August 4, 2014

Something Better

Written by Boyd Bailey

Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – August 4, 2014

Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk. Acts 3:6

Sometimes what we think we need and what God knows we need are two different things. A man unable to walk since birth asked Peter and John for money. Instead of receiving a quick fix of cash, he received a permanent cure. Through his faith in Jesus, his body and soul were healed. On their way to pray, these two compassionate disciples took time to pray with and for a needy man. Money is no substitute for the Spirit’s wholeness from our physical and spiritual surrender to God. Yes, trust in Jesus provides something better than a felt need overwhelming our thoughts.

Perhaps you feel the need for a new friendship, but the Lord wants  to bring you closer to a past relationship first. You may feel the need to move on from your current job, but out of respect and gratitude you want to finish well before you leave. Your may not feel well physically, but your heavenly Father also wants to do a work of soul healing: confession, repentance, forgiveness, grace and obedience. The Lord in His timing has something better for you to receive by faith.

“By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can all see” (Acts 3:16).

Moreover, most of the time it is easier to write a check than to look someone in the eyes and tell them their greatest need is not cash, but faith in Christ. Who is the Holy Spirit leading you to have a direct conversation with regarding their sick soul? They need your prayers, but they also need to be reminded of God’s spiritual healing that comes through trust in Jesus Christ. He is what’s best!

Therefore, we make preparations to love people as we encounter them in our daily lives. In ou car we may keep zip lock bags of water, snacks, a gift card and scripture to offer in Jesus’ name to a roadside beggar. Or, we have on hand dozens of devotional books we can pen on the front page encouraging words and hand to souls seeking peace with God. We offer solutions to needy souls.

Most of all, we wait on the Lord as we process His purposes in prayer. Instead of desiring more stuff, we desire more of Jesus. In place of giving ourselves to more earthly pursuits, we pursue what’s on our heavenly Father’s heart. By God’s grace let’s not settle for the stale crumbs of our culture. Let’s look into the face of Jesus and feast on His fresh loaf of love. His healing power is much better than silver and gold. In the name of Jesus, we stand up and walk by faith with Him.

“He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God” (Acts 3:8).

Prayer: Heavenly Father, keep my contentment in Christ not cash. Use me to offer hope in Jesus.

Related Readings: Psalm 107:20; Proverbs 3:14; Isaiah 35:6; Luke 7:22; John 9:1-41

Post/Tweet today: Let’s not settle for the stale crumbs of our culture. Let’s look into the face of Jesus and feast on His fresh loaf of love. #wisdomhunters

Additional Resource: Something Beautiful 4 minute music video- http://bit.ly/1n1bjok

Free eBook when you invite 5 friends to the free email devotional…https://www.wisdomhunters.com/invite-your-friends/


Comments

  1. Todd Anderson says:

    spelling error.

    Therefore, we make preparations to love people as we encounter them in our daily lives. In ou car we may keep zip lock bags of water, …………..

    should be “In our” not “In ou”

  2. Thank you for this wonderful message
    titled “Something More”. To rise and walk in God’s healing Light, bearing the imprint of Christ’s Love for us and the world is truly something more that continues to ever unfold. May He continue to bless you with the abundance of that Love and all that is possessed by its riches, as you serve the Living Christ.

    PS Just a footnote, please check your spell check and grammar in your typesetting program. (-:

  3. Gwynne says:

    Dear Todd~
    You are absolutely right!! Thank you so much for catching that mistake and bringing in to our attention. We really do appreciate your correction, as well as, taking the time to reach out to us and let us know.
    We are thankful that you are a fellow wisdom hunter and hope that you are blessed by the Wisdom Hunters devotionals.
    Blessings to you and yours.
    Believing and trusting~
    Gwynne

    “You have shown me what is good;
    And what the Lord requires of me
    But to act justly and to love mercy
    And to walk humbly with my God?”
    Micah 6:8

  4. Gwynne says:

    Dear Rebecca~
    Thank you so much for your encouraging words. We are thankful that you were blessed by the devotional, “Something Better” and we appreciate you taking the time to let us know.

    Your heartfelt words :”To rise and walk in God’s healing Light, bearing the imprint of Christ’s Love for us and the world is truly something more that continues to ever unfold” was a beautiful reminder of “something better”. Well said, Rebecca!

    One of the sentences in the devotional that really spoke to me was : “The Lord in His timing has something better for you to receive by faith.” Goodness, how many of us need to hear that? (I know I do!!)
    We are so thankful that you are a fellow wisdom hunter and look forward to hearing from you again sometime.
    Believing and trusting~
    Gwynne
    “Be joyful always; pray continually; giving thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s WIll for you in Christ Jesus.”
    1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

    P.S. Thank you for the “heads-up” about the typo. We appreciate you letting us know!

  5. Gwynne says:

    Dear Rebecca,
    Once again, thank you. Simply stated “And so it is” says it all.
    We are so thankful for you! Please continue to keep in touch with us.
    Believing and trusting~
    Gwynne

    “The Lord takes pleasure in those who fear Him,
    Who put their hope in His unfailing love”.
    Psalm 147:11


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