Saturday. It’s my “fixing things at home” day. Last Saturday was no exception. I had lots of jobs I was wanting to get done. I was on my way home from the hardware store and lumber yard with a trunk load of stuff to work on. My shopping took much longer than I had planned and I was in a hurry to get home and get to work. I was singing heartily:

“Is there anything I can do dear Lord,

Anything I can do,

For all that you have done for me,

Is there anything I can do?

I’m willing to be used dear Lord,

What e’er the task may be.

Is there anything I can do, dear Lord,

Just make it plain to me.”

Suddenly … as I turned the corner I saw a “damsel in distress”—two of them in fact!

Here was a van stranded at a red stop light with a woman in the driver’s seat and a teenage girl trying to push the vehicle across the street through a red light!

“Oh, no, I don’t want to stop and help,” I thought to myself. I’m already running late and have so much to do. Besides I have a sore back.” So I continued on my way.

Immediately a little voice inside my head said, “You hypocrite, Innes, singing ‘Is there anything I can do dear Lord … Just make it plain to me!’” And another little voice inside my head said, “And how much plainer do you want it to be?”

I think God has a sense of humor … “How much plainer do you want it to be?” My better sense won, so I turned back to help the ladies in distress. Fortunately another man stopped to help so we were able to push their van to safety off the main road.

I surely was glad that I stopped. The woman driver had just been beaten up by her husband and come from the hospital. Her face was a mess. There were several stitches on her nose and she had a black eye. Her husband was taken to jail and she and the daughter were left stranded. I had also been to the bank so gave this lady all the money I had on me. She wept. I asked her if I could pray for them. She said yes. We then called the local police who came to help.

I think God meant for me to be running late on Saturday … and I’m so thankful that I listened to the little voice inside my head! What a privilege it is to serve the Lord by helping those in genuine need.

Suggested prayer, “Dear God, I am available. Please help me always to be sensitive to those who need your help through me. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer and using me in your work on earth. Gratefully in Jesus’ name, amen.”

1. Genesis 24:27 (KJV).

The story of this one man had a profound impact on my life.

The year was 1920. The scene was the examining board for selecting missionaries. Standing before the board was a young man named Oswald Smith. One dream dominated his heart. He wanted to be a missionary. Over and over again, he prayed, “Lord, I want to go as a missionary for you. Open a door of service for me.” Now, at last, his prayer would be answered.

When the examination was over, the board turned Oswald Smith down. He did not meet their qualifications. He failed the test. Oswald Smith had set his direction, but now life gave him a detour. What would he do? As Oswald Smith prayed, God planted another idea in his heart. If he could not go as a missionary, he would build a church which could send out missionaries. That is what he did. Oswald Smith pastored The People’s Church in Toronto, Canada, which sent out more missionaries than any other church at that time. Oswald Smith brought God into the situation, and God transformed his detour into a main thoroughfare of service.²

This story is of particular interest to me because in 1968 when I was the South Australian Director of Youth for Christ, I helped organize a special week of meetings for Oswald Smith. On a Wednesday night, Smith preached on the importance of the printed page. God used this man to deeply challenge me about the power of the printed word—within weeks of that meeting I started a literature ministry which has seen more than 40 million of our gospel brochures distributed in many countries, and now through Daily Encounter, Weekend Encounter, and the ACTS World Wide Web ministry, we are reaching thousands of people around the world every day with the gospel and Christian message.

So I can verify how Oswald Smith’s disappointment was indeed God’s appointment, which in turn was used of God to challenge me to launch the outreach ministry of ACTS International.

God can use your disappointments, too, if you will surrender them to him with a simple prayer such as the following:

“Dear God, every sorrow, every trial, and every disappointment I surrender to you with my humble prayer, ‘Not my will but yours be done.’ Please take my sorrows and turn them into blessings and use them and my life to glorify you in whichever way you choose. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus’ name, amen.”

1. Romans 8:28 (NIV).
2. Brian L. Harbour, Rising Above the Crowd.

Dr. David Sylvester of Denton, Texas, shares how, during World War II, a young Jewish man known as Solomon, his wife, and sons Jacob and David were subjected to the horrors of a Nazi concentration camp. Prisoners were forced to work torturous hours in the fields, or were burned to death in the ovens if found to be of little or no value as a worker. Little David had an injured leg, which required a brace rendering him unable to work in the fields.

Upon his arrival from work, Solomon inquired of Jacob as to the whereabouts of his younger son, David, and the boys’ mother. Jacob whimpered, “The soldiers came to take David to the ovens, and Mother went with him so that he would not have to go alone.”

Many of our Daily Encounter readers may be in places where they fear for their life, and until recently we, in America, thought we lived in safety without terror, but those days have changed forever. No matter what happens to us, as Christians we have the promise that God is with us no matter what … even through the valley of the shadow of death. For he promised: “‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’ So we say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?’”²

Suggested prayer, “Dear God, thank you that no matter where I am or in what circumstances I find myself, you are always with me and will never leave me or forsake me. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus’ name, amen.”

1. Psalm 23:4 (NIV).
2. Hebrews 13:5-6 (NIV).

According to Mike Johnson, one interesting thing about eagles is how they build their nests.

Those who have studied such things tell us that the building of the nest begins with all kinds of prickly and sharp things. Briars, jagged sticks, and other sharp things are laid down first.

The mother eagle then fills this foreboding place with the softest things she can find. Wool, feathers, and fur from her kills change the nest into a place that is not only desirable, but also inviting. Here the babies grow in a very comfortable environment.

At the proper time, the mother reverses the process. She begins to stir up the nest exposing the sharp items with which the nest began. She throws the wool, feathers and fur to the wind, thereby making the nest not so friendly a place to be. After a short period of time, the babies, now mature enough to leave, cannot stand the discomfort of the nest any longer—wanting to be anywhere else.

This is the mother’s way of forcing her babies to maturity. She knows that if they do not get out on their own, experiencing life, and learn to feed and care for themselves, they will have no future.²

While today’s scripture lesson was directed to the young nation of Israel, its message applies to all of God’s children. God will stir up our nest (our comfortable places of ease) to motivate us to grow, to mature, to depend on the Lord so that we, too, will renew our strength and mount up with wings like eagles, run and not be weary, and walk and not faint.³

Suggested prayer: “Dear God, thank you that you love me just as I am, but love me too much to leave me as I am. And thank you that you use the uncomfortable circumstances of my life to motivate me to grow, to become more mature, and to make me strong so that I will be equipped to achieve the heights you have envisioned for me to reach. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus’ name, amen.”

1. Deuteronomy 32:11 (TLB-NIV).
2. Source: Mike Johnson KneEmail www.oakhillcoc.org
3. See Isaiah 40:31 (NKJV).

There is a story by an unknown author being circulated on the Internet that reflects the outlook of Peter’s letter to the churches in Turkey. You’ve probably read it, but it is worth repeating. It may or may not be true, but it does make an excellent parable if you keep in mind that Jesus made up stories to illustrate a point.

It is about a little boy who is about to have open-heart surgery.

“Tomorrow morning,” the surgeon began, “I’ll open up your heart.”

“You’ll find Jesus there,” the boy interrupted.

The surgeon looked up, annoyed. “I’ll cut your heart open,” he continued, “to see how much damage has been done.”

“But when you open up my heart,” said his young patient, “you’ll find Jesus in there.”

The surgeon looked to the parents, who sat quietly. “When I see how much damage has been done, I’ll sew your heart and chest back up and I’ll plan what to do next.”

“But you’ll find Jesus in my heart,” the young boy insisted. “The Bible says He lives there. You’ll find Him in my heart.”

The surgeon had had enough. “I’ll tell you what I’ll find in your heart,” he said coldly. “I’ll find damaged muscle, low blood supply, and weakened vessels. And I’ll find out if I can make you well.”

Later, the surgeon sat in his office, recording his notes from the surgery, “Damaged aorta, damaged pulmonary vein, widespread muscle degeneration. No hope for transplant, no hope for cure. Therapy: painkillers and bed rest. Prognosis,” here he paused, “death within one year.”

He stopped the recorder, but there was more to be said. “Why?” he asked aloud. It was clear he was speaking to God. “Why did you do this? You’ve put him here; you’ve put him in this pain; and you’ve cursed him to an early death. Why?”

The surgeon’s tears were hot, but his anger was hotter. “You created that boy, and you created that heart. He’ll be dead in months. Why?”

And thus a dialogue began between the surgeon and God. And in that dialogue this frustrated physician discovered a new understanding of God’s providence and love.

The surgeon wept.

Now he sat beside the boy’s bed; the boy’s parents sat across from him. The boy awoke and whispered, “Did you cut open my heart?”

“Yes,” said the surgeon.

“What did you find?” asked the boy.

“I found Jesus there,” said the surgeon.

In times of persecution and suffering, in times of grief and stress, when it all comes down to it, we have only one place to turn, and that is to the power of the indwelling Christ. If, at the heart of the universe, there is not love, then nothing else we believe matters.

As the Bible says, “Fervently love one another from the heart.”¹

Suggested prayer: “Dear God, thank you that you loved me so much you gave your Son, Jesus, to die for my sins. Thank you, too, that because I have accepted Jesus as my Savior, he now dwells in my heart. Please help me to communicate his love to every life I touch. And grant that people, seeing Jesus in me, will want Jesus in their hearts too. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”

P.S. If you have never invited Jesus into your heart and life, why not do that today? For further help see the article, “How to Be Sure You’re a Christian,” at: http://tinyurl.com/8glq9.

1. 1 Peter 1:22 (NASB).

As one author wrote, “Nike” is a name that interests me. We are told that before the time of Jesus there were also terrible wars. When an invading army approached a city, the defenders would go out to face the army.

If there was defeat, the men would be killed or enslaved, the women would be abused, families would be torn apart, and children would be sold as slaves. The people in the city had no way of knowing the news of the battle except by a message carried by a runner. If there was defeat, he tore his clothes, put on ashes and cried, “Woe, woe, defeat.” People would try to get away but rarely could.

When there was victory, the runner would be stripped to the waist. He carried a palm branch in his hand. As he ran, perspiration would cover his body. He would be shining in the late afternoon sun. People knew the message even before he arrived. He would run through the city gates and cry, “Nike! Nike!” Nike means victory. The runner was shouting, “Victory! Victory!”

Because of the resurrection of Jesus, this is a time of putting on our running shoes and shouting, “Victory! Victory!” In our lesson from Peter today, we read about “inexpressible joy.” That is what Jesus’ resurrection brings us—inexpressible joy. Nike. Victory.

Suggested prayer, “Dear God, if I could count the ways you have blessed me, perhaps it would take all eternity. And how can I ever thank you enough for your great love in giving Jesus to die for my sins and for his resurrection assuring me of your forgiveness of all my sins and giving me the gift of eternal life and salvation? Because you died for me, help me to live for you always in all ways. Please grant that my manner of life will shout, ‘Nike! Victory!’ to all who know and see me. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus’ name, amen.”

1. 1 Peter 1:8-9 (NIV).

This was certainly true for a couple in Germany who, many years ago, were preparing their evening meal when they heard a knock at their door. According to the report I read, upon answering the door, standing there in the deep winter cold, was an ill-clad youth asking for food. The couple took him in to give him food and shelter for the night.

Being Christians, they prayed for this rather destitute young man. Somehow they both felt that they should take him into their home and adopt him as their own son. This they did. Little did they know who this stranger was and what he would accomplish with his life.

His name? Martin Luther.

I’m certainly grateful to God for all those who “took me into their life” and helped me to become what I am, and to do what I am doing, today.

Suggested prayer: “Dear God, I’m available again today. Please make me usable and use me to be as Jesus to whomever you lead me to and/or to whomever YOU bring “knocking on my door.” Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus” name, amen.”

1. Hebrews 13:1-2 (NIV).

In a tribe of Indians, or so the story goes, someone was stealing chickens. The Chief declared that, if caught, the offender would receive 10 lashes.

When the stealing continued, he raised it to 20 lashes. Still the chickens methodically disappeared. In anger the Chief raised the sentence to 100 lashes.

The thief was finally caught, but the Chief faced a terrible dilemma. The thief was his OWN mother! When the day of penalty came, the whole tribe gathered. Would the Chief’s love override his justice? The crowd gasped when he ordered his mother to be tied to the whipping post.

The Chief removed his shirt, revealing his powerful stature, and took the whip in hand. But instead of raising it to strike the first blow, he handed it to a strong, young brave standing at his side. Slowly the Chief walked over to his mother and wrapped his massive arms around her in an engulfing embrace. Then he ordered the brave to give him the 100 lashes.

That’s what JESUS did for you and me. In love he became our substitute and died in our place to pay the penalty for all our sins. He overcame our inability to save ourselves by paying the price for our sins. His death bridged the gulf between God and man and made it possible for us to be reconciled to God and to be restored to fellowship with him through faith in Christ and in his atoning death for us.²

Suggested prayer: “Dear Jesus/God, how I thank you for loving me so much that you gave your life to die on the cross at Calvary to pay the penalty for every sin I have ever committed, for your full and free pardon, and for the gift of eternal life for all who accept you as their personal Savior. For this I will be eternally grateful. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

NOTE: To help you to be sure you have accepted God’s forgiveness and his gift of eternal life, click on “How to Be Sure You’re a Real Christian” at: http://tinyurl.com/8glq9

1. John 3:16 (NASB).
2. Contributed by Alexandra Perros from Holland.

Earl Nightingale told how on one National Secretaries Day he gave his secretary flowers and she remarked how beautiful they were. She also said that she couldn’t understand why they didn’t have any scent.

He informed her that the flowers came from a hothouse and explained that because flowers raised in this type of environment have everything done for them, they don’t have to attract insects to pollinate them. As a result, they lose their scent. In the same way fruit raised in a hothouse, because it doesn’t need to attract insects to scatter its seeds, doesn’t taste as good as fruit grown in its natural environment.

It’s similar to the child who wanted to help a butterfly out of its cocoon by putting a slit in it and, in so doing caused it to die. He didn’t realize that the struggle to get out of the cocoon is needed to strengthen the butterfly’s wings, which enables it to fly.

When people do too much for us or overprotect us, especially in our early developmental years, they can do serious harm to us. And even in adulthood the problems and difficulties we have are what strengthen us, build our character, and teach us wisdom, understanding, and compassion—if we let them. This is why God disciplines those whom he loves by allowing us to go through difficult times.

Suggested prayer: “Dear God, please help me to yield to your discipline and to see in all the struggles and problems of life that you are wanting me to ‘grow in faith and love and every grace / might more of your salvation know / and seek more earnestly your face.’ Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus’ name, amen.”

1. Hebrews 12:6, 10, 11 (NIV).