Devotionals, Daily Audio Bible

The Psalm Of Ascension

Wed, 22 May 2013 18:23:52 GMT

THE PSALM OF ASCENSION
By F.B. Meyer

"But God, being rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us, even when we were dead through our trespasses, quickened us together with Christ, and raised us up with Him, and made us to sit with Him in the heavenly places, in Christ Jesus."-- Eph_2:4-6.

THIS 24th Psalm is apparently in two parts, and yet there is one theme, the ascent of the holy soul and the triumphant Saviour into the presence of God. For us, the ascension of our Lord precedes our own; but in the days of the Psalmist that order was reversed.
Our Lord's Ascension. In an outburst of poetry, kindled by the Divine Spirit, the Psalmist anticipates the coming of the King of Glory to the doors of the Eternal City--that ideal City which through the ages has beckoned forward the hearts of saints and patriots, and which in Rev. 21. is seen descending to our earth. It was as though the doors of the Unseen barred His entrance. They had opened to God, but never before to "God manifest in the flesh." It was a new thing that He should take our nature with Him into the unseen and eternal world.

The soul's ascension (Psa_24:3-6). In Christ we have ascended and are seated at God's right hand. No change in your emotions, not even the being overtaken by a fault can alter that. But we have to make our calling sure. What is ours in the divine purpose must be claimed and appropriated as a living daily experience. There are certain qualities of character which are requisite to those who should be accounted worthy to stand before the Son of Man, not hereafter only, but now and here and always (Luk_21:36).

We must have clean hands. The money that we earn must be clean money. If we are writers, artists, mechanics, professional or commercial men or women, we must never produce anything which would defile the imagination or heart. We must have a pure heart. In Isa_33:14-17, which is a parallel passage, the Holy Spirit is compared to a devouring fire, in the presence of which no evil thing can live. Let us ask Him so to possess us, and to cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by His inspiration. We must not lift up our soul to vanity, i.e., we must not allow ourselves to be inflated with the applause or rewards of the world. Many sell their souls for these, and only at the end of life awaken to discover how worthless they are. We must not swear deceitfully, i.e., we must be absolutely transparent and sincere, for only the true can stand in the presence of the King of Truth.

PRAYER
May we live as those who have been raised with Christ, and who are seated with Him. AMEN.

Topic started by Davidwayne Lackey

1 replies. Last reply from on 5/22/2013 6:23 PM

The Voice Of God In Nature

Tue, 21 May 2013 19:33:15 GMT

THE VOICE OF GOD IN NATURE AND REVELATION
By F.B. Meyer:

"The Heavens declare the Glory of God; and the firmament sheweth His handiwork. Psa_19:1.

VERSES (Psa_19:1-6): Those whose hearts are in tune with God can hear voices in Nature which are inaudible to the ordinary man. The poet Blake says: "When the morning sun ascends the eastern sky, you may behold only a light yellow disc, whereas I shall see and hear the infinite multitude of the heavenly host, crying, Holy, Holy, Holy!" Yet, though there is no speech nor language, is it not true that "their words are gone forth to the end of the world"? There is no nation of men that has not heard the voice of Nature speaking of God (Act_14:16-17; Rom_1:20-21).
In Psa_19:7-11 the Psalmist describes the effect of the Word of God when the Spirit of Truth works through it and by it on the soul. There are many ways of reading the Bible--as a history, as a revelation of man's gropings after God, as a piece of great literature; but the best way is to ask the Divine Spirit to make it a medium through which He may approach our innermost nature. Listen to God's voice speaking within you. Be still, that you may hear. The Spirit searches into the deep things of God, and reveals them to our spirit (1Co_2:10). All that God has ever said or been to others, He will say and be to you, if only your heart is lowly and contrite. "Speak to me, Lord, by Prophet and Psalmist, by lyric and prose, by narrative and appeal. Speak through Thy Word to restore my soul, to rejoice my heart, and to enlighten mine eyes!" When to the quiet and waiting soul God uses His own Word thus, it is more to be desired than fine gold, and is sweeter than the taste of honey from the comb.
The effect of God's Word, when used by the Holy Spirit, is very remarkable (Psa_19:11-14). It convinces of sin. Just as linen is shown to be discoloured against freshly-fallen snow, so we realise our errors and cry to be cleansed from hidden and secret sins.
David knew little of the glory and wonder of the Cross, where God spared not His own Son, but in Him stooped to reconcile man to Himself. The starry heavens, telling of the glory of God, and even the Law itself, are not able to tell us what the Cross of Jesus does, of Love that matched itself against hate, and of Grace that would not be turned away by human sin.

PRAYER
I pray Thee, gracious Lord, that I may not miss any of those lessons which Thou art desirous of teaching me by Thy Spirit, Thy Word, and Thy Providence. AMEN.

Topic started by Davidwayne Lackey

1 replies. Last reply from on 5/21/2013 7:33 PM

I Am Learning Lord

Mon, 20 May 2013 22:58:36 GMT

I Am Learning Lord
(Author Unknown)

My life has taken many falls and tumbles 'long the way.
The many trials have left me in a sure state of dismay,
For with each trial, I tried alone to tend, and soothe, and mend,
Instead of giving them to God - and on Him just depend...
But I am learning, Lord.

It seems that I was determined to carry all the load;
I longed for smoother pathways yet I walked a rocky road.
Little did I understand - God waited patiently
To pave a new beginning With a better life for me...
But I am learning, Lord.

It took a real disaster to bring me to my knees;
To finally call upon the Lord and say, "God help me, please."
He can, with no delaying, with strong arms that could hold -
The weight of all my burdens; He gladly took the load.
And I am learning, Lord.

What a needless cross I carried, all because I could not see -
What a friend I have in Jesus, and the love He has for me.
Peace I find when troubles hover, though' the outcome is unknown,
For if yet the road is rocky, I won't walk it all alone...
For I am learning, Lord.

Topic started by Davidwayne Lackey

2 replies. Last reply from Helga on 5/20/2013 10:58 PM

Be Thankful

Sun, 19 May 2013 21:05:46 GMT

Be Thankful

Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire.
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?

Be thankful when you don't know something,
for it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times.
During those times you grow.

Be thankful for your limitations,
because they give you opportunities for improvement.

Be thankful for each new challenge,
because it will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes.
They will teach you valuable lessons.

Be thankful when you're tired and weary,
because it means you've made a difference.

It's easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are also thankful for the setbacks.

Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles, and they can become your blessings.

~ Helen Dowd

Topic started by Davidwayne Lackey

1 replies. Last reply from on 5/19/2013 9:05 PM

Elizabeth And Me

Sun, 19 May 2013 00:44:20 GMT

Joni and Friends Daily Devotional:
Elizabeth and Me

"If the foot should say, 'Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,' it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body."
1 Corinthians 12:15

When I was in Germany a few years ago to speak at a church, I was linked up with a blind woman named Elizabeth who served as my interpreter. For five sessions we were at the microphone, me with my wheelchair and Elizabeth with her white cane.

During a break, someone placed on my lap a magazine printed in English. It looked like good reading, but I couldn't hold it or turn the pages. Elizabeth asked me a few questions about the cover, and so I said, "Look, how about if you hold it up and turn the pages. That way I can read it aloud so we can both enjoy it." We did just that.

After a few minutes, Elizabeth and I attracted the attention of her pastor who, upon watching us, decided to use us as an illustration for his sermon on 1 Corinthians 12. In short, we all have need of each other. Imagine, just imagine, a church in which each member used his or her strength to make up for another's weakness. Eyes see, ears hear, hands hold, and feet move the body forward. When everyone fulfills his function, the whole body benefits. When someone's not doing his thing, everybody suffers.

______________________________________

My blind friend in Germany would agree: In the church body, there's no such thing as a nobody. What strengths do you bring to the body? Are you using them for the Lord? If not, give your pastor a call and offer to do your part.

Father God, sometimes it's hard to step forward and volunteer to help out. Strengthen my resolve to contribute to the church body the abilities You have given me even if they don't seem spectacular but quite ordinary. They are still the gifts You have given me, and I want to give them back as an offering to You.

Topic started by Davidwayne Lackey

2 replies. Last reply from Helga on 5/19/2013 12:44 AM

There Is Always A Way Out

Fri, 17 May 2013 23:22:27 GMT

1-Minute Daily Devotion
A Daily Devotion From Right From The Heart Ministries

There Is Always A Way Out
"Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD swept the sea back by a strong east wind all night and turned the sea into dry land, so the waters were divided." - Exodus 14:21 NIV

We all have times when we feel we have no options, especially in today's economy. Maybe we're in a job crisis and we feel there is just no way out. Sometimes we don't even have a job, money is rapidly running out, and we're beginning to feel despair. Or maybe you are a student with a 55 average going into a final exam in a course you must have to graduate. Sometimes it's in a marriage that seems hopeless. There are many possible scenarios, but they all have this in common: It seems like we've run out of options and we don't know what to do. We feel trapped in a hopeless situation with no possible way out.

We can learn how to face these crises by remembering the children of Israel. They faced a stormy sea to the front and Egyptian soldiers to the rear. Talk about having no options...they truly had no way out! But, if you'll remember, God led them from desperation to complete victory. Realize that the same God who parted the Red Sea is standing beside you whenever you think you're out of options. There is no lasting defeat for children of God; He always gives us the option of allowing Him to lead us, teach us, and build our faith.

If He parted the Red Sea for the people of faith, then through faith, no situation is hopeless. Ever.

Topic started by Davidwayne Lackey

3 replies. Last reply from Helga on 5/17/2013 11:22 PM

God Can't

Thu, 16 May 2013 19:23:29 GMT

Joni and Friends Daily Devotional:
God Can't

". . . a faith and knowledge resting on the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time." Titus 1:2

It's been said that a child doesn't know the difference between a broken promise and a lie. To the parent, a promise is something we strive to fulfill but, "Hey, one never knows what tomorrow might bring." But to the child, a promise is a statement of fact about future events. Period.

Before there was time, God made a promise that the people whom He chose, by their faith, would live forever. But then, no sooner did time begin than the first rebellion broke out in the Garden of Eden. It was the first in a long line of reasons for God to back out of His promise. Who could blame Him for backing out? I would renege, especially since the promise was made without a witness. And I would definitely suspend the promise if the provisions of the relationship were frequently and maliciously broken, as indeed they were.

But our verse for today says that God does not lie and that His inability to lie is related to the fact that He made a promise. The Greek uses the adjective form saying the "not-lying God." To God, a broken promise and a lie are one and the same, and He can do neither. He does not have the propensity to alter His character nor His intention toward us. What He started must be completed. He will not, and cannot, alter what was a part of His being even before we ever came into existence.

___________________________

There is a great sense of security in knowing God's omnipotence. His inability to lie, likewise, gives security. Doubts about God changing His mind vanish when we realize that, unlike us, God cannot break a promise or lie. And in His mind, truth and promises are the same. Think for a moment what you believe about promises. What promises have you made that you can follow through on today?

Father, I take great comfort in knowing that my sins have no bearing on your decision to grant me eternal life. Your inability to do otherwise binds my heart to Yours. I love you.

Topic started by Davidwayne Lackey

1 replies. Last reply from on 5/16/2013 7:23 PM

The Name Of The Lord

Wed, 15 May 2013 22:47:17 GMT

Joni and Friends Daily Devotional:
The Name of the Lord

"Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."

Romans 10:13

I taught the Junior High Sunday School lesson this week. How can I inspire these kids to pray for their friends at school who don't know Christ? We made a list. On one side of the blackboard, we wrote the name of a classmate with a short description: Charlie -- stuck on himself; Christie -- parents divorced; Stephanie -- fooling with drugs. The blackboard filled up quickly. On the other side, we listed the names of Christ: Friend of Sinners, Healer of Broken Hearts, Prince of Peace, Bread of Life, and many more.

We prayed with eyes open, each Junior Higher linking the need of a classmate with a particular and suitable Name of Christ. Their small voices became large with confidence as they began praying, "Prince of Peace, I pray that Christie comes to have peace in her heart" and "Friend of Sinners, Stephanie is in real trouble with drugs... she needs to see her sin and you as her friend" and "Bread of Life, Charlie doesn't know it, but he's hungry for you...let him feed on you." Thirty minutes passed quickly. Each young person was energized by this fresh way of weaving the Name of the Lord throughout their prayers.

_______________________________

As the song goes, "There is strength in the Name of the Lord; there is power in the Name of the Lord; there is hope in the Name of the Lord." Become familiar with the many and varied names of Christ in scripture, then employ those names in your prayers. The Names of Christ give color and texture, meaning and depth to our prayer language. Plus, it's a way of becoming more familiar and intimate with your Savior. Lastly, there is power in the Name of the Lord -- that's good news for your unsaved friend who needs prayer.

Lead me to pray for someone today, Lord, and show me in scripture a new way to express Your Name in prayer. In fact, I want to do this right now...

Topic started by Davidwayne Lackey

1 replies. Last reply from on 5/15/2013 10:47 PM

Don't Run Out Of Time

Tue, 14 May 2013 23:26:00 GMT

1-Minute Daily Devotion
A Daily Devotion From Right From The Heart Ministries

Don't Run Out Of Time
"But of that day and hour no one knows..." - Matthew 24:36 NIV

One of the teachings of Jesus is that He will come again. He very clearly teaches about signs of His coming:

An increase in false teachers and messiahs. False teaching is contrary to God's written Word; we see this today not only in cults, but also inside and outside the church.

Wars and rumors of wars. The 20th century was the bloodiest and worst century in all history. Sadly, the 21st century appears to be on its way to breaking that record.

Increase in natural disasters. Earthquakes, tsunamis, hurricanes, famines and floods.

All of these things are occurring now, yet He says these occurrences are like birth pangs. With the onset of labor, birth pangs increase in frequency and intensity as birth approaches. This is very revealing in reflecting on the "signs" of which Jesus speaks.

Yet, He clearly states, "No one knows the time." If someone sets a time, you can be sure he is a false prophet because no one knows the time. We need to be ready all the time. One thing is for sure, however, birth pangs keep increasing. Will you be ready for His return? Will your friends and families? We've got to get busy, folks, for a day is coming when we will be out of time.

Topic started by Davidwayne Lackey

2 replies. Last reply from Helga on 5/14/2013 11:26 PM

The Other John 3:16?

Mon, 13 May 2013 19:54:00 GMT

The OTHER John 3:16?
(by Rev. Kerry S. Doyal)
[Edited]

We know & rightfully love John 3:16:

"For God so loved the world
that he gave his one and only Son,
that whoever believes in him
shall not perish but have eternal life." (NIV)

That's the gospel: What God has done for us & our response! The Apostle John recalled that from Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus.

The OTHER John 3:16 speaks of that some love for us sinners. It is used now as an example and mandate for us.

"This is how we know what love is:
Jesus Christ laid down his life for us.
And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers."
~ 1 John 3:16 ~

This is from John's first letter (in the back of your Bible).

To look at the cross is to see ultimate & true love: one willingly laying down their life for another. Jesus dying for us - while we were still sinners (see Rom. 5:8). The OTHER 3:16 tells us we also are obligated, duty-bound to lay down our lives for God's kids.

John, can ya give us an example our loving others?

"If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth." (1 John 3:17-18).

Ouch - I'm glad I asked. Not only is that clear, it is convicting. The proof of our salvation is in our "pudding" out practical acts of love. This is an assurance of salvation. Not in securing it, but in having evidence that it has occurred (see vs. 19-23). Being known by our fruit (Matt. 7; John 15)

So, let's love & live BOTH John 3:16's!
Receive the love of God in Jesus' death.
Pass on that same love to others.

Topic started by Davidwayne Lackey

1 replies. Last reply from on 5/13/2013 7:54 PM

Hid in Christ

Mon, 06 May 2013 21:22:57 GMT

Joni and Friends Daily Devotional:
Hid with Christ

"Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory." Colossians 3:2-4

When I was in Russia, my husband Ken purchased one of those wooden hand-painted peasant dolls that twist open at the middle to reveal another doll inside. You take the smaller doll out, open it, and another, even smaller one is inside. Open that one, and you discover a tinier doll! The fun is in discovering all that's hidden inside of each doll.

To me, it was an excellent picture of being hid with Christ in God. We are in Him and He is hidden in the Father. The fun is in discovering all that this means. As the verse says, we have died and our true life lies in the other world, the spiritual world. The perfection of all that we shall one day be is reserved for us in heaven. It is hid with Christ -- not only from us (like a secret) but it is hid for us (like a safety deposit box). At the present time, even Christ is hidden - but we take comfort that even though we cannot see Him, our life is hid with Him and laid up safely with Him. In the same way, we can rest, knowing that although our ultimate happiness is presently out of sight, it is nevertheless reserved in heaven for us.

What a picture of safety and protection. Nothing can touch us, nothing can harm us for we are hidden in Christ, and He is hidden in the Father. And one day, when Christ is revealed, when He appears, then who we are - our true identity - will no longer be concealed.

_______________________________

As we follow the advice of Colossians 3:2 and set our minds on things above, we enjoy discovering "what's inside." Today, ponder what you might be like, sound like, act like when you appear with Him in glory. As you muse on things above, what is hidden becomes clear.

Lord, I want to understand this mystery and so I set my heart and mind on things above where you are seated at the right hand of the Father - one day I will actually "be" the person You've intended me to be all along. Thank You for hiding me in Your heart.

Topic started by Davidwayne Lackey

1 replies. Last reply from on 5/6/2013 9:22 PM

God Will Not Abandon You

Sun, 05 May 2013 20:18:00 GMT

1-Minute Daily Devotion
A Daily Devotion From Right From The Heart Ministries

God Will Not Abandon You
"The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise." - Psalm 51:17

Ever dropped the ball, made a dumb move, or been reckless? Well, I would guess that anyone reading this, including me, would have to answer, "Oh, yes!" Unfortunately, making mistakes, having errors in judgement, and feeling mortified afterwards are just a part of life. We are, after all, human.

Consider the mess Moses got himself into. At age 39, Moses was at the apex of society, of status, of wealth, of educational pedigree, as the adopted son of the most prominent man in the world - Pharaoh. But, after learning the truth of his ethnicity (which made him a Jewish slave), he became so angry at an Egyptian he saw beating a slave that he murdered him. Of course, he knew he had made a huge mistake, so he quickly buried the Egyptian, hoping he had gotten away with it. But Moses was exposed the next day and had to flee for his life in the wilderness. Moses went from high society to desert nomad within just a day. Talk about a drastic life change!

Moses probably felt like his life was over and thought there was no chance for him ever again doing anything of significance. But even though what Moses did was evil and wrong, God did not abandon him. God took Moses' evil and turned it into a means for good by preparing him for the challenge of his life - calling on Pharaoh to release all the Hebrew slaves.

Perhaps you can relate to what Moses went through. No matter how bad your fall or how serious your character flaw or how much difficulty you face in life - don't give up. Turn to the Lord with trust and let God do something powerful in your life. Let God develop all the Godly attributes that He wants you to have in your life. There is no sin too great for God. Just like He did for Moses, God still has great plans for your life!

Topic started by Davidwayne Lackey

1 replies. Last reply from on 5/5/2013 8:18 PM

What Legalism is not

Sat, 04 May 2013 21:01:05 GMT

1-Minute Daily Devotion
A Daily Devotion From Right From The Heart Ministries

What Legalism Is NOT
There shall be one standard for you; it shall be for the stranger as well as the native, for I am the Lord your God. - Leviticus 24:22

Legalism is described as obeying laws in a very strict and exact way. People from all, including Christianity, have been led astray by trying to be legalistic in their interpretation of religious rules and regulations.

But, folks, I've got to tell you - legalism is not true faith. It's often confused with dedicated faith, but real faith is not about obeying well-intentioned, man-made rules. That only leads to frustration, resentment, and unnecessary guilt. In today's world, there are not only religious legalists but secular legalists. The "tolerance police" and "politically correct Gestapo" are intensely passionate about enforcing their well-intentioned, man-made rules. Resentment and frustration result.

If you suffer from well-intentioned legalism, I have great news for you. Jesus battled legalism throughout His ministry. He understands your pain. He wants to save you from it, just as He wants to save you from sin.

He will clarify what God calls sin and give you the desire to obey Him. God's commands enrich our lives. Man's legalisms enslave our lives. The only way to know the difference is by looking to Christ through God's Word. You'll discover the truth and the truth will set you free.

Topic started by Davidwayne Lackey

1 replies. Last reply from on 5/4/2013 9:01 PM

Flawless Word

Fri, 03 May 2013 19:50:34 GMT

Joni and Friends Daily Devotional:
Flawless Word,

"And the words of the LORD are flawless, like silver refined in a furnace of clay, purified seven times." Psalms 12:6

Young Steven looked up from watching the Olympics on TV. "I'd rather have a silver medal, I think."

"Why?"

"'Cause it looks better, shinier. Gold looks like it's got all kinds of junk in it."

Silver often takes a back seat to its richer brother, gold. But in the mind of the boy, silver had a greater attraction. It was shinier than gold. It looked faster, cooler, purer. It didn't look like anyone added any "junk" to it.

According to today's verse, God seems to agree with Steven's views on alchemy. When describing His Word, God says that it is more refined than silver (gold can't "hang together" if it's entirely free of impurities). So God chooses to liken His word to silver. That's because God is less interested in attractiveness and more interested in purity. God's Word, because it reflects a pure and holy God, must likewise be associated with that which is refined and pure.

One unusual quality of silver that accentuates its purity is the ability it has to kill bacteria when it comes in contact with it. It's as if "bad things" can't survive in silver, or around it! So, too, the Word of God is not only pure in and of itself, it has the ability, when applied by faith, to cleanse the reader of his or her sin. God is not as concerned about people finding His words "golden," all beautiful and attractive, as He is in people's lives being touched by the "silver" of His Word - becoming changed, holy and pure.

________________________________

The purity of God's Word should make us treasure it highly. More importantly for God, it should make a change for the better in our lives. He wants us to apply His commands to refine and change our hearts. And to those who are willing to allow the pure words to effect that change, He grants an invaluable gift: The security of knowing that His promises are as pure as His commands and truths.

Jesus, I lay claim to the purity of Your Word as the only hope for my life. I want to know its cleansing power and its pure rewards.

Topic started by Davidwayne Lackey

1 replies. Last reply from on 5/3/2013 7:50 PM

The Touch That Reveals

Thu, 02 May 2013 22:37:14 GMT

The Touch That Reveals
By George Morrison:

Jesus... put forth his hand, and touched him— Mar_1:41

We Reveal What We Are by What We Habitually Do
It has been said that if we want to judge a person we should never do it by a single action; but if we must do it by a single action, let that action be an ordinary one. A man is more likely to reveal himself in the kind of thing he habitually does than in the deed of some excited moment. Now touching is a very ordinary action. We touch a thousand things each passing day. We do not prepare ourselves for touching things, as we do for the greater hours of our life. Yet in the touch of Jesus, instinctive and spontaneous, what a deal of His glory we discover! There is an evangel of the touch of Christ as surely as an evangel of the blood. I want you to think, then, of the Master's touch, that in this common, ordinary action we may have some revelation of the Lord.

Christ's Touch Revealed His Brotherhood

First, then, His touch revealed His brotherhood—we find that in the story of the leper. "If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean"—and then we read that Jesus touched him. All that the leper expected was a cure. He thought some word of power would be pronounced. He would have been well content to light on a physician; he never dreamed he was going to find a friend. And when Jesus touched him—him the outcast, him whom everybody loathed and shunned—it was something he never could forget. He would go home and tell his wife, "He touched me." He would gather the villagers and say, "He touched me." He had found more in Christ than a physician; he had found a brother and a friend. That touch revealed to him, as nothing else could do, in all the ineffable yearning of his loneliness, that he was face to face with One who understood. That was the revelation of the touch. It revealed in an instant the Savior's loving heart. It revealed His scorn of prudential morality and the self-forgetful courage of His comradeship. It was the kind of thing we are doing every day, for every day we touch a hundred objects, yet here it was the sacrament of brotherhood.

Christ's Touch Revealed His Divine Authority

Again His touch revealed His large authority: it was a quietly commanding touch. That emerges, with quite singular vividness, in St. Luke's story of the widow of Nain. When He met that procession, outside the city gates, the first thing He did was to address the mother. Christ has always a cheering word to say, even in hours when other lips are dumb. And then Luke tells us that He touched the bier, and immediately the whole procession halted. He did not argue or discuss the matter. He did not beg the favor of a halt. Apparently He did not speak one syllable to the men who were carrying the bier. It was His touch that was authoritative. It was His touch that had commanding power—and His touch has commanding power to this day. How many a drunkard has that touch stopped, when heading straight for a dishonored grave! How many a woman has that touch stopped, when she was squandering the possibilities of womanhood! The touch of the Lord reveals His brotherhood, but sometimes it does more even than that. It reveals the range of His divine authority.

Christ's Touch Revealed God's Restfulness

Then once again His touch revealed His restfulness. "Come unto me and I will give you rest." Is not the restful touch exhibited very beautifully when there was sickness in the house of Peter? Simon's mother-in-law was down with fever—of what particular kind we do not know. Her pulse was racing, and her head was aching, and she was restlessly tossing on her couch. And then, we read, the Savior came and touched her, and immediately the fever left her. The "storm was changed into a calm" in the house of Peter as on the Sea of Galilee. Instead of uneasy tossing there was peace. Instead of feverish unrest, repose. The infinite restfulness of Jesus flowed out through the very act of touching, and the touch itself conveyed what it revealed. There are people whose touch is wonderfully restful. That is one sure mark of a good nurse. There are people who can calm us by a touch, just as others by a touch can irritate. But the touch of Jesus is unequalled, in the "fitful fever" of this life, for conveying the restfulness of God.

Christ's Touch Revealed His Uplifting Power

Lastly, His touch revealed His uplifting power: we see that in the case of Jairus' daughter. When He went in the little maid was sleeping—they called it death, but Jesus called it sleep. For Him death meant something far more awful than the closing of those childish eyes. Then He touched her—took her by the hand—and the Gospel tells us that the maid arose: it is the elevating power of His touch. On Goldsmith's monument these words are written—nihil tetigit quod non ornavit. They mean that within the realm of literature he touched nothing that he did not adorn. Outside literature that is not true of Oliver. He had a touch which often tarnished things. It is only true universally of Jesus. He touched water, and the water became wine, and the wine became the symbol of His blood. He touched the lilies, and their scarlet robes grew more beautiful than those of Solomon. He touched language, and common words like talent were lifted up from the bank into the brain. He touched Simon, and Simon became Peter. What sin touches it defiles. What the devil touches he degrades. Everything that Jesus touches is lifted up to higher, nobler levels. Of all which we have a sign and symbol when in Jairus' house that day He took the maid by the hand, and she arose.

Topic started by Davidwayne Lackey

1 replies. Last reply from on 5/2/2013 10:37 PM

Make Things Right Out Of Love

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 20:57:16 GMT

1-Minute Daily Devotion
A Daily Devotion From Right From The Heart Ministries

Make Things Right Out Of Love
"For it is not an enemy who reproaches me, then I could bear it; nor is it one who hates me who has exalted himself against me, then I could hide myself from him. But it is you, a man my equal, my companion and my familiar friend. We who had sweet fellowship together, walked in the house of God in the throng." - Psalm 55:12 NLT

Imagine that you have a close friend. You've spent a lot of time together; you have traveled together. You've had a lot of meals together, and you've shared secrets with one another. Perhaps the friend is a fellow church member, and you may have spent time praying together. Then you find out that your "friend" has been behind the scenes, saying things about you that were simply not true. Think about the sense of betrayal you would feel. What would be your first reaction? Would it be to lash out at your friend? What SHOULD be your first reaction? Follow the example of David. When David experienced betrayal from his personal aide, he openly poured out his heart to God. He shared this pain with God, his best friend, his Lord. God helps us forgive former friends who have betrayed us.

Always know that Jesus can identify with your pain of betrayal. Remember that He poured His life into twelve men, even one by the name of Judas. When you are going through a time of crisis, be open and honest with God about your feelings. He knows what you're feeling anyway. Nothing is going to surprise Him! Nothing at all. But He wants to set us free from the bitterness and resentment and hatred that betrayal brings. Ask Him for His help today. Then, with His help, go to your friend and try to make things right. Not out of bitterness, but out of love.

Topic started by Davidwayne Lackey

1 replies. Last reply from on 4/30/2013 8:57 PM

Mary's Response To Grace

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 23:13:50 GMT

1-Minute Daily Devotion
A Daily Devotion From Right From The Heart Ministries

Mary's Response To Grace

"Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, 'If this man were a prophet He would know who and what sort of person this woman is who is touching Him, that she is a sinner.'" - Luke 7:39 NIV

"Well, it's just a matter of perspective." Have you ever heard or said that? We know that to be true, because Matthew, Mark, Luke and John are all basically telling the same story, but each book was written from the perspective of different men.

Speaking of perspective, picture the scene: Jesus had been invited to dinner by some of the prestigious religious leaders in town. It was not really a social courtesy, but they wanted to quiz Him and find out where He was coming from - they were checking Him out! And then, just after the first course was served, a young, beautiful woman enters, drops to the ground beside Jesus, weeping so much that she actually uses her tears to wash his feet, wiping them with her hair.

I can just picture the Pharisees, jaws dropped to the floor, eyes the size of saucers. What do you think was going through their minds? The woman was of questionable reputation. Men of good reputation would never allow this! But those Pharisees - they're like a lot of good church folks who are quick to judge known sinners while being blind to their own sin. Sound familiar?

But this woman had a great appreciation for Jesus because she was keenly aware of the immoral life she had lived. She was overcome by the forgiveness Christ offered her. So there she was, her hair wet with tears, washing the feet of Jesus in an act of pure worship and gratitude.

Two very different responses to Jesus. Two very different perspectives. With whom do you most identify?

The religious moralists who felt they were right with God by their outward righteousness?

Or the sinful woman who knew she deserved God's judgment and was surprise by His grace?

Topic started by Davidwayne Lackey

1 replies. Last reply from on 4/29/2013 11:13 PM

A Changed Occupation

Sun, 28 Apr 2013 21:28:15 GMT

A CHANGED OCCUPATION
By F.B. Meyer:

"He went forth, and beheld a publican, named Levi, sitting at the place of toll, and said unto him, Follow Me. And he forsook all, and rose up and followed Him."-- Luk_5:27-28.

THE TRADE between the Orient and the vast populations on the Mediterranean, passed through the Lake of Galilee, making a highly profitable trade for Capernaum, and the smaller cities and towns. The custom-house in which this man, Levi, held a lucrative position was probably quite near the lake, which was much frequented by our Lord, and thus he may have had opportunities of listening to His teaching. On the other hand, it is possible that the Saviour's summons to him was absolutely unexpected, though it elicited an instant response, for he rose up, left all, and followed Jesus. No doubt he returned later to make up his books, and hand in the balance that may have been in his charge.
Our Lord called him Matthew--which means "a gift." He was a great addition to the band of disciples, and the gift of his Gospel to the Church has made the whole world his debtor. Matthew conceals, with beautiful modesty, the fact that he prepared a great feast for the Master, which was perhaps partly to signalize his adherence to his new calling, and partly as an opportunity to introduce his new-found Friend to the publicans and sinners--i.e, the excommunicated persons of the city (Luk_5:29-30). That feast may have been the first step to the foundation of the Christian Church. Our Lord gladly availed himself of the opportunity to declare His purpose to seek and save the lost, to create a new society on that principle, and to make possible the enclosure of these lost sheep with the flock.
If Zacchaeus happened to be in the party that day, it is likely that for him it was the inauguration of a new life, and as he sat there under the fascination of Christ, he resolved to make reparation to any whom he had cheated and over-charged!
Let us see to it that there is more joy in our religions life. Let us seek the people who think themselves for ever excommunicated from the Church. It may be that we shall find Matthew, or Augustine, or John Bunyan among them!

PRAYER
O God, wherever Thou leadest we would go, for Thy ways are perfect wisdom and love. Blend our wills with Thine, and then we need fear no evil nor death itself, for all things must work together for our good. AMEN.

Topic started by Davidwayne Lackey

1 replies. Last reply from on 4/28/2013 9:28 PM

The Starfish

Sat, 27 Apr 2013 21:24:33 GMT

From GodVine:

The Starfish

There was once a wise man that used to go to the ocean to do his writing. He had a habit of walking on the beach before he began his work.

He was walking along the shore one day when he saw a human figure moving like a dancer. He smiled to himself as he didn't think anybody would dance on the beach at this time of the day. Hence, he began to walk faster to try and catch up with the person.

As he got closer, he saw that the person was a young man and he wasn't dancing. Instead, he was reaching down to pick up something on the beach every now and then before throwing it into the ocean very gently.

When the wise man got closer, he called out, "Good morning! What are you doing?"

The young man looked up and replied, "Throwing starfish into the ocean."

"Why are you throwing starfish into the ocean?"

"The sun is up and the tide is going down. If I don't throw them in they'll die."

"There are miles and miles of beach and there are starfishes all along it. You can't possibly make a difference!"

The young man listened politely. Then he bent down, picked up another starfish and threw it into the sea, past the breaking waves.

He said, "It made a difference for that one."

Each of us can make a difference to this world. Everybody is useful and it is just a matter of whether you want to make a difference.

Topic started by Davidwayne Lackey

1 replies. Last reply from on 4/27/2013 9:24 PM

The Days Of Noah

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 22:28:07 GMT

THE DAYS OF NOAH
By F.B. Meyer:

"By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith."-- Heb_11:7.

WE DO well to give heed to the description given of the "days of Noah, for our Lord said, that as it was in those days, so shall it be in the days that close the present age (Mat_24:37-39). The world of that time had made great progress in the arts and civilization of life. But, as it has happened repeatedly all through human history, great luxury produced infamous immorality, cruelty, and widespread indifference to the claims of God. Things took place in those olden times which have their counterpart in the great cities of our time. In its feverish atmosphere sin of every kind abounded, and in mercy to the race, there was no alternative than to bring that wicked generation to an end. "They ate, they drank; they married, and were given in marriage, and knew not, till the flood came and carried them all away."
Amidst all this, Noah lived an unblemished and righteous life. He walked in daily converse with God (Gen_6:8-9). His Almighty Friend was able to reveal to him His intentions. "The secret of the Lord is with them that fear Him, and He will show them His covenant."
Keep near to God, that you may hear the accents of His still small voice. Our happiest experience is when we walk with Him in unbroken fellowship, and He takes us into covenant with Himself. Through any one individual, whose heart is perfect toward Him, God will save others. We too shall cross the Flood of Death and enter the new life of Resurrection, but we must be quick to detect His voice, and our hands deft to fulfil the revelations of our Divine Teacher and Friend.

PRAYER
Lead me, O Lord, in a straight way unto Thyself, and keep me in Thy grace unto the end. AMEN.

Topic started by Davidwayne Lackey

1 replies. Last reply from on 4/26/2013 10:28 PM