THE EMPATHY FACTOR

Hebrews 4:14-16

The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. John 1:14

In the summer of 2005, I led a group of high school students on a missions trip to Jamaica. Our goal was to build a playground at a school for deaf children in that beautiful island country.

Many of our students had previously visited the school and played with the kids. But one of our teenagers had a special connection to the Jamaican children. Chelsea too grew up in a world of quiet. Deaf since birth, she didn’t hear a sound until she was 11, when she received a cochlear implant. Now able to hear about 30 percent of the sounds around her, Chelsea understood the deaf in ways our other students could not. She had true empathy.

Empathy is a strong emotion. It can drive us to come alongside those who are in similar situations. It can cause us to care in a deeper way for those with whom we share a concern or a difficulty.

The most important example of empathy is the Lord Himself. he became one of us (John 1:14). Because He did, He understands our struggles and weaknesses (Hebrews 4:15). Jesus knows what we are going through, for He endured this life Himself. As we receive His grace in our time of need, we are better able to come alongside others. —dave branon

God lived as man, as one of us, and understands our need for grace; He is not distant nor detached from all the trials that we face. —sper

No one understands like Jesus.

DRINK UP!

John 4:7-14

Whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. John 4:14

In 1981, Ida’s Pastry Shoppe in Jenison, Michigan, advertised this special offer: “Buy one of our coffee mugs for $4.79 and fill up our cup for  a dime each time you visit.”

But the owners never expected that 25 years later, four longtime customers would still be getting their cup of java every day — for 10 cents.

You won’t find many deals like that anymore. But Jesus offered something far greater to the woman at the well (John 4:10). He said, “Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, but . . .the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life” (verses 13-14).

The woman at the well was ready to listen. None of her many personal relationships had ever filled up her emptiness. Then Jesus offered her “water” that would soothe her parched life and give her something more — the promise of eternal life.

That same promise is ours as well. Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10).

God’s grace and love come from a bottomless reservoir. Drink from the water He offers, and you will never thirst again. —cindy hess kasper

Gracious and Almighty Savior, source of all that shall endure, quench my thirst with living water, living water, clear and pure. —vinal

Only Jesus, the Living Water, can satisfy the thirsty soul.

A HAPPY LIFE

Revelation 21:1-7

There shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away. Revelation 21:4

Cornelia Dobner was 90 when she died and went to her home in heaven. Her life had been characterized by hard work, self-sacrifice for her family, and loyalty to God and her husband.

Soon after the funeral, two of her great-granddaughters put their feelings into words by writing notes to her. One of them, in the clear block printing of a 6-year -old, wrote, “I hope you have a happy life up in heaven.”

That child’s hope for her great-grandmother is an unquestioned certainty for every follower of Christ who dies. The Bible describes our eternal home as a place where there is no more suffering, sorrow, crying, pain, impurity, disease, nor evil (Revelation 21:4, 27). It also tells us what is there: the Lamb (Jesus), the redeemed, the river of life, the throne of God, the tree of life, the light of God (Revelation 21:22, 22:1-5).

Jesus said that He would go and prepare a place for us (John 14:1-3). And the apostle Paul described it as the place where “we shall always be with the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 4:17). If that’s not happiness, what is?

Yes, like Cornelia Dobner, every believer in Jesus can look forward to “a happy life up in heaven.” —dce

Beyond earth’s sorrows, the joys of heaven, beyond earth’s shadows, a glorious dawn; beyond earth’s battles, sweet peace unending; beyond earth’s sunset in heaven’s morn. —gilmore

To be with Jesus forever is the sum of all happiness.

BEE POLLEN AND THE GOSPEL

Colossians 4:2-6

Let your speech always be with grace, seasonsed with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one. Colossians 4:6

Nellie Pickard loves to tell people about Jesus Christ. She does it so often that she’s written a series of books describing how she witnesses in everyday situations. In Just Say It! she tells about her phone call to a health food store. She had noticed that bee pollen was on sale, so she asked the manager about the benefits of using it. “You’ll live forever, ” he replied.

To Nellie, the words live forever were an open invitation. “I know you’re joking,” she said, “but I know I’m going to live forever, and not because I buy your bee pollen.”

His response was encouraging. “I’d like to hear about it. I’m really interested in why you think you’re going to live forever.” Although he did not trust Jesus as Savior at that time, Nellie had planted the seed by being wise “toward those who are outside” (Colossians 4:5).

Our opportunities are endless, yet our words are often powerless. Instead of directing our conversations with unbelievers toward spiritual matters, we tend to stay in the safe zone. Doing as Nellie does is a skill we need to develop and a challenge that comes straight from God’s Word.

We must look for those openings. With sincere kindness and geniune concern we can turn most conversations to eternal matters—even if the subject is bee pollen. —jdb

Take control of my words today, may they tell of your great love; and may the story of your grace turn some heart to you above. —sees

The best place to witness is where God has placed you.

A MAN CALLED SOUL

There once was a man named Soul who was walking in a garden.  He was whistling a real sweet tune for he was saved and had the joy of the Lord, but he was a baby Christian.  As Soul was walking, a beautiful and seductive woman came out from behind a tree.  Soul was very startled.  He said, “Hello, I’m Soul, what is your name?” 

She replied, ” I am Temptation, I have what you want.” 

“What do I want?” replied Soul. 

“You want to do all things which are of the flesh,” said Temptation. 

Soul replied, “Ok, lead me.”  So he and Temptation went off and fulfilled the desires of the flesh. When Soul returned to the garden, he met a man named Condemnation.  Condemnation said, “Hey, I see you have met my friend, Temptation.”

Soul said, “Yes, but who are you?” 

“I am Condemnation, I come after Temptation, we work hand-in-hand.” Then Condemnation jumped on Soul’s back and began to beat him.  He hit him in the face and kicked him when he was down.  This went on for several days. On about the third day a man named Mercy came running and said, “I command you Condemnation to stop beating Soul.” 

Condemnation snickered, “Make me.” So Mercy unsheathed his sword and cut Condemnation in two.  As Soul watched in astonished pain, he was overtaken by the power of Mercy. Mercy walked up to Soul and said, “I have dealt with Condemnation before.  He should not show up around you any more.” 

Soul replied, “How can I ever thank you?” 

“Well,” replied Mercy, “I was sent here by God and He told me to introduce you to a dear friend of mine. His name is Redemption.” Redemption walked up and said, ” Hello, Soul, I see that you are not doing well.” 

Soul replied, “Not until Mercy came along. It is a pleasure to meet you Redemption.” 

 ”Well ” said Redemption, “I am glad to meet you, are you ready to accept me?”

“What do you mean?”  asked Soul.

Redemption said, “Well, when you accepted Jesus Christ and decided to walk with Him then you chose to accept the things of Him and His love. I am part of Jesus’ love.  I help you feel forgiven. You will never have to deal with Condemnation again. Temptation may come around, but I have someone I would like for you to meet that can help you with that.  His name is Grace.”

Grace walked up to Soul and said, “Hello Soul, I have been waiting for you.  As a matter of fact all three of us have been waiting to meet you. I will help you take the way out of Temptation that God gives you as it  comes up.  The last person we want you to meet is Faith.”

“Hi Soul, I am Faith, and I will help you stay strong and keep your beliefs strong,” said Faith.  Soul began to  cry.  When he began to cry Redemption said, “This is what we we’re here for. Jesus redeemed you, saved you by Grace through Faith and gives you His Mercy.  Jesus loves you Soul.” 

Soul said, “I love you Jesus.”

Author Unknown

RECOGNIZE THE LORD

John 21:7-9

Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fisher’s coat unto him, (for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea. John 21:7

Bill waited a long time before accepting Jesus as his Lord. For many years he did not appreciate how the Lord used people to pray for and witness to him. His life centered on gambling and drinking. The Sunday he came forward in the worship service will long be remembered by the church. He openly stated the Lord was his Savior and now was the time to serve Him. Bill did just that. His compassion and zeal for telling others that “it is the Lord” changed many lives.

The formerly discouraged fishermen responded to the advice of the stanger on the shore. The immediate recognition on the part of John brought action from the disciples. Simon dressed, jumped into the sea, and swam to shore. The other men followed in the boats. Jesus had prepared a breakfast of fish and bread for the tired men. Why do you think they had not recognized the Lord earlier?

Lord, help me to recognize You in the events of this day.

RELY ON THE KING OF GLORY

Psalm 24:7-10

Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord might in battle. Psalm 24:8

Human words cannot begin to describe the glory of the Lord, our King. Glory stands for His honor, dignity, splendor, brightness, and majesty.

David had experienced the King of glory, the Lord of hosts, firsthand in every kind of crisis since boyhood. The King of glory had helped David, the shepherd boy, kill wild beasts and even slay the giant Goliath. He had defeated surrounding enemies and established David as king in Jerusalem. Take some time, as did the psalmist, to reflect on God’s glory, majesty, and splendor.

Are you constantly aware that the King of glory is working in your life? He is still fighting battles for His people. What battle are you fighting today? Call on the King of glory. He is “mighty in the battle.”

King of glory, in Jesus’ name I am grateful I can always rely on You, knowing the arm of flesh will fail me.

COME AND FOLLOW

Luke 18:18-24

Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me. Luke 18:22

My friends Tara and J.D. have a cute preschooler, Annie Beth. Recently she had a talk with her mother about Jesus. In the midst of her mother’s teacher, Annie Beth said with conviction, “Mommy, I think Jesus is always the line leader.” In her mind, Annie Beth saw the preschool classroom job of being line leader, that is leading the class when leaving or returning to the classroom, as the most important task of all. She recognized Jesus is ultimately the One who leads us all.

“Follow Me,” Jesus said to the man. On the face of it, that seems an easy request. Yet the young man could not bear to leave all he had to comply with Jesus’ command.

Jesus rightly expects Christians to follow Him absolutely. He is, as Annie Beth said, always the Line Leader.

Father, in all I do I want to be obedient to Your command, “Follow me.”

RELIGION WON’T SAVE YOU

Franklin Graham talks about Nicodemus, the religious leader who came to Jesus under the cover of darkness:

He was one of the most religious men in the Bible. A Pharisee. And he came to Jesus and Jesus said, “Nicodemus, it’s not enough. You’ve got to be born again.” And I’m here to tell you, to tell you I don’t care how religious you are, you may have been raised Catholic, you may be Baptist, you may be Presbyterian or Methodist or Assemblies of God, Pentecostal, whatever you are. I’m here to tell you religion’s not going to save you. I’m not talking about religion. I’m talking about a faith today in God’s Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Trust in Him by faith and asking Him to come into your heart and into your life, to cleanse you, to change you. Letting Him be the Lord of your life. Will you do that today?” Will you respond to Franklin’s invitation and trust in Jesus Christ by faith as your savior? You can begin by calling us at the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, toll free, at 877-2GRAHAM. Or click billygraham.org

JARS OF CLAY

He handcrafted the clay baby cup with her name on it. It was beautifully glazed and I hardly wanted to let her use it. But he said, “Please use it, that’s why I made it.” And so we did. She loved her own cup with her own name on it!

Today the cup sits in her cupboard in her own kitchen. It is still beautifully glazed with her name on it. But the lines on it show where it was carefully glued back together. A clay pot is oh so sturdy yet oh so fragile!!

God calls us clay pots. And true to the name most of us sport cracks, carefully glued back together. We are oh so sturdy, yet oh so fragile. Why would God entrust clay pots with the light of His love? We try to fulfill His purposes but we get cracked and broken.

Yet His strategy is clear… He knows our weaknesses yet He chose clay pots anyway. He tells us why…

“But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.” 2 Corinthians 4:7

Don’t be ashamed of the cracks in your life… don’t be afraid to show how God has mended you. This is the testimony to the watching world. Our God fixes broken pieces!

If you are broken today because of circumstances in your life, or because of choices you wish you had made differently, don’t stay in pieces on the floor. If you know you have disappointed God in your walk or in your talk tell Him you are sorry.

God will forgive you, pick you up and mend you. Changed lives, lives lived in the power of the Holy Spirit, demonstrate that it is His power at work in us. This is our hope…this is the hope we hold out to a needy world.

Do you need to change your thinking and accept the cracks in your life as the very places Jesus can shine through?  Invite Him into those places today.