Heart of Compassion - Steve Martin, Love For His People Ministry

 

Heart of Compassion

"Seeing the people, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dispirited like sheep without a shepherd.” Matthew 9:36-37, NASU

Many of us still remember our years in high school. For some, it was a good time, experiencing those growing and transforming years when we thought we knew everything there was to know and were ready to conquer the world. (Maybe this year I will be able to go to my 50^th graduation anniversary.)

For others, we may have wanted to just get those days over so we could get out of there. There may have been too many times that the other students did as is so commonly done in every generation – teasing, belittling, rejection, and more.

There were two boys in my senior class who always seemed to get the brunt of the jokes, the ones others picked on. Neither Gene nor Bernie had the handsome looks, wore the latest in clothes in fashion, or received good grades in any of the classes that I knew of. In fact, there were some who were just plain mean to them.

Gene’s face was covered with pimples, as acne was an obvious problem. Most days he needed a good shampoo too, as his jet-black hair was slick, and not with the stuff intended to be used. As he walked the halls to each class, he would slump down, not looking up except to confirm his whereabouts. When he did talk his words were quiet and his speech slurred. It was believed that Gene’s dad was a lawyer, but that status didn’t do Gene any good.

Bernie was sadly called the “Hunchback of Notre Dame”. He had a large body with a deformed hump on his back. Generally, his clothes were from a second-hand store, obviously costly little to purchase. He was ridiculed and scorned for something he could not change on his own.

It didn’t matter that he was enrolled in this Catholic high school, Columbus High in Waterloo, Iowa. Every kid in that school needed to be saved and know salvation through Jesus. Just because you could call yourself a Catholic didn’t make you a Christian. There were not many students attending there that I knew were born again, sad to say.

It was the Lord who gave me a heart of compassion for Gene and Bernie.

As much as I could be their friend, I was. I stood with them. I communicated with them. I walked the halls with them. Because of the Lord’s heart that He had for each, He had allowed me to befriend them as no one else would.

The Chosen TV series does a great portrayal of the Savior’s heart for His creation. As Yeshua walked this earth as God in the flesh, He showed the love of His Father and taught the disciples to do the same. Often as more than words can say, His actions spoke forth what He continues to long for each of us to communicate to those He places around us.

As St. Francis is known for saying, “Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy.

O, Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love; For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; it is in dying that we are born again to eternal life.”

In reading again the verse I started out with above, understand the one verse that follows it, with Yeshua speaking of the harvest. Many people and nations experience suffering and the need for the Lord’s love. It is His Body that is able and must share it.

“Seeing the people, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dispirited like sheep without a shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, " The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. "Therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest." Matthew 9:36-38, NASU

Each of us knew, or know, a Gene or a Bernie. Or maybe you were that one in high school who got the brunt of the jokes and the ridicule. Know that Jesus was there and felt your hurt and pain, and above all, it is His compassion that can and will heal you, and those others who know the same.

May His heart of compassion be growing in your heart, as you too express love to those who know so little of it and need what you have to share. Let us each have a heart of compassion.

Ahava and shalom,

Steve Martin

Founder, Love For His People

Judgment, Compassion, and Kindness ✡ "He Is A Living God, The Everlasting King" - Israel365

But Hashem is truly God: He is a living God, The everlasting King. At His wrath, the earth quakes, And nations cannot endure His rage Jeremiah 10:10 (The Israel Bible™) וַיהֹוָה אֱלֹהִים אֱמֶת הוּא־אֱלֹהִים חַיִּים וּמֶלֶךְ עוֹלָם מִקִּצְפּוֹ תִּרְעַשׁ הָאָרֶץ וְלֹא־יָכִלוּ גוֹיִם זַעְמוֹ  Hear the verse in Hebrew va-do-NAI e-lo-HEEM e-MET hu e-lo-HEEM kha-YEEM u-ME-lekh o-LAM mi-kitz-PO tir-ASH ha-A-retz v’-lo ya-KHI-lu go-YIM za-MO Judgment, Compassion, and Kindness Hashem (God) has many names in the Bible, each representing a distinct divine attribute. The difference between two of the divine names is mentioned in this verse. The word Hashem (Lord) means rachamim (mercy, kindness forgiveness). The word Elokim (God) means the God of judgement. At first, judgement seems harsh, cruel, and punishing. But when we put the two names of God together, Hashem Hu Ha-Elokim we acknowledge that in His judgement there will also be compassion and kindness.  More on the attributes of God

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7 Steps Jesus Walked Through to Fulfill His Calling - JOSEPH MATTERA CHARISMA NEWS

Jesus lived by seven principles in order to follow God's plan. (YouTube)

7 Steps Jesus Walked Through to Fulfill His Calling

7:00AM EDT 7/29/2016 JOSEPH MATTERA  CHARISMA NEWS

The Lord Jesus Christ was the greatest motivator and example of living a purposeful life that the world has ever seen! He lived by the Scriptures since He is the living Word of God (John 1:1), and this is why all the greatest books on leadership and management operate with latent biblical principles, whether intentional or not.

The following seven principles are primary ways Jesus empowered and released purpose:

1. He asked questions.

Instead of just giving the answers to life's questions, Jesus demonstrated that the best way to teach people was to ask them questions. As a matter of fact, He asked over three hundred questions and only gave answers to three of them. When we allow people to answer questions, it reveals how much they really know, what's really in their heart and involves them in the process of discovery that enables them to remember and learn better.

2. He had goals and objectives.

If a person has no specific goals or desired outcomes, they will never know if they have succeeded or not. If a person has no vision or mission, they are clueless and have no idea what their final destination will be! In contrast, when Jesus began His ministry in Nazareth the first thing He did was announce His vision statement which was found in the words of the prophet Isaiah (Luke 4:18 and Is. 61:1-2). Furthermore, Jesus operated with objectives and goals which enabled Him to fulfill His mission and vision with a daily understanding of what, when and how to function (Luke 13:32).

3. He invested his time with those who bore fruit.

The Pareto principle teaches us that 80 percent of the work done is accomplished by only 20 percent of the people in any given church or organization. That being said, Jesus was wise and only invested most of His time with disciples who bore much fruit instead of with the crowds. (John 15:1-7 shows that He expected His followers to bear much fruit if they abided in Him.) Even though the Pareto theory was not yet written, Jesus knew that He would get the most results from pouring into a few rather than focusing on the many. Although He ministered to the crowds, the gospels clearly show that He invested most of His time with His twelve apostles and then the seventy disciples (Luke 9:1, 10:1).

4. He confronted superficial religion.

Jesus did not like superficial religion and attacked religious leaders who misrepresented the heart of His Father (Matt. 23). He insisted that religious leaders allow God to first cleanse the inner man before focusing on outward rituals and religion (Matt. 23:26; Mark 7:15). Jesus also taught that religious tradition often nullifies the word of God (Mark 7:13). Since He confronted superficial religion instead of placating it, He was able to raise up powerful men of God who demonstrated the truth with signs and wonders (Acts 3:6,7).

5. He confronted political power.

When Jesus was with Pilate He confessed that the primary purpose He had was to be recognized as the King (John 18:37). He was not afraid of offending those loyal to Caesar (which is the main reason He was crucified). He understood that the things that ruled external culture had to be shifted to another king and different gatekeepers if true systemic change was going to take place. Furthermore, He told Pilate that the power of His kingdom did not emanate from Rome but from His father (John 18:36). He did not say that His kingdom is not in this world but that it was not of this world!

6. He was motivated by compassion.

Jesus did not heal merely to demonstrate His lordship but because He was moved by compassion (Mark 1:41). He was great because He had empathy and connected to the pain of those around Him (Heb. 4: 15). Any leader without strong feelings of love for his people will not be motivated to serve and release them to greatness.

7. He was willing to die for His purpose.

Life is not worth living if there is no transcendent purpose worth dying for! Jesus not only believed in His mission but also was willing to die (on the cross) in order to fulfill it (Heb. 12:2). 

Consequently, He was able to instill and inspire such passion in His followers that most of the original twelve apostles died a martyr's death while preaching the gospel. Truly, the seed of the early church was the blood of the first and second century church. Even today, two thousand years later, thousands of Christ followers continue to die for the cause of Christ, which is the main reason Christianity became the largest and most formidable movement in the history of the world!

Joseph Mattera is an internationally known author, futurist, interpreter of culture and activist/theologian whose mission is to influence leaders who influence nations. He leads several organizations, including The United States Coalition of Apostolic Leaders (uscal.us). He also has a blog on Charisma magazine called "The Pulse." To order one of his books or to subscribe to his weekly newsletter go tojosephmattera.org.

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What Once Was Dead - Now Think On This by Steve Martin

What Once Was Dead

Now Think On This

Steve Martin

“Not long after that, Jesus went to the village Nain. His disciples were with him, along with quite a large crowd. As they approached the village gate, they met a funeral procession — a woman's only son was being carried out for burial. And the mother was a widow. When Jesus saw her, his heart broke. He said to her, "Don't cry." Then he went over and touched the coffin. The pallbearers stopped. He said, "Young man, I tell you: Get up." The dead son sat up and began talking. Jesus presented him to his mother.

They all realized they were in a place of holy mystery, that God was at work among them. They were quietly worshipful — and then noisily grateful, calling out among themselves, "God is back, looking to the needs of his people!" The news of Jesus spread all through the country.” (Luke 7:11-17 THE MESSAGE)

The mom had lost her only son. Her husband had already died. That could have been many years ago. She may have had a daughter or two left in this world, but the one she was really counting on, her only son, whom she had put her faith in to provide support for her in her old age, was no longer. He too was now dead.

What you thought was dead, is dead. It had been here but now it was gone. Does that pretty much say something about something in your life?

You had a dream. Looks like it won’t ever happen. As far as you are concerned, it might as well be dead, and for all practical purposes it is gone for good.

You had a job. They cut the workforce in half. You were part of that half.

The one you loved in your youth, the one who promised to be there 10 years later, yes, even “until death do you part”…they left for another last summer. Now you have no one and are alone.

Just like that mother.

All around us we see death. The economy is collapsing. The society is decaying faster than we ever realized it would, or could. What we once thought was solid rock to stand on has already been shaken. The thrill of life is now buried in a grave. Dead and gone.

If Jesus wasn’t in the world, the world would have no hope. If Jesus doesn’t come now and walk by us, what was dead will remain dead. There is no resurrection power except His resurrection power. God is God, and He alone can restore the broken hearted; the lost and not yet found; the one on their way to the burial ground ready to be put six feet under.

But the good news is that Jesus, Yeshua, is alive and well on this planet earth. (Thank you Hal Lindsey for sharing your book in the 1970’s.)

“When Jesus saw her, his heart broke. He said to her, "Don't cry." Then he went over and touched the coffin. The pallbearers stopped. He said, "Young man, I tell you: Get up." The dead son sat up and began talking. Jesus presented him to his mother.” (Luke 7:13)

Jesus’ heart was broke. He had deep compassion for this mom. He knew that the one being carried away from her, this her only son, was dead and on his way to the final burial place. So He stopped and did something about it. For her sake.

Jesus has compassion for you. What you thought was dead, buried, and never to be seen again can be resurrected by Him. What you thought was finished, He will bring back, because He has compassion. Because He knows the need. Because He alone can bring back to life what was really dead.

Jesus is telling you, “Don’t cry.” Even as He spoke to the young man to get up, and then gave him back to his mother, He is speaking to you.

 “Get up. It is not over!”

God is back, looking to the needs of His people. He will visit you in this time of need. Even as God the Father gave His only Son for you and me, He has come to you for life, and not death.

What once was dead will become alive again. Your Father in heaven, Who will touch you where you are at today, has that power, and love, to do that for you. And He will.

Call on His Name. Believe Jesus.

So think on this, with the compassionate love of the Lord,

Steve Martin

Founder

Love For His People, Inc.

P.S. I would be most grateful if you'd share this encouraging word with your family and friends. They might need it. You can easily use the social media icons below. Thanks! Steve

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Now Think On This - In the New Year of our Lord 01.21.16 - #236 –“What Once Was Dead” – Thursday at 4:30 am

All previous editions of Now Think On This can be found on this Blog, and on the website: Now Think On This

Again, I would be most grateful if you'd share this encouraging word with your family and friends. You can easily use the social media icons below. Thanks! Steve

Sharing Love From Sweden - HEART FOR THE POOR - Eva Haglund

HEART FOR THE POOR

Eva Haglund

Today there are many people who are poor. There are many who do not have food. Some do not care about the poor and we can find egoism and lack of love. Some look down at the poor. This happens also in some churches.

This is not what God wants. Jesus identifies with the poor. He came as newborn baby unto a stable.  He did not come to a castle or a palace but to a simple stable. He did not just think about Himself. He was a giver and He gave everything, including His life for us at the cross because of His love for us. Jesus has love and compassion.

Jesus took the two bread and the seven fish as the boy gave Him and blessed them. It multiplied and it was a help for many. People were listening to His teaching and then they needed to eat.  We can see here that Jesus also thought about the poor.

He taught a parable in Luke 10 that a man was robbed and was wounded and did not have money, but the Samaritan by showing compassion in his big trouble. Jesus wants us to show compassion and help people. In Philippians 4:10 -14 we read when Paul had lack and Christians helped him. We also read in Acts 3:6 "Silver and gold I do not have but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk." He did not have any money here either.

In James 2:1 is written "My brethren, do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ , the Lord of glory with partiality. For if there should come into your assembly a man with gold rings, in fine apparel and there should also come in a man in filthy clothes, and you pay attention to the one wearing the fine clothes and say to him, "You sit here in a good place" and say to the poor man, "You stand here or sit at my footstool," have you not shown partiality among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?"

Sometimes people who are begging and other people who are poor are looked down at. The value of a human being is not in the clothes. Jesus did not look down at the poor. He said in Matt 25:40, "Assuredly I say unto you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren you did it to Me." Here we see that He cares about the poor,too.

Sometimes among Christians there is little care about the poor . Some are not interested in helping them. There can be people sometimes who hardly have any food and people do not think it is important to help. There are other Christians who have a warm heart and have a heart of caring for the poor. In Acts we can see how they cared about each other when some did not have food. We read in Acts 2:44, "Now all who believed were together and had all things in common and sold their possessions and goods and divided them among all as anyone had need." 

I do not think we all need to sell our possessions and divide them but I think that you can understand the heart they had for each other. When anyone was in a need, lacking food, they helped each other. When Christians live closer to each with more fellowship and friendship, it is easier to see if anybody is poor. We read in Acts 2:46 that they had fellowship in houses and shared the bread. It needs to be restored more of this fellowship among Christians. The Bible also teach us to show hospitality. In 1 Peter 4:9 "Be hospitable to each other without grumbling."

To care about the poor we read James 2:15 where it is written, "If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food and one says them "Depart in peace, be warmed and filled, but you not give them the things which are needed for the body what does it profit?" Our faith ought to be shown in works. Love is to show practical care and love is greatest.

When Jesus was with His disciples near the sea in John 21 He made bread and gave to His friends. He gave them fish as He had prepared and fixed a warm fire when they came from the sea. It could be cold and He talked with them. He showed care and love and shared His bread with others.

Sometimes today there are Christian conferences which cost money but the poor cannot come because they cannot afford it. I think that these conferences ought to be for all, also for the poor. Church is also meant for the poor - not just for them who have enough money. If the poor are welcome to conferences it is also a testimony to relatives around. 

This is agape love and is a testimony to the world. The Gospel is also for the poor and church ought to be a welcoming church for the poor.

I  think about Jesus who had to stay in a stable and was not welcome into a house. There are also prophets who are left out from meetings because they are poor. The heavenly Daddy has a heart of love and compassion and we see in the parable of the lost son His heart of caring and He rushed towards the son. He cares for all people and He cares about the poor.

We read in Matt:14:14, "And when Jesus went out He saw a  great great multitude and He was moved with compassion for them. "He took the five loaves and the two fish as He got from the boy and blessed them, broke the bread and gave them and the fish to the disciples to give it to people. I think He also thought of the poor among the people here. He had a heart for them and cared about them.

There are people who are poor around us and we cannot help all but we can help some if we have anything to give who we meet in our way. We need to share our bread and in Isaiah 58:6 - 8 we read, "Is this not the fast that I have chosen: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo heavy burdens, to let the oppressed go free, and that you break every joke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out, when you see the naked that you cover him, and not hide yourself from your own flesh? Then you light shall break forth like the morning. Your healing shall spring forth speedily. And your righteousness shall go before you and. The glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard."

God also gives back when we help the poor. We can bless also Jews who are poor. Sometimes there also poor Jews in Body of Christ - Messianic Jews. Anyone who blesses Israel God will bless. We read in Genesis 12:3 it is good to bless Israel and the Jewish people.

We need to share our bread and Jesus shared His bread. Jesus also showed the greatest love to us at Calvary.  

In  John 3:16 is written "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."

Yeshua/Jesus gave His Bread. He gave His life for us because of His love.