Today's Word for Friday September 17, 2010
PROBLEM
DEFINITION
Any question or matter involving doubt; uncertainty or difficulty; a question proposed for solution.
SCRIPTURE
"My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials [problems], knowing that testing of your faith produces patience." James 1:2-3
"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Jesus Christ." Philippians 4:6-7
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
In life today everyone seems to be constantly talking about the problems they are facing. Many just think that the best way to solve a problem is to avoid it. Problems weigh on us even to the extent they can make us ill. Possibly the problems you face today include issues with the economy, your career or your family.
Do you have problems in your life? If you hear someone answer "NO" to that question, you can be certain that they are in denial. Problems are part of living in a sinful world.
The book of First Peter is the letter that Peter wrote to encourage believers who were going through trials. Peter calls problems trials in I Peter 1:6-7 where he says: "So be truly glad, there is a wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while." Trials reveal how genuine and how strong our faith really is. Peter goes on to say that trials test our faith like fire tests and purifies gold, though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. Just as gold is made more valuable when it is put through fire, we are made more valuable to God when our faith is strengthened by the problems and trials we go through. So when your faith remains strong through trials, it will bring much praise and glory and honor to Jesus Christ.
Also in I Peter 4:12, Peter says: "Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening with you." People often ask: "Why is this happening to me?" when they have a problem. Peter warns us to expect problems or, as he calls them, trials.
When problems come we often look to blame our problem on someone else, or worse yet, we blame God. Problems are usually of our own making. God is not the cause of our problems but God does allow us to have problems to test and refine our faith. Problems come in many forms and each one brings pain, anguish, stress and worry. How we cope with problems depends a great deal on our attitude. Trials are for a little while and Peter reminds us not to let problems rob us of our joy. God is faithful and will reward us with His gift of eternal life. God uses problems to bring us closer to Him. He wants us to bring our problems to Him and then ask Him for help. He will respond.
We need to do several things according to the verse that the Apostle Paul wrote while he was in prison [Philippians 4:6-7 above]. First we need to admit that we have a problem. Then we need to turn that problem into a prayer. We need to face the problem straight on and do not let it linger. When we turn it over to God in prayer, He will go through the problem with us and He will give us strength to endure the problem. He will use the problem to strengthen our faith and to give us peace that is beyond our understanding. Remember problems are not God's fault and there is no limit as to what God can do in solving your problem, if you turn it over to Him.
We had the privilege of coordinating a convention for over 1000 former Youth for Christ leaders in October of 1988 in Chicago. We took with us two secretaries to assist in all of the convention details. On the first day we had several problems, some that seemed insurmountable. The four of us sat down and agreed that from that moment on we had no problems, just situations. That one conversation changed all of our concerns into solvable situations and we went forward with a smooth running and most successful God honoring convention. What we did was to turn everything over to the Lord and He got us through each situation.
In life we also learn that we are to attack problems not people. Every day each of us face problems in life. Unfortunately we somehow divert the problem to a person. We need to learn to let go of our problems and let God take care of them. So many times when we try to solve a problem without thinking it through, we cause greater problems.
Both of us, when we were first married, made a commitment to never have an incident in our life become a problem. They were only situations and by facing problems in this manner we were able to conquer them much easier. We have learned to pray every day for God to take care of SITUATIONS that we may face before they become a PROBLEM for us to face.
LEARNING
Our memory verse for this week is found in John 3:7.
"Do not marvel that I said to you, 'You must be born again.'"
PRAYER
Help me today to face life with an attitude of wanting to please You in all that I do. Thank You for your promise to never leave me nor forsake me, so that I am assured that as I go through a problem You are going through that problem with me. Use my problems to strengthen my faith so that I can glorify Your name in all that I do.
September 19, 2010
Change: September 16, 2010
Today's Word for Thursday September 16, 2010
CHANGE
DEFINITION
To make different in form; to transform; for exchange of another; to become different.
SCRIPTURE
"For I am the Lord, I do not change." Malachi 3:6
"God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should change His mind." Numbers 23:19
"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever." Hebrews 13:8
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
Every day we see people change their mind. It is good that we can change our mind because we often make a better decision when we think the situation through or obtain more information. We change but God never changes. God, who is all wise, all knowing and without sin never changes His mind nor withdraws His promises. He gave Moses the Ten Commandments and they are still valid today. God's plan for salvation has never changed and His promise for eternal life through Jesus Christ has never changed.
When we see someone make their decision to accept Jesus into their life, we always see a dramatic CHANGE in that life. As a result of Adam's and Eve's sin we are born with a sinful nature. God is without sin so our sin separates us from God [Isaiah 59:2]. God can not change who He is so we are the ones that must change if we are to have fellowship with God. Our unrighteousness must be changed into His righteousness [Romans 3:22]. That change takes place when we come to Christ and receive His righteousness, which is a free gift.
The apostle Paul tells us that when we come to Christ we become a new person and the old person is gone [II Corinthians 5:17]. Paul's life is evidence that this is true. His life was completely changed when he met Jesus. His old life was persecuting the Christians and his new life was preaching the gospel and being persecuted himself because of his faith in Christ. His life was completely changed. He considered the gift of life offered by God was well worth any persecution that he may have to endure. God does not change but He does change us.
I [Ken] can remember seeing dramatic changes in people's lives, years ago, when I was in a different church every night for 90 days in a row for three summers showing a Billy Graham Crusade film. Every church was filled to capacity and at the end of the film I would always give the audience a chance to accept Jesus as their Savior. It was remarkable to see individuals of all ages respond night after night and after we prayed with them and answered their questions we literally saw hearts changed after they asked Jesus into their lives.
Over the years, both of us have been part of city wide crusades and we have seen people from all walks of life make a decision for Christ that brought a dramatic change in their life.
I can remember meeting a man who made his decision to follow Jesus in the Los Angeles Billy Graham tent crusade. This man soon became a dear friend of our family and I watched his life change. It was about as a dramatic change as we will ever see in our lifetime. His name was Jim Vaus. He worked with Mickey Cohen who was known as an underground gangster. Jim was his specialist in wiretapping, so he was living what we may call an "evil life." When he found Jesus as his Savior, his life changed and he left Mickey Cohen because of his new found faith and soon opened up what he called Hells Gate Station in New York. This was a program to reach the teenage criminal element on the streets of New York and to bring them the gospel message. What a change Christ made in his life.
When we think of the word "CHANGE" another thought comes to mind that we want to share with you. In recent times family values have changed and family is no longer a priority. Many families today seem to be disintegrating because of many different reasons. Some of these reasons are:
• Preoccupation with an occupation to the exclusion of family needs. This goes beyond work. It can include watching TV, being with associates such as in a club and many other things. Family needs to come first.
• Refusal to face the seriousness of a child's action. How many times has a situation come up and you have responded by thinking that it is not that serious or say to yourself that I just decided that I do not want to deal with it or I am too tired to face that today?
• Refusal to respond quickly and thoroughly to the warning of others. This could be a neighbor, a relative or a spouse warning you and you just do not have time to see if it is a problem or you just do not care.
• Rationalizing of a wrong therefore becoming part of the problem.
When things are not going well in one's life, especially within your family, it is time for change, a change for the better. To change we must want something more than what we have now. What is better than to make a change in how we live our life today so that we can spend an eternity in Heaven with our Lord? If you are willing to make a change then God is waiting for you to come to Him and He will change you.
LEARNING
Our memory verse for this week is found in John 3:7.
"Do not marvel that I said to you, 'You must be born again.'"
PRAYER
Open my heart today to change. Help me to want to spend my time doing the things that honor and glorify Your name. Give me wisdom in my decisions. Give me assurance that I have eternal life. Give me the courage to make changes in the things I do that do not honor You.
CHANGE
DEFINITION
To make different in form; to transform; for exchange of another; to become different.
SCRIPTURE
"For I am the Lord, I do not change." Malachi 3:6
"God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should change His mind." Numbers 23:19
"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever." Hebrews 13:8
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
Every day we see people change their mind. It is good that we can change our mind because we often make a better decision when we think the situation through or obtain more information. We change but God never changes. God, who is all wise, all knowing and without sin never changes His mind nor withdraws His promises. He gave Moses the Ten Commandments and they are still valid today. God's plan for salvation has never changed and His promise for eternal life through Jesus Christ has never changed.
When we see someone make their decision to accept Jesus into their life, we always see a dramatic CHANGE in that life. As a result of Adam's and Eve's sin we are born with a sinful nature. God is without sin so our sin separates us from God [Isaiah 59:2]. God can not change who He is so we are the ones that must change if we are to have fellowship with God. Our unrighteousness must be changed into His righteousness [Romans 3:22]. That change takes place when we come to Christ and receive His righteousness, which is a free gift.
The apostle Paul tells us that when we come to Christ we become a new person and the old person is gone [II Corinthians 5:17]. Paul's life is evidence that this is true. His life was completely changed when he met Jesus. His old life was persecuting the Christians and his new life was preaching the gospel and being persecuted himself because of his faith in Christ. His life was completely changed. He considered the gift of life offered by God was well worth any persecution that he may have to endure. God does not change but He does change us.
I [Ken] can remember seeing dramatic changes in people's lives, years ago, when I was in a different church every night for 90 days in a row for three summers showing a Billy Graham Crusade film. Every church was filled to capacity and at the end of the film I would always give the audience a chance to accept Jesus as their Savior. It was remarkable to see individuals of all ages respond night after night and after we prayed with them and answered their questions we literally saw hearts changed after they asked Jesus into their lives.
Over the years, both of us have been part of city wide crusades and we have seen people from all walks of life make a decision for Christ that brought a dramatic change in their life.
I can remember meeting a man who made his decision to follow Jesus in the Los Angeles Billy Graham tent crusade. This man soon became a dear friend of our family and I watched his life change. It was about as a dramatic change as we will ever see in our lifetime. His name was Jim Vaus. He worked with Mickey Cohen who was known as an underground gangster. Jim was his specialist in wiretapping, so he was living what we may call an "evil life." When he found Jesus as his Savior, his life changed and he left Mickey Cohen because of his new found faith and soon opened up what he called Hells Gate Station in New York. This was a program to reach the teenage criminal element on the streets of New York and to bring them the gospel message. What a change Christ made in his life.
When we think of the word "CHANGE" another thought comes to mind that we want to share with you. In recent times family values have changed and family is no longer a priority. Many families today seem to be disintegrating because of many different reasons. Some of these reasons are:
• Preoccupation with an occupation to the exclusion of family needs. This goes beyond work. It can include watching TV, being with associates such as in a club and many other things. Family needs to come first.
• Refusal to face the seriousness of a child's action. How many times has a situation come up and you have responded by thinking that it is not that serious or say to yourself that I just decided that I do not want to deal with it or I am too tired to face that today?
• Refusal to respond quickly and thoroughly to the warning of others. This could be a neighbor, a relative or a spouse warning you and you just do not have time to see if it is a problem or you just do not care.
• Rationalizing of a wrong therefore becoming part of the problem.
When things are not going well in one's life, especially within your family, it is time for change, a change for the better. To change we must want something more than what we have now. What is better than to make a change in how we live our life today so that we can spend an eternity in Heaven with our Lord? If you are willing to make a change then God is waiting for you to come to Him and He will change you.
LEARNING
Our memory verse for this week is found in John 3:7.
"Do not marvel that I said to you, 'You must be born again.'"
PRAYER
Open my heart today to change. Help me to want to spend my time doing the things that honor and glorify Your name. Give me wisdom in my decisions. Give me assurance that I have eternal life. Give me the courage to make changes in the things I do that do not honor You.
Eternity: September 15, 2010
Today's Word for Wednesday September 15, 2010
ETERNITY
DEFINITION
Infinite time; duration without beginning or end; endless period of time.
SCRIPTURE
"That whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life." John 3:15
"For the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 6:23
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
Have you ever tried to imagine what eternity is like? It is very difficult for our finite minds to grasp the concept of our life going on with no end. On earth, things have a beginning and an ending. Sometimes when we have to stand in a line we say it seems like an eternity. It may seem long but really it is relatively short and it has an ending. Our life on this earth has a beginning and an ending, but when we leave this earth we have an eternity ahead of us with absolutely no ending.
So the question we must ask you is: "Where will you spend your eternity?" This is a question we all have to answer and it is the most important decision you will have to make during your entire lifetime. We both personally answered that question before we were ten years old.
These two verses, written above, tell us that there are just two options -- death or eternal life. Each one of us has a choice to make. The one choice you have is to accept Jesus as your personal Savior and receive God's gift of eternal life. God freely offers this choice to you because Jesus died on the cross to pay the penalty for your sins and now He is in heaven preparing a place for you for eternity.
The second choice you have is to do nothing about Jesus and ignore the issue. Ignoring the issue does not make the issue go away. A non decision about Jesus is still a decision. You then have made your choice to spend an eternity in Hell. We hear it said over and over again -- "I will make that decision later" -- but later may be too late.
And the third choice is to reject Jesus and God. This choice comes with a price, as the verse above says -- "the wages of sin is death" -- so without that personal relationship with God you will spend an eternity in Hell. It is that simple and clear, so the decision is yours.
You do not hear many sermons in Church today about Hell. We think this is true because it is not a popular subject to talk about and pastors do not seem to want to stir up their congregations and scare people away. People just do not want to face the fact that their unforgiven sins will bring condemnation to them. But many pastors do preach on Heaven and Hell and their Churches are growing because the message of Heaven or Hell stirs people to make a decision for Jesus. The Holy Spirit can then work in their lives and fill them with a desire to come to church to learn more about God, Jesus and the Bible.
People are searching for real hope and peace in their lives but usually in all the wrong places. Knowing Jesus as your Savior is the only way to have true hope and peace. This decision of accepting or rejecting Jesus is the most vital decision one can make today. Nothing is more relevant than eternity. Our question to you today is: "Have you made that choice?" Your eternity is at stake. Will you spend eternity with Jesus in Heaven or with the devil in Hell?
LEARNING
Our memory verse for this week is found in John 3:7.
"Do not marvel that I said to you, 'You must be born again.'"
PRAYER
Dear Lord, help me today to be certain where I will spend eternity. May I also be diligent today to share my faith with my family, friends and associates so that they may know that they have a decision to make on where they will spend eternity.
ETERNITY
DEFINITION
Infinite time; duration without beginning or end; endless period of time.
SCRIPTURE
"That whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life." John 3:15
"For the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 6:23
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
Have you ever tried to imagine what eternity is like? It is very difficult for our finite minds to grasp the concept of our life going on with no end. On earth, things have a beginning and an ending. Sometimes when we have to stand in a line we say it seems like an eternity. It may seem long but really it is relatively short and it has an ending. Our life on this earth has a beginning and an ending, but when we leave this earth we have an eternity ahead of us with absolutely no ending.
So the question we must ask you is: "Where will you spend your eternity?" This is a question we all have to answer and it is the most important decision you will have to make during your entire lifetime. We both personally answered that question before we were ten years old.
These two verses, written above, tell us that there are just two options -- death or eternal life. Each one of us has a choice to make. The one choice you have is to accept Jesus as your personal Savior and receive God's gift of eternal life. God freely offers this choice to you because Jesus died on the cross to pay the penalty for your sins and now He is in heaven preparing a place for you for eternity.
The second choice you have is to do nothing about Jesus and ignore the issue. Ignoring the issue does not make the issue go away. A non decision about Jesus is still a decision. You then have made your choice to spend an eternity in Hell. We hear it said over and over again -- "I will make that decision later" -- but later may be too late.
And the third choice is to reject Jesus and God. This choice comes with a price, as the verse above says -- "the wages of sin is death" -- so without that personal relationship with God you will spend an eternity in Hell. It is that simple and clear, so the decision is yours.
You do not hear many sermons in Church today about Hell. We think this is true because it is not a popular subject to talk about and pastors do not seem to want to stir up their congregations and scare people away. People just do not want to face the fact that their unforgiven sins will bring condemnation to them. But many pastors do preach on Heaven and Hell and their Churches are growing because the message of Heaven or Hell stirs people to make a decision for Jesus. The Holy Spirit can then work in their lives and fill them with a desire to come to church to learn more about God, Jesus and the Bible.
People are searching for real hope and peace in their lives but usually in all the wrong places. Knowing Jesus as your Savior is the only way to have true hope and peace. This decision of accepting or rejecting Jesus is the most vital decision one can make today. Nothing is more relevant than eternity. Our question to you today is: "Have you made that choice?" Your eternity is at stake. Will you spend eternity with Jesus in Heaven or with the devil in Hell?
LEARNING
Our memory verse for this week is found in John 3:7.
"Do not marvel that I said to you, 'You must be born again.'"
PRAYER
Dear Lord, help me today to be certain where I will spend eternity. May I also be diligent today to share my faith with my family, friends and associates so that they may know that they have a decision to make on where they will spend eternity.
Hungry: September 13, 2010
Today's Word for Monday September 13, 2010
HUNGRY
DEFINITION
A compelling need or desire for food; the painful sensation or state of weakness caused by the need of food.
SCRIPTURE
"He (God) upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry?" Psalm 146:7
"I was hungry and you gave me food. I was thirsty and you gave me drink." Matthew 25:35
"And He fills the hungry soul with goodness." Psalm 107:9
"A righteous man gives his food to the hungry and provides clothing for the naked." Ezekiel 18:7
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
Since 1961 we have been involved with ministries that have dealt with physical hunger. And since we were in college we have been involved with ministries that were concerned about spiritual hunger. How do you react when you see or talk to a hungry person who is hungry both spiritually and physically?
Have you talked to a spiritually hungry person who was searching for peace and a relationship with God? Let me assure you that that is one of the great thrills of life, especially if God blesses you and you lead that person to a personal relationship with Jesus. Then the spiritual hunger for this person is satisfied for a life time as he has Christ in his heart.
Dealing with physical hunger is an entirely different situation. Some one once said that you can feed a person a meal and in a few days he will be hungry again. But you can teach that person to fish and he can provide himself food for a lifetime.
But the real truth is that in most areas of our world where hunger is a problem it can not be solved by giving fishing lessons. But as Christians we have some lessons to learn about hunger. In the scriptures there are many references to hunger -- both spiritual hunger and physical hunger.
When we talk about spiritual hunger God expects us as Christians to be ready in season and out of season to "preach the gospel." [II Timothy 4:2] God wants us to walk the walk and talk the talk every moment of every day being an example to all that see us. He also expects us to show others that we love and serve the Lord. By doing this, when one who is suffering from spiritual hunger needs help, he will come to you. And then you must be ready.
As for physical hunger, we have the responsibility to do all we can to meet the needs of those that are hungry. We are to give food to those who need food, give drink to those who are thirsty, give clothes to those that need cover and to do all that we can to help people who are physically hungry. But you may then ask -- where do I begin because the needs are so many. All God asks is that we do something. We should do all that we are able to do to meet needs as they cross our paths.
We read in Matthew 15:32 that Jesus called His disciples to Him and said: "I have compassion for these people; because they have already been with me three days and have had nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, as they may collapse on the way." For three days Jesus had been teaching and healing a multitude of spiritually hungry people, but Jesus not only saw their spiritual hunger, He saw their physical hunger.
The disciples could only come up with seven loaves of bread and a few small fish; Jesus performed a miracle and multiplied the loaves and fish so that 4000 people could eat. And after they had all eaten all they could, there were seven baskets left over. When we allow Jesus to feed us He feeds us until we are filled.
Jesus cares not only about our spiritual hunger but also our physical hunger. Jesus expects us to care for others the same way.
LEARNING
Our memory verse for this week is found in John 3:7.
"Do not marvel that I said to you, 'You must be born again.'"
PRAYER
Thank You first of all dear Lord for all that You have blessed me with this day. Give me a sensitive heart today for those that are hungry both spiritually and physically. Help me to be in the right place at the right time and then help me to respond in a way to honor Your name.
HUNGRY
DEFINITION
A compelling need or desire for food; the painful sensation or state of weakness caused by the need of food.
SCRIPTURE
"He (God) upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry?" Psalm 146:7
"I was hungry and you gave me food. I was thirsty and you gave me drink." Matthew 25:35
"And He fills the hungry soul with goodness." Psalm 107:9
"A righteous man gives his food to the hungry and provides clothing for the naked." Ezekiel 18:7
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
Since 1961 we have been involved with ministries that have dealt with physical hunger. And since we were in college we have been involved with ministries that were concerned about spiritual hunger. How do you react when you see or talk to a hungry person who is hungry both spiritually and physically?
Have you talked to a spiritually hungry person who was searching for peace and a relationship with God? Let me assure you that that is one of the great thrills of life, especially if God blesses you and you lead that person to a personal relationship with Jesus. Then the spiritual hunger for this person is satisfied for a life time as he has Christ in his heart.
Dealing with physical hunger is an entirely different situation. Some one once said that you can feed a person a meal and in a few days he will be hungry again. But you can teach that person to fish and he can provide himself food for a lifetime.
But the real truth is that in most areas of our world where hunger is a problem it can not be solved by giving fishing lessons. But as Christians we have some lessons to learn about hunger. In the scriptures there are many references to hunger -- both spiritual hunger and physical hunger.
When we talk about spiritual hunger God expects us as Christians to be ready in season and out of season to "preach the gospel." [II Timothy 4:2] God wants us to walk the walk and talk the talk every moment of every day being an example to all that see us. He also expects us to show others that we love and serve the Lord. By doing this, when one who is suffering from spiritual hunger needs help, he will come to you. And then you must be ready.
As for physical hunger, we have the responsibility to do all we can to meet the needs of those that are hungry. We are to give food to those who need food, give drink to those who are thirsty, give clothes to those that need cover and to do all that we can to help people who are physically hungry. But you may then ask -- where do I begin because the needs are so many. All God asks is that we do something. We should do all that we are able to do to meet needs as they cross our paths.
We read in Matthew 15:32 that Jesus called His disciples to Him and said: "I have compassion for these people; because they have already been with me three days and have had nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, as they may collapse on the way." For three days Jesus had been teaching and healing a multitude of spiritually hungry people, but Jesus not only saw their spiritual hunger, He saw their physical hunger.
The disciples could only come up with seven loaves of bread and a few small fish; Jesus performed a miracle and multiplied the loaves and fish so that 4000 people could eat. And after they had all eaten all they could, there were seven baskets left over. When we allow Jesus to feed us He feeds us until we are filled.
Jesus cares not only about our spiritual hunger but also our physical hunger. Jesus expects us to care for others the same way.
LEARNING
Our memory verse for this week is found in John 3:7.
"Do not marvel that I said to you, 'You must be born again.'"
PRAYER
Thank You first of all dear Lord for all that You have blessed me with this day. Give me a sensitive heart today for those that are hungry both spiritually and physically. Help me to be in the right place at the right time and then help me to respond in a way to honor Your name.
Compassion: September 14, 2010
Today's Word for Tuesday September 14, 2010
COMPASSION
DEFINITION
A feeling of deep sympathy; sorrow for someone struck by misfortune; a desire to alleviate suffering.
SCRIPTURE
"For He who has mercy on them will lead them, even by the springs of water He will guide them." Isaiah 49:10
"But He, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity." Psalm 78:38
"But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved to compassion for them." Matthew 9:36
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
We are living in a world today where very few people have compassion for someone in need. It is a "ME" world where the only one people care about are themselves. You constantly hear of someone leaving the scene of an accident or ignoring the call of a neighbor. Everyone is constantly in a rush and too much in a hurry to even give a smile. In crowded situations they bump people and never even say I am sorry.
But for Christians it should be different because of the standard our Lord gave to us. Jesus was never too busy to not be concerned about others. When Jesus was on earth He was going from city to city teaching in the synagogues and we are told that when He saw the multitudes of crowds He was moved to compassion. [Matthew 9:36]
True compassion moves us to action. In Mark 2:3 we read that "some men came, bringing Him a paralytic, carried by the four of them." These men saw their friend's helpless condition and their compassion moved them to take action. They carried him to Jesus. When Jesus saw the man, He saw more than his physical need. He saw his spiritual need -- for forgiveness of his sins. Jesus had compassion and then said: "Son your sins are forgiven." Then He healed him and told him to get up and walk.
God's compassion for us surpasses all human understanding. He knew our need for salvation from the time of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. Because of His great compassion for us, He sent His only Son to die on the cross paying the penalty for our sins. Jesus took our sins upon Himself and then gave His life for us. There is no greater compassion than this.
Yes, true compassion leads to action. In Luke chapter 10 we read of the account that we all know as the parable of the Good Samaritan. In verse 33 we read that when the Samaritan came across the man who had been beaten by the thieves and left to die, the Samaritan was moved to compassion and he took action. Unlike the two previous travelers who had come by the beaten man and continued on without helping, the Samaritan acted, came to his aid, and saved his life.
We are reminded that even today there are many people that are in situations where they are often moved to compassion. We have talked to pastors in Kenya who have told us about the poverty of the people in their church and tears filled their eyes. This shows real compassion. Just take a trip someday and go into a children's hospital and see just a few of the children who are sick and dying. We can assure you that your heart will be broken with compassion.
These illustrations from life today and from the scripture need to be a reminder to us to live each day with a heart that is sensitive to being compassionate. When you see someone in need, help them. When you see someone hurting with grief, give them a word of encouragement. Work today on the concept of what my father [Ken] told me years ago -- Live a life of JOY -- JOY spelled out one letter at a time stands for Jesus, then others and lastly you. This will lead you to be a person with compassion.
Children are naturally inclined to be self-centered. They know what they want and they want it now. Compassion must be taught and it is the responsibility of parents to teach and show their children how to show compassion.
LEARNING
Our memory verse for this week is found in John 3:7.
"Do not marvel that I said to you, 'You must be born again.'"
PRAYER
Give me today a compassionate heart. May I be alert to others and their needs? Help my family to watch for ways to show their compassion to others. Thank You Lord for the wonderful standard You have set for us to live by. Make this a day where compassion is a norm and not an exception for me.
COMPASSION
DEFINITION
A feeling of deep sympathy; sorrow for someone struck by misfortune; a desire to alleviate suffering.
SCRIPTURE
"For He who has mercy on them will lead them, even by the springs of water He will guide them." Isaiah 49:10
"But He, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity." Psalm 78:38
"But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved to compassion for them." Matthew 9:36
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
We are living in a world today where very few people have compassion for someone in need. It is a "ME" world where the only one people care about are themselves. You constantly hear of someone leaving the scene of an accident or ignoring the call of a neighbor. Everyone is constantly in a rush and too much in a hurry to even give a smile. In crowded situations they bump people and never even say I am sorry.
But for Christians it should be different because of the standard our Lord gave to us. Jesus was never too busy to not be concerned about others. When Jesus was on earth He was going from city to city teaching in the synagogues and we are told that when He saw the multitudes of crowds He was moved to compassion. [Matthew 9:36]
True compassion moves us to action. In Mark 2:3 we read that "some men came, bringing Him a paralytic, carried by the four of them." These men saw their friend's helpless condition and their compassion moved them to take action. They carried him to Jesus. When Jesus saw the man, He saw more than his physical need. He saw his spiritual need -- for forgiveness of his sins. Jesus had compassion and then said: "Son your sins are forgiven." Then He healed him and told him to get up and walk.
God's compassion for us surpasses all human understanding. He knew our need for salvation from the time of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. Because of His great compassion for us, He sent His only Son to die on the cross paying the penalty for our sins. Jesus took our sins upon Himself and then gave His life for us. There is no greater compassion than this.
Yes, true compassion leads to action. In Luke chapter 10 we read of the account that we all know as the parable of the Good Samaritan. In verse 33 we read that when the Samaritan came across the man who had been beaten by the thieves and left to die, the Samaritan was moved to compassion and he took action. Unlike the two previous travelers who had come by the beaten man and continued on without helping, the Samaritan acted, came to his aid, and saved his life.
We are reminded that even today there are many people that are in situations where they are often moved to compassion. We have talked to pastors in Kenya who have told us about the poverty of the people in their church and tears filled their eyes. This shows real compassion. Just take a trip someday and go into a children's hospital and see just a few of the children who are sick and dying. We can assure you that your heart will be broken with compassion.
These illustrations from life today and from the scripture need to be a reminder to us to live each day with a heart that is sensitive to being compassionate. When you see someone in need, help them. When you see someone hurting with grief, give them a word of encouragement. Work today on the concept of what my father [Ken] told me years ago -- Live a life of JOY -- JOY spelled out one letter at a time stands for Jesus, then others and lastly you. This will lead you to be a person with compassion.
Children are naturally inclined to be self-centered. They know what they want and they want it now. Compassion must be taught and it is the responsibility of parents to teach and show their children how to show compassion.
LEARNING
Our memory verse for this week is found in John 3:7.
"Do not marvel that I said to you, 'You must be born again.'"
PRAYER
Give me today a compassionate heart. May I be alert to others and their needs? Help my family to watch for ways to show their compassion to others. Thank You Lord for the wonderful standard You have set for us to live by. Make this a day where compassion is a norm and not an exception for me.
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