August 23 - Jesus Touches an Untouchable #LifeOfChrist “A woman who had been suffering from a hemorrhage for twelve years, came up behind Him and touched the fringe of His cloak; for she was saying to herself, ‘If I only touch His garment, I will get well.’ But Jesus turning and seeing her said, ‘Daughter, take courage; your faith has made you well.’ At once the woman was made well” (Matthew 9:20–22). When the godly Sir James Simpson was on his deathbed, a friend said to him, “Well, James, soon you will be able to rest on the bosom of Jesus.” But Simpson replied, “I don’t know that I can quite do that, but I do think I can take hold of His garment.” In her shame at being ostracized from her family and being ceremonially unclean, the woman here wanted to be unnoticed. She merely desired to touch Jesus’ garment, confident that such contact was enough to receive healing. In keeping with such confidence, she received immediate healing from her defilement. Our Lord became aware of what had happened only as He realized that divine power had gone out from Him (Luke 8:46)—a realization that happened before He humanly knew of the woman specifically. His statement, “your faith has made you well,” simply assured her and the crowd that miraculous healing had occurred. Jesus did not care that her touching Him would make Him ceremonially unclean to the Jews. The Lord was touchable even by an untouchable. Even though the woman’s expectations were likely not fully informed by Scripture—she might have superstitiously thought Christ’s clothes had inherent healing powers—He spoke to her caringly and compassionately: “Daughter, take courage.” In spite of other factors, the woman’s faith was genuine and acceptable to the Lord. It was enough to make her well. Ask Yourself Part of the balance of Christian faith is realizing that we are unworthy to touch the hem of His garment, yet are welcomed into His full embrace as an adopted member of His family. How do these two seeming incongruities come together and balance out in your worship?

Mark 3:10 For he had healed many, so that those with diseases were pushing forward to touch him. What would you do? If you were in a crowd that was listening to Jesus. You had heard the stories that Jesus healed a leper, a man with a shriveled hand who was made whole, a demonized guy now with a sound mind, the woman with the issue of blood for twelve years who was healed after touching the hem of his garment, story after story. Would you be so rude to push your way towards Jesus to touch him and ask for forgiveness later? Why did the Father send Jesus to the earth? Jesus said I come to do the will of the Father (John 6:38). For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. (John 3:17) Jesus went around teaching, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. (Matthew 4:23) Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8) This would mean what He did then, He still does today and tomorrow. So, what are you doing today to push your way to get closer to Jesus? Read your Bible, think about the verses you read. Jesus frequently said "Your faith has made you well".

Good morning to everyone. Grace and Peace be with you. What do you do when God gives you an assignment? Do you jump at the chance to be obedient? Do you evaluate the circumstance? Do you weigh the good and the bad? Do you ‘pray’ about it … but don’t really pray about it? Do you seek counsel from others? Do you go to Scripture to find out if what you ‘think’ you heard aligns with the Word? Or ……. Do you alter what you were told to do so that you can have your cake and eat it too? See, the last is what tends to hem us all up. We get the message, then we pray on it … right then, then probably forget about it when a genie does not appear with the rainbow and glitter answer. We open our Bibles with the intent to align it with God’s word but get distracted. We definitely weigh the good and the bad … not because of the victory that awaits, but what it will do TO us. But most of all, and unfortunately, it is quite true … we figure out a way to do what He said but limit the uncofortableness of the task. That is the ugly truth. 9 times out of 10 (my estimation) we hear, we test, we adjust, we deliver the new plan. Not all God’s plan, but a mix of what WE think will work. I am guilty of this very thing—more times than I care to remember. The Holy Spirit laid on my heart to hold a contest … over a month ago. Yes, over a month ago. Just last night I started it. In that last month, I could use the events, the hospital stay and a plethora of other excuses; however, the bottom line is that I was dragging my feet. I was trying to sit on the fence about the ‘how’ instead of listening to His guidance. Last night, while mowing, I heard Him loud and clear. Last night I finally obeyed. To His plan, not mine, not a mix … His Plan. Many times we think we can do a portion of what He is asking us to do and it will count. That is the enemy using logic against us. “You did the ‘important part’; you talked to them. That is what He told you to do, right?” When in fact all you did was give them the morning greeting as you do every day. Nothing more. You did not listen or heed His request, because you could not be bothered by this person who has a reputation, or an odor, or dresses differently … you simply made your morning greeting a little more palatable. What are you truly afraid of when He asks you to commit to His plan? Failure? Resentment? Disappointment? Rejection? You do realize that these are all from the enemy, right? Traps for you to stay hidden in, buried in, covered over in … locked in. As long as you allow these things to lead you, the enemy has you right where he wants you … on his side. Now, some would argue that since you haven’t chosen either side, then you are safe. That is absolutely FALSE. Not choosing is choosing. But not choosing to follow the Holy Spirit, you ARE choosing to follow the enemy. Today I would like you, I would encourage you strongly, to go to Him in meaningful prayer and ask Him to come upon you and help you with that task that He has placed on your heart that you are scared of. Surrender your apprehensions and fears to Him and take the first step to obedience. When you do, there is a peace from pleasing the Father of Life that surpasses all the anxiety that the enemy throws at you. This I have seen. This I have experienced as well. Be blessed. ** “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other.” – Matthew 6:24 “Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.” – James 1:8 “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.” – Revelation 3:15-16

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Dear Father, It just occurred to me that the story of the woman with the issue of blood, which teaches us about faith, also teaches us about proximity. For she had said, "If I may but touch the hem of His garment, I shall be made whole." In several places around the world, we speak about her remarkable faith, but not as much do we speak about how this miracle took place after a touch. Today, I pondered various scenarios where proximity is an advantage in our dealings with You, and permit me the pleasure of saying that there are no instances where proximity becomes a burden rather than an advantage. In times when we need You and even when we feel self sufficient, in sickness and in health, or when we face the consequences of our sins and it seems as though You are far away, David knew better. After he had sinned greatly, he said, "I am in great distress. Please let us fall into the hand of the LORD." I think about people who feel self sufficient and disregard the gathering of the brethren: loving You but hating church! I think of situations where our faith to receive from You does not mirror our proximity to You, or moments when the enemy convinces us that our sins are now beyond finding mercy. And I am reminded of how there is not a single case where proximity falls at a disadvantage. And I realized the device of the enemy: to steal the message of proximity and lay emphasis on self sufficiency, hurts, and our shortcomings. How can we enjoy this advantage if we do not leverage the privilege of proximity? Translations; Slide 1: English Slide 2: French Slide 3: Bengali Slide 4: Hindu Slide 5: Urdu #LettertoGod #Proximity #faith #priviledge #advantages

Dear Father, It just occurred to me that the story of the woman with the issue of blood, which teaches us about faith, also teaches us about proximity. For she had said, "If I may but touch the hem of His garment, I shall be made whole." In several places around the world, we speak about her remarkable faith, but not as much do we speak about how this miracle took place after a touch. Today, I pondered various scenarios where proximity is an advantage in our dealings with You, and permit me the pleasure of saying that there are no instances where proximity becomes a burden rather than an advantage. In times when we need You and even when we feel self sufficient, in sickness and in health, or when we face the consequences of our sins and it seems as though You are far away, David knew better. After he had sinned greatly, he said, "I am in great distress. Please let us fall into the hand of the LORD." I think about people who feel self sufficient and disregard the gathering of the brethren: loving You but hating church! I think of situations where our faith to receive from You does not mirror our proximity to You, or moments when the enemy convinces us that our sins are now beyond finding mercy. And I am reminded of how there is not a single case where proximity falls at a disadvantage. And I realized the device of the enemy: to steal the message of proximity and lay emphasis on self sufficiency, hurts, and our shortcomings. How can we enjoy this advantage if we do not leverage the privilege of proximity? Translations; Slide 1: English Slide 2: French Slide 3: Bengali Slide 4: Hindu Slide 5: Urdu #LettertoGod #Proximity #faith #priviledge #advantages

One Touch Changes Everything! Scripture: Matthew 9:20–22 (KJV) "But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour." — Matthew 9:22 (KJV) Thought The Day... For twelve long years, this woman suffered. She had exhausted her strength, her resources, and likely her hope. According to Jewish law, her condition made her ceremonially unclean, forcing her to live isolated from normal life. Yet despite the pain, disappointment, and rejection, she refused to give up. When she heard that Jesus was passing by, something awakened within her. She didn't need a public audience. She didn't need a title or recognition. She simply believed that if she could touch the hem of His garment, everything would change. Her miracle began before her hand ever reached Jesus—it began with her faith. "For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole." Faith speaks before the miracle appears. Faith believes before circumstances change. Faith reaches when others retreat. When she touched Jesus, He immediately stopped. The crowd was pressing Him, but her touch was different. It was the touch of expectation. It was the touch of unwavering faith. Jesus looked at her and called her "Daughter." He restored not only her body but also her identity. He replaced twelve years of shame with peace, healing, and acceptance. The same Jesus still responds to faith today. Whatever has drained you emotionally, spiritually, physically, or financially is not beyond His power. Your breakthrough is not determined by how long you've suffered but by the One you're reaching toward. Don't let your pain keep you from pursuing Jesus. Don't let your past convince you that your future cannot change. Reach for Him in prayer. Reach for Him through His Word. Reach for Him in worship. One touch from the Savior can accomplish what years of struggle never could. Today, refuse to quit. Reach for Jesus with confident faith, because one touch from the Master still changes everything. Prayer... Heavenly Father, Thank You for being the God who sees every hidden struggle and hears every silent cry. Just as You stopped for the woman with the issue of blood, I know You have not overlooked me. You know every burden I carry, every wound that has not healed, and every battle I have fought. Lord Jesus, today I reach for You by faith. I believe that You are still the Great Physician, the Deliverer, the Restorer, and the Miracle Worker. Heal every broken place in my life. Restore what has been lost. Strengthen my weary heart and renew my hope. Remove fear, doubt, discouragement, and every obstacle that tries to keep me from trusting You completely. Let my faith rise above my feelings and my circumstances. Help me to believe Your promises even when I cannot yet see the answer. Thank You that my past does not define me and my pain does not have the final word. I receive Your peace, Your healing, Your joy, and Your strength today. I declare that my season of breakthrough has come because You are faithful to Your Word. In the mighty name of Jesus, Amen. Declaration... Today I declare that I will reach for Jesus with unwavering faith. I declare that my circumstances will not silence my faith. I declare that healing, restoration, and breakthrough belong to me through Christ. I declare that every delay is giving way to God's perfect timing. I declare that fear has no authority over my life because my faith is in Jesus Christ. I declare that I am seen, loved, restored, and called a child of God. I declare that what has held me back will no longer define my future. I declare that one touch from Jesus is enough to transform my life, my family, my health, my finances, and my purpose. By faith, I receive His wholeness, His peace, and His victory. In Jesus' mighty name, Amen.

The Transforming Power of Divine Contact Through God's Word July 1, 2026 Key Scripture: "For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." — Hebrews 4:12 (NKJV) God is not limited by distance, time, or physical presence. He performs mighty works through divine contact, and one of the greatest forms of that contact is through His living Word. While physical touch has its place, the Word of God carries His presence and power wherever it is received in faith. Throughout Scripture, we see different dimensions of divine contact. The woman with the issue of blood received healing by touching the hem of Jesus' garment (Matthew 9:20–22). A leper was instantly cleansed when Jesus stretched out His hand and touched him (Matthew 8:3). Yet the impotent man at the Pool of Bethesda received his miracle simply by responding to the spoken Word of Christ: "Rise, take up your bed and walk" (John 5:8–9). These examples reveal that God's power is not confined to physical touch. His Word itself is living, active, and effective. Whenever His Word is received with faith, it releases healing, restoration, deliverance, and transformation. As you read this devotion today, believe that you are making divine contact with God's living Word. The same power that healed the sick and delivered the oppressed is reaching you right now. "He sent His word and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions." — Psalm 107:20 Receive God's Word with expectation. Whatever represents sickness, oppression, fear, bondage, or limitation in your life is subject to the authority of His Word. Prayer Heavenly Father, thank You for the power of Your living Word. As I receive Your Word today, let every yoke be broken, every sickness be healed, every bondage be destroyed, and every burden be lifted. Let Your transforming power work in every area of my life, in Jesus' mighty name. Amen. Declaration Place your hand on any area of your body or life where you desire God's intervention. I decree in the name of Jesus Christ that the healing power of God flows into you now. Every sickness, affliction, oppression, and every foul spirit is rebuked and commanded to leave. Receive your healing, deliverance, restoration, and total liberty in Jesus' mighty name. Amen. Take a moment to examine yourself and give all the glory to God for what He has done. Congratulations! Your testimony shall be permanent in Jesus' name. --- We would love to hear your testimony, comments, or questions. Email: apostolicchargeministry[gmail].com Visit our blogs: - www.apostolicchargeministry.wordpress.com - www.apostolicchargeministry.blogspot.com

Jesus Has A VERY Busy Day After Jesus has taught on wineskins and faith, the action does not slow down so let's look at Jesus’ very busy day. The synagogue official approached knowing that to do so risked his position, and his very life. But he knew who Jesus was and the life of his daughter was of the utmost importance. Now while He's on His way to help the synagogue official, a woman suffering from a bleeding issue approaches from behind and, knowing Jesus could heal her, she doesn't even wait. She dives to the ground to simply touch the hem of the garment. Touching Him would ritually mean He was unclean, so she did not want to do that. This is a woman who for 12 years had been shunned, forced to exist away from her friends and family. And Jesus stopped and declared her to be clean. The multitudes now see that a miracle has occurred and Jesus presses on into the synagogue officials’ home. He sees the flute players and the crowd. What you may not know is that when a Jewish family had a death but few mourners, they would hire mourners. And that's who was there when Jesus said, “She is not dead, but asleep” which caused many of them to laugh. But without delay, Jesus took her by the hand and she became alive again. Jesus utters a word of caution and tells them not to spread this news. And He does so then departs for another area. Then in almost a repeated type miracle, 2 blind men emerge from the road begging Jesus to heal them. He heals them and warns them to not spread the news, which they promptly ignore and do anyway. Jesus’ very busy day then ends with a demon possessed mute. The Pharisees then make the woeful claim that Jesus is influenced by demons. It is this claim that Jesus would link closely with the unforgivable sin, blasphemy of the Holy Spirit. They couldn't acknowledge the miracles that were being done because the miracles were evident. They refused to credit God, because they were the subject of Jesus’ old wineskins illustration, so they ascribed the work of the Holy Spirit to Satan. It is the Holy Spirit that convicts us of our sin. It is His job to point to Jesus. And when we willfully reject the Holy Spirit, He will take His hand off us permanently and salvation is impossible. This passage ends with Jesus praying for more workers to go into the fields and win more souls to Him. That should be our prayer now! Our world is “white unto harvest”, a reference to the bloom of flowers found when a field is ready to be picked. Jesus's very busy day ends with Him lamenting having so few workers and so much more to do. Jesus is calling you, yes, you that's sitting here reading this devotion to get up and start winning souls. I remember not long ago how much I wished I wasn't so physically limited when I was returning to the Lord. I can't leave my house, some days I can't even leave my ratted out recliner so I thought “what can I possibly do for Jesus?” I got discouraged. Today, without ever leaving my chair, I am excited to be helping a mission in the Philippines that is experiencing difficulties. The prayers are being answered remarkably and it's nothing to do with what I CAN do. It's all glory to God. If you are searching for an avenue of service to God, email me at DavidsPorch59[gmail].com. Matthew 9:18-38 [18] While He was saying these things to them, behold, a synagogue official came and bowed down before Him, and said, “My daughter has just died; but come and lay Your hand on her, and she will become alive again.” [19] Jesus got up from the table and began to accompany him, along with His disciples. [20] And behold, a woman who had been suffering from a hemorrhage for twelve years came up behind Him, and touched the border of His cloak; [21] for she was saying to herself, “If I only touch His cloak, I will get well.” [22] But Jesus, turning and seeing her, said, “Daughter, take courage; your faith has made you well.” And at once the woman was made well. [23] When Jesus came into the official’s house and saw the flute players and the crowd in noisy disorder, [24] He said, “Leave; for the girl has not died, but is asleep.” And they began laughing at Him. [25] But when the crowd had been sent out, He entered and took her by the hand, and the girl got up. [26] And this news spread throughout that land. [27] As Jesus went on from there, two men who were blind followed Him, crying out, “Have mercy on us, Son of David!” [28] And after He entered the house, the men who were blind came up to Him, and Jesus *said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” They *said to Him, “Yes, Lord.” [29] Then He touched their eyes, saying, “It shall be done for you according to your faith.” [30] And their eyes were opened. And Jesus sternly warned them, saying, “See that no one knows about this!” [31] But they went out and spread the news about Him throughout that land. [32] And as they were going out, behold, a demon-possessed man who was unable to speak was brought to Him. [33] And after the demon was cast out, the man who was previously unable to speak talked; and the crowds were amazed, and were saying, “Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel.” [34] But the Pharisees were saying, “He casts out the demons by the ruler of the demons.” [35] Jesus was going through all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every sickness. [36] Seeing the crowds, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and downcast, like sheep without a shepherd. [37] Then He *said to His disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. [38] Therefore, plead with the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.”

*Awe-inspiring Wonder...* "Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain" (Psalm 139:6). David, the author of this Psalm, penned his experiences out of a deep awareness of the Lord's presence. We ought to relate these truths to our own lives. There are times when even those closest to us do not know what we are thinking; yet, the Lord perceives our thoughts and reflections from afar. The verse states, *"...You discern my thoughts from afar"* (Psalm 139:2). The Lord has precisely calculated every step we take, every time we sit down or rise up, and every word we speak throughout our lives. Though there are countless millions of people on earth, God is aware of every individual's movements. Moreover, the Lord’s hand presses upon us to draw us close to Himself. If He presses upon us from the *front* and we seem to retreat, His hand will seek and find us from *behind* as well. David sings, *"You hem me in—behind and before; You have laid Your hand upon me."* Only in this state can we remain at the *center of the Lord's will*. *God has searched us and knows us.* Amen.🔥