God's Favorite Word?

God's Favorite Word?

 

God's favorite word, it seems is "Come"

 

"Come, let us talk about these things. Though your sins are like scarlet, they can be white as snow."

 

"All you who are thirsty, come and drink."

 

"Come to me all, all of you who are weary and with heavy loads, and I will give you rest."

 

"Come to the wedding feast."

 

"Come follow me, and I will make you fishers of men."

 

"Let anyone who thirsts, come to me and drink."

 

God is a God who invites. God is a God who calls. Our God is a God who opens the door and waves us in to a full table.

 

His invitation is not for a meal, however, it is for life. An invitation to come into His kingdom and take up residence in a tearless, graveless, painless world. Who can come? Whoever wants to come. The invitation is at once universal and personal.

(the Devotional Bible)

 

Come to the Father.

Don't you wait,

And hold it all in.

Don't you carry,

Those burdens anymore.

Lay it all,

At the Masters feet.

(RTW – Come To The Father)

 

In Christ,

Rick

What Words Will You Hear?

Matthew 25:14-30 (NIV) "Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them. To one he gave five bags of gold, to another two bags, and to another one bag, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. The man who had received five bags of gold went at once and put his money to work and gained five bags more. So also, the one with two bags of gold gained two more. But the man who had received one bag went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master's money. After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. The man who had received five bags of gold brought the other five. Master, he said, you entrusted me with five bags of gold. See, I have gained five more. His master replied, Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness! The man with two bags of gold also came. Master, he said, you entrusted me with two bags of gold; see, I have gained two more. His master replied, Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness! Then the man who had received one bag of gold came. Master, he said, I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed. So I was afraid and went out and hid your gold in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you. His master replied, You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed? Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest. So take the bag of gold from him and give it to the one who has ten bags. For whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them. And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." Dear Friend, God has given talents to each and everyone of us, and He expects us to daily use our talents to build His kingdom. What about you? Will you be welcomed in to eternal Glory and will you hear the words, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant?" It is never too late to start serving our Master! Serving Him Who First Loved Us, Dave Henry

Exercise!

This morning during some research I found an exercise that will definitely change
your day. Try it! You and just see what God will do.

Joy Exercise

Part 1
Visualize a circle of White Light above you. As you do this deeply breath out
your tensions. Close your eyes. Visualize light from the circle. See it flowing
down over you, surrounding you. Feel it within you. Concentrate on the
feelings in your solar plexus area. Lift these feelings up to your heart and feel
Joy to overwhelming. Smile! Let gratitude fill your heart. Send the joy and
gratitude upward and into your head. Feel it press against your eyes and say,
"I see all life clearly." Feel it press the top of your head. Now send it on
upward with a feeling praise and say, "I am receptive to spiritual wisdom and
understanding." Send it out to the creator with a message, such as, "I am
receptive to your counsel. Teach me." Do this with the expectation that the
energy will return to you with an impression, with a message.

Part 2
Stand up. Repeat Part 1 until you feel the joy within your heart then say the
word "Joy", sending it out in whatever way it wants to come out. Like
creative Toning, allow the word to take it's own course, and add different
actions and motions to go with the word until they free flow together. Bring
the joy back into your heart and accept it with gratitude.

From: Meetings One's Self at the Threshold, Author; Eleanor Leatham, Artist; Bev Cox.

See everyone at the Sister's and Antiques coffee bar - Friday @ 7pm

Have a great week!

RTW

Is Your Joy Complete?

Philippians 1:6 (NASB) "For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus." John 15:9-11 (NIV) "As the Father has loved Me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed My Father's commands and remain in His love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete." Recently I had the wonderful privilege of visiting my parents, who live a few hours from my home. I have always described my parents as being steadfast and nonwaivering in their faith, and I am so very thankful for the Christl-like example that they have shown me. During my two day trip, there were several opportunities to pray, and I remember at one of our last mealtimes together, dad thanked God for family and friends, and prayed for those who have not truly experienced the love of God in their lives. He asked that the lost may find their way, so that they may be made complete. I will never forget the last part of his prayer...'that He would make them complete.' Dear Friend, how about you? Are you a child of God? Do you ever feel like there is something missing in your life? Have you experienced the love and joy that only comes from Him? You can true love and amazing joy, and have it today and for the rest of your life, if you just ask Him. The bible clearly tells us that 'He who began a good work in us will be faithful to complete it.' Blessings to You, Dave Henry

The Empty Tomb

John 20:1-18
1 Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. 2 So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don't know where they have put him!"

3 So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb. 4 Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. 5 He bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in. 6 Then Simon Peter, who was behind him, arrived and went into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, 7 as well as the burial cloth that had been around Jesus' head. The cloth was folded up by itself, separate from the linen. 8 Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed. 9 (They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.)

10 Then the disciples went back to their homes, 11 but Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb 12 and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus' body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot.
13 They asked her, "Woman, why are you crying?"
"They have taken my Lord away," she said, "and I don't know where they have put him." 14 At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus.

15 "Woman," he said, "why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?"
Thinking he was the gardener, she said, "Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him."

16 Jesus said to her, "Mary."
She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, "Rabboni!" (which means Teacher).
17 Jesus said, "Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet returned to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, 'I am returning to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.'"

18 Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: "I have seen the Lord!" And she told them that he had said these things to her.



Christ has risen!

He died for our sins and is alive today. It is a hard concept to grasp for some people, but if you believe, truly believe, there is no doubt! He is who he said he was. He is the Lord of lords, King of kings. He is the beginning and the end. He is the Word…

The Word is Alive!

Happy Easter my friends;
In Christ,
Rick

Father Forgive Them

The dialogue that Friday morning was bitter.

From the onlookers, "Come down from the cross if you are the Son of God!"

From the religious leaders, "He saved others but he can't save himself."

From the soldiers, "If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself."

Bitter words. Acidic with sarcasm. Hateful. Irreverent. Wasn't it enough that he was being crucified? Wasn't it enough that he was being shamed as a criminal? Were the nails insufficient? Was the crown of thorns too soft? Had the flogging been too short?

For some, apparently so...

Of all the scenes around the cross, this one angers me the most. What kind of people, I ask myself, would mock a dying man? Who would be so base as to pour the salt of scorn upon open wounds? How low and perverted to sneer at one who is laced with pain…

The words thrown that day were meant to wound. And there is nothing more painful than words meant to hurt…

If you have suffered or are suffering because of someone else's words, you'll be glad to know that there is a balm for this laceration. Meditate on these words from 1 Peter 2:23 (NIV):

"When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly."

Did you see what Jesus did not do? He did not retaliate. He did not bite back. He did not say, "I'll get you!" "Come on up here and say that to my face!" "Just wait until after the resurrection, buddy!" No, these statements were not found on Christ's lips.

Did you see what Jesus did do? He "entrusted himself to him who judges justly." Or said more simply, he left the judging to God. He did not take on the task of seeking revenge. He demanded no apology. He hired no bounty hunters and sent out no posse. He, to the astounding contrary, spoke on their defense. "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."? (Luke 23:34 NIV)…

"they don't know what they are doing."

And when you think about it, they didn't. They hadn't the faintest idea what they were doing. They were a stir-crazy mob, mad at something they couldn't see so they took it out on, of all people, God. But they didn't know what they were doing.

Yes, the dialogue that Friday morning was bitter. The verbal stones were meant to sting. How Jesus, with a body wracked with pain, eyes blinded by his own blood, and lungs yearning for air, could speak on behalf of some heartless thugs is beyond my comprehension. Never, never have I seen such love. If ever a person deserved a shot at revenge, Jesus did. But he didn't take it. Instead he died for them. How could he do it? I don't know. But I do know that all of a sudden my wounds seem very painless. My grudges and hard feelings are suddenly childish.

Sometimes I wonder if we don't see Christ's love as much in the people he tolerated as in the pain he endured.

(Max Lucado – This Is Love)

A Presidential Prayer for Healing

--From a speech by Ronald Reagan to the American people, February 6, 1986 To preserve our blessed land we must look to God. It is time to realize that we need God more than He needs us. We also have His promise that we could take to heart with regard to our country, that "If my people, which are called by my name shall humble themselves, and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." Let us, young and old, join together, as did the First Continental Congress, in the first step, in humble heartfelt prayer. Let us do so for the love of God and His great goodness, in search of His guidance and the grace of repentance, in seeking His blessings, His peace, and the resting of His kind and holy hands on ourselves, our nation, our friends in the defense of freedom, and all mankind, now and always. The time has come to turn to God and reassert our trust in Him for the healing of America... Our country is in need of and ready for a spiritual renewal. Today, we utter no prayer more fervently than the ancient prayer for peace on Earth. If I had a prayer for you today, among those that have all been uttered, it is that one we're so familiar with: "The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you; the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace...." And God bless you all. Dear Friend, when is the last time you prayed for our country? Perhaps you have a few moments right now to pray for our country and for all of our leaders that we may return to and bond together as One Nation Under God, Wholly United, and once again restore the biblical foundation in which our country was established. Jesus died on the cross many years ago to carry the burden of our sins. He loves all of us and yearns for us as a nation to be in fellowship with Him once again. Praying for Peace and Healing, Dave Henry

Jesus Died for You!

John 12:23-30 (NIV) Jesus replied, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me. "Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say? 'Father, save me from this hour'? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name!" Then a voice came from heaven, "I have glorified it, and will glorify it again." The crowd that was there and heard it said it had thundered; others said an angel had spoken to him. Jesus said, "This voice was for your benefit, not mine. Revelation 3:20 (NIV) "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me." Once again, as we remember and celebrate this time of year we call Easter, may we take a few moments each day this week to reflect on the events leading up to the crucifixion and eventual resurrection. You see, without the crucifixion of Jesus, we would still be dead in our sins. Because He was willing to bear the sins of the world, we all may have eternal life. Dear Friend, what does Easter mean to you? Is this a time of celebration of your salvation, or are you lost in your own darkness? If you cannot truly say that you are a disciple of Jesus, please take time today to ask for His forgiveness. We are all sinners, but we all can have eternal life if we will turn from our wicked ways and follow Him. Jesus never said that following Him would be easy, but He did promise us that He would never leave us nor forsake us, even until the very end of the age. Won't you trust Him today to be your Savior? Blessings to You, Dave Henry

Seeking!

Driving around the communities this weekend we saw several churches and community parks have the annual
Easter egg hunt. Seeing all the kids running after the eggs to find the best prize or candy. My thoughts
were running ramped in my mind. I found myself asking a question. Do we seek after God as a child seeks
after the Easter egg? Are we running toward the goal? Do we desire the greatest prize? I always fall
back to one of my favorite verses :

2 Chronicles 7:14
If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from
their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

Stand at the starting line today and RUN as child would after the Easter egg! Let God heal you today.
He will give you strength to face each day. On your mark, get set, GO!!!! God is waiting for you!
Run! It's not to late!

Have a great Monday!

RTW

Thankful for Water

Philippians 4:19 (NIV) "And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus." Revelation 7:17 (NIV) "For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes." Earlier this weekend our entire city experienced a severe break in one of the main water supply lines. The break was serious enough that the director of the water repair crew made a decision to shut off all of the water to everyone across the city until the leak was fixed. As I observed several comments that were posted on social networks, many questions were directed to others about possible news of the return of our water service. In the first few hours of being without water, most citizens were very patient and understanding. As the hours continued to pass and the next day was almost gone, and no water service was available, the patience of the general population was quickly waning. I must admit that I was very patient in the beginning, but later chose not to make plans for dining out with our friends until I had my shower. Shortly thereafter I recalled the pictures of devastation of recent earthquake victims in Japan. How quickly the temporary problem of having no water became a small problem, or no problem at all. Dear Friend, have you ever been without water or heat or electricity? Were you patient and understanding, or were you quick to grumble and complain? The bible tells us that God will meet all of our needs. When we are faced with minor adversity, let us trust God to meet our needs. May we also be quick to pray for those who make sacrifices, so that we can have the comforts of home. Thankful for Blessings, Dave Henry

Put Down your Stone...

He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone a her ... And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last.
Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat?
To him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin. If our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.
All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offense. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth.
Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Friends, how do we treat others? We are all sinners...brothers and sisters in Christ. None of us can cast that stone. Being Christ-like is what He commands. Put your stone down and extend a hand in love...

In Christ,
Rick

Love, Honor, and Respect

Ephesians 6:2-4 (NIV) "Honor your father and mother"—which is the first commandment with a promise—"that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth." Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. Colossians 3:20-21 (NIV) "Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged." Luke 10:27 (NIV) He answered: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind and, Love your neighbor as yourself." 1 Peter 2:17 (NIV) "Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king." As a child, I was always taught to obey my parents and grandparents, and anyone else who held positions of authority and leadership. It wasn't always an easy task, but I knew that it was the right thing to do. When I failed to follow the rules of respect and obedience, there were always consequences. After experiencing a challenging situation in our family recently, I was reminded that our attitude and respect toward each other is a direct reflection of our attitude toward God. I'll say it again....our attitude and respect toward each other is a direct reflection of our attitude toward God. Think about that for a moment or two. Do you truly believe it? There are many bible verses about loving and respecting each other, and when we do, it certainly pleases God. Dear Friend, how about you? How is your attitude toward your children? Have you lead them as God would have you lead them, or have you embittered them? How about your spouse, or your parents? Do you love them and repect them as God would have you do? Take a few moments right now and ask God to help you become the person that He would have you be, so that when others see you and think about you, they clearly see God living in you. Thankful for Godly Instruction, Dave Henry

Update

We've had a lot of fun preparing for the acoustic set coming up!! Don't forget to check us out on April 29th!! All of the info on is our website where you can also purchase a CD =D. Good night everyone and God bless!! *Riding The Wind of God* -Tyler

In Tune with God

Hebrews 10:25 "Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." Romans 15:5 "May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus." One day just before practice, I removed the case on my harp to find that a string had broken. I removed the dangling broken string from its location so it didn't interfere with my playing of the other strings. I didn't bring any extra strings to practice, and decided to change the string later that evening or the next day. There are 36 strings on my harp, and each string generates a specific sound of its own when played. Some of the strings are different colors, and all of the strings have different lengths and thicknesses. While some strings are more actively and regularly played than others, each string is useful in the position in which it is permanently placed on the instrument. There were several observations, however, that were very obvious to me during that evening practice and only having 35 available strings. Although I knew the string was missing after it had been removed, I continued to try to play it, because it was always there in the past when I needed it, and it produced a beautiful sound. I also noticed that the strings around the missing string had a more difficult time keeping their perfect pitch after I removed the damaged string. Life is like that, isn't it? We all need each other, don't we? The bible encourages us to meet regularly and to encourage each other in our journey called life. As we live in harmony with one another, and encourage each other, and strengthen each other in the body of Christ, I know that He is pleased. Dear Friend, how about you? Is your life like a beautiful stringed instrument that has all of the strings, perfectly in tune, and playing a beautiful melody for our Savior? Are you living in a Spirit of Unity? It is not too late to be in tune with Jesus. He will soon return to bring you home, and He deserves a symphony of praise from all of us! Harping for Our Lord, Dave Henry

The Light!

God's light shines so bright! Even in the darkest places God can bring a light that will pierce through
and bring a new view. Sin grows in darkness. Darkness allows you to stumble and fall. But the light will
guide your path and allow you to see. When you allow the light to shine in you healing begins. Your
vision will clear and God will give you a new view. Are you willing to let the light shine in you and
through you?

Once you were "darkness", but now as Christians you are "light". Live then as children
of the light. The light produces in men all that is good and right and true. Let your lives be living proofs
of the things which please God. Steer clear of the fruitless activities of darkness.

For light is capable of showing everything for what it really is. It is even possible for light to turn the
thing it shines upon into light also. (Eph.)

Have a Great Monday!

RTW

Faith is often the child of fear....

 

Fear propelled Peter out of the boat. He's ridden in these waves before. He knew what these storms could do. He'd heard the stories. He'd seen the wreckage. He knew the widows. He knew the storm could kill. And he wanted out …

 

Look into his eyes tonight and see the fear…a suffocating, heart racing fear of a man who has no way out.

But out of this fear would be born an act of faith, for faith is often the child of fear.

If Peter had seen Jesus walking on the water during a calm, peaceful day, do you think that he would have walked out to him?

 

            Nope, me either…

 

Had the lake been carpet smooth and the journey pleasant, do you think that Peter would have begged Jesus to take him on a stroll across the top of the water? Doubtful.

But given a choice between death and a crazy chance, he'll take a chance every time!

Great acts of faith are seldom born out of calm calculation.

It wasn't logic that caused Moses to raise his staff on the bank of the Red Sea.

It wasn't medical research that convinced Naaman to dip in the river seven times.

It wasn't common sense that caused Paul to abandon the law and embrace grace.

 

And it wasn't a confident committee that prayed in a small room in Jerusalem for Peter's release from prison. It was a fearful, desperate, band of backed into a corner believers. It was a church of have-nots pleading for help.

 

And they were never stronger!

 

At the beginning of every act of faith, is often a seed of fear….

(the Devotional Bible)

 

What are you doing to further your faith?

Do you have fear about something?

 

In Christ,

Rick

Luke 18: 29-30

Luke 18: 29-30 - "I tell you the truth," Jesus said to them, "no one who has left home or wife or brothers or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God will fail to receive many times as much in this age and, in the age to come, eternal life." As we get set to travel this summer to go share what God has asked us to, the message of salvation He has given us, He has already promised to bless us! How great to know God is in control. He is in front leading the way, behind watching out backs, and at our sides keeping us on the road of salvation. Be ready world because Jesus has promised to return like a thief in the night so we don't know when it will be. Please keep us in your prayers so we may relay that message to those who either don't know of it, or are trying to ignore it. I have dedicated my life to being a light to those in darkness who need a little help. I hope you will also join me and the rest of the band in doing so!! *Serving Daily* -Tyler

Better Be Ready!

Matthew 24:36-44 (NIV) "But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left. "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him. 2 Peter 3:9 (NIV) The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. John 3:16 (NIV) 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. While the passages above are very familiar to most of us, are you ready for the Son of God to return? Nobody knows when Jesus will return, not even the angels. If the bible would very clearly announce the exact day and time of Jesus' 2nd coming, many people would continue living their sinful lives, and finally ask for forgiveness at the 11th hour. I saw a t-shirt recently that asked 'How much more fun can I have before I go to hell?' While some people may think that the t-shirt is funny and would proudly wear it themselves to generate some attention and a few grins, choosing between eternal life and eternal damnation is not a laughing matter. Dear Friend, how about you? Are you living your life for Him? Are you daily reading your bible and praying for lost souls? It is God's will that none should perish, and that all should come to repentance. Know that the bible is true from cover to cover, and that Jesus loves you and has promised you eternal live if you will just trust Him. Blessings to You, Dave Henry

God is stronger!

What an awesome message yesterday. Discussing the phase or steps a person goes through as God is changing their heart. We all understand who God is and we comprehend what He has done for us, but it's not until that moment we totally surrender and repent and allow God to have control that our life will change. When you start allowing God to have control your wants and desires change. You will start getting involved in what God is doing. Many around you will not like the changes, they liked the old you and enjoyed the old person they used to know. They will feel as if you have turned from them and they will feel like they have to attack you and put their guard up. It's only because they don't fully understand what God is doing. And they are not ready to accept the changes they see happening around them. I face this everyday. Attacks from all directions. Even the ones close to you will attack. Satan will try every direction he can to try and knock you down. But everyone must know that God is stronger! God will give you the strength you need to get through any trial. Every stumbling block will be overcame and every moment is a new opportunity to serve.

How will you respond today when God changes things around you? Will you not understand? Will you attack? Will you thank God for what he is doing? Will you get involved?
God is stronger!

Have a great Monday!
RTW
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Jesus’ Compassion

Interestingly, the stress seen on that day is not seen on Jesus' face, but on the faces on the disciples.

"Send the crowds away," they demanded. Fair request. "After all," they are saying, "You've taught them. You've healed them. You've accommodated them and now they're getting hungry. If we don't send them away, they'll want you to feed them too!"

 

I wish I could have seen the expression on the faces of the disciples when they heard the Master's response…

 

"You give them something to eat."

 

Rather than look to God, they looked at their wallets. "That would take eight months of a man's wages! Are we to go and spend that much on bread and give it to them to eat?"

 

"You've got to be kidding…"

"He can't be serious…"

"It's one of Jesus jokes…"

"Do you know how many people are out there?"

 

Eyes watermelon wide. Jaws dropping open. One ear hearing the din of the crowd, the other the command of God.

 

Don't miss the contrasting views. When Jesus saw the people, he saw an opportunity to love and affirm value. When the disciples saw the people they saw thousands of problems.

 

Also don't miss the irony. In the midst of a bakery…in the presence of the Eternal Baker…they tell the "Bread of Life" that there is no bread.

Really…

 

Here is where Jesus should have given up. This is the point in the pressure-packed day where Jesus should have exploded. The sorrow, the life threats, the exuberance, the crowds, the demands, and now this. His own disciples can't do what he asks them. In front of five thousand men, they let him down.

 

"Beam me up, Father," should have been Jesus' next words. But they weren't. Instead he inquires, "How many loaves do you have?"

 

The disciples bring him a little boy's lunch.

 

A lunch pail becomes a banquet, and all are fed. No word of reprimand is given. No furrowed brow of anger is seen. No "I told you so" speech is delivered. The same compassion Jesus extends to the crowd is extended to his friends.

(the Devotional Bible)

 

Do you do what you Master asks of you? Do you get angry with others when things don't go the way you want them to go? Do the stresses of the day's events get to you and overtake you?

 

Jesus asks us to take a calm, faith-filled approach to our lives. In all the stress and grind of your day, give Him the glory and let him feed you. Let him lead you. Remember, when it gets too much for us, He is there to lead and feed!

 

In Christ,

Rick