Hands On

One day as these men were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Appoint Barnabas and Saul for the special work to which I have called them.” So after more fasting and prayer, the men laid their hands on them and sent them on their way.
Acts 13:2-3 NLT

I was listening to a message about fasting today and in the process found this Scripture concerning the anointing before Saul/Paul was sent on his first missionary trek. The elders laid their hands on them after fasting and prayer, and MORE fasting and prayer. 

In the Old Testament book of 2nd Kings, Jehoash went to see Elisha when the old prophet lay dying, and during their encounter, Elisha put his hands on the hands of the young king as he gave Jehoash instruction. Two different scenarios, but both involved elders putting hands on the younger. I like the idea of hands-on active participation rather than just trying to talk something done.

The younger generation of today may not always realize that they need the older generation to help fulfill their calling. We may not bring the same gifts, but together our gifts are multiplied. The hands of the elders on the young ones, combining strengths. Pr. Franklin said it this way, "The strength of the young, the direction of the old. The zeal of the young, the wisdom of the old." The pattern of hands on is worth searching out. 

Prayer:

Father,

           Thank You for the anointing that comes with the laying on of hands. We pray for fresh anointing in our lives. Show us what to put our hands on to best serve Your purpose in our lives and in the lives of those You have placed within our sphere of influence. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen 

* A Go-By

By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
1st John 3:16 NKJV

In your line of work, do you ever use a Go-By? They're very similar to a template, but much more practical and hands-on. They can be a real timesaver; not only are they instructional, but you also have the end result in your hand, so you know what you're supposed to have when you're finished. It's a sure thing to complete because it's all right in front of you.

In the engineering world, there are all kinds of go-bys. One may work better than another, but all of them are about getting the job done. Finishing what I started. Taking it to completion.

Our walk of faith comes complete with Go-Bys. If you can't do it like Abraham, try Jacob. If that doesn't work for you, how about Isaiah? Or Moses? How about we don't let another day go by, without modelling our lives after the Consummate Go-By, Jesus Christ? The One who loved us so much that He laid down His life for us... That's the example to go by.

Prayer:

Father,
         Help us to see and to understand the ultimate sacrifice of Your love toward us. Help us to lay down our lives, our love, our time... In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen