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Since I am on sabbatical, over the next few weeks, we will be featuring devotions from a few guest writers, including my son, Bryant Forshee, Junior High Pastor at Prestonwood Baptist Church, and my son-in-law, Jeffrey Samplaski, Student Pastor at Great Hills Baptist Church. But first, for this week's devotions, I am republishing a series about why Jesus came to earth.
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"He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted."
(Luke 4:18)
Jesus came to heal the brokenhearted.
The word translated "brokenhearted" is suntribo, which means "to crush completely, to shatter, to break in pieces, or to bruise".
Brokenheartedness is a worldwide reality in our day. Most of the time, sufferers search for a cure in the wrong place. It is neither presumptuous nor cliché to state the truth: Jesus heals broken hearts!
Ray was a notorious gang leader in east Los Angeles, CA. He was a violent man who had murdered people. He was the leader of a local sect of the white supremacist group, the Aryan Nation. Rick Knowafske was a church planter who moved in upstairs in the building where Ray lived downstairs. The two men were as different as night and day. Ray was only 20 years-old but had chest pains and ended up in the emergency room. The cardiologist told him he had damage in 90% of his heart and he only had a couple of days to live, so if he knew any pastors, he should call one of them to come and pray for him. Guess who Ray called? Rick came to Ray and shared the Gospel with him, telling him of the thief on the cross, who, only a couple hours before his death, gave his life to Christ. Ray confessed his sins repented, and Christ gloriously saved him! Then, Rick laid his hands on Ray's head and prayed for God to heal his physical heart. Nothing happened... until two days later. The doctor came in the room and told Ray he was free to get dressed and go home, for his heart was completely well. In Ray's words, Jesus healed his heart two times!
Do you have a broken heart or crushed spirit today? Jesus Christ can touch and heal your wounded heart. Some have been abused, hurt, or taken advantage of, and you feel no one knows or cares, but God both knows and cares. He can do the miraculous and bring healing, salvation, and comfort. Remember: He gives beauty for ashes (Isaiah 61:3). He stands at your heart's door (Revelation 3:20). Let Him come in.
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Touch Lives with God's Truth
Help others discover the life-transforming
power of God's Word with a copy of
Touched by the Truth.
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What's After? Pt. 2
Pastor Danny continues in his overview of our new series about what happens to us after we die. This series will explore what the Bible has to say about death, heaven, and hell, as well as the recorded experiences of people who have lived through near death experiences (NDEs).
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