Promise for Today - With Mercy

'Neither do I condemn you,’ Jesus declared. ‘Go now and leave your life of sin.’

John 8:11 (NIV)

If you are a follower of Jesus Christ, God calls you to treat everyone with dignity. It doesn’t matter if they act, think, or worship differently than you. He still wants you to treat them with dignity. Why?

Because that’s what Jesus did.

Jesus accepted everyone. This doesn’t mean he approved of everything people did. He doesn’t approve of everything you do either, but he accepts you and treats you with dignity.

In John 8, Jesus treated a humiliated woman with dignity, but her accusers did not. Instead, they brought her before Jesus and said, “This woman was caught in the act of adultery. The law of Moses says to stone her. What do you say?” (John 8:4-5 NLT)

Jesus knew they were just trying to trap him into saying something they could use against him, so he “stooped down and wrote in the dust with his finger. . . . [Then] he stood up again and said, ‘All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!’” (John 8:6-7 NLT).

Nobody knows what Jesus wrote in the dirt, because the Bible doesn’t tell us. Some scholars think he wrote down the sins of the woman’s accusers: judgmentalism, arrogance, dishonesty, or spousal abuse. After all, Jesus, being God, knew their secret sins and wanted to get to the heart of the matter.

What did her accusers end up doing? John 8:9 says, “They slipped away one by one . . . until only Jesus was left in the middle of the crowd with the woman” (NLT). They didn’t stick around to condemn her. And Jesus didn’t condemn her either. Instead, he showed her mercy. John 8:11 says, “‘Neither do I condemn you,’ Jesus declared. ‘Go now and leave your life of sin’” (NIV).

Did this woman do something wrong? Yes. She cheated on her husband. But Jesus protected her dignity in a public situation and dealt with her sin gently. He, in effect, said, “Don’t do this anymore.” He changed her.

That’s why I love Jesus—because he does the same thing with me. He treats me with mercy, even though I don’t deserve it. That’s what he does in your life, too—and it’s how he wants you to treat others.

Talk It Over

When have you sensed that Jesus was treating you with dignity and showing you mercy instead of condemning you?

What does it mean to you to know that Jesus wants to offer you mercy and dignity rather than condemnation?

In what situation in your life do you have a chance to treat someone with the same kind of dignity Jesus does?

- by Pastor Rick

**************************

Prayer:

Father, 

         We come to You today asking for Your help, to increase our compassion and mercy. We know that these qualities are important for living a life filled with love and understanding for others. Please help us see the world through Your eyes, to understand that everyone is struggling, and show them kindness and compassion no matter what they have done or where they come from. We repent for the times we have not looked beyond self; we pray You will remove the spirit of selfishness in our lives. 
     Help us to be more forgiving and to let go of anger and resentment toward others. Help us to show mercy to those who have wronged us and to extend grace to those who need it most. Lord, You are rich in mercy, to the point of dying for our sins. We want to grow more in our walk to be like You according to Your Word in Ephesians 2:4 “But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us.”
     We pray that You will fill our hearts with Your love and compassion so that we may be a source of hope and comfort to those around us. Let the light of Jesus flow through our lives. Through the Power of the Holy Spirit, we will surrender our hearts to You and be the face of Jesus to all those we encounter. This is not something we can do alone, and we humbly ask for Your help and guidance as we strive to become more compassionate and merciful. Change our hearts, O God, in Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Promise for Today - Compassion: Anything It Takes

I came so that my sheep will have life and so that they will have everything they need. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives his life for the sheep.

John 10:10-11 (GW)

What's in our hearts often determines what we feel when we look at people. When we see a crowd, we can easily get irritated or impatient. But when Jesus saw a crowd, “he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd” (Matthew 9:36 ESV).

That's the same way God looks at you: with compassion. Remember: He doesn’t put you down. He lifts you up! No matter how angry, hurt, or betrayed you feel, Jesus will always respond with compassion. He knows how helpless we are without him, “like sheep without a shepherd.”

Without a shepherd, sheep are defenseless. They don't have any claws, they don't run fast, and their teeth are not very sharp. They need the protection of a shepherd.

Throughout the Bible, sheep are a symbol of God's people. John 10:10-11 says, “I came so that my sheep will have life and so that they will have everything they need. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives his life for the sheep” (GW).

That kind of compassion comes only from Jesus, our Good Shepherd. And it’s different from sympathy and empathy.

Sympathy says, “I'm sorry you're hurt,” and it stops there. Empathy is a deeper commitment that says, “I hurt with you." But compassion says, “I will do anything it takes to stop your hurt."

And that is, in essence, what Jesus did through his life, death, and resurrection. He did anything it took to stop your hurt, even if it meant dying on the cross, even if it meant having nails pounded through his hands and feet. Compassion does whatever it takes.

Jesus said the reason he came was “not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45 NLT). Notice the two words “serve” and “give.” They define what it means to follow Jesus.

Do you look at people who are hurting and helpless the way Jesus does? Are you full of love and compassion, willing to do whatever you can to stop their pain?

The Bible repeatedly tells us that when Jesus looked at people in pain, he was moved with compassion. God wants you to be like him, which means looking at others the same way.

Talk It Over

Describe a time you were moved with compassion for someone. How did your response reflect your compassion?

Do you struggle seeing God as compassionate? Why or why not?

In what areas of your life do you think God wants to build more compassion for others?

- by Pastor Rick

*******************************

Prayer:

Father, 

          Open our hearts to see others with kindness, to listen without judgment, and to give without expecting. Let our words bring comfort and our actions reflect Your love. In Jesus' Name we pray.
Amen.

Promise for Today - Practical Ways to Show Mercy

God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

Matthew 5:7 (NLT)

God extends his mercy to us, even though we don’t deserve it and can’t earn it. All we have to do is ask for it: “O Lord, you are so good and kind, so ready to forgive, so full of mercy for all who ask your aid” (Psalm 86:5 TLB).

How can you be merciful to others as God is merciful to you? Here are seven practical ways to demonstrate mercy in your life:

Be patient with people’s quirks. 

What person in your life has irritating quirks? How can you practice patience with them this week?

Help anyone around you who is hurting. 

Who around you is obviously hurting? What’s one specific way you can help that person? If you can’t think of anybody, then you’re not paying attention. Look closer!

Give people a second chance. 

Who do you need to give a second chance to? How can you put aside your own pain and give someone who’s hurt you a clean slate?

Do good to those who hurt you. 

Maybe you’re suffering from an old wound that you have not been able to let go of. You need to forgive and then turn it around for good. Who is that person in your life? How can you reach out to them in some way this week?

Be kind to those who offend you. 

Who offends you? Maybe it’s someone in the public eye. Maybe it’s a friend who has different views and says some pretty offensive things on social media. How can you be intentional about showing kindness to people who offend you?

Build bridges of love to the unpopular. 

When you think of an outcast, who is the first person that comes to mind? Who spends their lunch breaks eating alone or doesn’t seem to have any friends at soccer games? What specific thing can you do to bridge the gap between you and that person?

Value relationships over rules. 

Who is an unbeliever you could spend intentional time with over the next few weeks? Then consider inviting that person to church. This is your ministry of mercy.

Take some time to reflect on your answers today—that’s where you can begin showing mercy. God has already shown you mercy, and as you extend it to others, you’ll experience it in new ways.

Talk It Over

Which of these seven ways to show mercy comes most naturally to you?

Which of the seven ways to show mercy is most difficult for you? Why do you think that is?

How has someone shown mercy to you? What difference has it made in your life?

- by Pastor Rick

**************************************

Prayer:

Father, 

          You have shown us mercy beyond measure, forgiving our faults and embracing us with grace. 
Teach our hearts to mirror Your kindness, so that we may see others through eyes of compassion. When we are tempted to judge, remind us of the patience You have shown us. When we are hurt, help us to choose forgiveness over resentment. When we feel weary, renew our spirit to love without limits. Let our words bring healing; let our actions reflect understanding. Let Your love shine through us as a safe haven for the broken.  Shape us into a vessel of Your mercy, so that through us, others may encounter Your love.  In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.

Promise for Today - Blessed are the Merciful

God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

Matthew 5:7 (NLT)

If you want to live the kind of life God blesses, then you’ve got to learn to be a minister of mercy. That’s how he wired life to work.

But why does God expect you to show mercy to others? Why should you be merciful? Because God has shown you mercy. Ephesians 2:4-5 says, “God’s mercy is so abundant, and his love for us is so great, that while we were spiritually dead in our disobedience he brought us to life with Christ. It is by God’s grace that you have been saved” (GNT).

God wants you to pass on the mercy that you’ve received from him.

Because God commands you to be merciful. Do you want a summary of what life’s all about? Here it is: “The Lord has told you what is good. This is what the Lord requires from you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to live humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8 GW).

Because you’re going to need more mercy in the future. Between now and when you get to heaven, you’re going to make a lot of mistakes—and you’ll need God’s mercy when you do! So don’t withhold it from others. James 2:13 says, “You must show mercy to others, or God will not show mercy to you when he judges you. But the person who shows mercy can stand without fear at the judgment” (NCV).

Because showing mercy leads to happiness. Look again at Matthew 5:7. It says that God blesses those who are merciful. The word “blessed” also means “happy.” So the more you learn and demonstrate mercy, the more blessed and happier you’re going to be.

If you want to start giving and receiving more mercy, pray this prayer today:

“Heavenly Father, when I look at the sin and shortcomings in my own life, I’m so grateful for the mercy you have given me. I want to become a merciful person and to give others the same mercy you’ve given me. Give me courage to offer mercy, even in hurtful and painful situations. And let my acts of mercy point others to you. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen."

Talk It Over

What does it mean to “love mercy,” as Micah 6:8 says?

How has God blessed you when you’ve shown mercy to others, even when it’s been difficult?

Think of some ways that you could have shown mercy to others in the last week. How might that have changed the outcome of a specific situation?

- by Pastor Rick

***************************************

Prayer:

Father:

           We need Your grace to love others as You have loved us. If there is hurt, bring healing. Where there is misunderstanding, bring clarity. Fill our hearts with patience, kindness, and humility so that we reflect You and Your love in all our relationships. Strengthen the bonds that honor You and remove anything that hinders Your will in us. We want to walk according to Your Word to be kind and compassionate, forgiving each other, just as You forgive us. We ask for Your mercy and Your strength to let go of any bitterness and pain. Heal our hearts and teach us how to extend grace to all others. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Promise for Today - Gentle Beauty

Pursue what God approves of: a godly life, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. 

1 Timothy 6:11 (GW)

Do you want to be attractive? You might say you don’t care about being good-looking—but attractiveness goes much deeper than the skin. An attractive person often appeals to others more for who they are on the inside than how they look on the outside.

The Bible says that, if you want to be more attractive, you need to learn to be gentle: Gentleness is strength under control. It’s one of the marks of someone who follows Jesus. And gentleness makes you more attractive to the people around you.

The Bible tells the story of Ruth and Boaz, two gentle people who were attracted to each other and ended up changing the world together.

Boaz was a successful young farmer. One day he saw strangers out in his field taking what was left after his workers had harvested. This wasn’t unusual; it was common for the poor to find food that way.

But he noticed in particular a young woman named Ruth. She was poor because her husband had died, leaving her with very little. Her mother-in-law also was a widow, and Ruth had decided to stay with Naomi to care for her. Why did Ruth do that? Because she was gentle; she had strength under control.

When Boaz saw Ruth in his field, he could have demanded she leave. Instead, he allowed her to continue picking from his field and even commended her for caring for her mother-in-law.

Ruth responded by saying, “You are very kind to me, sir. You have made me feel better by speaking gently to me” (Ruth 2:13-14 GNT).

Eventually, Boaz invited Ruth to share a meal with him. She ate until she was satisfied, and then he gave her more food to take home. He was kind; he was gentle. He was a powerful man and chose to keep that strength under control and use it to care for other people.

Boaz and Ruth married, and their great-grandson was King David. And it was through King David’s line that Jesus eventually was born.

Are you attractive to other people? Do you have a gentleness that makes other people want to be around you, like Ruth and Boaz?  If not, you can change that today by intentionally pursuing the things God approves of—starting with gentleness!

Talk It Over

Do you usually associate gentleness with strength? Why or why not?

Who in your life is attractive because of their gentleness? In what specific ways are they gentle?

What does it mean to “pursue” gentleness?

- by Pastor Rick

**************************************

Prayer:

Father,

          Shape our hearts in the quiet of Your presence, where pride dissolves like mist before the morning sun. Teach us to walk in the lowly path You chose, to see the overlooked, to lift the weary with gentle hands. Let our words carry the fragrance of grace; let our thoughts be sifted through Your truth; let our actions mirror the mercy and humble spirit that knelt to wash the dust from another’s feet. When anger stirs, clothe us in patience; when fear whispers, anchor us in faith; when self seeks its own, turn our gaze to the Cross where love bore all, forgave all, redeemed all.

          Make our lives a living echo of Your compassion, a vessel for Your light in shadowed places, until the day we stand before You, and You recognize in us the gentle beauty of Your own heart. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Promise for Today - Controlled Strength

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Proverbs 15:1 (NIV)

Have you noticed that human beings tend to mimic other people’s emotions, especially if we’re sitting or standing right across from them? We do that because of mirror neurons in our brains that allow us to sympathize and to mirror what other people feel.

For instance, if somebody gets angry with you, you get angry back. If somebody is really miserable and you hang around that person long enough, you get miserable too.

In the same way, when someone raises their voice against you, you usually raise your voice back. Then they raise their voice higher. Then you raise your voice higher. Then pretty soon things have escalated, and your emotions are out of control. But the Bible offers a different way to respond: “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1 NIV).

Let me give you a little tip that will save you a lot of heartache and conflict in your marriage, in your parenting, in your friendships, and at work: When another person raises their voice, lower yours. When you do that, you’re demonstrating strength under control.

Another word for strength under control is gentleness. Gentleness defuses conflict. It de-escalates anger. A gentle person does not overreact and is not driven by emotions. A gentle person demonstrates strength under control.

The Greek word in the Bible for “gentleness” is the word prautes. Some older English translations of the Bible translate prautes as “meek.” The word “meek” isn’t used much anymore because meek has become a synonym for weak. But gentleness—or prautes—is anything but weak.

In fact, the word prautes was used to refer to a wild stallion that had been tamed. Think about that image. If you go out in the hills and find a wild stallion, it’s unbridled and even dangerous, with a strength that could kill you pretty quickly. But if you tame that stallion, it’s still just as strong, but the strength is brought under control. The strength is bottled up for the master’s use.

When you learn true gentleness as a man or woman of God, you don’t become weak. You just bring your strength under God’s control and use it for his purposes.

Talk It Over

What is your normal reaction to raised voices, such as when your kids are misbehaving or you’re having a disagreement with your spouse or close friend?

Why do you think responding in gentleness rather than anger is so disarming? Why does it get people’s attention?

Look for ways to practice gentleness this week. How do people react when you respond to them with gentleness? You may even want to record your efforts and their effects and share them with your small group.
- by Pastor Rick
************************************
Prayer:

Father,
         We come before You with gratitude for all that You are, for all that You have given us, for Your mercy and grace towards us, for Your presence and faithfulness. You created us to reflect Your image, and in doing so, to bring You glory. We confess to You that we fail to do this. Every day, we fall short. Please forgive us. Thank You for Your unfailing patience with us. Thank You for correcting our stubborn and rebellious hearts. You tell us to learn from You for You are gentle and humble in heart. (Matthew 11:29)You modeled gentleness and humility while You lived here on earth. You have dealt gently with us in our sin and rebellion. Help us to learn from You and follow Your example. So many people need a kind word, an act of compassion, a quiet voice of reason, a softly spoken encouragement, a tender touch. Help us, Jesus, to be the peacemakers. Help us to be mild-mannered. Help us to be careful with our responses and interactions with others. Help us to be those who bring calm to the storms raging in this world.
        In Galatians 5, You tell us that gentleness is a fruit produced by the Spirit at work in our hearts. Father, we ask that Your Spirit would develop and grow gentleness within us. We know that we cannot bear fruit if we are not connected to You, so we cling to You, Jesus. We look to You. By following closely, we seek to emulate You. Show us when harshness and bitterness enter into our thoughts and help us to turn from our wicked ways. Soften our hearts. Soften us so that we may reflect Your gentleness and, in doing so, bring You glory. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Our Responsibility

If you see your neighbor's ox or sheep or goat wandering away, don’t ignore your responsibility. Take it back to its owner. If its owner does not live nearby or you don’t know who the owner is, take it to your place and keep it until the owner comes looking for it. Then you must return it. Do the same if you find your neighbor’s donkey, clothing, or anything else your neighbor loses. Don’t ignore your responsibility.
Deuteronomy 22:1-3 NLT

We live in a day and time where people want to be separate from one another. They come home from work and go into their homes or backyards and expect privacy. What the neighbor is doing has nothing to do with them unless it encroaches on what they consider to be their time or space. It's a "mind your own business - stay out of mine" lifestyle. I don't believe that's how God intended it to be.

God set forth the rules and roles of our responsibilities while on this Earth and a great majority are our responsibilities to each other. 

Taking care of one another 
Bearing each other's burdens
Loving our neighbors as ourselves

Being moved with compassion
Loving as Christ loved the Church and gave Himself for us

Forgiving one another

He commanded. He knew we'd have a hard time carrying out these commands. We'd have to be intentional about them. 

In the New Living Translation, it's "Don't ignore your responsibility." 

King James tells us to not hide ourselves.

The English Standard Version states we must not ignore them.

Proverbs 3 instructs us not to withhold help when it is within our power to help. Who is our neighbor? Anyone who needs our help. They are our responsibility. 

Prayer:

Father,

          Forgive us for all the times we've looked the other way or selfishly withheld from our neighbor. Give us Your eyes to see, Your heart of compassion, and grace to pour out abundantly. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Lent - Day Thirty-Nine - Jesus' Compassionate Prayer

 Lent Devotions from Concordia University 2024

“I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who [j]will believe in Me through their word; 21 that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. 22 And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: 23 I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.
John 17:20-23 NKJV

How does our Lord face the hour of tribulation – the final moments before arrest and trial, mere hours from crucifixion and death? With prayer. In doing so, he demonstrates how we may rely on the Father in our own trials. “Christ not only speaks about endurance of evil but puts himself forward as an example. After his admonition that ‘in the world you would have tribulation,’ he himself turns to prayer in order to teach us that in our testing we are to leave everything behind and flee to God. He had shaken their souls in his admonition but raised them up again by this prayer.” 1

What is on the heart of our Lord as he turns to the Father in prayer? He prays for those who belong to the Father because of his testimony and the truth of his sanctifying word. In essence, Jesus says:

Father keep my disciples in your name. Join them to us as partakers of your grace.

Father, give them joy, not any joy, but my joy, the joy that comes because of the life and salvation I give.

Father, leave them in the world, as bad as the world can be at times, but cover them with your hand of protection, preserving them from Satan.

Father, continue to be at work in them, purifying and consecrating them through your word.

Father, I pray this not just for these disciples, but all who are yet to believe in me because of their testimony.

The deep compassion of Christ is expressed in this prayer. It shows us the heart, mind, and grace of our Lord which led to that night in the garden and unfolded the events that would take place in the coming hours. It also gives us an example of how to face our own difficulties of life. It helps to shape our hearts and prayers to include not just the removal of difficulties from our lives, but these very concerns that our Lord himself held as the highest priority.

Prayer: 

Father, 

           Keep me in the true faith. Strengthen my brothers and sisters in Christ around the world who find themselves persecuted for their faith. Guide my days and deeds that, in all I say and do, others would come to know and believe that You love them and sent Your Son for them. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

1 Quote by Chrysostom, cited in Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture; New Testament, volume IVb p. 227. 

Reading Further - John 17:1-26

1 When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, 2 since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. 3 And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. 4 I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do. 5 And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed.

6 “I have manifested your name to the people whom you gave me out of the world. Yours they were, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. 7 Now they know that everything that you have given me is from you. 8 For I have given them the words that you gave me, and they have received them and have come to know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me. 9 I am praying for them. I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours. 10 All mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I am glorified in them. 11 And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one. 12 While I was with them, I kept them in your name, which you have given me. I have guarded them, and not one of them has been lost except the son of destruction, that the Scripture might be fulfilled. 13 But now I am coming to you, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves. 14 I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 15 I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. 18 As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. 19 And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth.

20 “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, 21 that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, 23 I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me. 24 Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. 25 O righteous Father, even though the world does not know you, I know you, and these know that you have sent me. 26 I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.”

Lent - Day Eight - Come and See for Yourself

Lent Devotions from Concordia University 2024

“Come, see a man who told me all that I ever did. Can this be the Christ?” 

John 4:29

Her shame and circumstances push her to draw water in the middle of the day where she can avoid the other women. This makes her physical task much more demanding. Then Jesus comes and breaks all the social rules of the day. As a Jew, he holds no hostility for this Samaritan. As a man, he demonstrates no denigrating attitude toward a woman. But most importantly, as God, he holds no condemnation for this sinner, who is condemned every day when she makes the lonely walk to the well. Instead, our Lord has a conversation forged from compassion, out of a desire to redeem and restore.

As he offers her water that quenches thirst forever, her mind raced to the possibility of never having to make that walk to the well again. Maybe she thought about how this water just might remove one thing from her life that underlined her shame. But what Jesus offers is intended to do so much more. Because of that, at the conclusion of their conversation, leaving her water jug behind in her great excitement, she goes to the village. She seems to be no longer burdened by shame and condemnation, as she points out to everyone who would hear her how Jesus told her of all that she had ever done. Replacing shame and condemnation, she is now compelled by a desire to invite everyone else, “Come and see for yourself.”

In the barren desert of sin and broken lives, our Lord quenches our thirst. “If you knew the gift of God, and who I am, you would ask for a drink, and I would give you living water.” This is the compassion, mercy, and grace of our Lord. We are invited to drink deeply. With our deepest thirst quenched, we, too, are compelled to invite others who thirst. Because of her words, others came to see Jesus and then asked him to stay. They heard his word. They believed. “We know that this is indeed the Savior of the world.”

Prayer: 

Lord, 

       Forgive my sin and restore me in the joy of your salvation. Help me to be compelled by your compassion for those around me who need living water, so that I would be bold to say, “Come and see.” Amen.

Further Reading - John 4:1-42

1 Now when Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John 2 (although Jesus himself did not baptize, but only his disciples), 3 he left Judea and departed again for Galilee. 4 And he had to pass through Samaria. 5 So he came to a town of Samaria called Sychar, near the field that Jacob had given to his son Joseph. 6 Jacob's well was there; so Jesus, wearied as he was from his journey, was sitting beside the well. It was about the sixth hour.

7 A woman from Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give me a drink.” 8 (For his disciples had gone away into the city to buy food.) 9 The Samaritan woman said to him, “How is it that you, a Jew, ask for a drink from me, a woman of Samaria?” (For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.) 10 Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.” 11 The woman said to him, “Sir, you have nothing to draw water with, and the well is deep. Where do you get that living water? 12 Are you greater than our father Jacob? He gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did his sons and his livestock.” 13 Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, 14 but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” 15 The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water, so that I will not be thirsty or have to come here to draw water.”

16 Jesus said to her, “Go, call your husband, and come here.” 17 The woman answered him, “I have no husband.” Jesus said to her, “You are right in saying, ‘I have no husband’; 18 for you have had five husbands, and the one you now have is not your husband. What you have said is true.” 19 The woman said to him, “Sir, I perceive that you are a prophet. 20 Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, but you say that in Jerusalem is the place where people ought to worship.” 21 Jesus said to her, “Woman, believe me, the hour is coming when neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father. 22 You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews. 23 But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. 24 God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” 25 The woman said to him, “I know that Messiah is coming (he who is called Christ). When he comes, he will tell us all things.” 26 Jesus said to her, “I who speak to you am he.”

27 Just then his disciples came back. They marveled that he was talking with a woman, but no one said, “What do you seek?” or, “Why are you talking with her?” 28 So the woman left her water jar and went away into town and said to the people, 29 “Come, see a man who told me all that I ever did. Can this be the Christ?” 30 They went out of the town and were coming to him.

31 Meanwhile the disciples were urging him, saying, “Rabbi, eat.” 32 But he said to them, “I have food to eat that you do not know about.” 33 So the disciples said to one another, “Has anyone brought him something to eat?” 34 Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work. 35 Do you not say, ‘There are yet four months, then comes the harvest’? Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest. 36 Already the one who reaps is receiving wages and gathering fruit for eternal life, so that sower and reaper may rejoice together. 37 For here the saying holds true, ‘One sows and another reaps.’ 38 I sent you to reap that for which you did not labor. Others have labored, and you have entered into their labor.”

39 Many Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman's testimony, “He told me all that I ever did.” 40 So when the Samaritans came to him, they asked him to stay with them, and he stayed there two days. 41 And many more believed because of his word. 42 They said to the woman, “It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is indeed the Savior of the world.”

Stay Away

Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts.
2 Timothy 2:22 NLT

As a parent, there are times and would-be companions in a child's life when the line must be drawn to separate your child from bad times and bad influences. Children don't like it, but a loving parent will do it just the same. It is in the child's best interest. 

God does it for us through His Word. 

Paul writes, Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth. Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants.

You should know this... that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred.  They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that! 

2 Timothy 2:23 - 3:5 NLT

Prayer:

Father,

           Thank You for loving us enough to teach us and warn us about bad influences. Open our eyes that we can discern the ungodly ways. Make our hearts strong in You. Give us wisdom and compassion anew so that we will Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Change their hearts, Father, so they will learn the truth. Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Would or Would Not?

For thus says the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel:
In returning and rest you shall be saved;
In quietness and confidence shall be your strength.
But you would not...

Isaiah 30:15 NKJV

We get an idea in our head and start to run with it. We might even make out a plan and it seems right to us, so we go with it. It's a great idea by all accounts, but it doesn't come together and we're at a loss to understand why.

Oftentimes, it is then we turn to God for guidance. If He doesn't provide the answer we want in the timeframe that we want it, we work harder, trying to make it happen in our own strength. Over the years, we learn that if WE own it, WE are responsible for its success or failure. However, if we submit our plans to the Lord and follow HIS leading, HE owns it... 

So, what do we do now? We ran off headstrong in our own way before, but if we repent - In returning and rest you shall be saved;

In quietness and confidence shall be your strength. And verse 18 assures us, Therefore the Lord is waiting to show you mercy, and is rising up to show you compassion, for the Lord is a just God. All who wait patiently for him are happy. Isaiah 30:18 Christian Standard Bible

Prayer:

Father, 

          Forgive us for our sin of being self-sufficient instead of trusting You in all things. Forgive us for those times when we "would not..." We need Your rest and salvation, Your mercy and compassion. Teach us to wait patiently for You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Promise for Today - The Crippling Rule of Man

One Sabbath day as Jesus was teaching in a synagogue, he saw a woman who had been crippled by an evil spirit. She had been bent double for eighteen years and was unable to stand up straight. When Jesus saw her, he called her over and said, “Dear woman, you are healed of your sickness!” Then he touched her, and instantly she could stand straight. How she praised God!
But the leader in charge of the synagogue was indignant that Jesus had healed her on the Sabbath day. “There are six days of the week for working,” he said to the crowd. “Come on those days to be healed, not on the Sabbath.”
Luke 13:10-14 NLT

There is so much story in these short 5 verses. Jesus was teaching on the Sabbath and was moved with compassion at the sight of the crippled woman - just like He always was/is moved with compassion and healed everywhere He went. One would think that there would have been an uproar of praise as a result of witnessing the healing miracle! Indeed, there was an uproar, but of a different kind. 

The rules made by the leadership had been transgressed. The leader was indignant! And that sure translates to situations today. How dare we do God's work where it is not socially acceptable? How dare we speak His Name as sacred instead of as a swear word? How dare we attempt to fulfill the Great Commission outside of the church building where we might be seen and heard?

If we read further in the chapter, we realize that the Rule of Man would have been content for the woman to continue in her crippling bonds rather than make them have to acknowledge its crippling effect for its double standard. Do we allow ourselves to continue to be bound because of manmade rules and expectations? 

Prayer:

Father,

          Open our eyes to very clearly see Your Way, Your will. Give us the courage to stand against anything and everything that would dare to exalt itself against Christ. Give us a fresh anointing of compassion for those around us who walk crippled physically, emotionally or spiritually, so that we may lay hands on the sick and they shall recover, according to Your Word. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Jesus with Skin On

Carry each other’s burdens and so you will fulfill the law of Christ.

Galatians 6:2 CEB

You've heard someone say it - maybe even you've said it. "Yes, I know Jesus is always there for me, but right now,  I just need somebody with skin on." 

It's true. We all come to a place where we just want someone to be Jesus HERE. In the flesh. 

It's us. We're to be the hands and feet of Jesus. Compassionate. Caring. Providing what we can. Taking the time to just be there. Loving. Forgiving. 

Who do you know that you could step in and help meet their needs - even when it's not comfortable for you? As they say now... to put some skin in the game? 

Prayer:

Father,

            Open our eyes to see the needs of those around us. Open our hearts to be moved with compassion to help meet those needs. Make it even better if we can join together with other like-minded believers to surround them with Your love. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Making It Clear

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.”
Daniel 3:16-18 NLT

Captives in a foreign country. Forced to learn the ways of their captors and also to serve them. The enemy stripped them of everything that identified them, including their real names, and changed everything they had been. Well, almost everything...

In the circumstances of their captivity, they were dependent on the king for food and clothing and housing - for their very existence - but all of it superficial compared to what they held in their hearts. These boys knew God for who HE is and who they were IN Him. They understood His Word. They BELIEVED God. Facing death, they did not back down from the Truth they knew. They didn't plead, they didn't barter, they didn't trade their light for the world's darkness. And because of it, a nation came to trust the God they served. Our God.

Hold on to the TRUTH that you know. We do NOT have to walk in fear. God is still God, able to save, able to deliver, able to rescue us - yes, He is able even from CoVID-19... But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up. Or the world's equivalent of a gold statue...

Prayer:

Father,
          Thank You for who You are and who WE are IN You! Pour out on us a fresh anointing of Your peace, compassion and love so that we are able to make it clear to those within the sphere of influence You have given us that You are our God and You sent Your Son so they can have a right relationship with You. Cause our spirits to rise up and speak Your Truth to a world that is desperate for hope. Give us the ability, the words and the opportunity to do so. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Clean Inside and Out

Didn’t the One who made the outside also make the inside? Turn both your pockets and your hearts inside out and give generously to the poor; then your lives will be clean, not just your dishes and your hands.
Luke 11:40-41 The Message

Have you ever tried to clean a tight spot? A small place, no room to maneuver? You can't even get enough light in there to see to clean in the tiny, dark spaces. That's a good word picture of how our hearts can be when we close off to others. When we've been hurt and no longer want to let anyone close enough to hurt us again. We just build the wall higher and tighter. It just gets darker, and there's no room in there for anyone else. It's not a good place to be.

However, compassion leads to a larger capacity within our hearts. As we make room for others, light pours in and we have a better view of our behaviors. We are quicker to identify and clean up those thoughts that could lead us back into captivity. We are able to be proactive in cleaning out those areas that were hidden from our sight. As we pour out to those around us, even more areas of our hearts are lit up by God's love and grace working in us.

Yes, as we Turn both [y]our pockets and [y]our hearts inside out and give generously to the poor; then [y]our lives will be clean...

Prayer:

Father,
          Give us clean hands and pure hearts, according to Your Word. Give us a fresh anointing of compassion for our fellow man. Pour a new and living anointing into us for understanding Your Word, so that we may be washed clean by it - inside and out. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.

* Comforting Thought

He [God] comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. 
2nd Corinthians 1:4 NLT

Short and to the point. This is not a ministry of apologetics. I am a firm believer that God does not need nor does He want anyone to apologize for anything He does or anything He allows to touch our lives. 

I most definitely believe that God can and will use everything that happens to us - good or bad - to create and/or strengthen Christ-like character in us... IF we allow Him to work in us. IF we choose to forgive. IF we choose the counsel of His Word over what we want to do in the flesh. 

You've been through a bad time? Did God get you through? Share it! You've been an addict and God delivered you? Share it! You've been abused? Molested? Held captive - literally or spiritually? Lost it all? God healed you and set you free?!? Share it! Or maybe you didn't get healed, but God has given you the grace to walk through it. I can't list everything here - but you get the picture.

God has comforted you and now you are to comfort others with the comfort He gave you!

And if you are NOW going through these things - I can put you in touch with people who have a testimony - those who know the way God will get you through because He did it for them! And I guarantee He will do it for you. That should be a comforting thought!

Prayer:

Father,
          Thank You for always sending someone to light our way with the oil of Your grace and to lighten our load with the comfort of Your Word for us and to us. Thank You, Father, for loving us beyond our expectation and even our ability to comprehend the depth of it. Thank You for every hard place we've ever been in that worked a measure of compassion and grace in us to be able to comfort others. Open our eyes to the opportunities around us to share those comforts to hurting hearts and souls in our sphere of influence and beyond. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen