Lifetime Daily DevotionsSample

He Stays in Touch

The hand of the Lord has done this,
And the Holy One of Israel has created it--
that they may see and recognize and
consider and gain insight...
Isaiah 41: 20b

I have done these things
In order that you might know
the righteous acts of the Lord.
Micah 6:5

How many times have I heard my husband say words like this: "Jesus, You don't have to do one more thing to prove your love for me. All I need to do is see You hanging on that cross and I know--without a shadow of a doubt--that You love me. Thank You. I love You." And that is so true, but the Lord seems to "go out of His way" to remind us of His deep devotion for us.

Many of us have at least one major event in our lives where Jesus once again proved His love, His power, His wisdom. I guess that event for me was on May 27, 1972 when He invited our son to Heaven to live with Him--at our request. Mason was existing in a shriveled, wasted body and was held in solitary confinement in that damaged body. He was not aware of anyone or anything around him. We visited Mace on Thursday--talked to him, stroked his hair, told him all about the family--even though he could not understand any of our conversations nor was he aware of our touches of love. We prayed that day, just as we said good-bye to Mace, that the Lord would release him from that faulty body and take him Home to be with Him. The Lord did just that in the still of the night. One more evidence to our family that our Lord is powerful and that He loves us.

I was thinking about all the people in the Bible who could share such a significant event. Remember Eutycus? Paul had been preaching and was still going strong at midnight. The room was packed and stuffy, so Eutycus went over and crawled up on the ledge of the window to get some air. Well, he went to sleep (doesn't speak well of Paul's preaching does it?) and fell off the ledge to his death. Paul hurried down to where the lifeless body was sprawled, picked the boy up, embraced him and God brought him back to life! Do you suppose Eutycus ever doubted the power and love of the Lord after that encounter?

Remember Tabitha? Her story is told in Chapter 9 in the book of Acts. She was a seamstress who used that talent to minister to others. She wasn't known for her wealth or her position, her missionary zeal, or any notable work. She was "abounding with deeds of kindness and charity, which she continually did." She just loved people and helped them. ("For the whole law is fulfilled in one word... you shall love...") Well, Tabitha became ill and died. The mourners sent for Peter, he isolated himself with Tabitha's body and God brought her back to life. Did Tabitha ever doubt God's love for her? His power? His pleasure in her?

Think back on your life. Oh, it may not be a major event like Eutycus' or Tabitha's, but there was a time when you knew that God had stepped into your life. It's like Bill says, "You don't have to do one more thing...", but He does. Why? "I am the Lord of justice and of righteousness whose love is steadfast and I love to be this way" (Jer. 9:24 TLB). He longs to reveal His love for us TO US, but we forget or begin thinking, "Just a co-incidence." No. It is a "God thing." He loves you.

I am God, and there is no other;
I am God, and there is no one like Me,
Declaring the end from the beginning
And from ancient times
Things which have not been done,
Saying, 'My purpose will be established,
And I will accomplish all My good pleasure.
Isaiah 46: 9-10