Empathy requires that we step outside ourselves. Empathy requires a level of selflessness that may be a hard reach for some. Once again, Jesus would be our example, who gave up His right to be God in order to be a human being. Jesus was in our shoes the whole time because He shed His God-shoes when He was born in Bethlehem (Philippians 2:5-8).

I can’t walk a mile in someone else’s shoes if I still have my own shoes on. I can’t put a shoe inside a shoe. If I could I’d be defeating my purpose. I would still be in my own shoes. I have to first take off my own shoes to get into someone else’s, and that is tantamount to getting outside of myself. Getting beyond my own self-importance. Making it more important to understand than to be understood.

This is a big step and hard to accomplish when I’ve been spending so much time wrapped around myself. This means I’m going to have to get away from my favorite topic — me — and on to someone else. Like that great Bette Midler line from the movie, Beaches, “Enough of me, what do you think of me?” Or the story about a friend of ours who was at his wife’s side while she was in labor, and at one point she said that she was cold, to which he replied, “Really? I’m not cold.” This would be a pretty clear example of a failure to have empathy.

These steps are pretty much common sense, but easily overlooked. I’ve tried having empathy when my mind is full of its own thoughts, points of view and rationalizations. Can’t do it. My own shoes are still on. Getting into someone else’s shoes involves a good deal of listening and paying attention. I’m not going to have empathy for someone if I don’t understand their situation.

I am one with my wife. If there is anyone I should have empathy for, it would be her. Am I seeking to understand her? After all these years, do I? Am I standing inside her shoes? Have her concerns become my concerns, even if they are things that don’t naturally concern me? Do I feel her pain? Am I doing whatever I can to alleviate it? Am I bringing her joy, because I know by now what does? Am I making sure she stays warm, even if I’m not cold?

Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation. BRomans 12:15-16

by John Fischer
used by permission

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Someone Needs Your Love

Put On a Heart of Compassion

He Knows How You Feel

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Even Though

Take His hand, even though it means letting go of what you are holding on to.

Please His heart, even though it may not please others.

Wait for His time, even though your desire is to get it done now.

Obey His Word, even though you hear something different that is popular.

Follow His path, even though you see a valley ahead.

Trust His wisdom, even though you want to do it differently.

Give Him praise, even though you are going through something unpleasant.

Be at rest, even though you have every reason to worry or fear.

“Many plans are in a man’s heart, But the counsel of the LORD will stand.” Proverbs 19:21 (NASB)

By Roy Lessin
https://roy.dayspring.com/

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God’s Hands

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Perfect in His Sight

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Read: Ezekiel 36:25-28

A Heart That Responds to God

The Lord wants to give each of us a heart of flesh. In other words, He wants our hearts to remain tender, open, and responsive to Him.

When God touches a tender heart, it yields to His direction. Like clay in the hands of a potter, it can be shaped with care. Rather than resisting, a soft heart allows God to form it into the vessel He desires.

The Work of the Holy Spirit

God has given the Holy Spirit to every believer. Through His presence, we receive help to hear and respond to God.

As we follow His guidance, our hearts become softer. In addition, we become more aware of His leading. Each act of obedience also prepares us to understand more of God’s Word.

A tender heart accepts what God teaches. More importantly, it puts His truth into practice.

What Causes a Heart to Harden?

Resistance to God can cause the heart to become hard. For example, this may happen when we ignore His direction or refuse to deal with sin.

Those who remain close to Christ respond differently. When they recognize sin, they deal with it quickly. Afterward, they return to a place of obedience and fellowship with God.

Intimacy with Christ grows as we submit to Him. As a result, we become more willing to receive His correction, guidance, and blessing.

A Tender Heart Toward Others

People with tender hearts stay connected to the body of Christ. They also look for ways to encourage others and strengthen their faith.

Furthermore, they remain willing to learn. God may speak through Scripture, prayer, or another believer. Therefore, a tender person listens carefully and stays open to correction.

A teachable heart does not assume it already knows everything. Instead, it welcomes truth and allows God to bring lasting change.

Let God Shape Your Heart

This week, ask God to soften your heart as you read the Bible and pray.

When He reveals an area that has become hard, pay attention. First, listen carefully to His instruction. Then, rely on the Holy Spirit for the strength to obey.

Do not resist the work God wants to do in you. Instead, allow Him to shape your thoughts, choices, and desires. In His hands, your life can become a beautiful and useful vessel.

By Dr. Charles Stanley
Used by Permission

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Tenderhearted, Forgive One Another

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“And immediately they left their nets and followed him.” — Mark 1:18

Follow Jesus Immediately

To follow Jesus immediately means responding to his call with faith, obedience, and a clear sense of spiritual urgency.

I have often thought of the Gospel of Mark as the “book of immediately.” The word is one of Mark’s preferred terms when describing the actions of Jesus and the people around him. In the first chapter alone, Mark repeatedly emphasizes how quickly events unfold as Jesus begins his earthly ministry.

The message is clear: Jesus was on a mission, and there was no time to waste.

There truly was not.

Jesus had approximately three years to complete the work his Father had given him. During that brief period, he would proclaim the arrival of God’s Kingdom, bring freedom to those held captive by sin, choose and disciple a small group of followers, and prepare them to become his witnesses.

Ultimately, Jesus would pay the price for humanity’s sin and break its power through his death and resurrection.

Three short years changed the course of eternity.

Why We Must Follow Jesus Immediately

I am now sixty, and I hope to retire this year. My desire is not simply to leave my job. I increasingly long to make the remaining years of my life count and to invest them as strategically as possible.

That is why I understand the word “immediately.”

Every follower of Christ should understand it.

We may not know how many years, months, or days remain before us. Regardless of our age, our time on this earth is limited. Following Jesus is therefore not something we should continually postpone until life becomes quieter or more convenient.

To follow Jesus immediately is to recognize that today matters. There are people to love, prayers to pray, truths to share, needs to meet, and acts of obedience that should not be delayed.

Follow Jesus Immediately into the Harvest

In Matthew 9:37-38, Jesus told his disciples:

“The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest.”

Farmers understand that when a harvest is ripe, timing is essential. A ready harvest cannot be ignored indefinitely. If workers delay too long, the opportunity may be lost.

Jesus used this image to describe people who are ready to hear, receive, and respond to the good news of God’s Kingdom.

The harvest remains plentiful, and the need for faithful workers remains urgent. God calls his people not merely to observe the harvest, but to enter it.

Following Jesus Without Delay

Spiritual urgency does not mean living in panic or constant activity. It means remaining attentive to God and being willing to obey when he directs us.

The disciples in Mark 1 did not ask Jesus to return later. They left their nets and followed him.

Their response challenges us to examine the things we may be holding too tightly. Our “nets” may include comfort, routine, fear, career plans, possessions, personal ambitions, or the desire for approval.

What might Jesus be asking you to release?

Where might he be asking you to serve?

Who might need to hear about his love through your words or actions?

When Christ calls, the faithful response is not endless delay. It is trust expressed through obedience.

A Prayer to Follow Jesus Immediately

Lord, ignite my heart and open my eyes to see the harvest of precious souls who need to be brought in. Help me follow Jesus immediately and obey you without unnecessary delay. Use me and all your people for the work of your Kingdom. Wake us while there is still time. May we rejoice with full hearts when you return or call us home. Amen.

Thought: Identify one action you believe God has been asking you to take. Ask him for the faith and courage to begin today rather than waiting for a more convenient time.

By Rand Kreycik
Used by Permission

Learn more about knowing Jesus through The Four Spiritual Laws.

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“But of the Son he says, ‘Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom.’” — Hebrews 1:8

Jesus the Forever King

Jesus is the forever King, yet surrendering control to him can be difficult in a culture that celebrates personal independence and self-determination.

William Ernest Henley’s famous poem Invictus closes with the lines, “I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul.” Though written in 1875, the couplet could serve as a rallying cry for the contemporary Western world. Freedom is often interpreted as doing whatever we please, while personal self-definition is treated as an almost sacred right.

The desire to establish ourselves as our own authority reflects humanity’s sinful nature. Adam and Eve demonstrated this desire when they were tempted to “be like God” in Genesis 3:1-6.

Yielding Control to Jesus the Forever King

I feel this pull toward independence in my own life. I do not like being told what to do, how to spend my money, or how to use my time. I want to be free to make my own decisions.

However, today’s verse proclaims that Jesus is the forever King. His throne is permanent, his authority is universal, and his kingdom is governed with righteousness. The world belongs to him whether people recognize his authority or not.

Those who do not follow Jesus may understandably disregard his commands. Christians, however, are called to submit to Christ and obey him. Jesus said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15).

Living Under the Authority of the Eternal King

The ministry I serve with, Cru, invites college students to make a countercultural commitment to “go, do, say, and give” whatever God asks of them.

This commitment means yielding our careers, finances, relationships, time, plans, and possessions to the kingly authority of Christ. Such surrender can feel frightening because it requires us to release the illusion that we are fully in control.

Submitting to Jesus is not merely a one-time decision. It is a daily and willing choice to trust that his wisdom is greater than ours and that his commands are ultimately for our good.

The autonomy of self promises freedom, peace, purpose, and protection, but it cannot reliably provide them. When we acknowledge that Jesus is the forever King and live under his loving authority, we discover the peace and purpose that self-rule can never produce.

A Prayer to Jesus the Forever King

Father, thank you that you have set your Son on a permanent and universal throne. I confess my constant inclination to take control of my own life and the actions through which I attempt to usurp your lordship over me. By the power of your Spirit, help me yield every part of my life to Jesus. Teach me to trust his authority and experience the peace, purpose, and joy of living in your good Kingdom. In Jesus’ name, amen.

By Jason Weimer
Used by Permission

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“When I said, “My foot is slipping,” your love, O Lord, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul”  Psalm 94:18-19

Thoughts on today’s verse

While we are amazed at the vastness of God’s reach and the awesome breadth of his power and the glorious sweep of his majesty, the incredible truth is his personal nearness to us. He chooses to know us and be actively involved in the trials and triumphs of each day with us. How will today, or tomorrow, be different because you are aware of his presence and companionship?

Prayer:

God who is near, please hear my heart. I am overwhelmed at your presence near me and within me. The comfort you bring when I am under siege, the strength you offer when I am weak, the courage you give when I am under attack, and the hope you instill when all seems hopeless — these gifts of your presence are precious to me. Without your presence I would not know where to go or why I am here. Thank you for knowing me. I look forward to knowing you one day as you know me today. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

by Phil Ware
used by permission.

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Your Consolation

Our Everlasting Consolation

Being in God’s Thoughts

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One day it dawned on me.  I had become the very thing I hate–  a hypocrite.  

A pretender.  Two-faced. I’d written sermons about people like me. Christians who care more about their appearance than integrity.

I knew what I needed to do.  I’d written sermons about that too!  1 John 1:8-9 says,

“If we say we have no sin, we are fooling ourselves, and the truth is not in us. But if we confess our sins, he will forgive our sins because we can trust God to do what is right.”

I needed to confess. What is confession?  Well confession is not complaining.  If I merely recite my problems and rehash my woes, I’m whining. Confession is a radical reliance upon grace.

Maybe you need to do what I’ve done in the last few days.  You just need to confess.  God will hear your confession.  And in your confession you will find a wonder of God’s grace.  You see grace creates an honest confession.  And then his great grace, receives it.

By Max Lucado
used by permission

To learn more about Max Lucado visit his website at:    
https://maxlucado.com/about-max/
Read more GRACE

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Grace to Keep on Yielding

Lavish Grace

God’s Grace

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“ Let no one say when he is tempted, I am being tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death.” James 1:13-15

Temptation will be with us as long as we live. Although the areas of enticement and their power over us will change with time, we will never be so mature or spiritually minded that we can totally relax our vigilance against them. Satan is always ready to capitalize on our weaknesses and selfish desires to draw us away from the heavenly Father.

James says we are tempted when we are carried away by our own lusts. Therefore, the problem begins within us when we feel the pull of our flesh to think, speak, or do what is contrary to God’s standard of holiness. Although being tempted is not a sin in itself, yielding to it is. When we dwell on a tempting thought, the idea gains a foothold in our mind and desires. With more attention, the desire will grow until a choice must be made about whether or not to act.

At the same time, we shouldn’t think that holding onto sinful desires is fine as long as we don’t actually do anything. Jesus debunked this idea in the Sermon on the Mount when He enlarged the Law’s commandments to include not just actions but also attitudes of the heart (Matthew 5:21-48). Anything less than God’s standard of holiness is not His will for us (Matthew 5:48).

Temptations start small. Yielding to them may seem inconsequential, but once we give in, that sin gains strength in our life and our ability to resist grows weaker. It may seem as if there’s no way out of this downward spiral, but God has given us a way of escape if we choose to seek out His help (1 Corinthians 10:13).

By Dr. Charles Stanley
Used by Permission

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How Temptations Lose Their Power Read more..

Moments of Weakness Read more..

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O LORD, how many are my foes! How many rise up against me! Many are saying of me, “God will not deliver him.” But you are a shield around me, O LORD; you bestow glory on me and lift up my head. To the LORD I cry aloud, and he answers me from his holy hill. I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the LORD sustains me. I will not fear the tens of thousands drawn up against me on every side. Arise, O LORD! Deliver me, O my God! Strike all my enemies on the jaw; break the teeth of the wicked. From the LORD comes deliverance. May your blessing be on your people.” Psalm 3:1-8

Most of us have experienced an abrupt and unhappy ending to a chapter of our lives. Even though we are not ready to move on, we are forced to. David wrote Psalm 3 when he was forced to flee from his son, Absalom. David at this stage was a mature but still highly capable king. He had made mistakes and people were aware of his flaws, but to be evicted by his upstart son was initially beyond belief.

This is a good Psalm to read in moments of internal pain and painful public humiliation. It reminds us that when we get knocked off our secure pedestal, the God of all hurts is there to nourish us. No matter what happens to us, God’s comfort can still reach down and touch us.

Several years ago, we purchased a new puppy. We showed her our love and gave her good care. But I remember that one day I was sitting in my reading chair and placed her on the ottoman where my feet were propped up. She curled up and seemed to securely enjoy herself. Suddenly the phone rang and I got up to answer it. She stood up, looked over the edge at the floor below and began to whimper and shake, as she was in great fear and experiencing a high level of insecurity.

When I got off the phone, walked over to her and gently scratched under her chin. Instantly her fear was gone and she looked up with her big brown eyes as if to say that with my presence and gentle touch, she had nothing to fear.

God does that for us, making us to feel secure and look up to Him. When we struggle through our moments of distress, He is there to scratch us under our chin and look into our eyes with a message of calm assurance that He is in ultimate control of all of life’s circumstances and everything will be okay. We learn through our mistakes, but we also learn through God’s victories in our lives. He is the Lord of both the ups and downs of life. He is the Savior of all seasons of our life.

How has God comforted and encouraged you recently?

(a thought by John Grant)

by John Grant
used by permission
John Grant is a former Florida State Senator and is a practicing attorney

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Strength Comes from God

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“. . . whoever believes in Him shall not perish . . .” (John 3:16)

Some years ago I took a copy of God’s “whoever” policy to California. I wanted to show it to my Uncle Billy. He’d been scheduled to visit my home, but bone cancer had thwarted his plans.

My uncle reminded me much of my father: squared like a blast furnace, ruddy as a leather basketball. They shared the same West Texas roots, penchant for cigars, and blue-collar work ethic. But I wasn’t sure if they shared the same faith. So after several planes, two shuttles, and a rental-car road trip, I reached Uncle Billy’s house only to learn he was back in the hospital. No visitors. Maybe tomorrow.

He felt better the next day. Good enough to come home. I went to see him. Cancer had taken its toll and his strength. The recliner entombed his body. He recognized me yet dozed as I chatted with his wife and friends. He scarcely opened his eyes. People came and went, and I began to wonder if I would have the chance to ask the question.

Finally the guests stepped out onto the lawn and left me alone with my uncle. I slid my chair next to his, took his skin-taut hand, and wasted no words. “Bill, are you ready to go to heaven?” His eyes, for the first time, popped open. Saucer wide. His head lifted. Doubt laced his response: “I think I am.”

“Do you want to be sure?”

“Oh yes!”

Our brief talk ended with a prayer for grace. We both said “amen” and I soon left. Uncle Billy died within days. Did he wake up in heaven? According to the parable of the eleventh hour workers, he did.

Some struggle with such a thought. A last-minute confessor receives the same grace as a lifetime servant?  Doesn’t seem fair. The workers in the parable complained too. So the landowner, and God, explained the prerogative of ownership:

“Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me” (Mathew. 20:15 RSV).

Request grace with your dying breath, and God hears your prayer. Whoever means “whenever.”

And one more: whoever means “wherever.” Wherever you are, you’re not too far to come Home.

by Max Lucado
Used by permission
From: 3:16, The Numbers of Hope
Copyright (W Publishing Group, 2007) Max Lucado

To learn more about Max Lucado visit his website at:
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“My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge.” Psalm 62:7

Thoughts on today’s verse

Who we are, what becomes of us in life, is in God’s hands. We cannot purchase or achieve lasting honor for ourselves without his blessing. We cannot secure the future or our safety without his protection and blessing. The basis of all achievement and glory is dependent upon us placing our lives in his care.

Prayer:

O Rock, Fortress of my life, I place myself in your care. Take charge of my future and use me for your glory. In you I take refuge, and on your strength I rely to make my days worthwhile. In the precious name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

By Phil Ware
Used by Permission
from:  Phil’s daily devotionals on https://www.verseoftheday.com

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• Eternal Love
• Fully Surrender to the Lord

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“As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.  Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:1-3

People are saved when they trust Jesus Christ as Savior and choose to follow Him. Right then, most Christians realize that they will dwell with Him forever in heaven. But many don’t understand what they can expect for the remainder of their lives on earth.

One benefit that’s available immediately is a growing relationship with the Lord. The Father’s oneness with Jesus (John 10:30) illustrates the intimacy God wants to have with His children. He had this type of closeness in mind at creation—a relationship with man is an avenue for Him to express His love and for us to worship and understand our Maker.

Another advantage is that Christ-followers are promised clear guidance through God’s Holy Spirit. Decision making is a part of everyday life. It is impossible for a mere human to know every variable and nuance before choosing which path to take. But the Lord knows all things—past, present, and future. With godly wisdom available, it’s hard to understand why anyone would prefer to trust his own hunches.

Provision is yet another blessing guaranteed for believers. There will be hard times, but God gives Christians everything necessary for following Him (Philippians 4:19). And His grace will always prove more than sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9).

How abundantly God gives to His children! One word of caution, though: these gifts are effective only when believers walk obediently with Him. Sin can stifle them.

The heavenly Father desires that all of His sons and daughters have these blessings; if you’re living in obedience before Him, they are available to you. Is anything getting in the way of your total submission to Him?

by Dr. Charles Stanley
Used by permission:
https://www.intouch.org/

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