by Don Ruhl

Read the Bible in a Year This evening read Mark 5:21--43

Touching Jesus in Faith

A multitude throngs Jesus, but a certain woman with a physical problem, believing that if she touches Jesus she shall be made well, touches His garment.

30 And Jesus, immediately knowing in Himself that power had gone out of Him, turned around in the crowd and said, Who touched My clothes? (Mar. 5:30).

His disciples are understandably confused. How can He ask such a question? There are many people touching Him. Moreover, she did not even touch His body, but only His clothing. Yet, Jesus knows that power went out to this woman. She touched Him in faith. Why were the others touching Him? Was He only a celebrity to them?

Why are you touching Jesus?

Don Ruhl Church of Christ 220 NE Savage Street Grants Pass, Oregon 97526-1310 541-476-3100

by Don Ruhl

Read the Bible in a Year This morning read Numbers 12--14

Does the Lord Delight in You?

Do you remember the story of the 12 spies? Ten of the spies come back with a discouraging report, believing that they cannot conquer the land that God has promised to give to them. However, the two other spies, Joshua and Caleb say to the people,

8 If the LORD delights in us, then He will bring us into this land and give it to us, 'a land which flows with milk and honey' (Num. 14:8).

Did the Lord delight in Israel? Well, yes, He did that is why He went to the trouble to deliver them out of Egypt. He exhibited awesome power over the mighty Egyptians. Has He lost that power? Were the Egyptians weak, but the Canaanites too strong for God? Come on, Israel, you know better. God delights in you. The Land of Canaan is yours. Go up and take it. It is that simple.

The Lord delights in you. I know He does, because He went to the trouble to deliver you from sin and death, even going so far as to allowing His beloved Son to die in your place for your sins. Therefore, do not be unbelieving, but believe in the Lord and enjoy all that He has promised to give you.

Don Ruhl Church of Christ 220 NE Savage Street Grants Pass, Oregon 97526-1310 541-476-3100

by Don Ruhl

Read the Bible in a Year This evening read Mark 5:1--20

Evangelism Does Not Have to Be Complicated

The idea of evangelism frightens many Christians, making it more difficult than it has to be.

Consider this example. After Jesus cast a legion of demons out of a man, the man desired to be with Jesus, but He did not allow it, telling the man instead,

19 Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you (Mar. 5:19).

What have you learned from Scripture? What have you learned about the Church? What has the Lord done for you? Just tell the people you love about it. This man did not receive special training in speaking. He did not need a college degree. What moved him was his gratefulness to the Lord. It is truly that simple. Believe me, you will have an affect on people.

Don Ruhl Church of Christ 220 NE Savage Street Grants Pass, Oregon 97526-1310 541-476-3100

by Don Ruhl

Read the Bible in a Year This morning read Numbers 9--11

The Lord and Complaining

As Israel journeys through the wilderness, they complain.

1 Now when the people complained, it displeased the LORD; for the LORD heard it, and His anger was aroused. So the fire of the LORD burned among them, and consumed some in the outskirts of the camp (Num. 11:1).

The Lord does not like complaining. Are you a complainer? Listen to yourself today and see what you discover.

Don Ruhl Church of Christ 220 NE Savage Street Grants Pass, Oregon 97526-1310 541-476-3100

by Don Ruhl

Read the Bible in a Year This morning read Numbers 7 and 8

Moses Anoints and Sanctifies the Tabernacle

Finally the Tabernacle is finished. Numbers 7:1 says,

1 Now it came to pass, when Moses had finished setting up the tabernacle, that he anointed it and sanctified it and all its furnishings, and the altar and all its utensils; so he anointed them and sanctified them (Num. 7:1).

Moses asked Pharaoh that Israel be allowed to go into the wilderness that they might sacrifice to the Lord God. As you know, Pharaoh refused, and he and his nation suffered the ten plagues as a consequence. Israel escapes and they enter the wilderness. Now, they have put together the God-ordained Tabernacle and the sacrificial system may begin. This is a special time for God and Israel. Therefore, Moses anoints and sanctifies the Tabernacle and everything associated with it.

The sacrifices that you offer to the Lord are special to Him; let them be special to you.

Don Ruhl Church of Christ 220 NE Savage Street Grants Pass, Oregon 97526-1310 541-476-3100