BibleTrekToday.com

Category: God’s heart for hurting people

  • Day 2–Calling on the Lord

    Scripture reading for January 20: Genesis 4:26 “To Seth also a son was born, and he called His name Enosh. At that time people began to call upon the Name of the Lord.”

    The emergency contact system in our country is organized around our phone system. Almost everyone has cell phones and can be contacted at anytime. The 911 Emergency call center in each county or municipality is manned at all times by trained listeners. They answer the calls for help and ask pertinent questions to determine the location of the individual and the nature of their problem. They then contact the appropriate emergency personnel to assist in a timely manner. So we might say that in our culture when in an emergency, call ‘911’ for a dependable response.

    God encourages His children to call upon Him in the time of trouble. (Psalm 50:15) He says that honors Him and He will deliver us. We see from today’s Scripture taken from Genesis that after Cain killed Abel, Seth was born to Adam and Eve as another child who could walk by faith. Seth had a son, Enosh and it is recorded that during his life, people began to call on the Name of the Lord. It appears that Adam and Eve began to train their children and grandchildren, those who would humbly listen, that they needed to always ask God for their needs and become people who prayed.

    God wants each person to know Him personally and learn to personally call on Him. God revealed His Name to many of the early men and women as answers to their cries for assistance. Genesis 21:17-18 describes how Hagar and her young son Ishmael were sent into the desert and cried out to God. “Fear not, for God has heard the voice of the boy where he is,” was God’s reply. He is the God Who hears.

    As responders, we must always live in humble dependence that God is involved in each incident and knows each person involved. I always call out to God as I respond for the wisdom that I and the other responders will need. I ask for direction and the provision to effectively help the hurting. Even though ‘911’ may have helped direct, I know that God is over all.

    Prayer: Father God, thank You for always hearing and answering the cries of Your people. What a comfort for us to be able to call upon You in each incident. Amen.

  • Week 4–Day 1–911–God’s Emergency Number

    Scripture reading for January 19: “. . . and call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you and you shall glorify Me.”

    In our country we use an emergency number that is easy for most people to remember: ‘911.’ When an accident happens or an emergency requires help from first responders, anyone with a phone can simply dial ‘911’ and an operator from the local emergency response center will take down your location and the nature of your need and dispatch the right first responders to handle that specific incident.

    As a first responder, I carry either a pager or a cell phone with an application that is called “I Am Responding”. This is the one used in our county but there are others available that do the same thing. I am a volunteer and upon receiving a brief summary of the problem and the location in our county, I decide whether I can respond in a timely manner to bring the assistance. I text the ‘911’ operator how I am responding. I may just respond ‘Standby’ if others are enroute. If I can respond, I text “I am responding” and give the location that I will respond to. I can either go to the scene of the incident or to the fire station No. 1 or No. 2 to pick up gear and fire equipment as needed. As I leave the station with the truck and equipment, I report that I am enroute. I use the app to follow the map to the scene. The operator can then track me in my response location.

    I find many parallels in this system designed by man to help organize response with how God responds through His children to meet the needs of hurting people. God encourages His people to call out to Him in our time of need. We are to specifically state the need and ask in faith for His assistance. He says that we honor Him when we faithfully call out. He promises the help we need and this brings Him glory to show His loving care and provision. He knows right where we are and sends out those that will willingly serve us with the proper equipment and training.

    Father God, Thank You that You hear every ‘911’ call of Your children and even those who do not know You. You send the help needed from willing responders. I offer myself to respond on Your behalf. Teach me to follow Your amazing system. Amen.

  • Day 5: Jesus Takes our Service Personally

    Scripture reading for January 16: Matthew 25:34-35 “Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave Me food, I was thirsty and you gave Me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed Me, I was naked and you clothed Me, I was sick and you visited Me, I was in prison and you came to Me.” . . vs. 40 “And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these My brothers, you did it to Me.’”

    To understand His response to hurting people, we must listen to Jesus telling a story about those serving a King. The King is Jesus, the Son of Man, and in a future time He would return in glory with all His angels. He would gather the people from all nations before Him and separate them into two groups, like a shepherd separates sheep and goats. The sheep would be put on His right and commended for their works of faith. The Father would bless them with a full inheritance in the kingdom of heaven prepared for them from before creation of the world!

    Those chosen to be on the King’s right hand were commended for helping hurting people, but in a different way. The King told them that as they had fed hungry people, they were in a real sense feeding Him. As they had clothed the naked and visited the sick and imprisoned, they were really clothing Jesus and visiting Him. He taught them the principle that as they offered mercy to weak and hurting people, they were really blessing King Jesus Who Himself had sent them to serve on His behalf.

    As responders, we are not serving just ourselves. Our mindset should be that we are under authority and accountable for our service to those over us as well as our Lord Who is with us. We should remember that it is not for money or fame that we serve, but to please our Father will bring eternal rewards. Every call for help is response to our Savior.

    Prayer: Father God, help me to remember that as I am called to serve hurting people, I am really serving You. I want to enjoy the blessing of faithful servants. May those I help experience Jesus’ love and compassion through me. Amen.

  • Day 4–Jesus Respects Individuals

    Scripture reading for January 15: Matthew 20:30-33 “And behold, there were two blind men sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Jesus was passing by, they cried out, “Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!” The crowd rebuked them. telling them to be silent, but they cried out all the more, “Lord, have mercy on us Son of David.” And stopping, Jesus called them and said, “What do you want Me to do for you?” They said to Him, “Lord, let our eyes be opened.”

    Jesus dealt with each person specifically in the manner needed to bring faith to results. As a Jewish rabbi, He often used questions to provoke faith in those in need. These blind men were sitting by the roadside, probably begging to meet their needs. Their usual request was for alms or sustenance to meet physical needs. The idea that their eyes could be opened again by any man or even God was probably not at the forefront of their thinking. But word of Jesus’ miracles of healing had reached their ears sparking faith to cry out to Him for His attention. The crowd rebuked them to be silent, marginalizing these blind men as unimportant to the rabbi Jesus.

    Jesus took time to personally minister to them, asking them directly, “What do you want Me to do for you?” This respected their integrity and choices and treated them with dignity. They addressed Jesus as “Lord” and “Son of David”, which were respectful and full of faith in Jesus’ divinity. Jesus listened to their response to His question and in turn touched their eyes with great compassion. Scripture records that immediately they recovered their sight and followed Him. (Matthew 21:34)

    As responders, treating each person with dignity and respect is vitally important. As a responder and chaplain, I always ask questions to find the need in each situation. If as a believer in Jesus, I feel that prayer is required, I always ask if this would be acceptable to the person. I try to stay calm and act in kindness and gentleness, reflecting the heart of Jesus. My goal is to inspire faith and meet the real needs of each unique person.

    Prayer: Father God, thank You for the kindness and respect You show even to those that have disrespected You. Help me daily to learn to ask questions and respect the sovereignty of the individuals You allow me to touch for You. Amen.

  • Day 3–Jesus is Able!

    Scripture reading for January 13: Matthew 9:27-30 “And as Jesus passed on from there, two blind men followed Him, crying aloud, “Have mercy on us Son of David.” When He entered the house, the blind men came to him and Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” They said to Him, “Yes, Lord.” Then He touched their eyes, saying, “According to your faith be it done to you.””

    Jesus was always going to where there were hurting people. We learn from Scripture that it is faith that pleases God. In this incident, two blind men called out to Jesus, addressing Him as “Lord” and asking Him for mercy. As they followed Him, calling out, Jesus entered a house and they came up to him. Jesus drew out their faith with a question that revealed whether their faith was genuine. “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” was Jesus personal question to them. It is one thing to ask Jesus for mercy, but it is another to truly believe that Jesus has the ability and power to do it. Jesus showed His love for them by respecting their integrity and ability to choose.

    These two men answered “Yes, Lord.” This simple act of trust in Jesus moved Jesus to touch their blind eyes and declare a confirming Word: “According to your faith, be it done to you.” It was recorded that their eyes were immediately opened! Imagine the joy and rejoicing in these two men and their families after years of darkness and despair! Jesus loved to honor faith and demonstrated His Father’s will to heal and open blind eyes!

    As first responders, we must always seek to walk by faith into every incident or accident. Like Jesus, we are willing to go where the hurting are. We also ask key questions to assess each patient or victim to find out how to help them. We also keep calm and speak by faith to bring out faith and encouragement to those who are hurting. Our love for God and hurting people moves us to action.

    Prayer: Father God, thank You that You are able and willing to help those who come to You for mercy. Remind me of this truth each day that You send me out to help those in difficult circumstances. Amen.

  • Day 2–Jesus Respects Faith

    Scripture reading: Matthew 8:13 “And to the centurion Jesus said, “Go, let it be done for you as you have believed.”

    A Roman centurion, a military commander over one hundred men, came to Jesus asking for healing for a servant that was paralyzed and suffering at his home. Jesus told him that He would come and heal him. (Matthew 8:5-12) But this centurion spoke a word of faith to Jesus that caused Jesus to marvel and declare the servant healed. This centurion asked Jesus just to speak a command to the affliction and that he understood that the paralysis would leave. The centurion understood authority as he was a man who himself was under authority. Under that authority, he exercised authority over those assigned to his unit. He simply spoke commands and the men obeyed him and did what he commanded.

    Jesus marveled at this man’s understanding of authority and his faith in the spoken command of one in authority. He called His followers and proclaimed that this man had greater faith than any He had observed in Israel! Jesus warned the disciples and Jews that only those with genuine faith would enter the kingdom. Some who professed to have faith would lose out of their reward because their faith was not genuine. The centurion was rewarded with Jesus’ simple declaration. He could go on his way knowing that as he had believed, it was already done!

    As first responders, we are those under authority of our assigned leaders. We are to obey the commands given to us and work within the established guidelines. If we are in command over an incident or response team, we must give clear instructions and trust those with us to obey. Respecting authority and exercising servant leadership are key elements to help us succeed and respond properly. As believers in Jesus, we are always under His authority. Remembering this and acting in faith on His Word can give us confidence that He will be present with us to fulfill His Word.

    Prayer: Father God, thank You for establishing authority and being the Supreme Authority over all authority. Help me to respect those You have placed in authority and cooperate with them. Help me to exercise authority humbly as a servant leader to accomplish Your will. Amen.

  • Day 5–Jesus Values Children!

    Scripture reading for January 9: Matthew 18:10 “See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father Who is in heaven.”

    The setting for this strong warning of Jesus was a discussion with the disciples about who was the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 18:1-6) Jesus called a little child to join Him and used this child as an illustration of kingdom greatness. Children are usually meek and obedient to their parents and older adults. They easily believe and trust. Jesus taught that those entering God’s kingdom must become like this child in his heart. True greatness comes from a humbled heart that is willing to listen and obey. If these disciples wanted to be great, they must receive the children and bless them, becoming like them. They had been rebuking them and sending them away.

    Children are a blessing from the Lord Who loves and wants to bless them. God has assigned angels to each child to watch over them and report to God the Father concerning them. These heavenly protectors would report any mistreatment or abuse of children or the despising of them to Him. Jesus warned those sinning against children or leading them to sin that it would be better to have a great millstone fastened around the neck of the despising adult and they be cast into the deep sea. (Matthew 18:5-6)

    As responders, we are often called to help children as well as the adults in their lives. Our society and the world culture often mistreats and demeans children. Children are sometimes marginalized and abused, even by their own parents or siblings. We must keep a clear focus on God’s love for His children. We must treat them with respect and dignity and protect them from harm. We must remember how we must keep the heart of a child as well to be the best servant in any situation. Jesus loves the children and calls us to lay our hand on them in blessing for Him.

    Prayer: Father God, thank You for caring for children. Forgive me if I have marginalized or despised children in any way. Lead me in each incident to show love and respect and truly serve these who matter to You. Amen.

  • Day 4–Bruised reeds; Smoldering Wicks

    Scripture reading for January 8: Matthew 12:20 “. . .a bruised reed He will not break, and a smoldering wick He will not quench, . . .”

    As Jesus healed a man’s withered hand in the synagogue on a Sabbath, the Pharisees asked Jesus if it was lawful to heal on the Sabbath. According to these religious leader’s rules, healing on the Sabbath would amount to work and thus not be allowed. Jesus graciously offered them an analogy about a man having a sheep who fell into a pit on the Sabbath. Would not the owner of the sheep reach out and rescue him from the pit? (Matthew 12:10-11) The obvious answer was ‘yes’ and Jesus stated that it was lawful to heal and do good on any day. As the man stretched out his hand to Jesus, it was immediately restored. But this miracle demonstrating God’s care and love for hurting people stirred up murderous passions in the Pharisees who plotted how to destroy Him.

    But Jesus knew their plans and withdrew from that place. Many hurting people followed Him and He healed them all. (Matthew 12:15) Matthew explained what had taken place by quoting form the prophet Isaiah 42:1-3. God’s chosen ‘Servant’ would proclaim justice to all people, but not with human methods or force or persuasion. He would show mercy to those ‘bruised reeds’ and to the ‘smoldering wicks,’ the weak and hurting and those willing to accept His healing ministry. This ‘Servant’ would not quit until justice was established and all people would find hope in Him.

    As first responders, our hearts must have compassion for those who are bruised by life’s troubles. Some are despairing of life itself because of aging, troubles of life, accidents, or conflicts. Like our Lord, we are sent to reach out and care for them. We may encounter others who try to hinder us and our efforts. We must use wisdom and patience to try and calm them down. Sometimes we must withdraw and allow others with different giftings and authority to help. We always remember that Jesus helped the bruised and brought fresh oil and fire to those whose lives burned low.

    Prayer: Father, thank You for caring for those bruised by life’s trouble. Thank You for sending willing responders with Your heart to minister to the hurting. Lead me in each incident to listen and discern how to help. Help me to stay calm and keep it simple. Use me to fan a new flame of life in the smoldering wicks and pour healing balm on the bruised. Amen.

  • Day 3–Jesus Multiplied Workers!

    Scripture reading: Matthew 10:1 “And He called to Him twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every affliction. . . .Vs 5: These twelve Jesus sent out. . .”

    Jesus had Himself, with His disciples, gone out to all the cities and villages preaching the Good News and healing the sick. Jesus had called twelve disciples that He had selected and invited to be with Him and learn from Him. This was His Father’s plan to multiply workers who would help to bring the Good News of God’s love for hurting people. This chosen group of disciples would form the initial team of workers. They needed training in God’s way of loving and reaching out. They learned the way by following Jesus Christ as He modeled ministry for them. Jesus preached the Gospel of God’s kingdom, inviting all to repent and join the group. Only those who were willing to follow Jesus would be included.

    Jesus gave authority to those who came under His teaching and responded to the Good News. They would not be lone rangers, but would be under God’s authority and instruction. They would use their delegated authority to help hurting people and bring deliverance and healing. God’s heart was not just expressed in the Gospel of repentance and faith, but came with power. God demonstrated His love by healing the diseased and afflicted and delivering those in bondage to sin or under Satan’s control.

    As we look at our lives as first responders, we see many parallels to the discipleship process instituted by Jesus and God the Father. Those involved have had to willingly volunteer to come under authority of the department of government that we serve. We are then given authority to serve others. We study to learn the proper ways to help as taught by those in authority in our department. We are sent out, often in a team, to help those in need. The older teach the younger by example and supervised responses. When we complete an incident, we evaluate our processes and make corrections if needed.

    Prayer: Father God, thank You for calling me to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. Thank You for those You have provided to mentor me and correct me along the way. Thank You for Your calling to be a first responder and be a part of Your team to help hurting people. Amen.

  • Day 2–Jesus Full of Compassion

    Scripture reading: Matthew 9:35-36 “And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the Gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. When He saw the crowds, He had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.”

    Jesus Christ was the Son of God. Jesus was sent by the Father to earth to reveal His heart for lost and hurting people. Jesus had responded to His Father’s will by humbling Himself to become a human being and experience what all people go through on earth. He willingly responded to man’s greatest need by going out where the people were. He went to cities and villages where people had settled. He went to Jews, as He was born in a Jewish family. They gathered in synagogues to worship God and study God’s Word, but many were still far from God.

    Jesus saw the crowds of hurting people, and He had compassion for them. He saw them as a shepherd might see his sheep who were lost in the wilderness and hunted by wild animals. His compassion was God’s heart towards those He had created in His image. Sin and transgression had brought consequences of being lost, sickness, disease, and helplessness. He shared the Gospel of the kingdom and ministered to their physical, emotional, and deeper spiritual needs. He came as the Good Shepherd Who went out to seek lost sheep and restore them to the health of God’s family.

    First responders are part of God’s plan to reach out to those who are hurting and harassed and helpless. God hears their cries and responds to their needs by sending out willing volunteers to the cities, towns, and countryside. Compassion is love that acts regardless of the cost or convenience. Compassion motivates responders to go where the hurting are and provide assistance. We bring knowledge of how to help and share that in word and deed. We bring God’s heart of compassion and reflect His desire to respond and assist.

    Prayer: Father God, thank You for Your heart of compassion that moved You to send Your Son, Jesus Christ. Thank You for Your desire to assist those who are hurting, harassed, and helpless. As one that was helped, I now offer myself to go and help others. Amen.