Know what mean?”

It was like a slap! Oh, boy, did I know what he meant!

I wanted to help and a nagging little voice told me to take off my coat and give it to him. But I’m not THAT good. Yet. “I can do better,” I told myself.

I turned him around and headed into town. On the way he talked. He told me he was ex-army and then had been a horse trainer. All in another life. But mostly he wanted to tell me about all the friends he’d made recently.

Days were long on the streets but the ladies in one charity shop gave him books to keep his mind occupied. Then they changed them when he was finished. Free of charge. Another friend worked in a marina that had a toilet block for the sailors. He was allowed to shower there. And there was a café where he sometimes got left-over food.

I stopped at the cash point and without looking to see how far in the red I was I stretched my overdraft.

We went to a charity shop and there just happened to be a beautiful second hand waxed jacket. The kind farmers and country folk wear to keep the weather out. It fit perfectly at a knock-down price. Exactly what we needed, exactly when we needed it. (Funny how that works, isn’t it?)

He was hobbling because of blisters on his feet. Probably cause by wearing shoes too small for him. He had cut them down the sides to make them fit.

I bought him shoes that fit without surgery.

Before we went our separate ways I bought him a hot breakfast. Then I asked his name.

“Bill … and …” I could tell he was feeling a little emotional.

“David,” I said, closing off any need for thanks. I shook his hand, slapped his shoulder and wished him better days. As he walked away the last thing Bill said to me was, “It’s wonderful where the help comes from.”

It is wonderful, Bill. But not at all mysterious. It comes from God. Like the rest of your friends I am working for Him. And He makes sure we get all the training we need beforehand.

David McLaughlan

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Who in Their Right Mind Would Even Step into a Flying Coffin? You of Little Faith Series, Part 2

Today's Bible Verse: Mark 4:40 Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?

We face our various fears on a daily basis, and how we handle them is our own decision. We either let them control the quality of our lives, or we leave them in Jesus' care.

Some of these fears are chronic, impossible to break away from. In my wilder days, I loved the challenges of heights. I remember one time climbing all the way to the top of the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and once I was at the top I leaned out over the rail to look at the bottom. Boy that tower sure is crooked! Of course, this was a few years ago, as you aren't allowed to climb the tower anymore! In later years, I have developed a fear of heights, and the challenges that I wouldn't have thought twice about in my childhood now seem even more challenging than ever!

I'm afraid that I have joined the ranks of the over-the-hill gentlemen. Instead of joining my kids on wild roller coaster rides, I'm happier hanging around with the over-the-hillers who patiently wait for their kids at a safe distance from those rides that I now consider to be "yuckidiyuckyuck"!

The same is true about crossing a suspension bridge. Just thinking about it, my insides start to jump around (how is this even possible?). Sorry guys!

Stepping foot on an airplane also fills me with dread and sweat.

Although my tendency continues to be to stay away from all of these scary things, I have handed these fears over to Jesus. Didn't He encourage us to: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." (Matt 11:28-29 NIV)? He sure gave rest to me over my fear of stepping into a flying coffin! This terror was not conquered by my own efforts, but by His saving grace!

You see, this year I am doing the unthinkable! I am flying to Europe with my family! Plane crashes don't faze me any longer! If I happen to be in a plane that crashes, I will be, in an instant, with my Lord and Maker, which is where I really want to be. Why should I be afraid?

Have you noticed that "being afraid" is always associated with "lack of faith" in the gospels?

"He replied, 'You of little faith, why are you so afraid?'" (Matt 11:28-29 NIV)

"Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?" (Mark 4:40 NIV)

"Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not confess their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; for they loved praise from men more than praise from God." (John 12:42-43 NIV)

Terrifying and electrifying storms may surround us, but if our faith is anchored on the Risen One, we will be fearless! Our God is bigger than our circumstances! His advice to all of us is: "Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer." (Rev 2:10 NIV)

Why?

Because He is constantly with us and will give us His strength to face any of our dire circumstances. "Surely I am with you always…" (Matt 28:20 NIV) We either put our faith in terrifying, electrifying circumstances and let them shake us to the core, or we choose to establish our faith on the Risen One who is far above any of our ominous situations.

P. S. If the Tower of Pisa was still accessible to tourists, wouldn't you like to climb it with me? After all, what is there to fear?

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Sentinel

Today's Bible Verse: Psalm 4:8 I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.

A large, lone pelican was perched on his post, seeming to appropriate the sentinel role overseeing and guarding his territory.

Earlier that week two persons I know well were relaying to me how much trouble they have sleeping. They complained of feeling tired in the morning when they woke up, of dragging through work. The edge of alertness, and joy, was missing; Ps 118 (v.24) was definitely not on their lips that day.

I say I sleep like a rock although that’s not always been the case. For more years than I’d care to admit I had difficulty sleeping too. Anxiety, concerns, and yes even worries kept me from settling into restful sleep. I’d toss and turn as I mentally walked through the next day (or week or month) or rehearsed scenes that had already taken place. The ‘what-ifs’ and ‘maybes’ really can get you wound up.

There’s a plethora of ‘how to not be stressed’ media, as well as sleep-tips. Many provide useful and practical information. One thing that has been a great help to me over the years is the ‘medicine’ I take before I go to bed at night: the word of God.

It’s important we get the needed sleep to be refreshed for what ever it is that God’s called us to do in our waking hours. If you have insomnia like lots of others, you might want to try this. Read these five verses before you go to sleep each night. I wrote them out and keep them on a bedside table.

It is comforting to know we have a Sentinel watching over us. These promises in the Bible are good, and reliable. That’s good news.

When you lie down, you will not be afraid; When you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. Proverbs 3:24 I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety. Psalm 4:8 I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me. Psalm 3:5 Indeed, he who watches over Israel never slumbers or sleeps. Psalm 121:4 I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety. Psalm 4:8

Sally Ireland Kennedy sallyikennedy@bellsouth.net , Irish Thursdays Weekly Devotionals © 2009, http://www.sallyikennedy.com

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Surrounded by God's Provisions. You of Little Faith, Part 1

Today's Bible Verse: Luke 12:28-29 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith!

I was about eight years old, and the sweltering heat of Italy had gotten to me. My dad had taken us to visit the ruins of old Pompeii, a town of historical renown that had been destroyed by the eruption of the Vesuvius around 79 A.D, but feeling as bad as I did, history was far from my mind. While all I wanted to do was to lie down on a bed, hold onto my tummy, and sleep, I was being forced to walk around in the scorching heat, holding onto the hand of my anxious mother.

As our guide was vividly explaining the drama that had unfolded here, his eyes lit on me. He stopped his script, mid-sentence, and exclaimed: "Siete malato!" He then took me by the hand and dragged me to a field covered with wild flowers, weeds and various grasses. Here he began searching for something, all the while, muttering in Italian. I had no idea what was happening, but when I looked to my mother, something in her eyes told me everything was okay.

All of a sudden, I heard my guide say, "Aha". Then he picked up some kind of weed and asked me to smell it. I did, and instantly I felt better. My energy returned, and my upset stomach calmed. Another half an hour of smelling that herb, and I was completely immersed in what had happened in Pompeii and how the city had been preserved.

What is interesting is that all of the time I was feeling so bad, I was surrounded by herbs that could have cured my suffering. Al I needed was for someone to give me some!

Too often in life we lack some specific necessity. We don't realize that God has already provided for our all of our needs! Our spiritual sickness hinders us from understanding that our Heavenly Daddy is, indeed, our Provider, and He has provided for each of our needs, even before they arise.

"If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?" (Matt 6:30 NIV)

"If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith!" (Luke 12:28-29 NIV)

If we take the time to study the gospels, we will notice that Jesus often uses the expression, "You of little faith!". The first time He uses this term, it is in the context of heavenly providence. We humans tend to prefer to cling to our worries instead of trusting our Heavenly Provider. The problem is, the only thing worrying will do for us is to bring us fear and headache, and most of what we worry about never even occurs. We tend to forget the simple truth that our Heavenly Father always provides!

"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." (Matt 6:34 NIV)

We are surrounded by His abundance. He is the King of Kings in all of the Universe. To Him belongs every planet, every comet, every galaxy, every resource, every solution to even our tiniest problems. Our possessions are short-lived, but His promises are eternal and true.

His provisions are all around us. Our problem is that we don't realize this fact! How can we even think that our Heavenly Daddy would neglect His own children! This is absurd! "If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!" (Matt 7:11-12 NIV)

We indeed have little faith if we prefer to worry instead of trusting the One who has our best interest at heart. Maybe this is why we don't impact our society for the Lord. Maybe this is why we live in mediocrity. "I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father." (John 14:12 NIV)

We tend to forget how good God truly is. All it took was for my guide to recognize my illness and to offer me some herbs, and then I was truly able to enjoy my visit to Pompeii. In the same way, all it takes for us is to trust our Provider to provide. Then we can begin experiencing true living.

It's all about trust!

Do I really want to hear Jesus tell me one day "O you of little faith!"?

Rob Chaffart

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They Came Expecting

Today's Bible Verse: Matt. 17:18-20 Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of the boy, and he was healed from that moment. Then the disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?” He replied, “Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.

It was about 15 years ago—I had just finished speaking at one of the largest churches on a beautiful island called Singapore. Pastor Ronnie followed me with what I thought was to be a benediction for the service. I will never forget what happened next. He proceeded to the podium and promptly told this congregation of several thousand people that Mr. Vince will now come back up to pray for us.I thought to myself, I can certainly do that. I had no idea what was about to happen. Before I could utter a word of general prayer 2000 people got up from their seats and proceeded to the front of the altar. As they lined up I noticed that behind the front row of people there were other people standing there with pillows. Oh no—Pastor Ronnie means pray for all of them—individually. Not only that—these people are looking forward to falling down under the power of the Holy Spirit. Some call this being slain by the Spirit.

Now I had been in many meetings prior to this where I observed this type of ministry take place. Never had I participated in, or been asked to lead this kind of ministry. Fear began to well up in me—do I tell them I do not know how to do this—do I press on and hope God shows up? What happened next was incredible.

I remember stepping forward, closing my eyes and extending my arms toward the first woman in line. I remember the opening line of that prayer—God please don’t let her fall down. I looked up and she was gone—on the floor. I did not feel anything. I moved to the next person—then the next—all of them—on the floor.

I got home from this experience and shared what happened with Cindy. I will never forget what she said. She first asked me if I knew why this happened. I said no. She said, “they came expecting”.

With that simple answer a profound truth began to take root in my soul. Do I come to God expecting Him to do something extraordinary, special, something so far beyond my dreams and abilities? Or, could it be the reason why we do not see more supernatural works of God is that we do not have that kind of faith?

I recently had two different conversations with mature Christian leaders where we talked about this idea. They believe, as I do, that the secret to our seeing God move in these special ways is tied to our faith and ultimate trust in Him. Do we believe those words of Jesus found in Matthew about the power of faith or not?

Do you come expecting?

My friends here are a couple of takeaways from this TargetPoint. Do you come expecting? Do you come to God with such a sense of amazement and wonder of who He is and what He can do that nothing will surprise you? I believe that the same Jesus who spoke those powerful words in Matthew is alive today and is repeating them to His church in this present day. The problem is with us—His bride. Our human doubts and fear get in the way of seeing His miracle working power in action.

At the risk of stepping on some toes theologically, I must suggest that we may be missing something pretty important here. Our world is falling apart—I refuse to believe God intended his people to live as slaves, unable to affect our world. I believe we have not only the ability and power, but also the authority to call upon Him. I believe we do not do this for one of two reasons: First, we do not really believe He hears us—maybe it’s a sense of our unworthiness or perhaps we do not sense we are close enough to Him.

Second, lacking first-hand experience in this area combined with a narrow theological perspective suggest He does not work in this same way today.

I would like to suggest in closing that the only way to overcome either of these dispositions is to get closer to Him. Ask God for a renewed gift of faith. Come into His presence expecting He hears you. Will every experience be a miracle? No. I do know this—if we are praying for His will, sooner or later we will see miracles if we come expecting. Part of this whole idea of faith is having a sense of comfort that no matter if our prayer is answered or not—He hears us and is in control.

So, in these trying times I want to encourage you to expect God in every circumstance where you find yourself. I find that as I am able to do that I have a deep sense of peace, a peace that surpasses my understanding.

“Come near to God and He will come near to you”.

Vince D'Acchioli, On Target Ministries http://www.ontargetinstitute.org/

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When One Wanders Away - The Forgotten Villain. The "I" Series, Part 4

Today's Bible Verse: Matt 24:4 Watch out that no one deceives you.

On Wednesday my wife and I celebrated our 25th anniversary. I wanted it to be special, and I bought her 25 exquisite red roses, one for each year of marriage. I had asked my mother-in-law to drive my wife to work that morning, so that I could deliver them personally, and then take her out to dinner.

I had no idea what kind of a reception awaited me at the front door of the rehab centre where she works. One of her colleagues came running out to shake my hand. I wondered what this was all about, and I found out later that when my wife's colleagues learned about our 25th anniversary, they were astounded.

"25 years? Is that even still possible nowadays?"

They had asked.Unknowingly my wife and I have become a relic of the good ol' days, and this knowledge saddened me to the core. All these young people out there who are blinded by the "I" that is promoted by society, and none of them have any idea how to make their own marriages last!

Jesus warned us that in the last days we should: "Watch out that no one deceives you." (Matt 24:4 NIV)

Is it possible that divorce is a deception straight from hell?

One day Jesus was approached by some testy Pharisees concerning divorce: "Some Pharisees came to him to test him. They asked, 'Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any and every reason?'" (Matt 19:3 NIV)

His answer was unexpected: "'Haven't you read,' he replied, 'that at the beginning the Creator "made them male and female," and said, "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh"? So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.'" (Matt 19:4-6 NIV

Unsatisfied, they questioned Him further: "'Why then,' they asked, 'did Moses command that a man give his wife a certificate of divorce and send her away?'" (Matt 19:7 NIV)

Again Jesus' reply shocked them to the core: "Jesus replied, 'Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard. But it was not this way from the beginning. I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, and marries another woman commits adultery.'" (Matt 19:8-9 NIV)

What is even more surprising is the reaction from the disciples of Jesus: "The disciples said to him, 'If this is the situation between a husband and wife, it is better not to marry.'" (Matt 19:10 NIV)

They are so shocked that they decide if they didn't have the possibility of divorce, then it was better not to marry at all!

Maybe we aren't relics of the olden days after all! It seems that the attitude of pro-divorce was vividly exhibited even as the years turned from B.C. to A.D.!

Jesus rightly concluded: "Not everyone can accept this word, but only those to whom it has been given." (Matt 19:11 NIV) Unfortunately, not everyone will listen to the advice Jesus gave. Only those with a heart for God!

And how does God look upon divorce? "'I hate divorce,' says the Lord God of Israel." (Mal 2:16 NIV)

Okay. So maybe that's just Old Testament mentality. What does the New Testament say about divorce?

"Are you married? Do not seek a divorce." (1 Cor 7:27 NIV)

Case closed! God is opposed to divorce!

But if He hates it so much, why is it promoted so much in our society?

In all reality, isn't divorce a public announcement that we are being absorbed by the "I" (Me and my pleasures first)? Isn't divorce a public disclosure that although Jesus died for our sins, forgiveness isn't possible? Are we so absorbed in ourselves that others have become insignificant? Can't we learn to forgive the one who was once the "apple of our eye"?

"When you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins." (Mark 11:25 NIV)

Have we forgotten how to forgive that way Jesus forgave us? "Forgive as the Lord forgave you." (Col 3:13 NIV) Has that also become unimportant?

If we expect Jesus to forgive any of our sins, shouldn't we at least try to forgive the one we used to call "beloved"? Remember: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9 NIV)

Remember that once you are married, you are no longer two individual people. You become one in purpose and direction: "'The two will become one flesh' So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate." (Mat 19: 5-6 NIV)

Marriage is just like a rope used on fishing boats. Most consist of two cords that in themselves consist of many fibres and are braided together to improve strength. One strand by itself is more susceptible to breaking, but together it can withstand tempests and rough handling!

As Christians, we have access to a third strand that becomes intertwined amongst this rope of marriage, a strand that renders our marriages even stronger: The Holy Spirit!

But if, If all of a sudden, one of the strands decides it would be advantageous to look at other cords, the rope will become weak and prone to destruction!

Isn't it interesting that those who divorce once have a tendency to divorce again?

The effects of pursuing the "I" are disastrous!

Through one death entered this world, through Another life was offered (See 1 Cor 15:21-22). We need to ask ourselves: Am I a promoter of death or a promoter of life?

Our actions will determine what kind of promoter we truly are.

Only love brings meaning to our life. Will we let the "I" ruin it?

"Love never gives up. Love cares more for others than for self. Love doesn't want what it doesn't have. Love doesn't strut, Doesn't have a swelled head, Doesn't force itself on others, Isn't always 'me first,' Doesn't fly off the handle, Doesn't keep score of the sins of others, Doesn't revel when others grovel, Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth, Puts up with anything, Trusts God always, Always looks for the best, Never looks back, But keeps going to the end." (1 Cor 13:4-7 The Message)

Who am I truly? Am I a promoter of death and destruction or a promoter of life and hope?

Rob Chaffart

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Details

Today's Bible Verse:

Matthew 10:30,31 And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

While I was talking with someone the other day, she mentioned something going on in her life. I asked if she’d prayed about it. She replied no, she didn’t think God was concerned about something like that…..she prays about the important things but not anything as small as this. I could identify with this thinking, and at one time my thinking was….after all, God has a lot to do all the time!

Then one day I happened to be visiting a church. After the worship service the pastor asked if anyone would like to come up for prayer.

Several people did. Clearly some had physical ailments; others may have had financial, family, or work situations they were seeking God’s help in. One woman had a cold, and she went right up for prayer along with the others. The pastors and prayer team prayed for each person that came, including the woman with the sniffles. No prayer request was too large, or too small.

There is nothing under the sun that is not important to God. All we have to do is look at our solar system, the starry universe, how a baby is perfectly put together before birth, the cell structure in our bodies, right down to a perfectly and intricately made bumble bee in a minutely detailed single flower.

He is most definitely and assuredly in details. And He is totally interested in the details of our lives. The Word of the Lord is truth, and it says that even the hairs of our head are numbered by God. He knows every single solitary detail about us. He IS interested and involved in our lives.

No prayer request is too small for Him. He already knows what is in our hearts and minds, and longs for us to come to Him, our Heavenly Father, to ask and to talk things over. Through the Holy Spirit, we can come to Him, trusting and believing.

What an awesome and amazing God we have, that HE would be interested in every detail concerning us. So “give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” (1 Peter 5:7) How wonderful we serve a God of details.

That is good news.

Sally Ireland Kennedy sallyikennedy@bellsouth.net ,© 2009 Irish Thursdays Weekly Devotionals, http://www.sallyikennedy.com/

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When the Impossible Becomes Possible. The "I" Series, Part 3

Today's Bible Verse:

Mat 19: 16 Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?

Likely you have already met many people who are trying to rely on their good works to reach heaven. "I'm sure a lot better than Hitler or Stalin," they boldly declare, assured that they must be doing something right in life after all.

Whenever one of these "righteous" people crosses my path, I can't help but recall the encounter between a certain rich young ruler and Jesus. He, too, believed that his good works would provide him eternal life: "Now a man came up to Jesus and asked, 'Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?' 'Why do you ask me about what is good?' Jesus replied. 'There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments.' 'Which ones?' The man inquired. Jesus replied, '"Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honor your father and mother," and "love your neighbor as yourself."' 'All these I have kept,' the young man said. 'What do I still lack?'" (Matt 19:16 - 20)

Notice the emphasis in the dialogue of that young man:

1. "What … must I do". To him, working for his salvation was a chore!

2. "Which ones?" It seems he was interested in doing minimal work to obtain what he was after.

3. "All these I have kept". There seems to be a lot of pride in this young man's heart, especially since God's Word emphases: "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…" (Rom 3:23 NIV)

But then again, are we any better?

This young man was so sure of himself that he made the mistake of asking: "What do I still lack?" The answer put him at a crossroad where he would have to either choose a life of sacrifice or a life of self-indulgence.

Jesus' answer?

"Jesus answered, 'If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.' When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth." (Matt 19:21-22)

What is very troubling about this true story is the reaction of Jesus' own disciples!

"When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, 'Who then can be saved?'" (Matt.19:25)

One thing is for certain, anyone who relies on the "I' and on his own works will fall far short!

"But I sacrificed so much of my money to help the poor! That should count for something!

"But not enough for a ticket to heaven!

"But I tried to obey everything that my church tells me I need to do. I spend so much of my time in numerous committees!

"This, too, is not enough for a ticket to heaven!

Remember: "If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing." (1 Cor 13:3 NIV)

Jesus confirms this in His reply to His disciples: "Jesus looked at them and said, 'With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."" (Matt 19: 26 NIV)

We cannot be saved by our own merit! How presumptuous our "I" can become! Salvation by works is but an insignificant vapour in God's eyes! We cannot save ourselves, just as a drowning man cannot save himself! It is impossible!

It's not all about us, but about Him! Jesus is the One who does the impossible!

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God- not by works, so that no one can boast." (Eph 2:8-9 NIV)

In my frivolous young days, I, too, believed in relying on my own efforts. Not only for my salvation, but also at school. During high school, for some reason I had trouble passing English. My big question to my teacher was: "What can I do to improve my grade?

"I expected one of the following answers: "Practice more translating from one language to another." (English to Dutch and vice-versa, as I was attending a public high school in Belgium.) Or "Read more English books and watch the BBC." Or "Try to practice speaking English with those who can.

"Instead I received the following dreadful message from my English teacher: "You will never be able to speak English!

"I felt completely deflated, just like that rich young ruler in Jesus' days!

I persisted, however, and I went for English tutoring during the summer. I then retook my exams, and this time I passed. Just barely, however. My English mark was always my lowest grade on my report card, and it seemed that no matter how hard I tried, I was doomed for mediocrity. I started to believe that, indeed, I was destined to never, ever be able to speak this language.

Then one day, while attending seminary in France, I met a group of Americans on an exchange program. Although they were supposedly there to learn French, they spoke English all the time. I started hanging out with them, and before I knew it, I was able to speak English. A local high school even asked me if I could tutor students having difficulties learning English!

That year I experienced grace. I didn't learn to speak English through my own merit, I learned it through God's providence! That eventually led me to discover that salvation is quite similar to my own experiences. It is impossible to save ourselves! We have fallen too deeply into depravity to ever get out of it by ourselves! Only through the Miracle Worker, Jesus, the Christ, is it possible for us to obtain not only hope, but salvation as well!

"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Rom 6:23 NIV)

Are you tired of your ineffective and wearisome endeavours to obtain grace? Why not drop all pretences and accept God's offer! Let Him turn the impossible into the possible! He loves you so much that He willingly died for you so that you could be saved. But not through your own efforts! Through His grace alone!

Wow! Thank you, Jesus! You are the best!

Rob Chaffart

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Withered Hand

Today's Bible Verse:

Mark 3:3-5 [Jesus] said to the man with the withered hand, "Rise and come forward!" And He said to them, "Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save a life or to kill?" But they kept silent. After looking around at them with anger, grieved at their hardness of heart, He said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." And he stretched it out, and his hand was restored. (NASB)

I took a rare day off work recently. My son was in school, and I knew I would have the day alone. I had plans -- big plans. I was going to vacuum, dust, do my taxes, write letters, catch up on laundry, file all the papers that had gathered on my desk, scrub the tub, etc. The list was ambitious, but I knew I could do it if I just set my mind to it. I knew, however, that I needed some kind of reward, something to motivate me to keep going. So, I decided that after each chore on my list was completed, I would play one game of computer solitaire. You can probably imagine the results. Chores came secondary to solitaire, and next thing I knew, it was evening, and there were very few checkmarks of completion on my chore list. I felt like I deserved a resounding kick in the butt. I scolded myself and berated myself and felt that familiar voice in my head saying, "You're such a loser.

"The next morning, I read some Scripture -- the story about the man with the withered hand, whom Jesus healed in the synagogue. What did this man have to show for himself? A withered hand. There were no works presented, no résumé, no list of good deeds completed. Jesus was aware of the man and the man's desire to be healed. Jesus said to the man, "Rise and come forward!" And "Stretch out your hand." For healing, for restoration to happen, the man had to do only two things: obey when Jesus told him to come to Him and then to stretch out his hand. What if the man had come to Jesus but had not stretched out his hand when Jesus told him to? Would Jesus have healed him? I don't know. Was the man ashamed of his hand? Was it a faith struggle for the man to show Jesus his useless hand? I don't know. Did the man understand that the Pharisees who were present were looking for an opportunity to criticize Jesus and that Jesus' performing a healing would be perfect fodder for them? Again, I don't know. What I do know is that the man was desperate. Never mind political correctness, never mind the opinions of the spectators, never mind the rules that said you shouldn't heal (or seek healing?) On the Sabbath. The man was focused on Jesus and fixed on the fact that he needed healing.

What did I have to present to the Lord that morning? What did I have to show? My own "withered hand". No works, no accomplishments, no list of completed tasks. What did Jesus want from me? That withered hand. Just as He was moved with compassion by the man with the withered hand, He is moved with compassion for me and for you. His requirements? We are to come to Him, to show Him our need. We need to be desperate for Him. Let not the voices of criticism (self or others) hinder any one of us from bringing our own withered hand to Him.

Prayer: Thank You, Jesus, that Your requirements are so simple. Thank You for Your compassion when we show You our neediness. Help us not to let anyone or anything get in the way of coming to You. We love You. Amen.

Kathleen Ageton katbabc@hotmail.com Makawao, Hawaii, USA

Thanks to http://daily.presbycan.ca

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