Fear Not, Believe Only

By: Jennifer E. Jones, cbn.com

Luke 8 tells the story of the woman with an issue of blood. It’s popular for Sunday School lessons and in pulpits across America. We all know the story.

Luke 8:43 begins with Jesus being thronged by a crowd of people.

“And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any, came behind Him, and touched the border of His garment: and immediately her issue of blood stanched.” (KJV)

She was healed with just one touch of Jesus’ garment! This passage alone launched a thousand sermons and songs about God’s wonderful, merciful healing power. It still amazes us today how a simple act of humility and faith changed a woman’s life forever.

But, I’m not here to talk about the woman with an issue of blood. I want to talk about a man named Jairus.

Let’s back up to Luke 8:41.

“There came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue: and he fell down at Jesus’ feet, and besought Him that He would come into his house: For he had one only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she lay a dying. But as he went the people thronged him.”

Jairus was obviously a man on the edge. In spite of his lofty position, he fell at the feet of a carpenter’s Son in utter despair over his daughter. He finally had the Master’s attention and almost got Him back to his house. But then…

This woman came out of nowhere and caused a big scene. Jesus stopped to talk to her. They had a whole conversation right there. While Jairus waited on the Lord, a servant from his house found him and said,

“’Thy daughter is dead; trouble not the Master’” (Luke 8:49).

Here Jairus was in dire need of a miracle, and he was so close to getting that blessing. And, not only does someone sneak in and steal Jesus’ time, but his window of opportunity closed.

I bet you can identify with Jairus. We have all waited on God and have seen others step ahead of us in line. It can feel like our blessing completely passed us by while God was busy doing something else.

I know I have felt like Jairus before. Years ago, I petitioned God for a husband. I fasted and prayed with the utmost faith that I would find real love.

I did not, but my roommate did — and so did the roommate after her. I’ll never forget the empty feeling I had as I watched friend after friend meet their respective Prince Charmings, fall in love, move out and move on.

I don’t know what Jairus thought, but I had a tough time not questioning God. “Uh, Lord, I’m happy for all these girls, but this isn’t fair. I’ve been here the whole time. Have You forgotten about me?”

Lucky for us all, God knows our hearts. Even though Jesus stopped to bless another, He didn’t forget about Jairus.

Jesus heard what the servant had to say and told Jairus in Luke 8:50,

“’Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole.”

I like to think that if this were occurring in our modern-day, Jesus would have said, “Don’t panic.”

That’s our first reaction after all. When we think that we have missed our chance, we freak out, go into mourning or sulk into bitterness. But that’s not always necessary.

Jesus said, “Don’t be afraid. Hold on to your faith, and you’ll have what you ask for.”

Eventually, Jesus made His way to Jairus’ house. In the midst of the wailers and mourners, He said rather calmly, “

Weep not; she is not dead, but sleepeth… Maid, arise” (Luke 8:52, Luke 8:54b).

I love that. It is so easy to think that our dream is dead when it may only be sleeping. With one word from Christ, it can rise again.

I don’t know what you are facing today, but at times we all find ourselves in Jairus’ place. Whether you feel passed over or completely ignored, I encourage you today to not give up.

You’re never an afterthought to the Prince of Peace. He knows all, sees all, and is touched with the things that trouble you. He knows your suffering and how it hurts sometimes to wait. However, He is on His way to your house to take the remains of your dream and resurrect it.

Just have faith. “Fear not, believe only.”

Impetuous Peter and Me

 

 

 

By: Gail Casteen, cbn.com

 

Imagine facing the worst event of your life, knowing exactly what is coming and how difficult it will be. Now imagine, while struggling through that dark moment, helping a friend and a foe in one selfless move. It is hard to fathom, but it did happen and is well documented.
It was in the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus had been betrayed with a kiss and was being led away into the night to stand a mockery of a trial. In his best effort to protect his Messiah, Peter pulled his sword and severed an ear from the high priest’s servant. Then Jesus made a highly unpredictable move. He touched and healed the man's ear!
When Jesus restored the ear of that servant, He changed the lives of two men forever. Of course, being the man of compassion that He was, Jesus certainly saw this man suffering and in agony from such a brutal wound. Even though he was a 'bad guy', the love and compassion of Jesus reached beyond what the man was doing to the fact that he was hurting and needed healing.
When I was a child, I could not understand why Jesus would help someone who was there with the intention of hurting Him. I knew I could never be as loving and forgiving as Jesus and was not certain I wanted to try. As an adult, I am thankful for the grace and mercy He extends to me when I am the bad guy.
Another man’s future was changed that night. Jesus courageously rescued Peter that night. There Peter stood, bloody weapon in his hand, somewhat frustrated that he had missed his mark … the servant's head. Yet, his pride was perhaps somewhat pacified by the fact that he had made a notable statement of his allegiance to the Lord. He was more than willing to fight to protect Jesus.
In the moment between landing the blow and Jesus restoring the ear, Peter realized the consequences he would have to pay for that action. He probably saw what Jesus did for him the instant it happened. When Jesus healed the servant's ear, the evidence that would have supported prosecution for attempted murder vanished. There would be no argument in court against Peter regarding that incident. He was acquitted before he was accused!
Much in the same way Peter did that night, I commit a punishable offense, yet Jesus steps in and rescues me. It is after I have done the damage that I see His action on my behalf has removed the evidence against me. My slate has been cleared.
In Lamentations 3:21-23 the Bible says,

"Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." (NIV)

I hear Jesus' voice ringing in my head and heart,

"Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." (Luke 23:34)

Here I stand, undeserving, wrong, yet loved completely. He reaches out with compassion and mercy to heal and to deliver me. His acts of love and compassion effectively restore and renew me.
When I am called to step up to the Judge's bench, there will be no evidence to hold against me ... Just as if I had never sinned, He declares me “NOT GUILTY!”

Preparing for Easter During a Pandemic

By: Deirdre Reilly, cbn.com

As the coronavirus continues its deadly rampage, it is extremely tempting to let anxiety, dread, and worry take over. As we approach Easter, normally a time to celebrate miracles and renewal, we may instead feel disconnected from our faith.

These are natural reactions. After all, we are human. But we were created by an awesome God. Since He created us, He knows our limitations and our stressors. How, then, do we understand what our reaction should be when presented with a chaotic world at what is normally such a blessed time?

A simple two-word phrase has presented itself in my daily life recently, and I am taking heed. Perhaps it is meant for you, too.

The phrase? Be still.

I am in a small Bible study in town, and I miss the comfort and fellowship with my friends as this strange and uncertain time drags on. One of my friends in my Bible study dropped off a Christmas gift in December — a beautiful pottery coffee mug adorned with part of Psalm 46:10 written in cursive:

Be still and know.

I sip my coffee almost every morning from this mug, ponder that phrase and feel it resonate deep within my heart. When another close friend told me that her whole family was coming down with the coronavirus, I went to my cabinet and pulled out my mug, staring at it. It quieted my concerns and opened the pathway to prayer.

Yesterday, another friend reached out; this time, a college friend. She sent me a YouTube link to a short sermon given by a blind woman who explained that she was reading her notes in Braille. What was her message? It was taken from Exodus 14:14when Moses was reassuring the Israelites.

The Lord will fight for you, you need only to be still. (NIV)

Again, the clear message to be still! Considering our longing to be of service during the chaos around us, why would God beckon us to first be still?

Because He’s got this. And He will direct our actions, thoughts, and prayers — if we let Him.

Our God is mighty, loving and infallible. He is allowing this virus, so He has a plan. On Easter Sunday we celebrate His son Jesus Christ rising in glory from the dead, fulfilling Scripture. What is the message in the resurrection? God is in control, powerfully and with finality. And the righteous have the promise of eternal life, which no earthly force can put asunder.

Remember who is in control during these troubled times. Not the virus, but our Lord. Whether in our bedrooms or backyards, watching online services or praying quietly in a favorite chair, this Easter we will celebrate the resurrection of Christ our Savior, freeing our hearts to be still and know where all true hope lies.

Lord, gather us to You in our time of trouble. Help us to be still and look to you for all assurance and hope. Be with the sick in a powerful way, and guide and comfort our leaders, doctors, nurses and first responders during this pandemic.

Bible References on Trust in God:

• Lean not on your own understanding: Proverbs 3:5-6
• I entrust my life to You: Psalm 143:8
• God hears anything we ask for: 1 John 5:14
• God is our rock and refuge: Psalm 62:7
• Whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe: Proverbs 29:25

Talking to God in Uncertain Times

Sara Hagerty, Author, proverbs 31

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2 (ESV)

My walk to the mailbox is revelatory.

I close the door behind me, and the overture of my thoughts begins.

First, I wonder if I started the load of laundry last night so that my son would have clean clothes today. Certain I hadn’t, I think of the litany of unfinished things this week. I scold myself in my list-making: You’re always behind.

My mind diverts to a friend and our text exchange the day before. I convince myself that in my own fear, I was insensitive to her. My scolding softens to disappointment, and then evaluation: I keep missing the people I care about most, in the midst of this uncertainty. Why all this selfishness?

Inside the mailbox is a catalog from my favorite clothing store, advertising their spring collection. In an instant, this advertisement reminds me of all the unknowns in my life: Will we take our annual beach trip? When will I see my mom and siblings next? Is spring shopping even an option this year?

My way back up our long driveway is preset for internal traffic. Fears, insecurities and doubts creep in, subtle enough to be undetected. Subtle enough for me to believe them. Seemingly “insignificant” enough that they hang out in the backdrop of my mind for the rest of my day.

We live in the country, and my walk to the mailbox is one-eighth of a mile. Even if yours is just a few steps, isn’t that break from reading the news and fielding the constant changes to our day just enough time to consent to the fast-paced highway that is your thought life?

And these middle minutes matter.

When I signed up for a vibrant, alive walk in God at age 20, I didn’t consider that my walk to the mailbox, or my standing over the stove, or my scanning the headlines of the news contributed to that.

I imagined traveling across the ocean to care for the broken or moving across the country to evangelize a city. A neighborhood, even. I didn’t think that the minutes it took me to sauté onions on a Monday night for dinner held any value to God. Or to me. Replying to emails or sorting the recycling: neutral middle minutes, made for tasking.

But what if something bigger is available in these uncertain times? Something that fills and sustains? Something that replaces the fear and anxiety?

What if God intended us to experience Him in those middle minutes?

That snippet of a day — my walk to the mailbox — holds what I really think about God, perhaps even more than a Sunday worship service in which I raise my hands high. I might preach to my kids that “God is good,” but my most genuine thoughts about Him cycle through my mind as I read the news and am updated, hourly, by the state of our nation. And if those thoughts are unexposed to His truth, they can rule me.

Enter adoration: the nexus of my honest thoughts with His Word and His person. In adoring, I bring my raw fear and anxieties into a conversation with God, and from that place, I look to His Word to tell my heart what’s true.

Three minutes of adoration on the way to the mailbox incites the renewal of my mind: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:2).

It can look like this:

I close the door behind me, and I step off the front porch to the anxiety of all the unknowns … and I bring this feeling to God. I pause. I wait for Him to meet me — and overturn this minute.

God’s Protection

By: Sally Jadlow, cbn.com

A friend shared her story with me:

Mom married Dad and soon found herself in a horribly abusive union. His abuse didn’t stop with her. We children suffered under his tirades also. Many years later before she died, she shared a couple of incidents with me, her daughter.

At any minute Dad would fly into a rage with no real provocation. It could be caused by a slight misstep. A burned potato. Or a word said with a wrong inflection. All our lives were a constant tight-rope walk. His evil nature ever simmered below the surface like an agitated volcano, ready to erupt at any minute.

Mother learned early in life to rely on Jesus. Life married to Dad drove Mother more solidly into Jesus’ arms. I truly believe she would have died at Dad’s hand, had it not been for Jesus’ protection.

She told me about a time she stood in her bedroom and heard him snarl from the kitchen, “I’m going to kill you.”

By this time she was so worn from his explosions she prayed, “Lord, either save me or take me. I’m so weary.”

His stocky footsteps thundered down the hall toward the bedroom. She braced for what was coming.

When he reached the open doorway he bounced back as if he had hit an invisible plate glass door. The impact threw him to the ground.

Mom turned to see him on all fours shaking his full head of dark brown hair, stunned.

“I’ll get you for this,” he said as he rose to charge a second time. He hit the invisible shield again and bounced back. He turned, rubbed his head, and staggered to his easy chair in the living room.

“He never spoke of it again,” Mom said.

I asked her why she didn’t leave him.

“Our pastor told me it was immoral to divorce or leave him. He said I should not provoke him. I tried. It didn’t work.”

On another occasion, after the children were grown and married, they moved to an acreage with a pond on the outskirts of the city. Mom wasn’t a very proficient swimmer but did enjoy an occasional dip in cool water on a hot summer day. One day she floated in the pond. She saw Dad stomping toward her, fists clenched, spewing curses.

“You b—–! I’m going to drown you here and now.”

He waded into the water and reached for her arm with his huge hand. His grip failed. Each time he grabbed her he couldn’t hold on.

“It was like I was all greased up,” she said.

Finally, in frustration, he left, cursing as he went.

Shortly after, the Lord spoke to her heart. “I’ve saved you these many times from his murderous hand. You must not keep assuming I will rescue you. You must take responsibility. It’s time for you to get away from him. Leave him and don’t come back.”

Mom finally did leave him. It took all the children to help her escape. Finally, in her late 50s, she was free of his daily abuse.

God is merciful. He desires all to come to Him rather than spend an eternity in hell. He will go to any length to bring a wayward sheep home.

Dad found the Lord in his later years but was tormented by the memory of the hurt he had inflicted on others. He did not believe his sins would be completely covered by Jesus’ blood. He lived in daily fear of hell.

When Dad was in his 80s and still lucid, alone in a nursing home, his niece came to see him.

He greeted her with excitement and said, “I’m not going to hell. They called me on the phone and told me. They said when I die it will just be a transition; a change into another type of life.”

He was finally at peace. He died unexpectedly a month later. Oh, and Dad’s room didn’t have a phone.

“He will give His angels charge concerning you, to guard you in all your ways.” Psalm 91:11 (NASB)

“…not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9b (NASB).