His Garment Hem

I reached out and touched His garment hem
as I came into the midst of them:
the midst of those who knew Him well.
I thought that if I could only touch
the mere garment of the man who loved so much,
I would be healed before the dusty linen fell.
I thought He wouldn't notice me,
and I reached from where He couldn't see,
but somehow He must have felt my need.
That same hour my stricken body was healed
and the emptiness within my heart was filled
as from my pain and suffering I was freed.
For He turned and looked upon my face
though many were about the place,
and He spoke with words directly to my soul.
He said for me to be comforted
and with promising words, He kindly said,
"Thy faith hath made thee whole."
-Matt. 9:20-22

These few short verses tell us so much about Christ's love for us, His concern for our needs, and His promise of salvation. In them we see that Christ is always aware of our suffering and responds when we reach out to Him. Just as the woman was healed, not by her actions, but by her faith, we are saved from sin by God's grace, through faith and not by our works and deeds. The woman stepped out on faith and reached out to Jesus, finding compassion, comfort, and so much more.

Are we depending upon our own strengths, actions, and intelligence, or are we reaching out to Jesus?

From July 30, 1985

Not so good Samaritans

There was a man I saw along the highway every day,
for it was his home, and he had not a pillow for his head.
My heart ached for him as I saw him there each day,
and I wondered where he came from, who he was,
and whether he knew my Lord.

But, what, me Lord?? Stop my car and talk with him?? Oh, I can't!

Now if the circumstances were different some day,
I would show my concern, talk with him, and share with him.

I was in a department store cafe one day
and was surprised to find that man sitting near, alone.

But, what, now Lord?? Here among all these people?? Well, I just can't!

Of course if it weren't so crowded another day,
I would share with him the bread of life.

I heard about that man's death the other day,
and I ached and was filled with shame.

I wish I could say I know he's with my Lord, but I can't.

We look with dismay at the priest and the Levite in the story about the good Samaritan, but how many times do we pass by those in trouble along the highway of life? Folks don't have to be lying in the ditch along the road to be considered in need of our help! How many of our co-workers, neighbors, and family members just need someone to slow down long enough to show concern for their lives? The story of the good Samaritan was told by Jesus in order to teach a man about loving others. Remember that Christ also said, "...Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethern, ye have done it unto me." Matthew 25:40

Need and Giving

Each need in our lives is an opportunity for God's power and glory to be made known. Because of the needs that a church can face, we must recognize that this is not only an opportunity for material and physical improvement but spiritual growth and enrichment as well.

"Tell the sons of Israel to raise a contribution for Me; from every man whose heart moves him you shall raise My contribution.... And let them construct a sanctuary for Me that I may dwell among them. According to all that I am going to show you, as the pattern of the tabernacle and the pattern of all its furniture, just so you shall construct it." (Ex. 25:2, 8-9) The chapters following this challenge to God's people describe in great detail the building and furnishing of the tabernacle. Notice, however, that the giving was to be done by each one "whose heart moves him." Although God was greatly concerned about the condition and appearance of His house of worship, He was equally involved in the conditions of the heart.

After the challenge and instructions were given, God's people were revealed and judged according to their worship of idols. Revival took place. "All the men and women whose heart moved them to bring material for all the work, which the Lord had commanded through Moses to be done, brought a freewill offering to the Lord." (Ex. 35:29) The people gave and continued to give until Moses had to command them to stop!

When David set aside provisions for the temple of God that would be built by Solomon, again the hearts of the people were moved. "Then the people rejoiced because they had offered so willingly, for they made their offering to the Lord with a whole heart, and King David also rejoiced greatly... 'Now therefore, our God, we thank Thee, and praise Thy glorious name. But who am I and who are my people that we should be able to offer as generously as this? For all things come from Thee, and from Thy hand we have given Thee.'" (1 Chron. 29:9, 13-14) When the people gave with their whole hearts, they were amazed at their own giving!

Indeed, God uses needs to make His power and glory known, and He does so through the moving of hearts!

What I Need

Lord, help me see that others
have their problems, too;
help me to feel for my brothers
and lift them up to You.
God, help me understand
that I'm not the only one
who needs your gentle hand
and the promises of your Son--
that if I ask, it shall be given;
that if I request, I will receive;
that if I repent, I'll be forgiven,
if only I believe.
Lord, grant me a loving spirit.
Lord, make mine a forgiving heart.
Your will-- may I hear it.
Patience-- may I learn the art.
Wisdom-- might I seek it.
Your guidance-- might I trust.
The Truth, God, help me to speak it;
help me to be bold when I must.
And in my daily living,
may I grow to be more like Christ.
Might I learn to do more giving,
and with temptation not be enticed.
I guess, Lord, what I'm saying
is that I'm willing to sacrifice;
if You'll just listen as I'm praying,
I'm willing to pay the price.
Bend me, God, and break me;
mend me, Father, I ask.
Mold me, Lord, and make me
fit to carry out the task.
Whatever you'd have me do,
wherever You might lead,
might I live my life for You.
Master, show me what I need.

In Christ's name, Amen.

"Likewise, the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities; for we know not what we should pray for as we ought; but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered." Romans 8:26