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"When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, He had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So He began teaching them many things" (Mark 6:34).
The reports of death and destruction from the hurricane along the Gulf coast are incredible. We've been praying for these people and for the relief efforts, which surely include many of our own brothers and sisters who are motivated to serve by the example and compassion of our Lord.
God's children are all called to serve a broken world. Jesus demonstrated His compassion by healing the sick, casting out demons, feeding the multitudes, forgiving sin and preaching the truth. We are called to do the same. He said to His disciples before His ascension back to the Father, "As my Father hath sent me, even so send I you" (John 20:21).
With the constant exposure to news it's easy to be exposed to so much tragedy that we can become "compassion-hardened". Anybody know what I mean?
But members of my family continue to demonstrate compassion by meeting human physical need. As I consider today's text I especially consider a perspective that our Lord had in seeing needy people as "sheep without a shepherd". Regardless of the type or extent of need, foundationally people are still as sheep without a shepherd.
"So he began teaching them many things." We often consider compassion ministries as expressions of care to physical needs (which it surely is) but my special focus in prayer is for those ministering to the spiritual needs; pastors, chaplains and scores of dedicated believers sharing truth and comfort and assurance. I pray for teaching opportunities at this time both one on one and as people gather in various settings.
Today let us respond to His call. Look around to the needy around you and respond with the compassion of Christ!
Let your heart be broken for a world in need,
Feed the mouths that hunger, soothe the wounds that bleed.
Give a cup of water and the loaf of bread,
Be the hands of Jesus, serving in His stead. *
Be encouraged (and filled with compassion) today,
Stephen C. Weber
Brooksyne's prayer – Jesus, it is when we are emptied of our comforts, our surroundings, and those things which we daily take for granted that we begin to think about the eternal issues of our lives. I pray for those who are grieving the loss of family members, friends, neighbors, their property and their occupations in the midst of this destructive hurricane. Though it has left great destruction to the people and structures in its path, I look forward to hearing many stories of Your miracle working power in the lives of those affected and those giving aid. How I pray for protection for the volunteers and workers who are attempting to rescue those in harm's way. May the hearts of those who face great losses in this devastating storm experience much greater gains by finding Christ as their personal Savior. May they come to recognize and follow the voice of our Great Shepherd, as Jesus told His listeners, "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hands." Thank You, Jesus, that in the midst of loss and devastation, those who trust in You have a salvation that is steadfast and imperishable.
Update on Mom – My Mom continues to progress and claims she's ready to come home! However she is still very, very weak and primarily is now just recovering her strength. We hope to continue to see this progress. Yesterday we were watching news about the hurricane. In talking with Mom I began to focus on her blessings and the plight of others, especially those impacted by the storm. As we sat in her very comfortable hospital room which looks out over a lush green Pennsylvania forest, I prayed with Mom. We remembered the elderly in similar health difficulties as she that are living in that part of the country.
Stories of God's wonders in your life – In yesterday's encouragement I shared the story of a friend of mine from Bible College who experienced a wonderful provision during a time of need. A reader suggested collecting stories like this from other readers with similar experiences to share and build up faith. If you have a story of a specific time when the Lord met a need in your life in a wonderful way please share it in several paragraphs ready for me to copy and paste. All I need is the story, your first name and location (state or country). Use this form to send in the story. I will compile a number of them and place them on a separate webpage which I will link to in a daily encouragement.
* "Let Your Heart Be Broken" Bryan Jeffery Leech © 1976 by The Evangelical Covenant Church CCLI License No. 2005306
Wednesday,
August 31, 2005
"Compassion"
"Compassion"
"When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, He had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So He began teaching them many things" (Mark 6:34).
The reports of death and destruction from the hurricane along the Gulf coast are incredible. We've been praying for these people and for the relief efforts, which surely include many of our own brothers and sisters who are motivated to serve by the example and compassion of our Lord.
God's children are all called to serve a broken world. Jesus demonstrated His compassion by healing the sick, casting out demons, feeding the multitudes, forgiving sin and preaching the truth. We are called to do the same. He said to His disciples before His ascension back to the Father, "As my Father hath sent me, even so send I you" (John 20:21).
With the constant exposure to news it's easy to be exposed to so much tragedy that we can become "compassion-hardened". Anybody know what I mean?
But members of my family continue to demonstrate compassion by meeting human physical need. As I consider today's text I especially consider a perspective that our Lord had in seeing needy people as "sheep without a shepherd". Regardless of the type or extent of need, foundationally people are still as sheep without a shepherd.
"So he began teaching them many things." We often consider compassion ministries as expressions of care to physical needs (which it surely is) but my special focus in prayer is for those ministering to the spiritual needs; pastors, chaplains and scores of dedicated believers sharing truth and comfort and assurance. I pray for teaching opportunities at this time both one on one and as people gather in various settings.
Today let us respond to His call. Look around to the needy around you and respond with the compassion of Christ!
Let your heart be broken for a world in need,
Feed the mouths that hunger, soothe the wounds that bleed.
Give a cup of water and the loaf of bread,
Be the hands of Jesus, serving in His stead. *
Be encouraged (and filled with compassion) today,
Stephen C. Weber
Brooksyne's prayer – Jesus, it is when we are emptied of our comforts, our surroundings, and those things which we daily take for granted that we begin to think about the eternal issues of our lives. I pray for those who are grieving the loss of family members, friends, neighbors, their property and their occupations in the midst of this destructive hurricane. Though it has left great destruction to the people and structures in its path, I look forward to hearing many stories of Your miracle working power in the lives of those affected and those giving aid. How I pray for protection for the volunteers and workers who are attempting to rescue those in harm's way. May the hearts of those who face great losses in this devastating storm experience much greater gains by finding Christ as their personal Savior. May they come to recognize and follow the voice of our Great Shepherd, as Jesus told His listeners, "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hands." Thank You, Jesus, that in the midst of loss and devastation, those who trust in You have a salvation that is steadfast and imperishable.
Update on Mom – My Mom continues to progress and claims she's ready to come home! However she is still very, very weak and primarily is now just recovering her strength. We hope to continue to see this progress. Yesterday we were watching news about the hurricane. In talking with Mom I began to focus on her blessings and the plight of others, especially those impacted by the storm. As we sat in her very comfortable hospital room which looks out over a lush green Pennsylvania forest, I prayed with Mom. We remembered the elderly in similar health difficulties as she that are living in that part of the country.
Stories of God's wonders in your life – In yesterday's encouragement I shared the story of a friend of mine from Bible College who experienced a wonderful provision during a time of need. A reader suggested collecting stories like this from other readers with similar experiences to share and build up faith. If you have a story of a specific time when the Lord met a need in your life in a wonderful way please share it in several paragraphs ready for me to copy and paste. All I need is the story, your first name and location (state or country). Use this form to send in the story. I will compile a number of them and place them on a separate webpage which I will link to in a daily encouragement.
* "Let Your Heart Be Broken" Bryan Jeffery Leech © 1976 by The Evangelical Covenant Church CCLI License No. 2005306
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Scripture references are from The Holy Bible: New International Version. © 1984 by International Bible Society; NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission; and the King James Version.
Scripture references are from The Holy Bible: New International Version. © 1984 by International Bible Society; NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission; and the King James Version.
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