The Desire of Ages--36--The Touch of Faith

[Richard Myers]

The Touch of Faith

Listen to   The Touch of Faith



   




     Returning from Gergesa to the western shore, Jesus found a multitude gathered to receive Him, and they greeted Him with joy. He remained by the seaside for a time, teaching and healing, and then repaired to the house of Levi-Matthew to meet the publicans at the feast. Here Jairus, the ruler of the synagogue, found Him. 
     This elder of the Jews came to Jesus in great distress, and cast himself at His feet, exclaiming, "My little daughter lieth at the point of death: I pray Thee, come and lay Thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall live."
     Jesus set out at once with the ruler for his home. Though the disciples had seen so many of His works of mercy, they were surprised at His compliance with the entreaty of the haughty rabbi; yet they accompanied their Master, and the people followed, eager and expectant.   
     The ruler's house was not far distant, but Jesus and His companions advanced slowly, for the crowd pressed Him on every side. The anxious father was impatient of delay; but Jesus, pitying the people, stopped now and then to relieve some suffering one, or to comfort a troubled heart.   
     While they were still on the way, a messenger pressed through the crowd, bearing to Jairus the news that his daughter was dead, and it was useless to trouble the Master further. The word caught the ear of Jesus. "Fear not," He said; "believe only, and she shall be made whole."
     Jairus pressed closer to the Saviour, and together they hurried to the ruler's home. Already the hired mourners and flute players were there, filling the air with their clamor. The presence of the crowd, and the tumult jarred upon the spirit of Jesus. He tried to silence them, saying, "Why make ye this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth." They were indignant at the words of the Stranger. They had seen the child in the embrace of death, and they laughed Him to scorn. Requiring them all to leave the house, Jesus took with Him the father and mother of the maiden, and the three disciples, Peter, James, and John, and together they entered the chamber of death.   
     Jesus approached the bedside, and, taking the child's hand in His own, He pronounced softly, in the familiar language of her home, the words, "Damsel, I say unto thee, arise." 
     Instantly a tremor passed through the unconscious form. The pulses of life beat again. The lips unclosed with a smile. The eyes opened widely as if from sleep, and the maiden gazed with wonder on the group beside her. She arose, and her parents clasped her in their arms, and wept for joy. 
     On the way to the ruler's house, Jesus had met, in the crowd, a poor woman who for twelve years had suffered from a disease that made her life a burden. She had spent all her means upon physicians and remedies, only to be pronounced incurable. But her hopes revived when she heard of the cures that Christ performed. She felt assured that if she could only go to Him she would be healed. In weakness and suffering she came to the seaside where He was teaching, and tried to press through the crowd, but in vain. Again she followed Him from the house of Levi-Matthew, but was still unable to reach Him. She had begun to despair, when, in making His way through the multitude, He came near where she was.   
     The golden opportunity had come. She was in the presence of the Great Physician! But amid the confusion she could not speak to Him, nor catch more than a passing glimpse of His figure. Fearful of losing her one chance of relief, she pressed forward, saying to herself, "If I may but touch His garment, I shall be whole." As He was passing, she reached forward, and succeeded in barely touching the border of His garment. But in that moment she knew that she was healed. In that one touch was concentrated the faith of her life, and instantly her pain and feebleness gave place to the vigor of perfect health.
     With a grateful heart she then tried to withdraw from the crowd; but suddenly Jesus stopped, and the people halted with Him. He turned, and looking about asked in a voice distinctly heard above the confusion of the multitude, "Who touched Me?" The people answered this query with a look of amazement. Jostled upon all sides, and rudely pressed hither and thither, as He was, it seemed a strange inquiry. 
     Peter, ever ready to speak, said, "Master, the multitude throng Thee and press Thee, and sayest Thou, Who touched Me?" Jesus answered, "Somebody hath touched Me: for I perceive that virtue is gone out of Me." The Saviour could distinguish the touch of faith from the casual contact of the careless throng. Such trust should not be passed without comment. He would speak to the humble woman words of comfort that would be to her a wellspring of joy,--words that would be a blessing to His followers to the close of time.   
     Looking toward the woman, Jesus insisted on knowing who had touched Him. Finding concealment vain, she came forward tremblingly, and cast herself at His feet. With grateful tears she told the story of her suffering, and how she had found relief. Jesus gently said, "Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace." He gave no opportunity for superstition to claim healing virtue for the mere act of touching His garments. It was not through the outward contact with Him, but through the faith which took hold on His divine power, that the cure was wrought.   
     The wondering crowd that pressed close about Christ realized no accession of vital power. But when the suffering woman put forth her hand to touch Him, believing that she would be made whole, she felt the healing virtue. So in spiritual things. To talk of religion in a casual way, to pray without soul hunger and living faith, avails nothing. A nominal faith in Christ, which accepts Him merely as the Saviour of the world, can never bring healing to the soul. The faith that is unto salvation is not a mere intellectual assent to the truth. He who waits for entire knowledge before he will exercise faith, cannot receive blessing from God. It is not enough to believe about Christ; we must believe in Him. The only faith that will benefit us is that which embraces Him as a personal Saviour; which appropriates His merits to ourselves. Many hold faith as an opinion. Saving faith is a transaction by which those who receive Christ join themselves in covenant relation with God. Genuine faith is life. A living faith means an increase of vigor, a confiding trust, by which the soul becomes a conquering power. 
     After healing the woman, Jesus desired her to acknowledge the blessing she had received. The gifts which the gospel offers are not to be secured by stealth or enjoyed in secret. So the Lord calls upon us for confession of His goodness. "Ye are My witnesses, saith the Lord, that I am God." Isaiah 43:12. 
     Our confession of His faithfulness is Heaven's chosen agency for revealing Christ to the world. We are to acknowledge His grace as made known through the holy men of old; but that which will be most effectual is the testimony of our own experience. We are witnesses for God as we reveal in ourselves the working of a power that is divine. Every individual has a life distinct from all others, and an experience differing essentially from theirs. God desires that our praise shall ascend to Him, marked by our own individuality. These precious acknowledgments to the praise of the glory of His grace, when supported by a Christ-like life, have an irresistible power that works for the salvation of souls. 
     When the ten lepers came to Jesus for healing, He bade them go and show themselves to the priest. On the way they were cleansed, but only one of them returned to give Him glory. The others went their way, forgetting Him who had made them whole. How many are still doing the same thing! The Lord works continually to benefit mankind. He is ever imparting His bounties. He raises up the sick from beds of languishing, He delivers men from peril which they do not see, He commissions heavenly angels to save them from calamity, to guard them from "the pestilence that walketh in darkness" and "the destruction that wasteth at noonday" (Psalm 91:6); but their hearts are unimpressed. He has given all the riches of heaven to redeem them, and yet they are unmindful of His great love. By their ingratitude they close their hearts against the grace of God. Like the heath in the desert they know not when good cometh, and their souls inhabit the parched places of the wilderness. 
     It is for our own benefit to keep every gift of God fresh in our memory. Thus faith is strengthened to claim and to receive more and more. There is greater encouragement for us in the least blessing we ourselves receive from God than in all the accounts we can read of the faith and experience of others. The soul that responds to the grace of God shall be like a watered garden. His health shall spring forth speedily; his light shall rise in obscurity, and the glory of the Lord shall be seen upon him. Let us then remember the loving-kindness of the Lord, and the multitude of His tender mercies. Like the people of Israel, let us set up our stones of witness, and inscribe upon them the precious story of what God has wrought for us. And as we review His dealings with us in our pilgrimage, let us, out of hearts melted with gratitude, declare, "What shall I render unto the Lord for all His benefits toward me? I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord. I will pay my vows unto the Lord now in the presence of all His people." Psalm 116:12-14.

[Richard Myers]

Some beautiful truths found are here found. Faith is our understanding of who God is and our trust in Him and His Word. Our faith is built upon this understanding of God's character. So, it makes sense when we read "faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God." Romans 10:17.

There is another way that is even more powerful to strengthen one's faith.

It is for our own benefit to keep every gift of God fresh in our memory. Thus faith is strengthened to claim and to receive more and more. There is greater encouragement for us in the least blessing we ourselves receive from God than in all the accounts we can read of the faith and experience of others. The soul that responds to the grace of God shall be like a watered garden. His health shall spring forth speedily; his light shall rise in obscurity, and the glory of the Lord shall be seen upon him. Let us then remember the loving-kindness of the Lord, and the multitude of His tender mercies. Like the people of Israel, let us set up our stones of witness, and inscribe upon them the precious story of what God has wrought for us. And as we review His dealings with us in our pilgrimage, let us, out of hearts melted with gratitude, declare, "What shall I render unto the Lord for all His benefits toward me? I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord. I will pay my vows unto the Lord now in the presence of all His people." Psalm 116:12-14.

And, not only ought we consider often what God has done for us, but we ought to tell others also what great things God has done for us.

 Our confession of His faithfulness is Heaven's chosen agency for revealing Christ to the world. We are to acknowledge His grace as made known through the holy men of old; but that which will be most effectual is the testimony of our own experience. We are witnesses for God as we reveal in ourselves the working of a power that is divine. Every individual has a life distinct from all others, and an experience differing essentially from theirs. God desires that our praise shall ascend to Him, marked by our own individuality. These precious acknowledgments to the praise of the glory of His grace, when supported by a Christ-like life, have an irresistible power that works for the salvation of souls. 

[JimB]

There is greater encouragement for us in the least blessing we ourselves receive from God than in all the accounts we can read of the faith and experience of others.

As someone who enjoys reading the accounts of others in history (or current) that were faithful to God through very trying circumstances and/or God's working in their lives this kinda hit home to the first time I read this but it's so true. Better to receive our blessings from God than to live off the scraps of others' experiences.

[JimB]

  He gave no opportunity for superstition to claim healing virtue for the mere act of touching His garments. It was not through the outward contact with Him, but through the faith which took hold on His divine power, that the cure was wrought.   

We supposedly live in a day of enlightenment and science yet superstition is practiced all around us even in the lives of some Christians. Hoping that some outward act is all that is needed for healing. True good actions and outward forms are the sign that something internally has already happened not the beginning of it.

[Richard Myers]

Amen, Jim.  This healing we see here, like salvation, came from  "faith which took hold on His divine power." Some think this faith comes out of thin air. They are right in one respect, but fail to understand their part in receiving that faith. If we do nothing, then we shall be lost. Faith or trust is developed. The woman who touched the garment of Jesus had listened to the testimonies of His healing, and she believed. So, we too must learn of Jesus if we are to be healed spiritually. We must know Him personally as Savior. Grace is around us as thick as the air, but we must receive it into the heart. Many receive no benefit because they do not drink of it.

Another important truth in the healing of the woman is seen in the testimony of the woman's faith. Jesus did not just heal her, but sought her out for her testimony. How often do we testify to the diving power we have received? How often do we receive this divine power? We need to receive it daily if it is to benefit us. "I die daily" by drinking from the pure Fountain of truth which is Christ Jesus.

"Our confession of His faithfulness is Heaven's chosen agency for revealing Christ to the world. We are to acknowledge His grace as made known through the holy men of old; but that which will be most effectual is the testimony of our own experience. We are witnesses for God as we reveal in ourselves the working of a power that is divine. Every individual has a life distinct from all others, and an experience differing essentially from theirs. God desires that our praise shall ascend to Him, marked by our own individuality. These precious acknowledgments to the praise of the glory of His grace, when supported by a Christ-like life, have an irresistible power that works for the salvation of souls." 

Of all the forums we have here on this website, none are as important as this one where we are provided the opportunity to share testimonies of how by beholding Jesus we have been transformed in character, we have become partakers of His divine nature. Many argue against the gospel truth, but they cannot gainsay our testimonies. Please share with us what God is doing in your life as spend a thoughtful hour each day contemplating the life of Christ.

We each have a different experience, but we all who drink of the waters of life have experienced the power of God's grace. And, I can testify that I understand why it was the Moses struck the Rock and thus could not enter the promised land. He did not drink in the grace of Christ on that sad day near the end of his life. His mind wandered away from Jesus. It is only as we obtain grace for today that we can have power to love the unlovely. I have suffered when I fail to connect with Christ, and I have been blessed as I have beheld His great and forgiving love for me. Grace is unmerited, and as I behold Him by spending a thoughtful hour each day contemplating this love, I am strengthened for the battle that awaits. And, I so much appreciate the peace that comes from doing so. It passes understanding.

Please join with us as we prepare for the soon coming of Christ.

[Pastor Sean Brizendine]

Again, a statement really stands out to me from this chapter. I noticed that you just quoted this statement as well, Richard:

"Our confession of His faithfulness is Heaven's chosen agency for revealing Christ to the world. We are to acknowledge His grace as made known through the holy men of old; but that which will be most effectual is the testimony of our own experience. We are witnesses for God as we reveal in ourselves the working of a power that is divine. Every individual has a life distinct from all others, and an experience differing essentially from theirs. God desires that our praise shall ascend to Him, marked by our own individuality. These precious acknowledgments to the praise of the glory of His grace, when supported by a Christ-like life, have an irresistible power that works for the salvation of souls."  {DA 347.3}

I appreciate how God desire us to express our individuality in how we praise Him--and it is a blessing to know that each testimony we share of His faithfulness will encourage others to see their own need of a living experience in divine things.

When we surrender entirely to Christ, He gives to us a new heart and fills us with His Spirit, so that all the fruits of the Spirit are present in the life--not one will be missing. The woman who touched Christ chose to believe in Him as her Savior, and I am so thankful that Jesus is allowing me to reach out by faith and touch Him not just at the the beginning of my experience, but to continually be in contact with Him by living faith. Not a casual contact avails in divine things--but intimate relationship, full surrender, and an abiding growth in grace. I am so thankful for the Desire of Ages and how Jesus is revealed to us each time we behold His loveliness! Jesus saves!

[Richard Myers]

I suppose every time we read this chapter, this one thought will be uppermost in our minds. It is truth.

     Our confession of His faithfulness is Heaven's chosen agency for revealing Christ to the world. We are to acknowledge His grace as made known through the holy men of old; but that which will be most effectual is the testimony of our own experience. We are witnesses for God as we reveal in ourselves the working of a power that is divine. Every individual has a life distinct from all others, and an experience differing essentially from theirs. God desires that our praise shall ascend to Him, marked by our own individuality. These precious acknowledgments to the praise of the glory of His grace, when supported by a Christ-like life, have an irresistible power that works for the salvation of souls.

And Pastor Sean is so very right when he equates this with the new birth, being born of the Spirit. Jesus gives us a new heart, pure and holy at conversion.

When we surrender entirely to Christ, He gives to us a new heart and fills us with His Spirit, so that all the fruits of the Spirit are present in the life--not one will be missing.

Amen!  This is how the world will know there is indeed a God, a God of great power and love.  A Laodicean people bring reproach upon God. Instead of bringing honor and glory to God, we are a cause of deception about His character. This will change. There will be revival and reformation in His church. And then, the world will see true witnesses of His character. "Therefore say unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord GOD; I do not [this] for your sakes, O house of Israel, but for mine holy name's sake, which ye have profaned among the heathen, whither ye went. And I will sanctify my great name, which was profaned among the heathen, which ye have profaned in the midst of them; and the heathen shall know that I [am] the LORD, saith the Lord GOD, when I shall be sanctified in you before their eyes." Ezekiel 36:22,23. 

Does not God promise us a "new heart". And does that not mean we will have power to rightly reflect His character by keeping His laws, statutes, and judgments? Yes, the Bible tells us exactly that, even though many teach otherwise. Let us praise God and tell of His goodness and power! He is faithful and merciful!

[Pastor Sean Brizendine]

Amen, Richard! Simple truths, often repeated--these are a great blessing to our souls! The gospel is not complicated, but it is a great miracle! Yet we need to realize our own need, and appropriate Christ's merits to ourselves!

The wondering crowd that pressed close about Christ realized no accession of vital power. But when the suffering woman put forth her hand to touch Him, believing that she would be made whole, she felt the healing virtue. So in spiritual things. To talk of religion in a casual way, to pray without soul hunger and living faith, avails nothing. A nominal faith in Christ, which accepts Him merely as the Saviour of the world, can never bring healing to the soul. The faith that is unto salvation is not a mere intellectual assent to the truth. He who waits for entire knowledge before he will exercise faith, cannot receive blessing from God. It is not enough to believe about Christ; we must believe in Him. The only faith that will benefit us is that which embraces Him as a personal Saviour; which appropriates His merits to ourselves. Many hold faith as an opinion. Saving faith is a transaction by which those who receive Christ join themselves in covenant relation with God. Genuine faith is life. A living faith means an increase of vigor, a confiding trust, by which the soul becomes a conquering power. – {DA 347.1}[/color

Let us today experience this in Christ! Hallelujah!

[Richard Myers]

Amen, Pastor Sean!  All are given a measure of faith, we want the faith that saves. It is a faith that believes with the "whole" heart. A full surrender of self to Christ. We call this faith, "saving faith."

I was impressed this morning with something vital to our understanding. We notice that Jairus was a "ruler" in Israel. "They were surprised at His compliance with the entreaty of the haughty rabbi; yet they accompanied their Master, and the people followed, eager and expectant. The ruler's house was not far distant....

He was not only a ruler, but a "haughty rabbi." Why would Jesus spend time on a haughty ruler? Would you? We face haughty rulers, do we not? Those who like Job's three friends will attack the truth and judge your character falsely. How do we react to these false teachers, with love, the strong bearing with the weak? There is a lesson here for us today.

If Jesus had gone to Jairus prior to his daughter being sick in an effort to teach him the truth, Jairus might not have responded with his whole heart. He may even have joined in the attack on Christ. But, that is not what happened. Jesus surprised His disciples and immediately set off for the home of Jairus.

We are on this earth, like Jesus, not to minister to those who are not sick, they need not a physician, but to heal those who are in need of help, who see their need. Jairus saw his need. "This elder of the Jews came to Jesus in great distress, and cast himself at His feet, exclaiming, 'My little daughter lieth at the point of death: I pray Thee, come and lay Thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall live.'" He came seeking help and had faith to believe Jesus could heal his daughter. Where Words of truth, would not succeed with most of the rulers in Israel, the healing of his daughter touched the heart of the "haughty ruler." Jesus spent more time healing than preaching. Why? Because hard hearts need to be plowed before planting the Seed of Truth. Do we prepare the soil in our gardens before we plant the seeds? Of course we do. We understand throwing seed down on hard ground will not produce the results we seek.

True medical missionary work is the "right arm" of the gospel message. A pastor who is rightly trained to heal the sick will be much more successful than one who is not. We are not to judge if one can be saved or not. That is the prerogative of God only. We can see if a sinner has a need, as Jesus did with Jairus. Jesus did not seek out those who did not want truth, but those who were open to help. So we ought to also.

[Pastor Sean Brizendine]

How true, Richard--Christ ministered to the haughty rabbi at a time when he sensed his need, and was therefore open to help and truth. May we also seek to minister to those who sense their need, and prepare the way by the right arm of the gospel, the medical missionary work.

I am thankful that this chapter reveals the healing power of God's grace at work through Christ, and that when we have been blessed by a transformation in our own life and character, it is for our benefit to keep fresh in our memory what God has done for us--thus we are encouraged for the trails we will face before us.

It is for our own benefit to keep every gift of God fresh in our memory. Thus faith is strengthened to claim and to receive more and more. There is greater encouragement for us in the least blessing we ourselves receive from God than in all the accounts we can read of the faith and experience of others. The soul that responds to the grace of God shall be like a watered garden. His health shall spring forth speedily; his light shall rise in obscurity, and the glory of the Lord shall be seen upon him. Let us then remember the loving-kindness of the Lord, and the multitude of His tender mercies. Like the people of Israel, let us set up our stones of witness, and inscribe upon them the precious story of what God has wrought for us. And as we review His dealings with us in our pilgrimage, let us, out of hearts melted with gratitude, declare, "What shall I render unto the Lord for all His benefits toward me? I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord. I will pay my vows unto the Lord now in the presence of all His people." Psalm 116:12-14.

Faith is a personal experience--you and I may be blessed by hearing of how God helped others, but let us remember what God has done for us, personally, and keep in our thoughts how He has provided not only healing of body, but of the soul. Praise the Lord that such transformation can take place in the life of each one who yields entirely to Jesus!

[JimB]

Faith is a personal experience--you and I may be blessed by hearing of how God helped others, but let us remember what God has done for us, personally, and keep in our thoughts how He has provided not only healing of body, but of the soul. Praise the Lord that such transformation can take place in the life of each one who yields entirely to Jesus!

Pastor Sean, I like this that you pointed out. I have a poor memory sometimes so not long ago I sat down and as memories came back to me I started to write things down that the good Lord has done for me. There are some that I don't need help remember but others I do. I wish I had started this years ago. When things don't seem to be going so well it's nice to be able to look back and count your blessings. It draws one's heart closer to the Lord's heart and realize that He never lets his children down who fully trust in Him.

[JimB]

He gave no opportunity for superstition to claim healing virtue for the mere act of touching His garments. It was not through the outward contact with Him, but through the faith which took hold on His divine power, that the cure was wrought.   

I find this statement very interesting. There is a segment of Christianity that is big on healing. Sometimes it seems it's their whole focus. They teach to obtain healing takes a certain kind of prayer or maybe if you give money they'll send you a "blessed" prayer cloth that you can use for your healing. However, here we are told it wasn't the outward act but the inward faith that the woman had that manifested itself in an outward act that healed her. No need for a "particular" kind of prayer or some rite or ceremony just your simple faith.

[Pastor Sean Brizendine]

Amen, Jim! We need to remember that it is faith--not superstition--that brings healing and new life to the soul. Christ transforms the life by His Spirit--what a miracle that all the fruits of the Spirit are in the life without one missing when Jesus abides in the heart by faith!

I was impressed with the following thought regarding the short time in which Jairus' daughter was dead:

Jairus pressed closer to the Saviour, and together they hurried to the ruler's home. Already the hired mourners and flute players were there, filling the air with their clamor. The presence of the crowd, and the tumult jarred upon the spirit of Jesus. He tried to silence them, saying, "Why make ye this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth." They were indignant at the words of the Stranger. They had seen the child in the embrace of death, and they laughed Him to scorn. Requiring them all to leave the house, Jesus took with Him the father and mother of the maiden, and the three disciples, Peter, James, and John, and together they entered the chamber of death.   

It is the same for us today when we lose a loved one. If our loved ones died having trusted in Christ as Savior, it does not really make sense to have a huge, sad funeral with mourners. We ought rather to find comfort and solace in the fact that they are but sleeping, and will soon rise in the resurrection! Having lost my mother and father, I am thankful for this Bible truth, and it speaks to me that when we REALLY BELIEVE the words of Jesus, much of the ado attending the death of loved ones will be brought into a proper focus. Yes, we sorrow over no longer having them present with us, but we rejoice in the assurance of Christ's power to raise them. When we keep our eyes upon Jesus, how can we be sad, when His presence makes us glad? I am so happy to have Jesus' presence in my life, and I have found that I am happier now in life than even before I lost my parents--because I have found a deeper, stronger, more abiding relationship with Jesus than I had ever known before. Truly, His love brings rest and peace to the soul. May you find His comfort and peace if you have lost loved ones, or are in a time of sorrow. Jesus knows our infirmities and He comforts our hearts as we yield to Him.

[Richard Myers]

Amen Jim and Pastor Sean!  Faith is trust, trusting in the promises of Christ with the whole heart.

     The wondering crowd that pressed close about Christ realized no accession of vital power. But when the suffering woman put forth her hand to touch Him, believing that she would be made whole, she felt the healing virtue. So in spiritual things. To talk of religion in a casual way, to pray without soul hunger and living faith, avails nothing. A nominal faith in Christ, which accepts Him merely as the Saviour of the world, can never bring healing to the soul. The faith that is unto salvation is not a mere intellectual assent to the truth. He who waits for entire knowledge before he will exercise faith, cannot receive blessing from God. It is not enough to believe about Christ; we must believe in Him. The only faith that will benefit us is that which embraces Him as a personal Saviour; which appropriates His merits to ourselves. Many hold faith as an opinion. Saving faith is a transaction by which those who receive Christ join themselves in covenant relation with God. Genuine faith is life. A living faith means an increase of vigor, a confiding trust, by which the soul becomes a conquering power. 

One may ask "why does God leave His faithful here on Earth to suffer when they are fit for heaven?" Here is one reason:

     We are witnesses for God as we reveal in ourselves the working of a power that is divine. Every individual has a life distinct from all others, and an experience differing essentially from theirs. God desires that our praise shall ascend to Him, marked by our own individuality. These precious acknowledgments to the praise of the glory of His grace, when supported by a Christ-like life, have an irresistible power that works for the salvation of souls. 

[Pastor Sean Brizendine]

Amen, Richard! What a blessing it is to have the opportunity to express our praise and thanksgiving to God in unique ways that will draw souls to Christ! While we remain in a world where we suffer, we remember that this is affords us the opportunity to be more like our Savior, and to enter into His joy of seeing souls redeemed!

Christ came to heal and restore even the dead to life!

Jairus pressed closer to the Saviour, and together they hurried to the ruler's home. Already the hired mourners and flute players were there, filling the air with their clamor. The presence of the crowd, and the tumult jarred upon the spirit of Jesus. He tried to silence them, saying, "Why make ye this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth." They were indignant at the words of the Stranger. They had seen the child in the embrace of death, and they laughed Him to scorn. Requiring them all to leave the house, Jesus took with Him the father and mother of the maiden, and the three disciples, Peter, James, and John, and together they entered the chamber of death.   

Christ calmly dismissed those whose spirit was not prepared for the miracle about to be wrought, and had His three closest disciples with Him. Jesus handled the situation with such divine love and majesty, though it was trying to Him.

I was impressed with the thought of how Christ was affected by the experience of the crowd surrounding the daughter of Jairus in light of a section of Manuscript Releases, Volume 3, page 427, that I have also been blessed by recently:

We are forming characters for heaven. No character can be complete without trial and suffering. We must be tested, we must be tried. Christ bore the test of character in our behalf that we might bear this test in our own behalf through the divine strength He has brought to us. Christ is our example in patience, in forbearance, in meekness and lowliness of mind. He was at variance and at war with the whole ungodly world, yet He did not give way to passion and violence manifested in words and actions, although receiving shameful abuse in return for good works. He was afflicted, He was rejected and despitefully treated, yet He retaliated not. He possessed self-control, dignity, and majesty. He suffered with calmness and for abuse gave only compassion, pity, and love. {3MR 427.1}
Imitate your Redeemer in these things. Do not get excited when things go wrong. Do not let self arise, and lose your self-control because you fancy things are not as they should be. Because others are wrong is no excuse for you to do wrong. Two wrongs will not make one right. You have victories to gain in order to overcome as Christ overcame. {3MR 427.2}
Christ never murmured, never uttered discontent, displeasure, or resentment. He was never disheartened, discouraged, ruffled, or fretted. He was patient, calm, and self-possessed under the most exciting and trying circumstances. All His works were performed with a quiet dignity and ease, whatever commotion was around Him. Applause did not elate Him. He feared not the threats of His enemies. He moved amid the world of excitement, of violence and crime, as the sun moves above the clouds. Human passions and commotions and trials were beneath Him. He sailed like the sun above them all. Yet He was not indifferent to the woes of men. His heart was ever touched with the sufferings and necessities of His brethren, as though He Himself was the one afflicted. He had a calm inward joy, a peace which was serene. His will was ever swallowed up in the will of His Father. Not My will but Thine be done, was heard from His pale and quivering lips. {3MR 427.3}

I absolutely love this revelation of Jesus, and when I think of how the spirit of Jesus was jarred by the hired mourners, I am reminded that He was human and touched with the feeling of our infirmities, and He experienced struggles and torture of soul amid the presence of those who were full of unbelief. Christ did not sin in any of the trying experiences through which He passed. "He sailed like the sun above them all"!!! As you see the sun in the sky, remember that as you become a partaker of the divine nature, you can "sail like the sun above" the trials and weaknesses to which you are subject, abiding in Christ and reflecting all of the fruits of the Spirit so that not one is missing, because you have Christ within you! I am so thankful for the character of Christ, and for how we are to form characters also for heaven by beholding His matchless charms of grace!

[Richard Myers]

Amen, Pastor Sean!  We have been promised peace that passes all understanding. It is a conditional promise. Conditioned upon a full heart surrender to Christ. In order to do this, we must trust Jesus with all we are and all we have. This is called faith, "saving faith." It is not good enough to love God, or to believe He is God. We must believe with all the heart. We must love with all the heart, soul, and strength. We must put away all "unbelief." There is no greater sin than unbelief.

Many misunderstand faith. To each man is given a measure of faith, but this is not enough for salvation (Romans 12:3). We must have saving faith. What is "saving faith"?

     A nominal faith in Christ, which accepts Him merely as the Saviour of the world, can never bring healing to the soul. The faith that is unto salvation is not a mere intellectual assent to the truth. He who waits for entire knowledge before he will exercise faith, cannot receive blessing from God. It is not enough to believe about Christ; we must believe in Him. The only faith that will benefit us is that which embraces Him as a personal Saviour; which appropriates His merits to ourselves. Many hold faith as an opinion. Saving faith is a transaction by which those who receive Christ join themselves in covenant relation with God. Genuine faith is life. A living faith means an increase of vigor, a confiding trust, by which the soul becomes a conquering power. 

If the soul is not a "conquering power", then we have not "saving faith", thus we have not salvation. But, God has promised that the faith we do have, though as small as a mustard seed, will grow into a faith that saves the soul from eternal death. In order for this to happen, we must know God. We must know Him well enough to trust Him with everything that is precious to us. This is why it would be well to spend a thoughtful hour a day contemplating His life and love.

[Dorine]

....." Saving faith is a transaction by which those who receive Christ join themselves in covenant relation with God. Genuine faith is life. A living faith means an increase of vigor, a confiding trust, by which the soul becomes a conquering power."

How much clearer can it be than that. We must not just acknowledge facts. We must make Him our all in all 24/7. These stories touch my heart this morning and remind me again of the beauty of Christ's love for each and every one. The following quote is very special to me because I grew up with an inferior personality which hindered my relationship with God. This pops out at me with such sweet assurance that I too mean everything to my Saviour.

...."Our confession of His faithfulness is Heavens's chosen agency for revealing Christ to the world. We are to acknowledge His grace as made known through the holy men of old; but that which will be most effectual is the testimony of our own experience. We are witnesses for God as we reveal in our selves the working of a power that is divine."

Here's the part that especially speaks to me personally.

"Every individual has a life distinct from all others, and an experience differing essentially from theirs. God desires that our praise shall ascend to Him, marked by our own individuality.

Isn't that the most precious thought that my Saviour wants a relationship with me that is totally different and special to anyone else's. Why would I not take Him seriously? He wants a personalized relationship with each of His children. This thought puts the following song in my heart this morning.....

Lord take my life, and make it wholly Thine;
Fill my poor heart with Thy great love divine;
Take all my will, my passion, self and pride;
I now surrender, Lord, in me abide.

[JimB]

Here's the part that especially speaks to me personally.

[/color]"Every individual has a life distinct from all others, and an experience differing essentially from theirs. God desires that our praise shall ascend to Him, marked by our own individuality.

Isn't that the most precious thought that my Saviour wants a relationship with me that is totally different and special to anyone else's. Why would I not take Him seriously? He wants a personalized relationship with each of His children. This thought puts the following song in my heart this morning.....

Lord take my life, and make it wholly Thine;
Fill my poor heart with Thy great love divine;
Take all my will, my passion, self and pride;
I now surrender, Lord, in me abide.

Dorine, what you point out here is always something that touches my soul also. God - Creator of the Universe want a relationship with me? One single individual who lives one planet an atom in the vastness of the universe. Why would He make it a point to get to know me personally.


Psalm 8:4-6

4 What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?

5 For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.

6 Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet:

[Pastor Sean Brizendine]

Amen, Richard, Dorine, and Jim! I love love love how PERSONAL Jesus is to us--that love MELTS MY HEART!!! Thank you so much for sharing how Jesus' loveliness spoke to you all today. I am getting SUPER EXCITED about how many of us are sharing how much Jesus means to us! I only pray that our "little family" will grow and we will have even more sharing how precious Jesus is to them personally and individually! If you are reading this and are blessed, please join us and read with us--and share with us!! Jesus loves you, dear reader, and has an amazing experience for you that will grow and deepen EVERY DAY you choose to spend this "thoughtful hour" with Him!!

I am impressed to share how Jesus speaks to me. I find that each time I read one of these chapters I see personal applications of Jesus to me--that He means ME...He gives me songs, inspires me to be able to share with others about what I have learned. Oh, there is NO LIMIT to this experience!!

I was so blessed in spending this "thoughtful hour" with Jesus today, and I am glad that we can reach out and "touch" Jesus by faith--a faith that is a FULL HEART surrender to Jesus motivated by His infinite love. I love that what looked like the woman coming after Jesus, was really Jesus coming towards her--so it may seem like we are seeking God (and we must reach out in faith), but He is the one who makes Himself accessible to us--He is the one who draws the heart to exercise faith unto salvation. Praise God for the blessing of Jesus' righteousness in the soul when we make a full heart surrender!

The wondering crowd that pressed close about Christ realized no accession of vital power. But when the suffering woman put forth her hand to touch Him, believing that she would be made whole, she felt the healing virtue. So in spiritual things. To talk of religion in a casual way, to pray without soul hunger and living faith, avails nothing. A nominal faith in Christ, which accepts Him merely as the Saviour of the world, can never bring healing to the soul. The faith that is unto salvation is not a mere intellectual assent to the truth. He who waits for entire knowledge before he will exercise faith, cannot receive blessing from God. It is not enough to believe about Christ; we must believe in Him. The only faith that will benefit us is that which embraces Him as a personal Saviour; which appropriates His merits to ourselves. Many hold faith as an opinion. Saving faith is a transaction by which those who receive Christ join themselves in covenant relation with God. Genuine faith is life. A living faith means an increase of vigor, a confiding trust, by which the soul becomes a conquering power.

Faith working by love means we have a new heart and a new mind. Conquering power means living above the clamors of the fallen nature, and letting His Spirit work in and through us CONTINUALLY!

[JimB]

It is for our own benefit to keep every gift of God fresh in our memory. Thus faith is strengthened to claim and to receive more and more. There is greater encouragement for us in the least blessing we ourselves receive from God than in all the accounts we can read of the faith and experience of others.

I remember the first time I read this. It kind of smacked me against my forehead. In that I admit that I love to read about those who have sacrificed greatly for their Lord. Like missionaries (old or new) and the reformers. Especially the reformers. This statement stopped me in my tracts and caused me to think. And now a good while after reading this statement I can fully agree with it. There is more encoragement in a personal gift from God to me... who? me! Wonder of wonders, than all the reading I can do about even those who loved God.