STRETCH OUT YOUR HAND


Have you ever experienced being under water for a brief period of time and suddenly you feel like you need to come up for air? Sometimes life’s struggles seem that way to us. You may be going through a situation where you raise your hands and say, “it’s hopeless”. But my friend, it isn’t -trust in the Lord for it is he who “will supply all of your needs. (Phil. 4:19) I know it sounds simple, but it is the truth. Even in Jesus’ time there were those who doubted Jesus and therefore weren’t able to fully understand what he was accomplishing. It says in Mark chapter three:

“Another time he went into the synagogue, and a man with a shriveled hand was there. Some of them were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they watched him closely to see if he would heal him on the Sabbath.” (Verse 1)

These men were ready to put Jesus away in prison if he didn’t conform to their legalities. But Jesus had a different agenda. He was not concerned over what they were thinking or their threats; his concern was for the man with the shriveled hand.
He knew the physical need this man had and Jesus was willing to cure him.

“He looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored.” (Mark 3: 5-6)

Many thought in their minds, what kind of a man is this Jesus? He was humble; he loved the poor, the sick, and sinners. He did not do things for personal interest, but instead for the sake of others. It was this attraction that brought people to him. Jesus proved to be more than just the son of a carpenter – he was the Son of God filled with power of the holy Sprit. And to show to those who had a stubborn heart the power of God – Jesus said to the man with the shriveled hand “Stretch out your hand.” (Mark 3:1-6)

A LEADER’S CHARACTER

Getting ready for another presidential election has never been an easy task for me, especially trying to make a decision on the right candidate to hold the most important office in the land. But I’m thankful for the guidance the Bible gives us when it comes to examining the character of leaders running a nation. The Holy Scriptures is a great source of guide. If we look close, we see the victory of those servants who put God first and the people’s needs. I would like to use as an example to this theme King David.

Courage: David known as a warrior. He displays courage in the Valley of Elah while the other Israelites ran with great fear (1Samuel 16: 24) David is a man of action that while others ran from their enemies he did not, he confronted his enemy. (1 Samuel 17:35; 36; 17: 45, 48) He defended God’s name. (1 Samuel 17: 26)

Integrity: David led the troops in their campaigns (1 Samuel 18: 13, 14) He showed loyalty to those he serves and those who lay down their life (1 Samuel 22:14; 23; 23:5)

Kindness: David showed kindness towards his friends, enemies and those less fortunate. (1 Sam.20: 14, 15; 23; 20; 23; 24:6-7; 25:32-35; 30:11-12))

Humility: David did not make exception of persons. He shared with his friends and neighbors the plunder of his successes. (1 Sam.30: 23-31)

Faithful: David showed faithfulness to God before and after being named king of Israel and to the people. (1 Samuel 17:45-47; 18:16; 22:22, 23; 24:6, 7; 26:9, 11, 22; 30:17-20; 2 Samuel. 2: 5, 6; 5:10, 12, 17)

These qualities of courage, integrity, kindness, humility and faithfulness made King David a successful and loyal king to God and his nation of Israel. May we look to see these same qualities in those running for the presidential office this fall and may these men place God first in their lives and make decisions that are for the betterment of the people of our nation. Let us keep our leaders in prayer.

GIVING GOD THE BEST

Watching the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing was an event of impending excitement and hopeful enthusiasm for the athletes. For Christian athletes it was a lifetime opportunity not only to compete, but making an impact as believers of the gospel of Jesus Christ amongst the Chinese people. I recently read in a Christian magazine about athletes like: Allyson Felix, Ryan Hall, Michael Redd and Jennifer Barringer attribute their motivation of success to their faith. Felix gives glory to God for her achievement on the track. Hall, age 25, committed his heart to Jesus as teenager. He struggled with the search for significance, but found his identity in Christ.

It is wonderful to see how God has a place in the lives of these athletes not only as achievers of the gifts they have, but as witnesses for God’s glory. A comment made by Olympian Barringer who quotes 1 Timothy 4:12 – her favorite verse-to heart: “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.”(NIV)

Many young Christians need to believe that they can do something that’s impossible. Like the athletes you need to do everything you physically can do to break the mental barriers of “can’t do”. Having God’s word in my mind has always helped me in hard challenges, but one of my favorite bible verses is “I can do all things through Christ who is my strength,” (Phi.4: 13) giving God my best of what he’s given me and all for his glory.