Text:
Matthew 9:20-22 (NLT)
20 Just then a woman who had suffered for twelve years with constant bleeding came up behind him. She touched the fringe of his robe,
21 for she thought, "If I can just touch his robe, I will be healed."
22 Jesus turned around, and when he saw her he said, "Daughter, be encouraged! Your faith has made you well." And the woman was healed at that moment.
Observation:
In today's focal passage we see the power of being near to God, and experiencing the nearness of His presence, and His touch.
However, there is another need that we have in our lives, and that is the need to be close to a few people where we can feel the nearness of their presence and touch. Notice this word of admonition from the bible.
Hebrews 10:24-25 (NLT)
24 Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.
25 And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.
There is great power in friendship and fellowship with those who are of like faith in God; those who have found favor with God are made to have love for God, and one another.
Our pastor recently said that circles are better than rows; he was speaking of our small group ministry. I'm thinking of a group that I have been a member of for 47 years, and for a number of years we closed our monthly gatherings by forming a circle, holding hands, and singing this hymn.
"Blest be the tie that binds
Our hearts in Christian love;
The fellowship of kindred minds
Is like to that above.
When we asunder part,
It gives us inward pain;
But we shall still be joined in heart,
And hope to meet again."
Matthew 18:19-20 (NLT)
19 "I also tell you this: If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you.
20 For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them."
Prayer:
Father, we recognize that we need You in our lives, and we need the closeness and touch from two or more trusted friends. We need to go to church, and we need to be the church. In the mighty name of Jesus we pray, Amen.
Ephesians 6:10-11 (ESV)
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.
11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.
Read all the Daily Devotionals by Herb Cotton; click here:
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