Tag: Just a touch

We Are Equals At The Feet of Jesus

On By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Healing, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE POSTED Wednesday, 2022-05-25
WRITTEN AT: Okeechobee, FL

SCRIPTURE FROM: Mark 5:22-23; 27-28;
TRANSLATION: Amplified Bible (AMP)

BIBLE TEXT: 22 One of the synagogue officials named Jairus came up; and seeing Him, fell at His feet 23 and begged anxiously with Him, saying, “My little daughter is at the point of death; [please] come and lay Your hands on her, so that she will be healed and live.”
27 She had heard [reports] about Jesus, and she came up behind Him in the crowd and touched His outer robe. 28 For she thought, “If I just touch His clothing, I will get well.” 

APPLICATION: Some will say that most individuals will not look up to Jesus, until they are flat on their back without any other choice but to look up. I’ve heard of many who have traveled hundreds of miles to get the best possible doctor for their loved one, while many have also traveled equally as far to be prayed over by a purported evangelical ‘healer’. In our Scripture today, we have an official of the local synagogue with a need. Surely he had seen many walk through the doors of the synagogue in search of healing, or in need of a touch from God, much like believers today do when they have run out of earthly solutions. However, the petition of Jairus before Jesus was a little different. For you see, this was not just a matter of tradition or routine, like we tend to do on church days, but instead, Jairus had a desperate need that He was convinced in his heart could only be resolved by the Great Healer, Jesus Christ. There was no need for fanfare, or flowery prayers, or recognition for what he did in the synagogue, Jairus was there because he had a desperate need, and he was convinced in his heart about the only one who could satisfy that need. Unlike some current-day evangelists, Jairus didn’t demand that Jesus heal his daughter, but instead he took a position of humility as he pleaded with Jesus to please heal his daughter. Notice also that Jairus was persistent in his request of Jesus. Despite the news that came to him that his daughter had died, he did not turn away and run home as a defeated warrior. Jesus encouraged him to maintain his faith, because he alone held the keys to his daughter’s life. I wonder, how many of us would have hung around if we received such discouraging news from home while you are still out seeking answers? I believe that because Jesus said He would go with Jairus and heal his daughter, nothing – absolutely nothing would cause Jesus to go back on His word to this hurting father.
Notice in the second story, the lady held no religious position, but she too had a need that she was convinced could only be resolved by the King of kings. She had tried earthly experts and they sucked her dry of every penny she had. She too had heard of the Great Healer and she was convinced that even if she couldn’t earn His attention to speak with her, if only she could touch any part of Him or His clothing, healing would be imparted to her. How much faith did you say you have dear friend? Anywhere near as much as this lady displayed? Notice that her suspicions were correct, for it took just a touch of the Master’s clothing! But Jesus made sure that she didn’t go unnoticed, for there were many people there who could benefit from the awesome faith of this woman. I believe that many who will meditate on this devotional today may also benefit from this reminder that there is only one Creator, one Lord, one Healer, one Savior and one King who will return one day soon to take His children on to glory to spend eternity with He and His Father. Today, I believe that Jesus wants us to be reminded of His awesome power to heal, and also to check our state of readiness for His eminent return. I am looking forward to His return, and I want to check around and see each reader or listener right along side me as we are taken to our final home! What a day that will be!

BLESSING(S) NOTED: Jesus was mindful of the needs brought to Him by the two individuals in our Scripture. Because of additional Scripture, I am convinced that Jesus also cares about us, and about our eternal destination. I am ready and anxious to go and be with He and the Father in heaven, and I hope that each reader/listener feels the same way!

PRAYER: Thank You Lord Jesus for this awesome reminder today. Healing comes from You alone, and You are never too busy to attend to our needs. Lord, I believe that there are many friends known to each reader and listener today who are unprepared to meet You, and even worse, they lack the faith to approach you about their needs. You created us; You lived and died for us; and You have a wonderful place prepared for us when life here on earth is over. Thank You Lord for loving us so much in so many wonderful ways. Please continue to impress upon the hearts of our unsaved loved ones the need for a Savior, and may we always glorify You for all Your wondrous works each day. AMEN!

FOOTNOTE: There are two more pages on my blog that will provide you with additional information, one of them being ‘To Know Jesus’. If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please click on the above page, or speak with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. Please allow someone to pray with you and give you help and/or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. Words underlined in my blog might indicate a link to a song that came to mind as I wrote the devotional. Feel free to click on the link and listen as you continue to read or pray. If this devotional was forwarded to you and you would like to see more, please go to Nuggets From God’s Word and read more, or you may freely subscribe for a daily email conveniently containing each day’s devotional. You may also visit me on Spotify and listen to Nuggets while you’re out and about. I would encourage you to find a church home near by your home, and attend as frequently as you could. Get to know God, and allow His people to encourage and strengthen you in your Christian walk, while making every effort to be a blessing to them. God is at work among His people! Please consider growing in your faith, as you worship with fellow believers!

Just A Touch From The Master

On By Ed AlgreenIn Answered Prayer, Appreciation, Healing, Hope, Miracles, Needs, Praise, Recognize God, WorshipLeave a comment

DATE WRITTEN: Tuesday, 2021-05-11
WRITTEN AT: Jupiter, FL

SCRIPTURE FROM: Mark 5:22-23; 27-28
TRANSLATION: Contemporary English Version (CEV)

BIBLE TEXT: 22 The person in charge of the Jewish meeting place was also there. His name was Jairus, and when he saw Jesus, he went over to him. He knelt at Jesus’ feet 23 and started begging him for help. He said, “My daughter is about to die! Please come and touch her, so she will get well and live.”
27 The woman had heard about Jesus, so she came up behind him in the crowd and barely touched his clothes. 28 She had said to herself, “If I can just touch his clothes, I will get well.” 

APPLICATION: At one point, a pastor of a church I attended, at each baptismal service, had everyone stand who ever had a part in that person’s life. It was amazing – from Nursery workers, to Sunday School Teachers, to Youth workers, to Deacons and family members, they all stood as a witness. As I meditated on this Scripture today, I first thought about the Jewish worker from the temple. If they believed that Jesus was not truly the Messiah, why would the Jew feel like Jesus had the power to heal his daughter? Could it have been that many friends bragged on Jesus and shared their overwhelming joy of seeing loved ones healed by this Son of God? Could it be that for years his friends had been especially good to him and shared with him the love of Christ, even though they knew what He believed about Jesus? Now step into the feet of this Jew. What if temple worshippers saw him approaching Jesus? Would he be mocked for the rest of his life? What about you my friend? Are you willing to befriend and encourage an unbeliever, or a person of another denomination or even a cult? How will they know, if you don’t tell them about your Lord? Don’t wait, depending on a friend to tell them. In our second story, we see where a woman who had been sick for a very long time, knew that her chances were slim in getting close enough to Jesus to actually petition Him for healing, but she had heard enough about His healing power, and she had enough faith to believe that if she could only get close enough to touch His robe, she would be healed. Where did this confidence come from? Perhaps friends had shared with her about the One who could heal from a distance by merely speaking the word; One who could heal various diseases and issues like He did for the blind man, the crippled and the man lowered down through the roof. People had undoubtedly shared the good news with her about this Savior of the world. All of this was so touching to me, until I tried to compare it to what we do today. Some may still share the awesome news of Jesus Christ, but isn’t our story often smothered by our whining and complaining? You know, about the ugly suit the preacher had on this week; how you felt like he would never finish his sermon; how the person who sat next to you in church was rude and unfriendly. Wouldn’t our sharing be more productive to the lost friend, or the hopeless person if we told them about the love of God that you were reminded of as you heard the Scriptures read once again, and how you now understand better all that God portrayed through a certain Scripture? Friends, it is so easy to notice the things that are wrong, or that doesn’t fit your expectations, especially when you went to church unprepared to meet with, and celebrate the King of all kings. A pastor of mine had a note stuck to his pulpit with the words ‘O that they might see Jesus’. What if we had those words implanted in our hearts and made them our goal throughout every day? Wouldn’t the people you come into contact with hear more about the love and power of your Lord, rather than the ranting and complaining about your church service or the attendees? Many of our contacts need a touch from the Master, for one reason or another. I pray that each of us will aid them in finding the Master, and not hinder their search through our negative attitudes and ugly actions, God being our helper.

PRAYER: Precious Lord, thank You for the assurance we have of salvation; the proof that we can show of our healing; and the awesome comfort from a God who loves us beyond anything we could imagine. So many are hurting, need healing, and long to know that someone loves them, but they are hopeless on where to turn for either of these. Lord, You have been so good to my readers and I. Please provoke us to share Your love with others and to share our story about the God who saved us, even while we were deep in sin. You encouraged us, You loved us and You gave us amazing hope. Sharing that with a friend who is hurting and in need of a Savior, will make all the difference in the world. It changed the life of the dad who needed healing for his daughter, and for the lady with a blood issue. I believe that there isn’t anything that You can’t do dear Lord. Help me to share that reassurance, especially with those who hurt and feel destitute. AMEN!

FOOTNOTE: There are two more pages on my blog that will provide you with additional information, one of them being ‘To Know Jesus’. If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please click on the above page, or speak with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. Please allow someone to pray with you and give you help and/or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. Words underlined in my blog might indicate a link to a song that came to mind as I wrote the devotional. Feel free to click on the link and listen as you continue to read or pray. If this devotional was forwarded to you and you would like to see more, please go to Nuggets From God’s Word and read more, or you may freely subscribe for a daily email conveniently containing each day’s devotional. You may also visit me on Spotify and listen to Nuggets while you’re out and about. I would encourage you to find a church home near by your home, and attend as frequently as you could. Get to know God, and allow His people to encourage and strengthen you in your Christian walk, while making every effort to be a blessing to them. God is at work among His people! Please consider growing in your faith, as you worship with fellow believers!

Just A Touch From The Master

On By Ed AlgreenIn Faith, Faith in Action, Genuine Faith, Healing3 Comments

DATE WRITTEN: Saturday, 2020-08-15
WRITTEN AT: Okeechobee, FL

Bible Reference: Luke 8:45-48
Translation: The Living Bible (TLB)

Bible Text: 45 “Who touched me?” Jesus asked. Everyone denied it, and Peter said, “Master, so many are crowding against you. . . . ” 46 But Jesus told him, “No, it was someone who deliberately touched me, for I felt healing power go out from me.” 47 When the woman realized that Jesus knew, she began to tremble and fell to her knees before him and told why she had touched him and that now she was well. 48 “Daughter,” he said to her, “your faith has healed you. Go in peace.”

OBSERVATION: Jesus was on a mission headed towards the home of Jairus to meet the need reported to Him by a very frightened dad. While enroute, there was a large crowd following, and they pressed in on Jesus’ personal space because they didn’t want to miss anything that He did. By this time, many had heard so much about the power of Jesus, that they were willing to do things such as merely getting close enough to touch His clothing, such as noted in the verses today. This was a true act of faith! Do we have that kind of faith?

APPLICATION: In this Scripture today, I believe that Jesus is prompting us to reflect on how we might go about ‘touching the hem of His garment’ in our world today. Think about it friends, we often think of a ‘touch from God’ when we’re sick – beyond what we feel our doctor could handle, or about to face surgery, or lost a loved one, or can’t see ourselves through financial struggles, or when things at work seems impossible, but how do we touch the ‘hem of Jesus’ garment’, like this woman did? Well, let’s reread the verses again and remind ourselves of how this woman received help/healing. In verse 48 Jesus actually tells the woman what actually healed her. It was her faith! She knew where healing would come from, so in spite of all odds, she was determined to find the Master who had already healed through just a simple word. I believe this lady knew Jesus, knew of His awesome power and compassion on those in need, and I feel pretty sure that she probably knew the miracles He had already performed. Do you suppose she left her home that day with a good luck charm hoping that these rumors she had heard about Jesus could also possibly touch her life, if she was lucky? Do you suppose that the thought may have crossed her mind that she perhaps could stay at home in her bed and if Jesus wanted to, He would heal her? Let me share with you what my thoughts are: I believe this lady knew Jesus personally, and I believe she had lots of faith – enough to believe that Jesus could do for her everything that she had heard about Him ever doing for anyone else. However, I believe she wanted a close-up experience with her Master. Seeing that Jesus was thronged by so many people, she felt like she could never get His personal attention, but she knew that if she could only manage to get close enough to touch Him or any part of His clothing, she would be healed. Friends, that’s a lot of faith! That’s like us having faith to call on Him in our time of need, or asking our church elders to pray over you with oil, as spoken of in the New Testament. May I remind you again today that Our God’s Not Dead, Nor Has He Lost His Power To Heal! I have a friend who has an army of friends praying with her for the touch of the Master on her husband lying ill, to the point of death, from COVID. God is still in the prayer-answering business, as He cares as much about us as He has ever cared for one of His children. We serve an awesome God that hears the cries of His children. If He’s your God today friend, call on Him in your time of need. Celebrate Him when You remember His goodness and recognize His miracle working hand.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, we are so amazed by Your awesome power, and often wonder why You would consider even us for Your miraculous work. Please teach us the wonder of faith and the unlimited power of our wonderful God. May we always come to the Savior for salvation; the Healer with our illnesses and to our Eternal God with our desire for eternity in Heaven with You. Thank You for loving us so much dear God, our Heavenly Father! AMEN!

FOOTNOTE: There are two more pages on my blog at https://NuggetsFromGodsWord.org that will provide you with additional information, one of them being ‘To Know Jesus’. If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading or listening to this devotional, please go to the above page, or speak with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. Please allow someone to pray with you and give you help and/or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. If this devotional was forwarded to you and you would like to see more, please go to Nuggets From God’s Word and see all of my posts, or you may freely subscribe for a daily email conveniently containing each day’s devotional. I would encourage you to find a church home near by your home, and attend as frequently as you could. Get to know God, and allow His people to encourage and strengthen you in your Christian walk, while making every effort to be a blessing to them. God is at work among His people! Please consider growing in your faith, as you worship with fellow believers!

Just A Touch Can Do!

On By Ed AlgreenIn Faith, Faith in Action, Genuine Faith, HealingLeave a comment

Post Date:

 Tuesday, 2017-07-18
SCRIPTURE

From:

 Luke 8:45-48 (TLB)

Text:

  45 “Who touched me?” Jesus asked. Everyone denied it, and Peter said, “Master, so many are crowding against you. . . . ” 46 But Jesus told him, “No, it was someone who deliberately touched me, for I felt healing power go out from me.” 47 When the woman realized that Jesus knew, she began to tremble and fell to her knees before him and told why she had touched him and that now she was well. 48 “Daughter,” he said to her, “your faith has healed you. Go in peace.”
OBSERVATION:
Jesus was on a mission headed towards the home of Jairus to meet the need reported to Him by this father. While enroute, there was a large crowd following, and they pressed in on Jesus’ personal space because they didn’t want to miss anything that He did. By this time, many had heard so much about the power of Jesus, that they were willing to do things such as merely getting close enough to touch His clothing, such as noted in the verses today. This took real faith! Do we have what it takes?
APPLICATION:
As I read this Scripture today, I believe that Jesus prompted me to reflect on how we might go about ‘touching the hem of His garment’ in our world today. Think about it friends, we often think of a ‘touch from God’ when we’re sick, or about to face surgery, or lost a loved one, or can’t see ourselves through financial struggles, or things at work seems impossible, but there is no ‘hem of Jesus’ garment’ for us to go and touch, is there? Well, let’s reread the verses again and see if the answer came in touching Jesus’ garment. In verse 48 Jesus actually tells the woman what actually healed her. It was her faith! I believe this lady knew Jesus, knew of His awesome power and compassion on those in need, and I feel pretty sure that she probably knew the miracles He had already performed. So do you suppose she left her home that day with a good luck charm hoping that these rumors she had heard about Jesus could also possibly touch her life? Do you suppose that the thought may have crossed her mind that she perhaps could stay at home in her bed and if Jesus wants to, He would heal her? Let me share with you what my thoughts are: I believe this lady knew Jesus personally, and I believe she had lots of faith – enough to believe that Jesus could do for her everything that she had heard about Him ever doing for anyone else. However, I believe she wanted a close-up experience with her Master. Seeing that Jesus was thronged by so many people, she felt like she could never get His personal attention, but she knew that if she could only manage to get close enough to touch Him or any part of His clothing, she would be healed. Friends, that’s a lot of faith! That’s like us having faith to call on Him in our time of need, or asking our church elders to pray over you with oil, as spoken of in the New Testament. May I remind you again today that Our God’s Not Dead, Nor Has He Lost His Power To Heal! If He’s your God today friend, call on Him in your time of need. Celebrate Him when You remember His goodness and recognize His miracle working hand. 
PRAYER:
Lord Jesus, we are so amazed by Your awesome power, and often wonder why You would consider even us for Your miraculous work. Please teach us the wonder of faith and the unlimited power of our wonderful God. May we always come to the Savior for salvation; the Healer with our illnesses and to our Eternal God with our desire for eternity in Heaven with You. Thank You for loving us so much dear God, our Heavenly Father! AMEN!
FOOTNOTE:
There are two more pages on my blog that will provide you with additional information, one of them being ‘To Know Jesus’.  If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please click on the above page, or speak with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. Please allow someone to pray with you and give you help and/or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. Words underlined in my blog could indicate a link to a song that came to mind as I wrote the devotional. Feel free to click on the link and listen as you continue to read or pray. If this devotional was forwarded to you and you would like to see more, please go to Nuggets From God’s Word and read more, or you may freely to subscribe for a daily email conveniently containing each day’s devotional. If you are anywhere near the Highlands County, Florida area and do not have a church home, I would be thrilled to welcome you at Bible Fellowship Church, located at 3750 Hammock Rd, Sebring, FL 33872! Click the link to check out service times and/or other special activities. God is at work among us! Please consider coming to worship with us!