Let’s consider just a few Bible accounts that give some tender words (followed by His caring action) that Jesus said:
A widow, out of Nain, came in contact with Jesus on her only son’s burial day. “DON’T CRY” were the compassionate words that she heard Jesus say.
News came to Jairus of his ailing daughter that would cause him to grieve; but Jesus encouraged him, “DON’T BE AFRAID ANY LONGER–ONLY BELIEVE.”
When a leper asked if Jesus was willing to cleanse him of that blight… Jesus said, “I AM WILLING,” and He touched him, delivering him out of his plight.
Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever, so hear Him regarding your cares:
“Don’t cry”
“Don’t be afraid any longer–only believe!”
and “I am willing”
…are words that Jesus, our compassionate Lord, still shares.
P. A. Oltrogge
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, and forever.” Hebrews 13:8 NKJV
“When the Lord saw her, his heart overflowed with compassion. ‘Don’t cry!’ he said. Then he walked over to the coffin and touched it, and the bearers stopped. ‘Young man,’ he said, ‘I tell you, get up.’ Then the dead boy sat up and began to talk! And Jesus gave him back to his mother.” …from Luke 7:11-17 NLT
“While He was still speaking, they came from the house of the synagogue official, saying, ‘Your daughter has died; why trouble the Teacher any more?’ But Jesus, overhearing what was being spoken, said to the synagogue official, ‘Do not be afraid any longer, only believe.'” Mark 5:35-36 …and Jesus raised her up (through verse 43) NASB-Ryrie
“And behold, a leper came to Him, and bowed down to Him, saying, ‘Lord, if you are willing, You can make me clean.’ And He stretched out His hand and touched him, saying, ‘I am willing, be cleansed.’ And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.” …from Matthew 8:1-4 NASB-Ryrie
“Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits–who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion….” Psalm 103:2-4 NIV
Jairus, a synagogue official, came earnestly looking for Jesus, and knelt at the Teacher’s feet. His daughter was at the point of death; and he knew it was Jesus whom he needed to entreat.
He begged, “Please come and lay your hands on her that she may get well and live.” Jesus went off with Jairus–a great throng followed, for they knew He had so much to give.
On the way to Jairus’s home, a woman who needed healing, too, would draw from the Lord’s power first. She had suffered twelve years, and had sought help of many physicians, yet the condition was at its worst.
Having heard about Jesus, she thought of putting action to the faith that had risen inside her heart–that a mere touch to His garment would release enough power for the constant plague to depart.
She may have rehearsed in her mind what she intended to do, complete healing being her goal. But she also gave voice to the faith in her heart, “If I may touch but His clothes, I shall be whole.”
She came up in the crowd; and upon touching His cloak, immediately sensed she was healed! Perceiving that His power had just gone forth, Jesus asked that the recipient be revealed.
The disciples were surprised that He would ask this, as so many were pressing in on Him all about. Jesus looked around to see the woman who had touched Him, who’d received by faith, without any doubt.
Fearing and trembling, she came and fell at His feet; and He listened to her story that she then told. He said, “Daughter, your faith has made you well, go in peace…” Her faith had been subtle, but yet it had been bold.
While He still spoke, some from Jairus’s house came, with news that cut to the heart’s core. With finality, they said to Jairus, “Your daughter has died; why trouble the Teacher any more?”
Jesus heard what they’d said, but turned to Jairus, with these calming words that assured: “Do not be afraid any longer, only believe,” which gave him hope that she still could be cured.
Only Peter, James, and John, the brother of James, were allowed to follow further to Jairus’s place. There, they found many people loudly weeping and wailing, because of his daughter’s case.
“Why make a commotion and weep? The child has not died but is asleep,” Jesus declared. Then they laughed Him to scorn; but He sent them all out, knowing that her life was already spared.
He took along the child’s father and mother and His companions to enter where the child lay. Taking her by the hand, “Talitha, kum!” which means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise!” was all that He needed to say.
Immediately, Jairus’s daughter got up; and she began to walk, to the amazement of those in the room. This was another of the miracles of Jesus–where what spoke of death suddenly reversed to live and bloom!
The faith of a father acting on behalf of his daughter, or a daughter acting on her own–in either case, the compassion of God to answer is certainly emphatically shown.
Likewise, the miracle power of Jesus Christ is available for any of us today… Perhaps think of the stories of either of these daughters at those times when you have a need about which to pray.
“My son, give attention to My words; incline your ear to My sayings. Do not let them depart from your eyes; Keep them in the midst of your heart; For they are life to those that find them, And health to all their flesh.” Proverbs 4:20-22 NKJV
…after His suffering, Jesus presented Himself to the apostles alive. Thus, with any doubtful thoughts in their hearts, they’d no longer have to strive.
Gathering them together, the Messiah commanded that they shouldn’t leave…but stay in the city of Jerusalem, for, in not many days, they were about to receive…
what they had heard of from Him–the Holy Spirit’s power! Upon receiving, they would be the Lord’s witnesses from Jerusalem and beyond, from that very hour.
After Jesus had shared this, He was lifted up from them and was received into a cloud in the sky. As they watched, two men in white clothing stood beside them and asked the apostles why they were gazing so intently on high.
The two men went on to say that this Jesus, who was taken up from them in such a way, would come again in just the same manner, a reference to a future day.
The apostles, upon returning to Jerusalem, went to the upper room where they were staying. With one mind, they, and some women, including Jesus’ mother and His brothers, were all continually praying.
At that time, Peter stood up in the midst of the brethren, about one-hundred, twenty in all. He shared about the fate of Judas. After that was said, it was determined that Matthias would, instead, answer the Lord’s call.
And when the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. Suddenly, there came from heaven a noise like a violent, rushing wind, which filled the house in every space!
Next, what looked like tongues of fire came to rest upon each one. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in tongues of various languages before that first outpouring was done.
Now there were Jews living in Jerusalem, devout men, from every nation all around. “The multitude” of them came together, bewildered, at this unusual sound.
They noted that all who were speaking in their language were Galileans by birth. Then Parthians and Medes and residents of many other areas joined in questioning it all, as well as visitors from Rome and other parts of the earth.
They were impressed, hearing them speak of the mighty deeds of God, “in a language that is mine.” But some others mocked them, saying, “They’re just drunk with sweet wine.”
This made Peter, taking his stand with the eleven, raise his voice in a bold declaration–that they were not drunk so early in the day, but this was a phenomenon of God’s own preparation.
Peter referenced the prophet, Joel:
“‘And it shall be in the last days,’ God says, ‘that I will pour forth of My Spirit upon all mankind; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams; even upon My bondslaves, both men and women, I will in those days pour forth of My Spirit and they shall prophesy. And I will grant wonders in the sky above, and signs on the earth beneath, blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and glorious day of the Lord shall come. And it shall be that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.’” Acts 2:17-21 and Joel 2:28-32
Then Peter addressed them, saying, “Men of Israel, listen to these words,” and he related the account of Jesus, the Nazarene–reminding them of the many miracles, wonders, and signs that many of them had actually seen.
Yet, by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, He was put to death by them through the hands of godless men. However God, Himself, raised Jesus Christ, the Messiah, up again.
Peter made reference to Jesus as the promised descendant of David, who had looked ahead…to the resurrection of Christ and His exaltation to God’s right hand after that raising from the dead.
Of that resurrection, Peter said, he and the apostles were witnesses to all that had taken place; and the promise of the Holy Spirit, of which Jesus had spoken, was further evidence of God’s grace.
And all of Israel should know for certain that God made Him both Lord and Christ–this Jesus, whom they’d crucified. Greatly moved, they asked Peter and the rest what they should do…their hearts were open wide.
Peter then told them to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of their sins. They would also receive the Holy Spirit…all part of how a new life in Christ begins.
So those who received his message and were baptized that day were about three thousand souls. Further teaching from the apostles, fellowship, breaking of bread and prayer now were their devoted goals.
Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe…and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles that the people saw.
The believers had all things in common, sharing with one another where there was a need. In the temple and from house to house, gladness and sincerity of heart was shared in both word and deed.
The Lord was adding daily souls being brought into His fold, as He is doing still, if truth be told. The book of Acts continues to this day, so that “multitudes” may find the love of Jesus, as today’s Christ followers share and pray.
P.A. Oltrogge
(a poetic sketch of Acts 1 and 2)
Also referenced by Peter, Psalm 16:8-11 and Psalm 110:1
This week’s programming on “Fixing the Money Thing,” with Gary and Drenda Keesee, features Drenda, as spokesperson all this week for the topic covered in her new book, “Fight Like Heaven.” She details, with much research, the present anti-Biblical culture/agenda and how Christians are called to stand against it. The entire week is dedicated to the topic, but July 6 and 7 programming are a good place to start if you’re unable to take in each day’s programming.
You will find this by going to http://www.govictory.com and click on “Shows.” Then scroll down to find “Fixing the Money Thing” on the left-hand side of the screen.
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psalm 119:105
“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6
Even when it seems as though the enemy has gotten farther ahead, realize that you’re more than a conqueror, as the compass of God’s Word has said.
For the “ship of faith” sails, on every journey, at a steady and determined pace; with the guidance of God and faith and patience, it will certainly win the race.
Just as Jesus spoke to the winds and waves in the midst of a furious storm, with the spirit of faith and God’s Word on your lips, your victory, too, will form.
P. A. Oltrogge
“Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.” 2 Corinthians 2:14
“For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, and do not return there, but water the earth, and make it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater, So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.” Isaiah 55:10-11
“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12
“…above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.” Ephesians 6:16-17
“And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” Hebrews 6:11-12
“To the pilgrims of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace be multiplied.” 1 Peter 1:1-2
“Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:37-39
“For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” 1 John 5:3-5
“We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak.” 2 Corinthians 4:13 KJV
While Jesus, His disciples, and a great multitude were going out of Jericho, a beggar was there sitting by the side of the road.
He was Bartimaeus; and though blind, his hearing was fine to have heard of how Jesus’ healing ministry had flowed.
So, when, that day, Bartimaeus heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, Himself, who was passing by…
“Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” became his earnest and heartfelt cry.
Many, among the crowd, told him to be quiet, as if, for him, there could be nothing in store.
But his plea of “Son of David, have mercy on me!” he kept shouting out all the more.
So Jesus heard Bartimaeus, then stood still, and commanded that he be called.
The persistence and “prayer” of Bartimaeus had caused the pace of Jesus’ journey temporarily to be stalled.
Bartimaeus was now beckoned, instead, with words of encouragement, “Rise, be of good cheer; He is calling you.”
Throwing aside his garment, he got up and came to Jesus, who asked, “What do you want Me to do for you?” Victory was breaking through…
At that point, Bartimaeus said, “Rabboni, that I may receive my sight!”
“Go your way, your faith has made you well,” Jesus said; and immediately his world turned from darkness to light.
Walls had fallen down at Jericho through faith in God in an earlier, historical Biblical story.
And a “wall” of blindness fell at Jericho for Bartimaeus, when by faith in God’s mercy, he saw the Lord’s glory.
The account closes with Bartimaeus following Jesus down that outer Jericho road…
He had been confident of mercy and grace through Jesus Christ—from whom God’s marvelous light had flowed….
and still does today!
P. A. Oltrogge
(Based on the account from Mark 10…and referenced is the story of Joshua and the walls of Jericho in Joshua 6)
“By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they were encircled for seven days.” Hebrews 11:30 NKJV
“But you are a chosen generation, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” 1 Peter 2:9 NKJV
Our prayers for them continue to go forth…and providing aid through organizations previously mentioned on this Porch blog. Of course, http://www.samaritanspurse.org would be one established by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, from which came the video on this link…shared with permission by BGEA.
If, for any reason, this link doesn’t work, simply go to http://www.billygraham.org and click on “TV & Radio,” then click on “Videos” (and “Load More”) where you will find it and other inspiring videos.
Lilian B. Yeomans, a medical doctor in the early 1900’s, told the story of a missionary, a woman who had come down with a severe case of smallpox. The following is the story of her healing from that disease.
The Lord gave this woman a vision…of two “baskets” of prayer and praise. Each of us has such baskets, to which we contribute, in either of those ways.
So, her prayer basket on problems was very full, almost to be spilling out, while her praise basket was only half full, due to neglect and, often, her doubt.
While prayer can be effective and fervent, there’s an enemy who opposes. Praise to God is also of great power; and, to Him, it’s as fragrant as roses.
Dr. Yeomans called it “The Praise Cure,” to which there is no expense. She said it would work in every case, which, by Biblical examples, makes sense.
God told the woman to fill up her praise basket, making it heavy with praise and song. As she did that, the problem basket eventually “lifted” in her life, removing what had been wrong.
Though the doctor had told her to rest quietly, she’d kept up her praises and singing. Even nurses who were attending to her decided to join in, keeping her bedroom ringing!
So if on some matter, you feel distraught, with a problem that seems very hard– turn to praise, as did that woman. The affliction ceased, and it left her unscarred.
Praise the Lord!
P. A. Oltrogge
If you do an internet search, you can find a more detailed version of this poetic account. Look for: Mark Hankins The Praise Cure Lilian B. Yeomans
I need to remember this account often myself. Praise God for His love, compassion, goodness, mercy, presence and power in our lives. Choosing a favorite worship song blesses Him and enhances our hope and trust in Him in the midst of a difficulty.
“Oh, sing to the Lord a new song! For He has done marvelous things; His right hand and His holy arm have gained Him the victory.” Psalm 98:1
“Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations.” Psalm 100:4-5
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” Colossians 3:16
“Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.” Hebrews 13:15
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalm 23:6 (Scriptures NKJV)
Visit http://www.moorelife.org for “101 Things God Said About Healing” and “Thanksgiving Victory.” Also, Keith Moore’s healing songs in sheet music are available there. To hear his songs, click on “Word Supply,” then, “Music.” A favorite of mine is “Healing Compassion,” which is under “Quicken Thou Me.” Be blessed by any and all of them. If you feel in need of peace, listen to his beautiful songs on the peace of God….
The Bible says that all of the Hebrew warriors’ knees were knocking at the sight and size of the giant, Goliath, an enemy who was shocking.
None were brave enough at all to finish that giant off; and when they saw him at a distance, Goliath would loudly scoff.
But there was a shepherd lad of courage who had fought a lion and bear– To him, the giant, Goliath, was really nothing of a scare,
For David had the faith of one who knew that he was guarded by the greater Lord of Hosts–and it was Him whom he regarded.
David rejected King Saul’s armor and chose to fight Goliath instead with declarations of faith, a slingshot, and a stone to knock him dead.
That’s exactly how it went–though he had brought a total of five; it took just one stone plus faith to make that giant not survive!
Today, in our lives, we may have never tackled a lion or a bear– but David’s example of facing things fearful makes us be aware
That faith in God is ample for the things that we may face– Though problems may seem looming, we can conquer them by God’s grace. _______________________________
A postscript to this Biblical record is that we might speculate that a further lesson is in the account that one could possibly state. The five smooth stones that David brought show he was quite prepared to try again, depending on how the first stone actually fared!
P. A. Oltrogge
And, like David, remembering past victories, where the Lord undertook for us, will help us in facing what may be or what seems like a greater challenge before us. So we persevere with declarations of faith in our God and His Word, and through prayer/praise on any matter.
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7
“And He spoke a parable to them, that men ought always to pray and not lose heart….” words of Jesus in Luke 18:1
“And David said, ‘The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.’ And Saul said to David, ‘Go, and may the Lord be with you.’” 1 Samuel 17:37
“Then all this assembly shall know that the Lord does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord’s, and He will give you into our hands.” 1 Samuel 17:47
The encouraging books, Never Run at Your Giant with Your Mouth Shut, and The Spirit of Faith, by Mark Hankins, are available at http://www.markhankins.org
Peter and John went up together to the temple at the ninth hour, which was the hour of prayer. There was a man laid daily at the gate, lame from his mother’s womb, who asked charitable alms from those who entered there.
Seeing Peter and John about to enter, he asked alms of both of them, too. Then Peter, with John, looked directly into his eyes, telling him to look at them; and he began to tell the man of something better they could do.
That through faith in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, he could rise and walk–a far better gift than silver or gold. Then Peter took him by the right hand and lifted him up. He received strength in his feet and ankle bones upon Peter’s hold.
The exact words that Peter said to the man were “Silver and gold have I none…” Then he told him of that which he did have to give–a gift of healing, through the name of Jesus, God’s Son.
The man who’d been lame began leaping, walking, and praising God at the temple’s “Beautiful” Gate. He entered the temple with them, and Peter went on to share with the people that it was the power of Jesus’ name that had changed that lame man’s fate.
Excerpt from Acts: “Now as the lame man who was healed held on to Peter and John, all the people ran together to them in the porch which is called Solomon’s, greatly amazed. So when Peter saw it, he responded to the people: ‘Men of Israel, why do you marvel at this? Or why look so intently at us, as though by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified His servant Jesus, whom you delivered up and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let Him go. But you denied the Holy One and the Just, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, and killed the Prince of life, whom God raised from the dead, of which we are witnesses. And His name, and faith in His name, has made this man strong, whom you see and know. Yes, the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.’” Acts 3:11-16 NKJV
Peter continued, saying that Christ had been crucified by them in ignorance, but that He had fulfilled all that the prophets had foretold. Now, forgiveness of sins and salvation could be theirs through Jesus–again, a gift from God far greater than silver or gold.
P. A. Oltrogge
The Greek adjective used to name the gate can be defined as ‘1. happening or coming at the right time —2. beautiful, fair, lovely’. Some scholars believe the word may refer more to ripeness than to beauty.
Lord, cause our faith to be ripe to believe we receive of Your help when we pray….(in reference to Mark 11:24)
As an important addition to this poetic account, see today’s post by Dutch Sheets:
The Porch of the Lord 