Scripture John 4:27 At this, his disciples came. They marveled that he was speaking with a woman; yet no one said, “What are you looking for?” or, “Why do you speak with her?” 28 So the woman left her water pot, and went away into the city, and said to the people, 29 “Come, see a man who told me everything that I did. Can this be the Christ?”
30 They went out of the city, and were coming to him. 31 In the meanwhile, the disciples urged him, saying, “Rabbi, eat.”
32 But he said to them, “I have food to eat that you don’t know about.”
33 The disciples therefore said to one another, “Has anyone brought him something to eat?”
34 Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me, and to accomplish his work. 35 Don’t you say, ‘There are yet four months until the harvest?’ Behold, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and look at the fields, that they are white for harvest already. 36 He who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit to eternal life; that both he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together. 37 For in this the saying is true, ‘One sows, and another reaps.’ 38 I sent you to reap that for which you haven’t labored. Others have labored, and you have entered into their labor.”
39 From that city many of the Samaritans believed in him because of the word of the woman, who testified, “He told me everything that I did.” 40 So when the Samaritans came to him, they begged him to stay with them. He stayed there two days. 41 Many more believed because of his word. 42 They said to the woman, “Now we believe, not because of your speaking; for we have heard for ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Savior of the world.”
"Look at the Fields" by Carla D. Sunberg
I loves summertime, driving through the cornfields of Indiana and seeing miles of crops growing in the sun. The cornstalks give way to the summer breeze looking like green waves upon an earthy ocean. Yet it’s easy to become accustomed to the fields of green that they go unnoticed. This is what happened to Jesus’ disciples; however, in their case they didn’t see the crops for they had their own preconceived notions about the harvest. In their minds they were going to harvest a crop, which happened to look just like them. Because there was no one around them that looked like them, they saw no harvest.
It is not by accident that Jesus’ command for His disciples to open their eyes comes in the middle of the story of the Samaritan woman. The very people that these disciples despised were the ones ready to accept the Messiah.
These days we find many excuses for why the church isn’t growing in certain parts of the world but Jesus’ pronouncement for us is the same. “Open your eyes!” It may be that we have decided what the harvest ought to look like, and He has something altogether different in mind.
Hymn for Today:
"Open My Eyes, That I May See" by Clara H. Scott
1. Open my eyes, that I may see
glimpses of truth thou hast for me;
place in my hands the wonderful key
that shall unclasp and set me free.
Silently now I wait for thee,
ready, my God, thy will to see.
Open my eyes, illumine me, Spirit divine!
2. Open my ears, that I may hear
voices of truth thou sendest clear;
and while the wavenotes fall on my ear,
everything false will disappear.
Silently now I wait for thee,
ready, my God, thy will to see.
Open my ears, illumine me, Spirit divine!
3. Open my mouth, and let me bear
gladly the warm truth everywhere;
open my heart and let me prepare
love with thy children thus to share.
Silently now I wait for thee,
ready, my God, thy will to see.
Open my heart, illumine me, Spirit divine!
Thought for Today:"God straight for souls, and go for the worst"(William Booth).
Prayer Needs:
Developing Christian leaders in the United Kingdom.
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Thursday, 20 February 2014 "Do You Want Jesus To Heal You?" Scripture John 5: After these things, there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 2 Now in Jerusalem by the sheep gate, there is a pool, which is called in Hebrew, “Bethesda”, having five porches. 3 In these lay a great multitude of those who were sick, blind, lame, or paralyzed, waiting for the moving of the water; 4 for an angel went down at certain times into the pool, and stirred up the water. Whoever stepped in first after the stirring of the water was healed of whatever disease he had. 5 A certain man was there, who had been sick for thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he had been sick for a long time, he asked him, “Do you want to be made well?”
7 The sick man answered him, “Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, but while I’m coming, another steps down before me.”
8 Jesus said to him, “Arise, take up your mat, and walk.”
9 Immediately, the man was made well, and took up his mat and walked.
Now it was the Sabbath on that day. 10 So the Jews said to him who was cured, “It is the Sabbath. It is not lawful for you to carry the mat.”
11 He answered them, “He who made me well, the same said to me, ‘Take up your mat, and walk.’”
12 Then they asked him, “Who is the man who said to you, ‘Take up your mat, and walk’?”
13 But he who was healed didn’t know who it was, for Jesus had withdrawn, a crowd being in the place.
14 Afterward Jesus found him in the temple, and said to him, “Behold, you are made well. Sin no more, so that nothing worse happens to you.”
15 The man went away, and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well.
"Do You Want Jesus To Heal You?" by Carla D. Sunberg
Driving toward the airport on a gloomy fall day we went through an intersection jammed with cars. There, making her way through the traffic was a young mother, holding up a little sign, going from driver to driver, asking for enough money for a bus ticket home. She was crying out for mercy in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the world around her.
The same is true for the man that we find at the pool called Bethesda, “house of mercy.” He had been lying there for such a long time that when Jesus asked him whether he wanted to be healed, he didn’t say “yes” but instead began to list the excuses as to why he was ill. Maybe he had become so accustomed to his condition that he couldn’t fathom being healed.
Did the woman on the street really want help? I turned around and went back to the intersection and offered to take the girl to the bus station and buy her ticket. No, she didn’t really want a ticket she just wanted my money. The question from Jesus was really a spiritual one, “Do you want to get well?” or do we enjoy lying around complaining?
Hymn for Today:
"There Is A Balm In Gilead" an African-American Spiritual
Refrain:
There is a balm in Gilead
to make the wounded whole,
there is a balm in Gilead
to heal the sin-sick soul.
1. Sometimes I feel discouraged
and think my work's in vain,
but then the Holy Spirit
revives my soul again.
Refrain:
There is a balm in Gilead
to make the wounded whole,
there is a balm in Gilead
to heal the sin-sick soul.
2. If you cannot preach like Peter,
if you cannot pray like Paul,
you can tell the love of Jesus
and say, "He died for all."
Refrain:
There is a balm in Gilead
to make the wounded whole,
there is a balm in Gilead
to heal the sin-sick soul.
Thought for Today:
"My grand point in preaching is to break the hard heart, and to heal the broken one"(John Newton).
Prayer Needs:
Faculty and student as they prepare for full-time Christian ministry in the United Kingdom.
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Friday, 21 February 2014 "Importance of Waiting" Scripture John 5:16 For this cause the Jews persecuted Jesus, and sought to kill him, because he did these things on the Sabbath. 17 But Jesus answered them, “My Father is still working, so I am working, too.” 18 For this cause therefore the Jews sought all the more to kill him, because he not only broke the Sabbath, but also called God his own Father, making himself equal with God. 19 Jesus therefore answered them, “Most certainly, I tell you, the Son can do nothing of himself, but what he sees the Father doing. For whatever things he does, these the Son also does likewise. 20 For the Father has affection for the Son, and shows him all things that he himself does. He will show him greater works than these, that you may marvel. 21 For as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son also gives life to whom he desires. 22 For the Father judges no one, but he has given all judgment to the Son, 23 that all may honor the Son, even as they honor the Father. He who doesn’t honor the Son doesn’t honor the Father who sent him.
24 “Most certainly I tell you, he who hears my word, and believes him who sent me, has eternal life, and doesn’t come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life. 25 Most certainly, I tell you, the hour comes, and now is, when the dead will hear the Son of God’s voice; and those who hear will live. 26 For as the Father has life in himself, even so he gave to the Son also to have life in himself. 27 He also gave him authority to execute judgment, because he is a son of man. 28 Don’t marvel at this, for the hour comes, in which all that are in the tombs will hear his voice, 29 and will come out; those who have done good, to the resurrection of life; and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of judgment. 30 I can of myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is righteous; because I don’t seek my own will, but the will of my Father who sent me.
"Importance of Waiting" by Carla D. Sunberg
Recently a pastor lost his partner of over 60 years. He and his wife had served in ministry together, day in and day out for nearly all the years of their married life. They told each other everything. They prayed together, they cried together, they ate together, they slept together, and life was about being together. The one who has been left behind is now grieving a terrible loss. His partner, the one who knew his every thought, desire and motivation is now gone. Why is this pain so great? Because, throughout the years that they were together the two had literally become one. They knew their thoughts without even having to speak. It is just this type of relationship, only deeper, that is found within the Father and the Son.
Jesus and His Father share the same passions and the same thoughts; they are one and the same. Therefore, if we know Jesus, we know the Father. We don’t have to wait for heaven to meet the Father, we already know Him through the life and teachings of Jesus the Christ. Believe in Jesus today, and you believe in the Father today, and you will have eternal life.
Hymn for Today:
"Tis So Sweet To Trust In Jesus" by Louisa M. L. Stead
1. ’Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
And to take Him at His Word;
Just to rest upon His promise,
And to know, “Thus says the Lord!”
Refrain:
Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
O for grace to trust Him more!
2. O how sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to trust His cleansing blood;
And in simple faith to plunge me
’Neath the healing, cleansing flood!
Refrain:
Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
O for grace to trust Him more!
3. Yes, ’tis sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just from sin and self to cease;
Just from Jesus simply taking
Life and rest, and joy and peace.
Refrain:
Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
O for grace to trust Him more!
4.I’m so glad I learned to trust Thee,
Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend;
And I know that Thou art with me,
Wilt be with me to the end.
Refrain:
Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
O for grace to trust Him more!
Prayer Needs:
People in the area of Eurasia that are resistant to the Gospel will have the opportunity to hear about God's Grace and Forgiveness.
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Saturday, 22 February 2014 "Solid Testimony About Jesus" Scripture John 5:31 “If I testify about myself, my witness is not valid. 32 It is another who testifies about me. I know that the testimony which he testifies about me is true. 33 You have sent to John, and he has testified to the truth. 34 But the testimony which I receive is not from man. However, I say these things that you may be saved. 35 He was the burning and shining lamp, and you were willing to rejoice for a while in his light. 36 But the testimony which I have is greater than that of John, for the works which the Father gave me to accomplish, the very works that I do, testify about me, that the Father has sent me. 37 The Father himself, who sent me, has testified about me. You have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his form. 38 You don’t have his word living in you; because you don’t believe him whom he sent.
39 “You search the Scriptures, because you think that in them you have eternal life; and these are they which testify about me. 40 Yet you will not come to me, that you may have life. 41 I don’t receive glory from men. 42 But I know you, that you don’t have God’s love in yourselves. 43 I have come in my Father’s name, and you don’t receive me. If another comes in his own name, you will receive him. 44 How can you believe, who receive glory from one another, and you don’t seek the glory that comes from the only God?
45 “Don’t think that I will accuse you to the Father. There is one who accuses you, even Moses, on whom you have set your hope. 46 For if you believed Moses, you would believe me; for he wrote about me. 47 But if you don’t believe his writings, how will you believe my words?”
"Solid Testimony About Jesus" by Carla D. Sunberg
The early church had a great number of martyrs who were willing to die for their faith. Julitta was a young woman who did not shirk from her faith and we are told that at the time of her death she came eagerly to the flames. As she waited on the moment of death, she spoke out publicly, giving witness of her faith in Jesus Christ. Saint Basil the Great gives us this glimpse of the final moment of her life. “When she had said these things, she was taken to the fire, which enveloped the body of the holy woman like some luminous inner chamber, and sent her soul to the heavenly country, even to the portion that befitted her.”*
The Greek word for testimony or witness is martyr. Jesus’ very life and works were a testimony that the Father had sent Him. Jesus was the ultimate martyr for the faith, His death being the final testimony of His faithfulness to the Father and the resultant salvation for you and for me. Somehow this wasn’t enough for the people of Jesus’ day. May it be enough for you and me today!
* Basil, Homily on the Martyr Julitta (PG 31:237–262 Specifically PG 31.241ab) trans. Silvas. A special thanks to Anna Silvas for personally providing me with this recent translation.
Hymn for Today:
"Tell the Blessed Story" by Haldor Lillenas copyright 1920, Renewed 1948 by Nazarene Publishing House. All rights reserved.
1. Church of God, awaken; heed the Lord’s command,
Tell the blessèd story of the cross.
Fields are white for harvesting on every hand,
Tell the blessèd story of the cross.
Refrain:
Tell the blessèd story of the cross of Jesus,
Tell the blessèd story of the hallowed cross.
Until every nation learns of full salvation,
Tell the blessèd story of the cross.
2. Has not He commissioned you the news to bear?
Tell the blessèd story of the cross.
“Go ye into all the world,” and everywhere
Tell the blessèd story of the cross.
Tell the blessèd story of the cross of Jesus,
Tell the blessèd story of the hallowed cross.
Until every nation learns of full salvation,
Tell the blessèd story of the cross.
3. Stand no longer idle while the moments fly.
Tell the blessèd story of the cross.
Multitudes in heathen darkness live and die.
Tell the blessèd story of the cross.
Tell the blessèd story of the cross of Jesus,
Tell the blessèd story of the hallowed cross.
Until every nation learns of full salvation,
Tell the blessèd story of the cross.
3. Publish unto all the world redeeming grace.
Tell the blessèd story of the cross.
Until in the home of rest you find your place.
Tell the blessèd story of the cross.
Tell the blessèd story of the cross of Jesus,
Tell the blessèd story of the hallowed cross.
Until every nation learns of full salvation,
Tell the blessèd story of the cross.
Thought for Today:
"Anyone who seeks to glorify God must also glorify the Son"(Al Truesdale).
Prayer Needs:
Christians in the areas of Eurasia that are resistant to the Gospel will be strengthened in their faith and be filled with the fullness of the Holy Spirit.
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Sunday, 23 February 2014 "A Life That Honors God" Scripture Psalm 141: A Psalm by David.
1 Yahweh, I have called on you.
Come to me quickly!
Listen to my voice when I call to you.
2 Let my prayer be set before you like incense;
the lifting up of my hands like the evening sacrifice.
3 Set a watch, Yahweh, before my mouth.
Keep the door of my lips.
4 Don’t incline my heart to any evil thing,
to practice deeds of wickedness with men who work iniquity.
Don’t let me eat of their delicacies.
5 Let the righteous strike me, it is kindness;
let him reprove me, it is like oil on the head;
don’t let my head refuse it;
Yet my prayer is always against evil deeds.
6 Their judges are thrown down by the sides of the rock.
They will hear my words, for they are well spoken.
7 “As when one plows and breaks up the earth,
our bones are scattered at the mouth of Sheol.”[a]
8 For my eyes are on you, Yahweh, the Lord.
In you, I take refuge.
Don’t leave my soul destitute.
9 Keep me from the snare which they have laid for me,
from the traps of the workers of iniquity.
10 Let the wicked fall together into their own nets,
while I pass by.
Footnotes:
a. Psalm 141:7 Sheol is the place of the dead.
"A Life That Honors God" by Carla D. Sunberg
When did prayer become a "wish list" of things that we want God to do for us? Too often we spend time in prayer meetings taking prayer requests and the long list of body parts that need a special touch. While this is not bad, and God really does care about our physical needs, maybe we should be concerned that this has become the focus of our prayer lives.
The psalmist sees prayer in a different light. For those who are walking deeper with the Lord, their prayers become something altogether different. No longer is there a "wish list" but prayer becomes an offering of thanks and praise. Prayer becomes a place of of intimacy in our relationship with God and our conversation is received as a sweet aroma or incense that warms the very heart of our Lord.
It is in this intimate place that God's heart is united with our heart and we are transformed into His likeness. The result is that we are changed and the very acts of our daily lives become a sacrifice before Him. God looks on His children and He is pleased.
Hymn for Today"
I Am Thine, O Lord" by Fanny J. Crosby
1. I am thine, O Lord, I have heard thy voice,
and it told thy love to me;
but I long to rise in the arms of faith
and be closer drawn to thee.
Refrain:
Draw me nearer, nearer, blessed Lord,
to the cross where thou hast died.
Draw me nearer, nearer, nearer, blessed Lord,
to thy precious, bleeding side.
2. Consecrate me now to thy service, Lord,
by the power of grace divine;
let my soul look up with a steadfast hope,
and my will be lost in thine.
Refrain:
Draw me nearer, nearer, blessed Lord,
to the cross where thou hast died.
Draw me nearer, nearer, nearer, blessed Lord,
to thy precious, bleeding side.
3. O the pure delight of a single hour
that before thy throne I spend,
when I kneel in prayer, and with thee, my God,
I commune as friend with friend!
Refrain:
Draw me nearer, nearer, blessed Lord,
to the cross where thou hast died.
Draw me nearer, nearer, nearer, blessed Lord,
to thy precious, bleeding side.
4. There are depths of love that I cannot know
till I cross the narrow sea;
there are heights of joy that I may not reach
till I rest in peace with thee.
Refrain:
Draw me nearer, nearer, blessed Lord,
to the cross where thou hast died.
Draw me nearer, nearer, nearer, blessed Lord,
to thy precious, bleeding side.)
Thought for Today:
"We are never more like Christ than in prayers of intercession"(Austin Phelps).
Prayer Needs:
Training of Christian leaders through extension education in Eurasia.
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