An Encouraging Word for Times Like These

"The Good Samaritan Is Alive and Well!"

Rewind your memory player back to Sunday school days and recall one of your favorite stories. A sick, wounded man lay by the side of the road. People passed by--no one stopped--and then a "good Samaritan" walked by...NO, he didn't just "walk by"--he stopped! He cleansed and bound up the man's wounds, put him on his donkey, took him to the nearest "Motel 6," paid for his room and said, "If it's more, let me know; next time I come by, I will pay you."

It's called "The Parable of the Good Samaritan," and it's a wonderful story told by the Master Storyteller, Jesus Christ...well, have I got "news" for you--I read it again, last week, not in the Bible, but in the Springfield, MO "News-Leader"--an up-to-date version that touched my heart.

A young couple excitedly prepared for the arrival of their first child, when 9-11 changed their plans. The husband, aboard a ship in the San Diego harbor, and awaiting a long tour of duty in the Middle East, would not now be there for the birth of the baby. Normally speaking that is...but nothing is "normal" in THIS story, except for the "labor" of it all--which never is "normal" anyway!

Rachael and John hooked up via phone and he "coached" her through the labor, long distance....he heard it all.....and when a beautiful baby girl was born, the delivery room nurses went into action--with the help of a digital camera and e-mail, they had photos off to the proud dad in a jiffy.....neat story....but that's not the END!

The Springfield, MO "News-Leader" carried the full story last Thursday, also presenting the family's dilemma--funds were tight, and "Daddy" needed to get home to see that new baby before shipping out! Somewhere between last Thursday and last Friday, an anonymous local businessman showed up, paying the round-trip plane ticket! Daddy arrived at the Springfield-Branson Regional Airport on Thursday night, to be greeted by his just-released-from-hospital recovering wife and new baby daughter. He will spend the weekend at home before returning to his ship.

The News-Leader reported a grateful dad's comments, "I don't know how I'm going to repay him. I'd like to meet him and shake his hand and talk to him...That's the great thing about being here in the Ozarks--it's not the place, it's the people. There's so many good people out here..." The story continues as Rachael Baxter, the new mom, commented that "even in time of trouble, life goes on....We can still have families and lots of memories and lots of love." (See full story below.)

And so..."the good Samaritan" is alive and well, resides somewhere in Springfield, Missouri...and he's cloned all over the world...as many caring, compassionate people "stop by the side of the road," see a need and fill it, especially in these crisis times. We've watched it at Ground Zero and around the world--people helping people...THAT'S what it's all about....but there's more...

For you see, Jesus Himself is the Good Samaritan for us all. He saw us wounded by sin, stopped, poured on the oil of His love and mercy, and brought us home. He's there for YOU today, whatever YOUR need--He'll STOP, by the side of the road, wherever in the world you are--for He is the ultimate "Good Samaritan"--He loves you, listens to your cries, and is ready to help and to heal you. Won't you trust Him today!

...and that's just a faith-filled thought or two from my heart to yours!

HIGHLIGHTED LINK:
"Family Reunited by Anonymous Donor"
(Full story by Kathleen O'Dell, Springfield News-Leader)

Copyright 2001 by Peggie Bohanon, Springfield, MO. All rights reserved.
Not to be copied without permission. A Scripture reading from His Word, our Strength

The Good Samaritan: Luke 10:30-37.

A song and a prayer for His all-sufficient grace

"Brother to Brother"--from Songs of Praise.

"Thou Good Samaritan, heal the wounded lying by the side of the road this day, hurting, needing help and restoration...and most of all, may I be Your hands and feet extended to meet someone's need this day, In Jesus' Name, Amen."

All Scriptures are taken from the King James Version of the Holy Bible.

For More of Peggie's Devotionals:
See Devotional Archives
Words from the Well Archived Devos . . . Daily Bible Booster Archived Devos

Your DAILY ASSIGNMENTS!
The Christian Armor Room--Put on the Armor of God!
The Incomparable Christ--Start your day with HIS Word!
Words from the Well poem--A prayer you can pray each day!

What are you looking for at Peggie's Place?
Type your inquiry in the box below to find resources related to your needs.

...A word or two from you?...

Please e-mail me to say hi--and sign my guestbook too!
Thanks for visiting Tower of Strength today! Hope you were refreshed, and you will return!
I'll be waiting for you--and so will He! God bless!

If you enjoy these devotionals, you are welcome to visit "Peggie's Place!",
and tour the rest of my home, with many resources for the Christian family.

Not hearing music? You need Crescendo!

With thanks to Songs of Praise for the beautiful music playing on this page.
The song playing on this page is I Believe.
Visit Songs of Praise for other beautiful tunes by many talented artists (CDs are available).

All Scriptures are taken from the King James Version of the Holy Bible.

Privacy Statement at Peggie's Place!
Peggie's Personal Statement of Faith . . . The Peggie's Place Story & a Mission Statement

Don't leave Peggie's Place without your chocolate!

AddMe - Search Engine Optimization

Most of the music playing at Peggie's Place originates from Songs of Praise.
Visit their great Web site to hear beautiful tunes by many talented artists (CDs are available).

Celebrating God's goodness . . . . . . 14 million and counting!

Note: Counter keeps a running total of "page views" for the entire site.
--It jogs around the world and around the clock--to find YOU!

This Christian home has been visited a zillion times since December 26, 1995!
Well, not quite, but there HAS been a houseful--and STILL room for one more--YOU!
The Christian Counter scans the entire site--and there's plenty of chocolate for everyone--so enjoy!

Please note that while I strongly adhere to major tenets of the evangelical Christian faith, I may not personally agree with every specific doctrinal belief set forth in other Christian pages, nor would all necessarily agree with me. I do want to provide a diversity of links and resource material for the entire Body of Christ to enjoy, and trust you will view it as such.

A safety tip: Internet links and material may include other links and/or material which do not reflect my Christian views or yours. Please choose wisely and use with discretion! And if you find an ugly spider hiding in a dark corner, you may smash it with a broom from my BROOM CLOSET--I hate offensive stuff too!

|Contact information: E-MAIL|
|HOME| |Exploring Peggie's Place: A Site Map | |Search Peggie's Place!|
|Father's House: A Worship Experience at Peggie's Place!| |The Blue Room| |Virtual Vacation!|
|Son Room| |Fun Room| |Family Room| |School Room| |Prayer 'n Praise Room| |Mystery Room| |The Banner Room|
|The War & Peace Pages at Peggie's Place!" |Devo ARCHIVES| |Armor Room| |Favorites Room| |Hide 'n Seek Search|
|Celebration Room| |Chat Room Next Door | |All the Rooms| Fun 'n Faith newsletter | |Tragedy Pages| |Tower of Strength devos|
|Peggie Breaks!| |The Daily Doorstep| |Words from the Well| |Daily Bible Booster devos| |YOUTHlinks!| |Tickles 'n Truth|

Report problems to pbohanon@peggiesplace.com.

Copyright 1996-2008 by Peggie C. Bohanon, Springfield, MO. All rights reserved.