More to Life Today

"And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him; Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God; He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded." John 13:2-5

Jesus chose twelve disciples, from varied backgrounds — humble fishermen to rich tax collectors. Possessed with different talents and abilities, together they had been selected for a special purpose. All watched Him perform miracles. They all listened to the same teaching as He prepared them for ministry.

Jesus had tried to prepare them for the fact that He would soon be leaving them. On their last night together, they gathered for a meal. I can imagine them laughing and talking together as they gathered, sharing something funny or strange that had happened that day.

They were amazed when they saw their Master take off His cloak, wrap Himself in a towel and fill a basin with water. Asking them one at a time to remove their sandals, He knelt before them preparing to wash their feet. At first Peter refused, then relented and submitted. Jesus already knew the plans that had been made and yet He did not pass Judas by. I wonder how Judas felt, as Jesus gently scrubbed his feet and wiped them with the towel, treating him the same as the other eleven. What great compassion and love!

When Jesus was finished and had sat down, He spoke to His disciples:

John 13:14-15 "If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you."

I read an interesting post on FB this morning: "What would you do if you had only one day to live; shop, party, cruise, go to church, make things right with someone…? Jesus knew He had one day to live…..He washed feet!" (Thanks DH)

Thought For Today: Jesus showed compassion to the one who was planning to betray Him. Who do we need to show compassion to today?

Devotion by: Anne Johnston

"And when it was evening, his disciples came to him, saying, This is a desert place, and the time is now past; send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves victuals. But Jesus said unto them, They need not depart; give ye them to eat." Matthew 14:15-16

Just prior to this story, Herod had beheaded John the Baptist. His disciples had brought Jesus the news of his burial. John played a significant role in God's plan for salvation. Sent first to preach a message of repentance, He prepared the way for Jesus' ministry. Although the news was hard to receive, Jesus knew that this was part of the plan.

Mourning the loss of his cousin, Jesus slipped away and took a boat to a quiet desert place. Even though He was God, he was also man. He needed time to be alone and commune with His heavenly Father.

But somehow the crowds found out where He was and followed Him. How easy it would have been for Him to just ignore them and disappear from their sight. But He did not. Verse 14: "And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick."

Evening drew near and the disciples reminded Jesus that the people were hungry. and that He should send them away to get food. He answered: "They need not depart; give ye them to eat."

Jesus had compassion on the crowd, but He gave the responsibility to the disciples. When they brought the boy's lunch to Jesus, He blessed it, broke it, and gave it to the disciples to distribute. Everyone was filled and there was some left over.

What a lesson for us. The Lord blesses us with so much. We have a responsibility to share with others who are in need. Jesus set an example of compassion. Let us look for ways that we can minister to the needy in our world today. We may not be able to respond to all the needs that are out there, but we can each do our part.

Matthew 25:40 "Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."

Thought For Today: Proverbs 19:17 "He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again." Proverbs 19:17

Devotion by Anne Johnston

"When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more." John 8:10-11

There are many examples in the Gospels where Jesus showed compassion towards women. This story in John is one of them. Desiring to find a way to accuse Jesus, some Scribes and Pharisees brought a woman before Him. They said that they had caught her in an act of adultery. I have often wondered where the man involved in this sin was. It seems to me there should have been two guilty people.

Jesus did not condemn the woman; He simply stooped down and wrote on the ground. What He wrote is not clear, but it caused her accusers to drop their stones and slink away quietly. Then He looked at her in compassion and love, offering her forgiveness and told her to go and sin no more.

In a previous post, we mentioned Jesus being interrupted on his way to Jairus' house. A woman who had suffered for many years pressed her way through the crowd and touched the hem of Jesus' garment. He did not condemn her for what she had done but spoke words of compassion.

Luke 8:48 "And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace."

In Matthew 15, a Gentile woman approached Jesus, seeking healing for her daughter. He did not turn her away.

Matthew 15:28 "Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour."

At the well in Samaria, as recorded in John 4, Jesus promised living water to the woman of Samaria. Her need was great, but Jesus had the answer.

Jesus treated the women He met in His travels with dignity and respect. He did not condemn them. He saw their need and met it, giving them hope for the future.

Thought For Today: What do you need from Jesus today? He knows all about it. He is more than willing to hear your prayer, and He will not turn you away.

Devotion by: Anne Johnston

"And it came to pass, when he was in a certain city, behold a man full of leprosy: who seeing Jesus fell on his face, and besought him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. And he put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will: be thou clean. And immediately the leprosy departed from him." Luke 5:12-13

In Bible times, people with leprosy were treated as social and spiritual outcasts. They had to leave their homes and families and live outside the town limits. They wore ragged clothing and forced to keep their faces covered. When anyone came near them, they would cry "Unclean." No one wanted to get close for fear they would contact the disease. But Jesus looked on them in compassion.

Jesus not only allowed the man to come near to Him, but He reached forth His hand and touched him. I can imagine the crowd backing away in horror to think that Jesus would do this. The man received immediate healing. Jesus told him to go and show himself to the priest as required. How joyous his family must have been to receive him back home whole again.

Again, in Luke 17, we have the story of the ten lepers that met Jesus as He was passing through Jericho. In this instance they stood back and called out to Him for mercy.

Luke 17:14 "And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed."

Another group considered as outcasts were the tax collectors. And yet Jesus took time to reach out to them. He called Matthew to be one of His disciples. Today we have the Gospel of Matthew to read and to inspire us because Jesus cared. Also remember the story of Zaccheus. He was so eager to see Jesus that he climbed a tree. Jesus saw him, told him to come down because he was going to his house for dinner. Zaccheus made restitution to the people he had wronged.

Because Jesus saw beyond the reputation these groups had in their communities, their lives changed and they had new hope for their future.

Thought For Today: Jesus is still changing lives today. He looks beyond what the world sees and looks into hearts. He sees the potential that is there, and in His love and mercy meets them where they are and uses them for His glory.

Devotion by: Anne Johnston

"Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven. And he laid his hands on them, and departed thence." Matthew 9:13-15

There are several instances recorded where Jesus met the needs of children.

Luke 8 gives us the story of a ruler of the synagogue who came to Jesus and fell at His feet. His daughter was extremely sick, and her father was willing to humble himself and ask Jesus for help. Jesus started on his way. But as usual, the crowd pressed around Him and he was delayed. When He finally began his way again, someone came from Jairus' house with the news that the little girl was dead. No doubt Jesus already knew this, but He continued His way. His words to the father brought new hope.

"But when Jesus heard it, he answered him, saying, Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole." Luke 8:50

Luke 9 records the story of a father who brought his only son to Jesus in desperation. An evil spirit had plagued the little boy. Some of the disciples had prayed for him but nothing happened. Then Jesus arrived on the scene.

"And as he was yet a coming, the devil threw him down, and tare him. And Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, and healed the child, and delivered him again to his father." Luke 9:42

Luke 7 records two different stories. The centurion's beloved servant received healing because Jesus spoke the word. A widow received her only son back to life, as Jesus met the funeral procession.

Children are precious in the eyes of the Lord. He cares for them and loves them. He certainly set an example for us as to how we should treat them. Those that He entrusts into our care are unique gifts and deserve our love and compassion. The children in our church and in our neighbourhoods should be treated with kindness and respect. A word of blessing and encouragement may be just what they need.

Thought For Today: "Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."

Devotion by: Anne Johnston

"And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd." Matthew 9:35-36

Jesus' ministry while He was on earth was marked by compassion. As we read the Gospels, we know that He saw people just as they were – tax collectors, fishermen, broken people.

Each person He met had a different need. He sat at their tables, healed their sickness, and listened to their stories. He saw not what they had been, but what they could be in the future. He gave them hope. Lives changed because of His love and compassion.

Some people rejected the message that Jesus brought. But despite opposition, and rejection, He spent three and a half years ministering to people. He was no respecter of person. He treated all the same, rich, poor, young, or old. Knowing that He would eventually give His life for them, He was committed to His ministry of compassion.

Jesus set an example that we should follow. This week we will look at some of the stories found in the Gospels. Most of them we are familiar with, and yet there are still lessons we can learn from them. May we catch a glimpse of what true compassion really is.

His love and compassion have not changed.

He still meets us where we are. He convicts us of our sins and failures, but He does not condemn us. He forgives and gives us hope for the future. His blood cleanses us from all sin, and we can live a life of victory.

Lamentations 3:22-23 "It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness."

Thought For Today: Wherever you are today, whatever you need, Jesus' love and compassion still prevail.

Devotion by Anne Johnston

The value of something is the price you are willing to pay for it. In the case of Impressionist art, an anonymous bidder at an NYC auction was willing to pay 110.7 million dollars for Claude Monet's 'Meules' painting.

110.7 million dollars.

If Monet only knew the impact his paintings would have in the 21st century.

You may think the talent you possess is insignificant. Maybe you are hesitant to fully pursue your calling because you fear failing or you dread people rejecting your heart.

It makes me think—how many famous works of art were thrown away because their creator felt insignificant in comparison to other artists? How many men and women have manuscripts saved on their computers that will never grace bookstores because they are too afraid of how people will react to their words? How many songs have been penned that we will never hear? How many sermons, lessons, tidbits of wisdom have fallen silent on the tip of the tongue, because someone was too afraid to speak?

What could you be hiding? I'm not talking about a secret sin; I'm talking about your talent, your passion—your calling!

You can make a difference. Your gifting can have a global impact.

Not everyone loves Impressionist art. To some, it looks childish—to others, it is worth over 100 million dollars. To Monet, however, it was his passion. He found beauty in haystacks, water lilies, and bridges.

For Jesus, His passion was souls. He dedicated His life to you and me, regardless of the multitude that scorned Him.

Sometimes we fear rejection, while at other times we crave popularity; both can be destructive and debilitating. When you mold your passion to please everyone, you will be met with harsh judgment and dismissive opinions. Not even Jesus, who is God in flesh, could sway every heart to love him and accept everlasting life. The main thing Jesus did was make His love and salvation available to anyone, at any time.

You are a priceless work of art and more valuable than any painting for sale at an auction. God is waiting for you to step out and share your gift with the world. Trust me, so many people will be blessed by your story, your song, your ministry—your whatever it is.

Prayer: Lord, I do not want to throw my God-given calling or talent away. Help me to understand that you have created me to accomplish great things for Your Kingdom, even though it may look different than other people's endeavors. Lord, I do not want to please man; I want to please You. Help me to have a servant's heart with everything I do and help me make an impact on this world with Your love.

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves." Philippians 2:3 (NIV)

Have you ever been around someone who made you feel like you had to prove yourself? Maybe you felt the need to share your accomplishments, defend your abilities, or somehow earn their approval.

The enemy used the same tactic against Jesus in the wilderness. He challenged Jesus to prove who He was by turning stones into bread. But Jesus did not perform to satisfy the enemy's voice. He did not need to prove His identity. He simply stood on the authority of the Word of God.

You should never have to perform to prove who God created you to be.

True identity does not come from the approval of people. It comes from knowing whose you are.

On the other hand, there are people who have the incredible ability to make you feel comfortable in your own skin while also inspiring you to grow. Their presence does not make you feel smaller—it makes you believe you can become more.

Those people are a gift, and I want to be that kind of person.

Years ago, Sister Oakes, who served as the UPCI Ladies Ministry President, invited me to lunch with approximately twenty District Ladies Presidents.

At that time, I was fresh out of Bible College, had only been in the church a few years, and was just beginning to step into ministry. Around that table were women of great wisdom and experience, and honestly, I felt like I didn't belong.

I sat there quietly, sipping my water and fighting back tears as the thought repeated in my mind: "I don't belong here."

But Sister Oakes saw something in me that I could not see in myself. She reached over, took my hand, and said, "I'm so proud of you."

Then she began sharing with the women at the table what God was doing in my life and ministry. She made me feel valued and seen. She made room for me.

Looking back, I realize she did not have to do that. She was a respected leader with a demanding schedule and a significant position, yet she chose humility. She could have walked into that room with the attitude of someone important. Instead, she walked in with the heart of a servant.

Although Sister Oakes has gone on to her eternal reward, the impact of her humility continues through the lives she touched. Her legacy was not simply the position she held—it was the way she made people feel loved, valued, and welcomed.

Today, I have a choice. I can present a life that looks perfect and unattainable, or I can be honest about my struggles, God's faithfulness, my failures, and His victories. I never want my life to communicate that walking with God is only for a select few.

There is room at the table for everyone.

God forbid that someone would encounter me and feel further away from the love of God because of my attitude.

My prayer is that every person I encounter would feel seen, valued, and reminded of their worth in the Kingdom of God. Because kingdom greatness is not found in being recognized, it is found in recognizing others.

Today, ask yourself: Who around me needs to feel seen? Who needs encouragement? Who needs someone to remind them that they belong?

You may never know the impact of a simple word, a listening ear, or a moment of humility, but heaven keeps record of every act of love.

"For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways." Psalm 91:11

We live in a world where heartbreaking news is constantly at our fingertips. Before we even begin our day, we can hear about another tragedy: a shooting, a natural disaster, a devastating diagnosis, a financial crisis, or another painful event happening somewhere in the world.

The headlines can shape our hearts if we allow them to.

But instead of allowing the stories of suffering to produce fear, let them move us to prayer. Pray for the grieving. Pray for those facing impossible situations. Pray for our leaders and communities. Pray that God would dispatch His angels to keep His people, because His Word is still true.

Several years ago, I attended General Conference in Florida shortly after Hurricane Ian. When I walked into Walmart, I noticed empty shelves where there was normally an abundance of food and supplies. There was no produce, no eggs, and no water.

Without anyone saying it, I could sense the heart cry of people:

"We don't know what the future holds."

Fear has a way of exposing where we place our trust.

When storms come—whether natural storms, financial struggles, family trials, or personal battles—we are reminded that our security cannot be found in what we can control. Our security is found in the God who holds us.

People are searching for peace, hope, and security, but many are unaware of their deepest need: the presence of God.

When the "what ifs" of life begin to overwhelm us, we must remember that God does not promise we will never walk through valleys. He promises He will walk through them with us.

"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me." Psalm 23:4

It would be amazing if the verse said we could fly over the valley, but it says we will walk through. Why? Because the greatest promise is not the absence of the valley; it is the presence of God in the valley.

Thou art with me.

My Savior is with me.

My King is with me.

My Healer is with me.

My Provider is with me.

My Shepherd is with me.

Fear has the ability to immobilize us. It causes us to live in tomorrow instead of trusting God today. But faith reminds us that God is already present in every moment we are afraid to enter.

Matthew 6:33–34 reminds us:

"Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you… Take therefore no thought for tomorrow."

I love this passage because it reminds us:

IF YOU HAVE TIME TO WORRY, YOU HAVE TIME TO PRAY.

We should be wise, and prepare for our future and care for our families, but we cannot allow fear to rule our lives. The world may become more uncertain, but God remains unchanging. The headlines may shift, but His promises remain.

So when fear tries to rule your tomorrow, remember:

God has not given me the spirit of fear. I am kept by Him, guided by Him, and I will walk through every valley with His presence beside me.

"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised." Luke 4:18

Several years ago, I walked through one of the deepest valleys of my life. The enemy wanted me to believe that my pain was evidence that God had forsaken me in my loneliest season. But looking back, I can see something entirely different. My brokenness did not prove God's absence; it revealed the depth of His love.

There is a place on my couch that I affectionately call "God's lap." It is where I would curl up in the fetal position with a blanket and pour my heart out to Him in tears. Time and time again, I felt His presence surround me. It was as if His loving arms wrapped around me, bringing a peace that no words could explain.

When Jesus stood in the synagogue and read from Isaiah, He described His mission. He came to preach good news to the poor, heal the brokenhearted, proclaim liberty to the captives, restore sight to the blind, and set at liberty those who are bruised.

Every phrase of Jesus is beautiful, but today I want us to linger on that last one.

Jesus is anointed to liberate those who are bruised.

Unlike a cut or a scrape, a bruise hides beneath the surface. It is the result of trauma, yet often no one else can see it. Sometimes I don't even realize I have a bruise until I catch a glimpse of it in the mirror or accidentally touch the tender spot.

The deepest wounds in our lives often look the same.

Anxiety.

Depression.

Heartache.

Shame.

Unforgiveness.

Fear.

The lies we have believed.

The sins we carry in secret.

These are the bruises no one else sees. They may be hidden from people, but they are never hidden from Jesus.

Jesus was bruised so that you could be healed. Isaiah 53:5.

The One who bore bruises in His own body now draws near to every bruise hidden in yours.

Perhaps no one else can see the wounds you carry, but Jesus can. He knows every hidden pain, every silent tear, every disappointment, and every battle you've fought alone. He doesn't ask you to hide your bruises or pretend they're not there. Instead, He lovingly invites you to bring them into His presence.

Don't allow your hidden bruises to become permanent prisons. Lay them at the feet of the One who was bruised for you. His wounds purchased your healing; His love is greater than your pain, and His power is still setting the bruised at liberty today.

The Savior who was bruised for you is also the Savior who heals you.