Devotions about Christ | from Devotional Christian

Samaria or Bust

July 11, 2011

John 4:4-It was necessary for him to go through Samaria (AMP).

Ever find yourself in a place you never intended to be? Lately, Ron and I have been travelling though a not-so-great place.

In the last ten years, Ron has battled diabetes, Chronic Lymphatic Leukemia (CLL), had a triple by-pass, a valve repair, a hip replacement and more.

Were we tired of Samaria? You bet. Wondered why we were still in it? You bet.

Then one day our neighbour told us she had cancer.

“I’m okay with it, Ron. I’ve seen you stand through all these things. I know I can do it too.”

She started coming to church and now we prayerfully wait the day she asks Christ into her life.

Biblical-era Jews travelling from Judea to Galilee or vice-versa, would cross over the Jordan River, avoid Samaria by going through Transjordan, and cross back over the river again once they reached their destination. Nobody wanted to be in Samaria.

The Bible says that Jesus was there ‘by necessity.’ Why did he bother? He could have avoided it. It wasn’t a safe place for a Jew to be alone.

However, he found rest and refreshment there. (John 4:6-8). He enjoyed conversation (7), confrontation (9) and had a chance to witness (10-24).

As a result a woman chose to believe in Christ (25-26). She eventually told others about Jesus (29) and they also believed (40).

If we had balked, whined, complained and moaned about the hardships and difficulties of our less than safe place, I doubt that our neighbour would be looking for Jesus.

How is it going in your Samaria?

Prayer-Lord when we find ourselves in places we don’t want to be, remind us that you go before us and someone is waiting in our Samaria to hear about Jesus. Amen

Brenda J Wood

http://heartfeltdevotionals.wordpress.com

Tags cancer, Christ, Chronic Lymphatic Leukemia, diabetes, hip replacement, John chapter 4, Samaria
Comments: #1

One Step at a Time

April 11, 2011

Filed In Daily Devotionals

One Step at a Time

Luke 22:47b-the man who was called Judas, one of the Twelve, was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss him (NIV).

Judas means Praised One. How did Judas Iscariot fall from the high expectations of his parents to the low of betraying Jesus? He let his mind betray him; just one step at a time.

He worried about money and what it could do for him and so became a thief (John 12:4-6, NIV).

Jesus hinted that all was not well with Judas…but Judas ignored all the warnings.

John 13:10b- And you are clean, though not every one of you (NIV).”

John 13:18b- ‘He who shared my bread has turned against me (NIV).’

I want to yell at this failing disciple…”Hey, Jude! What are you thinking!!??? Get back on track! It is not too late!”

And I wish someone would yell “Hey, Brenda!” at me, when I am slipping into the muddy path that leads me away from Jesus.

Judas finally saw the light. It wasn’t too late for him to repent….and yet….. Judas continued his journey of self-destruction.

Matthew 27 :3-5-When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned; he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders. “I have sinned,” he said, “for I have betrayed innocent blood.”

“What is that to us?” they replied. “That’s your responsibility.” So Judas threw the money into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself.

Our foot is poised to take a step. Where will it land? It is not too late to change direction.

Just one step toward Christ and our path suddenly changes from muddy slippage to solid ground.

Are we willing?

Prayer- Lord, we haven’t been what we could have been…but we want to be what only You can make us. Please. Amen

Tags Christ, John 12:4-6, John 13:10, John 13:18, Judas, Luke 22:47
Comments: #0

No One Knows When

May 17, 2010

Filed In Daily Devotionals

But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come.
Mark 13:32-33

There is a classic storyline about a high school student whose parents have gone on a trip. Knowing they will not return for a few days, he decides to throw a party. To his surprise and dismay, his parents return early and arrive home while the party is in full swing.

You see the parallel with the Scripture above. We frequently act like that high school student, throwing parties with the expectation that our Master will not come. Surely there will be time to clean up the mess! After all, we’ve always had time before, why not now?

Jesus is not looking for followers who will hold on to the world as long as possible. He is calling his disciples to let go of the world, to fix their eyes on him, and to always be ready for his return.

What did you do with your last hour? What will you do with your next hour? What will you do tomorrow? Are you on your guard, awake, watching with your lamp full of oil (Matthew 25:1-13)? When Christ returns, will he find you obeying his commands or following the world?

Be on guard. Be awake. Christ will return. I pray that he finds us about his business.