What is Most Important!

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JESUS SPEAKING

“The first of all commandments is: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. This is the first commandment. And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12: 29 – 31)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

Loving God completely is the foundational principle upon which all of Christianity rests. Those who follow Christ are commanded to prioritize their affections for God ahead of their desires for anything else. And thus, a considerable effort must be made to discover God’s will in every situation, and to obey His wishes accordingly. Simply put, if we love God first, then everything else will find its proper place.

Many years ago there lived a traveling evangelist named Doctor Wilbur Chapman. His earthly ministry proved to be quite fruitful; apparently God used him to win many souls for Christ. As a general guidepost, he held fast to a single motto he called, “My rule for Christian living.” He explained further, saying “The rule that governs my life is this: anything that dims my vision of Christ, or takes away my taste for bible study, or cramps my prayer life, or makes Christian work difficult is wrong for me, and I must, as a Christian, turn away from it.” Everyone who yearns to follow Christ must eventually learn this simple rule.

Like Dr. Chapman, those who are called to be Christians must first love God with all their heart, soul, mind and strength. Without implementing this principle, it is impossible to serve the Lord in any meaningful way. And so we must practice this selfless existence by minimizing distractions and prioritizing Godly pursuits. We can pray, worship the Lord, read His word, consider His wonders, and serve Him by serving others.

“Lord Heavenly Father, may we possess an affection for You in our hearts that dominates every aspect of who we are and how we live. May we abandon what is unfruitful and focus on loving You completely. May we bend ourselves to Your will, that we might be used to accomplish Your wonderful works. And may we preach the gospel with zeal, as we guide many into Your kingdom. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you!

Seek First the Kingdom of God

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JESUS SPEAKING

“Therefore do not worry, saying ‘What shall we eat?’ or “What shall we drink?’ or “What shall we wear?’ For after all of these things the Gentiles (non-believers) seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” (Matthew 6: 31 – 33)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

The fear of not possessing the basic necessities of life creates anxiety in the heart; which entices nonbelievers to prioritize the hunt for resources ahead of everything else. In contrast, Jesus urges His followers to abandon this frantic pursuit, and instead, “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.” In other words, Christians must prioritize their relationship with God and focus on serving others in the ministry to which they have been called. In turn, God will provide for all of their worldly needs.

As the story goes, in 1865 a preacher named Hudson Taylor came to a great crisis in his life. In a town on the south coast of England he took a leap of faith in response to a single spiritual principle he’d recently discovered. He was surprised that this truth had eluded him for so long. He thought, “If we are obeying the Lord, the responsibility rests with Him, not with us.” In an instant his anxiety and uncertainty faded and the way ahead suddenly became clear. To obey the scriptures and trust that God will be faithful to His promised Word was not rash. Stepping out in faith, he founded the China Inland Mission; an organization which brought the gospel to tens of thousands of Chinese men and women inhabiting the inland areas of China. Because he’d made accomplishing God’s will his priority, all of his other earthly needs were met (as were the needs of the missionary organization.)

Like Mr. Taylor, everyone today has a choice to make. We can deny God and embrace the fear of want; which leads to self-seeking and the desperate search for necessary things. Or we can embrace God and trust Him completely; making the accomplishment of His will our top priority. The first choice is fraught with fear and anxiety. The second however, produces peace and results in divine provision. May we all choose what is right and follow Christ.

“Lord Heavenly Father, we come before you with humble hearts. We understand that apart from You we can do nothing. May we abandon our fears and place our trust in Your capable hands. As we minister to others, may we experience Your peace, Your prosperity, and Your provision. Only You are worthy of all honor and praise. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you!

Walk by Faith Not by Sight

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JESUS SPEAKS

When He had said these things, He spat on the ground and made clay with the saliva; and He anointed the eyes of the blind man with clay. And He said to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam” (which is translated, Sent). So he went and washed, and came back seeing. (John 9: 6 – 7)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

Jesus encounters a blind man desiring to be healed. Using an unorthodox method, He makes mud with His spit; smearing it across the man’s eyes. Still, instead of being instantly healed, he is instructed to go to the pool of Siloam and wash the dirt from his face. In faith, he remains obedient and soon returns with his sight. Because he listened to Jesus and followed God’s instructions, he experienced an amazing miracle.

As we read in the old Testament, the Jews who were led out of Egypt wandered in the desert for quite some time. They eventually reached the boundaries of the land God had promised to them as an inheritance. The Lord commanded them to cross over the Jordan river and conquer the inhabitants. Unfortunately fear infected their hearts, causing them to doubt God’s ability to give them the victory. As punishment, God condemned them to wander in the desert for an entire lifetime, until the following generation was willing to obey His instructions.

Even today, those who are God’s chosen people are commanded to follow His instructions. We must walk by faith, not by sight; trusting in His strength and in His power. No matter how large or immovable the obstacles might appear, we musn’t succumb to fear. The Lord is with us, and through Him we can achieve victory. If we walk according to God’s will, then we will experience miraculous things.

“Lord Heavenly Father, may we trust in Your power and in Your strength. Although we are weak, You are our strong tower. May we follow Your instructions and observe Your commandments every day. As we place our faith in You, we are confident that we will see miracles and observe marvelous wonders. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit Lord. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you!

The Narrow Gate

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JESUS SPEAKS

“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” (Matthew 7: 13 – 14)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

Living as a Christian is more difficult than any other way of life. Not many will choose to follow Christ because all believers are required to embrace selflessness; sacrificing our own desires in the present to better accomplish God’s will. The vast majority of individuals will choose the widest, easiest path; feeding their own flesh to avoid experiencing any present discomfort. Still, the path to eternal life is to die with Christ and be reborn.

According to historical accounts, in 320 A.D., Emperor Lucinius was engaged in the persecution of Christians within the boundaries of the Roman Empire. During this time, we read of an event that took place Near the city of Sebaste. Defying their commanders, approximately 40 honorable soldiers refused to denounce their faith in Jesus Christ. As punishment, they were marched onto a frozen pond and their garments were removed. They were given instructions that if they relented and abandoned their faith they could come back to shore and warm themselves. In defiance, the men rejoiced as they saw their eternal destination fast approaching. One man however, did relent; and yet another soldier who was guarding the men removed his clothes and took his place; confessing his newfound faith in Jesus. They all died, but are still alive in Christ.

Often, like these 40 soldiers, to live according to God’s commandments is to face death and persecution in the present. The path to eternal life is narrow; and not many will choose this sacrificial form of living. However, we should not be depressed or downcast. The Christian life, with all of its difficulties, is utterly amazing. Nothing else can produce overwhelming joy and everlasting peace within the human heart. As we celebrate our future with God, we can rejoice in the present.

“Lord Heavenly Father, give us the strength and courage to choose what is right and to shun the passing pleasures of sin. May we sacrifice our own desires for the good of Your Kingdom, spreading the gospel message to all those we meet. You alone are the Author and the Finisher of our faith. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you!

Facing Corruption

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JESUS SPEAKS

Then He went into the temple and began to drive out those who bought and sold in it, saying to them, “It is written, ‘My house is a house of prayer, but you have made it a den of thieves.“ (Luke 19: 45 – 46)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

Although Jesus would soon put an end to temple worship, He expressed a zeal for maintaining the purity of God’s house. As pilgrims arrived for the Passover festival, they were required to bring animals to sacrifice. The religious leaders however, chose to corrupt this process by forcing travelers to purchase animals from them in the temple; at outrageous prices, thus enriching themselves at God’s expense. Jesus restored order and purity by chasing these evil men and their livestock out of the temple.

One night many years ago, the television I was watching landed on a supposedly Christian station. Without giving it much attention, I walked around the apartment as a wealthy preacher expressed the fundamentals of a prosperity doctrine; a doctrine which claims that God wants to bless His followers with wealth and riches beyond measure, but first they must give money to the preacher before their blessing can be realized (this is different than tithing.) These corrupt individuals often prey upon vulnerable populations, such as the elderly. What I heard next was horrifying. The man began to pray, expressing his confidence that God was speaking to those who were watching. According to him, God was telling listeners to give to his ministry even if they were poor and couldn’t afford to donate. He continued, saying something to this effect; “And even if you don’t have money to give, you should reach into your pocket and take out your credit card and use it to give right now.” I promptly changed the channel in disgust.

The world is full of hypocrisy, corruption, and thievery. Some will seek to exploit Christ’s name and His message for their own personal profit. When confronted with such evil behavior, we shouldn’t shrink or fade away. But instead, like Christ, we must stand up and openly profess the truth; making every effort to purify what has been corrupted by man. May we be a light in the darkness, and an example of God’s goodness to everyone we meet.

“Lord Heavenly Father, may we always be zealous for You. Guide us through the power of Your Holy Spirit, that we might expose corruption and evil whenever and wherever we encounter it. May we submit to You and obey what is good and right, as we seek to spread the gospel message to the entire world. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you!

The Real Jesus

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JESUS SPEAKING

And when John had heard in prison about the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples and said to him, “Are you the coming one, or do we look for another?”  Jesus answered and said to them, “Go and tell John the things which you hear and see:  The blind see and the lame walk; the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear; the dead are raised up and the poor have the gospel preached to them.  And blessed is he who is not offended because of me” (Matthew 11: 2-6.)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

     Believing Jesus to be the long awaited messiah, John erred in assuming He would immediately usher in an earthly kingdom; thereby putting an end to the oppressive Roman rule. While in captivity, John had grown impatient; sending messengers to Jesus from his prison cell. ‘Was He truly the long awaited savior; or should they look for another?’ Jesus responded by quoting an ancient prophecy describing the Messiah’s good works. He would heal the blind, raise the dead, and preach the gospel to the poor; the very same acts that Jesus was accomplishing. The Lord then addressed John’s uneasy heart, saying, “Blessed are those who are not offended because of Me.” John was expecting a conquering messiah, not a messiah that would conquer sin through crucifixion. Like John, many today have an inaccurate perception of who the messiah actually is. Knowing the real Jesus is an absolute necessity if we are to properly follow Him.

     Shortly after my conversion, I decided I could no longer call myself a Christian unless I actually knew who Jesus Christ was. I needed to read the bible for myself; knowing that in so doing, many of my previously held beliefs would be challenged and transformed. In order to grab hold of the truth, I had to abandon my fuzzy perceptions of God. As I read the scriptures, I came to accurately know my savior. Still, instead of being disappointed, I was filled with awe and wonder. The real Jesus is far more spectacular than any messiah I could have ever imagined.

    Do you know the real Jesus, or are you clinging to some incorrect perceptions?  Have you invented a messiah, or have you discovered Him? Read His words; uncover His works; His message; and His truth; and you too will find something more amazing than you have ever known; and your life will never be the same.

“Lord Heavenly Father, we seek to know the real Jesus.  Place His words in our hearts, that we might walk as disciples; exhibiting obedience in all that we do. May we never run from the truth, but rather, may we embrace it. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you!

Eternal Treasure

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JESUS SPEAKING

“There was a certain rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and fared sumptuously every day. But there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, full of sores, who was laid at his gate, and desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table. Moreover, the dogs came and licked his sores. So it was that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s bosom. The rich man also died and was buried. And being in torments in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Lazarus in his bosom. Then he cried and said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.’ But Abraham said, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things. But now He is comforted and you are tormented.” (Luke 16: 19 – 25)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

Using a parable, Jesus confirms the inevitable journey of every human soul after death. There are only two potential destinations; Heaven or hell. Heaven (also known as Abraham’s Bosom prior to Christ’s resurrection.) is a place of eternal comfort, while hell is a place of everlasting torment. The central premise of this story is the rich man’s immense error. He enjoyed a carnal existence; indulging in the passing pleasures of this world without contemplating his eternal resting place. Following his selfish heart, He ignored the suffering of Lazarus at his gate, and thus incurred a life of suffering without end.

According to the bible, there once lived two brothers named Jacob and Esau. Esau was the eldest, and thus would eventually inherit most of his dad’s wealth. And yet one day Esau came in from the field and was exhausted and hungry. His younger brother Jacob was cooking some stew. Esau begged him for a meal. Jacob offered him a dish, but only in exchange for Esau’s birthright. Esau was so focused on feeding his flesh in a passing moment that he was blinded from comprehending the value of his future estate. His present hunger was all that mattered to him. And so he relinquished his right to an entire fortune in exchange for a bowl of soup.

Like that bowl of soup, this life is no more than a passing moment; especially when compared to our eternal inheritance with God in heaven. If we lose sight of that splendid destination we will begin to live according to the flesh. But if we remain committed to our Lord and Savior, then we will sacrifice our desires in the present to secure our future glory. We will therefore exhibit the virtues of selflessness, generosity, purity, kindness, mercy, and humility. Only the good things we accomplish for Christ will last forever.

“Lord Heavenly Father, may we refrain from chasing after the passing pleasures of this life. Give us the strength to embrace selflessness, and thus accomplish good works in accordance with Your will. We are but humble servants; and so as we serve, may our hearts be glad and our minds be pure. We love you Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will. In Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you!

Saving Sinners

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JESUS SPEAKS

“And when the Pharisees saw it, they said to His disciples, “Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” When Jesus heard that, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.’ For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” (Matthew 9: 12 – 13)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

The Pharisees loathed sinful outcasts. And yet Jesus came to save the lost. He mingled with many of the worst sinners; performing miracles and preaching a message of repentance and salvation. Repentance is a necessary component of the gospel message; it requires an individual to abandon their sinful living and embrace a life of purity. Because God is abundantly merciful, anyone, no matter how evil, can be reborn and forgiven; and walk as a follower of Jesus Christ.

There once lived a defiant prophet named Jonah. He hated the city of Nineveh and its wicked inhabitants with a passion. And yet, God commanded him to enter this evil city and preach a message of repentance; that they might be saved from impending destruction. In anger, Jonah refused to obey; instead he traveled in the completely opposite direction. During his journey he was cast into the sea and swallowed by a great fish. After three days in the creature’s belly, he was spit up onto dry land. He finally obeyed his calling and entered Nineveh; urging them to repent of their evil ways. Surprisingly, the citizens listened and repented; thus ensuring their survival. However, when Jonah saw that the city was spared he lamented, saying, “Ah, Lord, was not this what I said when I was still in my country? Therefore I fled previously to Tarshish; for I know that You are a gracious and merciful God, slow to anger and abundant in loving-kindness. One who relents from doing harm.” Jonah, like the Pharisees, did not share God’s heart.

Our God is merciful. And like Jesus and Jonah, we have been sent to preach the gospel to sinners. If we share the Lord’s heart for the lost we will reach out to those who are walking in darkness. As we are filled with the Holy Spirit, may the light of Christ shine in us and through us, that others might hear the message of repentance and be saved. What an honor to be servants of the living God.

“Lord Heavenly Father, may we reach out to those who are lost. May we love those who are living in sin, and preach the gospel to them. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit and guide our actions. Speak in us and through us, that many would come to repentance and know the goodness of your forgiveness and salvation. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you!

Leaving Everything Behind

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JESUS SPEAKING

“Likewise as it was also in the days of Lot: They ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built; but on the day that lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven and destroyed them all. Even so will it be in the day when the Son of Man is revealed. In that day, he who is on the housetop, and his goods are in the house, let him not come down to take them away. And likewise the one who is in the field, let him not turn back. Remember Lot’s wife. Whoever seeks to save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it.” (Luke 17: 28 – 33)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

When Jesus returns again, an event known as the rapture will occur. In an instant the faithful will be snatched up from the Earth to be with Christ. God will then pour out His wrath upon the world; ensuring the destruction of the wicked. Jesus admonishes His followers to remember Lot’s wife. As recorded in the Old Testament, she and her family were led out of the city of Sodom prior to its destruction. However, when she looked back at the wicked metropolis with affection, she was turned into a pillar of salt. When Christ returns, every believer must be prepared to abandon their worldly possessions and embrace eternal life with God.

Although there are many ways to catch a wild monkey, the Cumbuca trap used in Brazil is the most interesting. A hole is carved into a gourd, just large enough for the monkey’s empty hand to fit through; the gourd is then staked to the ground or attached to a tree. A tasty fruit is placed inside the gourd. A curious monkey will eventually shove its hand into the hole and grab the fruit. However, with a closed fist the monkey’s hand can’t fit back through the hole. All the creature needs to do to escape is to let go of the fruit it’s clutching. They are therefore captured by their love for the fruit.

In much the same way, this world is very fruitful. There are desirable things around every corner. Things that can be grabbed onto and held close; things like possessions, money, a reputation, a career, an addiction, or even a relationship. When Christ returns, those who are faithful must be prepared to let go of everything they are clutching; everything that does not have spiritual value will fade away; and those who refuse to relinquish their grip upon them, lack the affection for God needed to enter His Kingdom.

“Lord Heavenly Father, help us to be prepared for Your second coming. May we not cling tightly to the worldly possessions that can trap us and keep us from knowing genuine freedom. Give us an appetite for all things that are spiritually valuable. Strengthen us as we look forward to the arrival of Your eternal kingdom. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you!

Anger is Murder

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JESUS SPEAKING

“You have heard it said long ago, ‘Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’  But I tell you anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment.  Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the Sanhedrin.  But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell” (Matthew 5: 21-22.)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

Very few evil offenses can rival the act of murder. And yet murder, like so many sins, is merely the outward manifestation of an inward disposition.  All actions originate from the depths of our souls. First century Judaism strongly stressed external adherence to the laws of God. Jesus however focused more on the heart; placing greater emphasis on internal obedience. And why not? After all, murder is nothing more than hatred which has grown to full maturity.. Unless the heart is continually cleansed, evil will take root and produce a plethora of unholy actions.  God judges the inner man; so we must be careful to guard our hearts from evil. We can then accomplish His will upon this earth.

     John Wilkes booth is one of the most famous assassins in U.S. history.  On the evening of April 14th 1865, as the U.S. civil war drew to a close, President Abraham Lincoln was watching a play at Ford’s theater in Washington D.C.  Suddenly Mr. Booth crept up behind the president and shot him in the back of the head with his pistol (a wound that proved fatal.)  Although Booth escaped, he was later caught and killed. The enraged murderer had been a loyal southerner; disillusioned by what he perceived to be Northern aggression.  Abraham Lincoln’s death, although tragic, wasn’t the result of an assassin’s bullet; instead it was the offspring of fully matured anger. Inward hatred had led to the deaths of both the 16th President of the United States of America.

Anger is difficult to contain; it is a seed that grows into hatred; and hatred eventually produces a sinful action. The Lord has therefore taught us that anger and murder are synonymous.  God makes little distinction between the seed that enters the ground and the fruit that it ultimately produces.  Search your heart; if you discover anger and resentment then discard it..  Receive His Holy Spirit and God will cleanse you of all unrighteousness.  Let go of your hostility, and you too will experience the freedom of absolute forgiveness.

“Lord Heavenly Father, we ask and pray that You would let the truth of this scripture sink deep down into our hearts.  Please cleanse our souls of every evil thought and unholy desire.  Take away our anger and resentment. May we refrain from incorrectly judging others; knowing that you are the only righteous judge.  Fill us with Your Holy Spirit and transform us from the inside out.  We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name.  Amen.”  God bless all of you!

The Heart

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JESUS SPEAKING

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone. Blind guides, who strain out a gnat and swallow a camel. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisees, first cleanse the inside of the cup and dish, that the outside of them may be clean also.” (Matthew 23: 23 – 26)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

Rigid outward obedience to God’s commandments doesn’t represent genuine faith. Instead, these behaviors are merely an external expression of a transformed heart. Jesus berated the religious leaders for their public deception and inward wickedness.. In an effort to remain ritualistically clean, the Pharisees would often strain out their liquids; preventing them from accidentally swallowing any small flies (gnats); (yet they swallowed a camel instead.) This obsession with ceremonial purity rendered them incapable of accomplishing good works, showing compassion toward others, and spreading God’s message of reconciliation. Christianity has always been focused on the purity of the heart; which compels the faithful to obey God’s will.

Some time ago, while driving through the parking lot of my old church, I noticed a speed limit sign. The pace was terribly slow, and yet I followed the rule because it was posted. My mind was outwardly committed to obedience, and yet I lacked the internal motivation necessary to obey without grumbling. Shortly thereafter, I recalled that the church was also a school, and that there were children present. My attitude abruptly changed. I finally understood the truth concerning that speed limit, and also what had inspired it. From that moment on, I chose to obey, not only because it was posted, but because I shared an affection for the children and didn’t want to see any of them injured. The outward rule was no longer merely outward, but inward as well.

Similarly, in the bible we are given rules and regulations that describe what outward obedience to God looks like; and yet if we only adhere because of what we have read we may stumble into hypocrisy. Instead, when we give our lives to Jesus Christ and are reborn, the Holy Spirit enters our hearts and illuminates our minds. We can finally obey because we possess a genuine love for God and others. Thus obedience and faith are inseparable.

“Lord Heavenly Father, we yearn to share the desires of Your heart; may our faith be genuine and our actions devoid of hypocrisy. Grant us new life through Your Holy Spirit, that we would obey You and accomplish Your works upon this earth. May we be the men and women you have called us to be, as we serve others in sincerity and truth. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you!

Good Works

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JESUS SPEAKING

“If I do not do the works of my Father, do not believe Me, but if I do, though you do not believe Me, believe the works, that you may know and believe that the Father is in Me, and I in Him.” (John 10: 37 – 38)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

Those who doubted that Jesus’ had been sent by God were urged to consider His works. He was accomplishing miracles, healing the sick, and even raising the dead. He exemplified compassion and selflessness. He showed kindness toward the weary and reached out to the outcasts and sinners. Many who heard His gospel message repented and were saved. In general, anyone who maintains a close personal relationship with God will outwardly manifest His qualities and character. Our good works reveal the presence of God within our hearts.

Anyone can claim to be a plumber. They can start a company, put an ad in the newspaper, buy the necessary equipment, and even book appointments. And yet, when the time comes to replace a faucet, fix a leak, or reroute some piping, those who lack the ability to accomplish these tasks aren’t real plumbers. Instead they are deceivers. Simply put, an individual’s actions are a reflection of who they truly are on the inside. Unlike words, actions do not lie.

Like Jesus, those who claim that God is their Father, will exemplify His nature and character in their lives. Thus God’s presence is manifest in the form of good works. Preaching the gospel, practicing selflessness, serving others, and loving what is pure and good are how we continue Christ’s work in this present time. If unbelievers can see God in our lives, then they will be drawn to Him.

“Lord Heavenly Father, we desire to accomplish Your will in this place. May we serve You in obedience, as we strive to accomplish good works in Your Holy Name. May others see our faith in action, and be compelled to accept salvation through Your Son. We seek to disappear so that You might live in our place. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you!

The Fear of God

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JESUS SPEAKING

  “And I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will show you whom you should fear; Fear Him who, after He has killed, has the power to cast into hell; yes, I say to you, fear Him.” (Luke 12: 4 – 8)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

  In this scripture, Jesus reveals that the fear of God is an essential component of genuine faith. Those who fear God’s wrath and the torments of hell are more inclined to obedience. In turn, no man should be more frightened of worldly persecution than eternal condemnation. Those who are facing affliction, imprisonment, or suffering for the sake of the gospel must keep the faith; standing firm in their affirmation of God’s truth.

  There is a strange new heresy floating around in some modern day churches. These congregations are usually lukewarm and enjoy a form of Christianity that isn’t confrontational; thus permitting many to continue in sin without being confronted or convicted through sound doctrine. In turn, the leaders of these churches have crafted a new doctrine concerning ‘the fear of God.’ They are teaching members that the word ‘fear,’ doesn’t actually mean ‘fear,’ but rather, it means ‘a reverence,’ or a simple respect for God. Clearly throughout the bible this new interpretation isn’t substantiated. The fear of God and the love of God are inseparable.

  The ‘fear of God’ is an active and integral aspect of Christian living. Additionally, the fear of hell and eternal punishment promotes repentance, salvation, and obedience to God’s will. God’s love is enduring, and his Spirit is precious; and yet, for those who have abandoned the faith, there is a coming judgement. May we chase after those who have not yet given their lives to Jesus Christ. That His kingdom might grow with every passing moment.

  ”Lord Heavenly Father, we yearn to please You in everything that we do. Increase our faith and our obedience to Your will. May we experience the type of fear that is inseparable from Your affection. Give us more of Your Holy Spirit, and continue to make us wise, willing, and honest, no matter the degree of persecution. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you!

Humble Messengers

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JESUS SPEAKING

  ”They love the best places at feasts, the best seats in the synagogues, greetings in the marketplaces, and to be called by men “Rabbi, Rabbi.” But you, do not be called ‘Rabbi’; for One is your Teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren. Do not call anyone on earth father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. And do not be called teachers; for One is Your teacher, the Christ. But He who is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Matthew 23: 6 – 12)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

  Many of the religious leaders were evil men who enjoyed their positions of authority. In turn, Jesus forbade His followers from referring to themselves as ‘Rabbis, Teachers, or Fathers.’ Accordingly, God is our only Father, and Jesus is our only Teacher/’Rabbi.’ As sons and students we are all equal. In presenting the gospel, our own words, thoughts, and emotions are irrelevant. The untainted words of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit are paramount. When we choose to die, then the Lord will arise and speak through us.

  As the story goes, when Abraham Bininger had reached adulthood, he was informed of the misery and degradation of the African slaves living on the Island of St. Thomas. He asked to be sent to them to preach the story of the cross. Upon arriving on the Island he learned that it was illegal for anyone other than a slave to preach to the slaves. In response, he wrote a letter to the Governor of the Island, asking to be enslaved for the rest of his life, provided he could give his leisure time to preaching to his fellow slaves. The Governor sent the letter to the King of Denmark, who was so touched by it that he sent out an edict empowering Abraham Bininger to tell the story of the Messiah whenever and wherever he chose—to both blacks and whites, bond or free.

  Like Abraham Bininger, we too must be willing to sacrifice our lives to carry the message of the cross to those who live in ignorance. We aren’t distinguished and adored teachers, nor do we deserve the reverence and respect reserved for our honorable and all powerful Father. Instead, we are but humble carriers of the gospel. Jesus is our only Teacher, and God is our only Father. May we die to ourselves, so that Christ can rise up in our place (Note: The New Testament does include the gift of teaching; thus permitting the office of one given to teaching from God’s word.)

  ”Lord Heavenly Father, we recognize that Your Son Jesus is our only Teacher, and that we are all brothers. Also that You are our only Father; worthy of all honor, and reverence, and respect. May we lay down our lives in sacrifice, so that Your words and Your message might spread without resistance; devoid of selfish conceit. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit and grant us the strength to live in submission to Your will. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ name. Amen.” God bless all of you!

God is Omniscient

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JESUS SPEAKING

  Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward Him, and said of him, “Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!” Nathanael said to him, “How do you know me?” Jesus answered and said to him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” Nathanael answered and said to Him, “Rabbi, You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” Jesus answered and said to him, “Because I said to you, ‘I saw you under the fig tree’ do you believe? You will see greater things than these.” (John 1: 46 – 50)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

  After proclaiming that Nathanael’s heart was devoid of lies, Jesus mentioned seeing him beneath a fig tree; a secret moment that the Lord could not have physically witnessed. In response to this impossible revelation, Nathanael identified Jesus as the long awaited Messiah. This brief interaction exemplifies a broader religious doctrine known as omniscience; omniscience is defined as possessing the knowledge of all things, seen and unseen. God alone is omniscient. Nothing, including our secret thoughts and desires are hidden from Him.

  During the growth of the early Church, there lived a couple known as Ananias and Sapphira. They chose to sell a piece of property and distribute the proceeds to the apostles. However, they secretly kept a portion of the money for themselves. When they brought their gift to Peter, they lied, proclaiming that the amount given was the full measure of what they had received for the land. Peter addressed Ananias, saying, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit […] You have not lied just to human beings but to God.” Ananias immediately fell to the ground dead. His wife, who continued the lie, perished shortly thereafter.

  The God of all creation can never be deceived. He is omniscient. He knows all things. The thoughts of the mind and the motives of the heart are all laid bare before Him. This is why the Holy Spirit is essential for Christian living and the avoidance of deception.. The Spirit fills us with truth and chases away the lies. Through God’s Spirit our hearts and minds are purified, and we receive the strength to accomplish His perfect will. May we always remain aware of,God’s supernatural perception and presence.

  ”Lord Heavenly Father, we desire to be more like You. May we walk in the truth and live in the light. Sanctify us through Your Holy Spirit, and give us the strength to remain obedient to Your will. May we always recognize Your omniscience and divine oversight. May we always seek to glorify Your Holy Name. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You. And we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you!

Spiritual Discernment

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JESUS SPEAKING

  He asked his disciples, saying, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?” So they said, “Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered and said, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.” Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 16: 13 – 17)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

  Despite observing His numerous miracles, the disciples remained uncertain as to which biblical figure Jesus represented (some believed He was a prophet.) And yet God instantly accomplished a work in Peter’s heart; initiating a revelation of truth. Jesus was in fact, the Christ; the promised Messiah and the Son of God. This account represents what is commonly referred to in Christian tradition as ‘spiritual discernment;’ a supernatural understanding of right and wrong, as it applies to the truth, or any given circumstance.

  I once heard an elderly Pastor explain an experience he’d encountered during the early days of his growing Church. As more congregants arrived, the size of the facility became inadequate. Taking a leap of faith, he purchased a large piece of property on credit; supposing that God would provide for their financial needs. As it happened, a very wealthy congregant offered to pay off the entire loan immediately. Those bound by human wisdom would’ve accepted the offer. The Pastor however, carefully considered the proposition. In turn, God gave him spiritual discernment. Sensing that something wasn’t right, he rejected the man’s offer. Shortly thereafter, he was approached by a gas company that wanted to put a station in the area; they offered to buy a tiny sliver of land. The purchase was approved, and the money received was enough to pay off the entire loan. God eventually confirmed the correctness of his earlier decision, when he began having problems with the man who had offered to pay for the Church’s loan.

  ’Spiritual discernment’ is a precious gift from the Lord. The indwelling of His Holy Spirit provides those who believe with knowledge and understanding that transcends human wisdom. In this way, the faithful are often protected from the repercussions of sinful calamity and foolish decision m making. May we always hear the voice of God, and rightly discern our steps; that we may bring glory and honor to the one who saved us from death.

  ”Lord Heavenly Father, we understand the dangerous nature of human wisdom. We concede that You alone are the provider of all truth. Fill our hearts with Your Holy Spirit, that we might practice genuine discernment. In turn, may we avoid sin and accomplish your good works. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name, amen.” God bless all of you!

The Decision

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JESUS SPEAKING

  There were also two others, criminals, led with Him to be put to death. And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and one on the left […..] Then one of the criminals who were hanged, blasphemed Him, saying, “If you are the Christ, save Yourself and us.” But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, this day you will be with Me in Paradise.” (Luke 23: 32 – 33 & 39 – 43)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

  Jesus was crucified in the middle of two guilty criminals.  One man began mocking Him, but the other spoke up in His defense. This second man rebuked the blasphemer. He also acknowledged Christ’s innocence, divine authority, and eternal kingship. In response to this display of faithfulness, Jesus granted him everlasting life. In this world, our primary purpose is to raise Jesus Christ up, so that everyone can choose a side; either Christ is nothing, or Christ is everything. Although many will seek to prevent us from spreading the gospel, we must never waiver.

  At one point during Paul’s ministry, he entered the city of Lystra and began preaching the gospel. Although many were saved, a great multitude rose up against him and pelted him with stones. Believing he was dead, they dragged him out of the city. However, when the other believers had gathered around him he stood up, and instead of fleeing, he reentered the town. The next day they traveled the to city of Derbe to preach the gospel, but they soon returned to Lystra. Clearly, despite his near death experience, Paul never succumb to fear, but rather, continued raising up the cross of Christ; especially in places where others were seeking to pull it down.

  Like Paul, we as well have been given a mandate; we must raise up the cross of Christ in the center of this world. We cannot allow it to remain hidden, or permit others to tear it down. Many will choose salvation and repent. Still others will despise Christianity and seek the destruction of all those who carry the message. We must be brave; we must be bold, and we must be steadfast in our mission.

  ”Lord Heavenly Father, we come before You and ask for the strength to elevate Your Son upon the cross. May Your light shine in us and through us; that others might hear the gospel message and be drawn to You. May we remain faithful in this, our Christian duty. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you!

Never Lose Hope

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JESUS SPEAKING

  ’Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, which is called in Hebrew, Bethesda, having five porches. In these lay a great multitude of sick people, blind, lame, paralyzed, waiting for the moving of the water. For an angel went down at a certain time into the pool and stirred up the water; then whoever stepped in first, after the stirring of the water was made well of whatever disease he had. Now a certain man was there who had an infirmity thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, “Do you want to be made well?” The sick man answered Him, “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; but while I am coming, another steps down before me.” Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your bed and walk.” And immediately the man was made well, took up his bed, and walked.’ (John 5: 2 – 9)   

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

  A man who had been sick for 38 years lay beside the pool of Bethesda yearning to be healed. Despite the length of his infirmity, he remained faithful and never lost hope. In response to his enduring faith, Jesus performed a miracle in his life. After being made whole again, the man picked up his mat and walked away. Hope, like many other Christian virtues is powerful, essential, and everlasting. Those who have no hope in the future will sink into despair, and eventually die.

  As the story goes, one evening while eating dinner in Maine, a man fascinated his companions by telling them of his experiences in a little town named Flagstaff. The town was to be flooded, in order to create a large lake for which a dam was being built. In the months before it was flooded, all improvements and repairs in the entire town were stopped. What was the use of painting a house if it was going to be covered with water in six months? Why repair anything when the whole village was to be wiped out? So, week by week, the doomed town became more and more ragged, disheveled, and degenerated. Then the man added by way of explanation: ”Where there is no faith in the future, there is no power in the present.”

   Similarly, concerning Christianity, our hope in the future dictates how we behave in the present. Our faith is rooted in the hope of an eternal life with God in His kingdom. No one who genuinely believes this truth can ever sink into despair or be destroyed by any present circumstance. Although believers are not immune to suffering, we cannot be crushed by it; nor can we be robbed of our joy in the present, knowing that difficult trials may come and go, but God is everlasting.

  ”Lord Heavenly Father, we come before you with praise and thanksgiving. We yearn to be healed, as we hope in our future with You in Your kingdom. Increase our faith, that we may joyfully overcome the trials of this life and spread the gospel message to all those who have fallen into despair. With You there is a great hope on the horizon; may we never lose sight of that shining truth. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you!

The Gift of Singleness

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JESUS SPEAKING

  “All cannot accept this saying, but only those to whom it has been given. For there are eunuchs who were born thus from their mother’s womb, and there are eunuchs who were made eunuchs by men, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven’s sake. He who is able to accept it, let him accept it.” (Matthew 19: 11 – 12)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

  A eunuch is someone who lacks the ability or the overwhelming desire to produce offspring. In this scripture, there are three main causes of sterility: a birth defect; the actions of an oppressor; or the will of God. According to Jesus, there are some believers who, in order to better serve the body of Christ, will forsake marriage and embrace a life of celibacy. God alone has the power to call these individuals to a life of selfless submission and only He can give them the peace needed to serve in singleness.

  According to the scriptures, Paul was one of the most influential evangelists of the early Church. After being saved by Christ, he committed his entire life to spreading the gospel message. While journeying from one city to the next, he encountered many perils, dangers, and hardships; a lifestyle not fitting for a wife and children. For the sake of efficiency God gave him the gift of singleness. And of course Paul received that gift and remained celibate until his death in Rome. Through his ministry, many came to know the Lord.

  The call to singleness is an active component of the Christian Church. Some are called to marry and raise their children according to God’s word; they are ministers in their own households. However, on occasion, there are others who are called by the Lord to remain single. They have received the gift of peace in the absence of marriage. Thus they can more efficiently accomplish their callings without wives or children.

  ”Lord Heavenly Father, we know that many of us are called to marry and raise our families in the Church. And yet there are others who are called to a life of singleness; whose ministries can only be accomplished in the absence of matrimony. Reveal to us our gifts, and give us the strength and the peace to accept our callings. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You. And we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you!

The Salt of the Earth

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JESUS SPEAKING

   “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it become salty again?  It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.” (Matthew 5: 13)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

   In ancient time’s salt was a very important commodity used to preserve meat; it was also a common ingredient included in many medicinal remedies.  And yet despite its numerous applications, salt was most often utilized to flavor foods; a tiny pinch and an otherwise bland dish would become rather tasty.  In this parable, Jesus likens every believer to salt; those who remain flavorful are those who continue to fulfill their primary purpose; these individuals consistently seek to serve their fellows, love others, and give to those in need.  Unfortunately, some who start out strong in the faith will eventually lose their saltiness and become self-centered and ungodly; the zeal that once drove them to accomplish good words fades away. If we begin serving ourselves and not others, our usefulness to God will become compromised.

   The statue of liberty is one of America’s most widely recognizable icons; an enduring symbol of freedom to all nations.  And yet ‘Lady Liberty’ has changed considerably over the years.  On the day of her dedication in 1886, her polished copper surface was a vibrant spectacle of orange and bronze; a truly marvelous sight to behold.  However, when copper interacts with the atmosphere it corrodes; and over time, her shiny exterior has grown dull, muted, and green.  The Statue of Liberty is still a magnificent example of ingenuity and craftsmanship; and yet she is no longer as magnificent as she was on the day of her dedication.

  Similarly, numerous Christians dedicate themselves to Jesus Christ, and initially they shine quite brilliantly.  Their zeal for what is good and their desire to spread the gospel is unparalleled.  As they serve, the love of The Lord is manifest in them; drawing others toward God.  Sadly however, over time, as other things displace their faith, selfishness arises; reigning in their hearts.  They become dull and muted; incapable of being used to accomplish God’s work.  May we never grow dull; may we continually put the Lord first in everything we do; and may we tirelessly strive to accomplish His will in this world.

   “Heavenly Father, fill us with Your Holy Spirit and give us opportunities to lovingly serve others.  We yearn to be pleasing to You in all things; that you might use us to further Your Kingdom.  May we always be zealous and flavorful; and may we never grow dull.  If we have turned from Your path, convict us and correct us.  We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name.  Amen.”  God bless all of you!

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

   In ancient time’s salt was a very important commodity used to preserve meat; it was also a common ingredient included in many medicinal remedies.  And yet despite its numerous applications, salt was most often utilized to flavor foods; a tiny pinch and an otherwise bland dish would become rather tasty.  In this parable, Jesus likens every believer to salt; those who remain flavorful are those who continue to fulfill their primary purpose; these individuals consistently seek to serve their fellows, love others, and give to those in need.  Unfortunately, some who start out strong in the faith will eventually lose their saltiness and become self-centered and ungodly; the zeal that once drove them to accomplish good words fades away. If we begin serving ourselves and not others, our usefulness to God will become compromised.

   The statue of liberty is one of America’s most widely recognizable icons; an enduring symbol of freedom to all nations.  And yet ‘Lady Liberty’ has changed considerably over the years.  On the day of her dedication in 1886, her polished copper surface was a vibrant spectacle of orange and bronze; a truly marvelous sight to behold.  However, when copper interacts with the atmosphere it corrodes; and over time, her shiny exterior has grown dull, muted, and green.  The Statue of Liberty is still a magnificent example of ingenuity and craftsmanship; and yet she is no longer as magnificent as she was on the day of her dedication.

  Similarly, numerous Christians dedicate themselves to Jesus Christ, and initially they shine quite brilliantly.  Their zeal for what is good and their desire to spread the gospel is unparalleled.  As they serve, the love of The Lord is manifest in them; drawing others toward God.  Sadly however, over time, as other things displace their faith, selfishness arises; reigning in their hearts.  They become dull and muted; incapable of being used to accomplish God’s work.  May we never grow dull; may we continually put the Lord first in everything we do; and may we tirelessly strive to accomplish His will in this world.

   “Heavenly Father, fill us with Your Holy Spirit and give us opportunities to lovingly serve others.  We yearn to be pleasing to You in all things; that you might use us to further Your Kingdom.  May we always be zealous and flavorful; and may we never grow dull.  If we have turned from Your path, convict us and correct us.  We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name.  Amen.”  God bless all of you!

The Value of Christ’s Words

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JESUS SPEAKING

Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.” And Jesus answered, and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But only one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10: 38 – 42)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

Although Martha had opened her home to Jesus, she had failed to recognize His divine significance. Mary however, understood the value of His words. She felt compelled to abandon her duties and sit at His feet; a fitting place to devour His every sentence. Jesus rebuked Martha’s angry demand; addressing her troubled and distracted mind by affirming the righteousness of Mary’s priorities. The knowledge of Christ’s words is a treasure beyond comparison.

Gold is one of the most valuable and sought after possessions anyone can acquire. On January 24th, 1848 gold was discovered near Sutter’s Mill in Northern California (thus initiating the great american gold rush.) The news spread quickly, enticing thousands of men from all over the country (and the world) to journey west in search of fortune and prosperity. These individuals immediately reoriented their priorities, abandoning their homes, careers, businesses, and even relationships to seek untold riches. A few did get rich, but almost everyone else went broke.

The words of Jesus Christ are far more precious than gold; they are divine and lead to eternal riches and a peace that no amount of money can purchase. Like Mary, we must open the bible and sit at Christ’s feet; abandoning any worthless distractions. Read His words and know the truth; apply His teachings and you will be filled with the Spirit of the Lord. If you reorient your priorities your relationship with God will flourish and grow. May we all understand the value of Christ’s words.

“Lord Heavenly Father, we come before You in awe and wonder. May we comprehend what is truly valuable and be drawn to Your Son. Help us to identify and eliminate those things which can distract us from accomplishing Your will. Teach us your ways, and fill us with Your Holy Spirit. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you!

Unbelievers in the Church

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JESUS SPEAKING

Another parable He put forth to them, saying: “The Kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field, but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat and went his way. But when the grain had sprouted and produced a crop, then the tares also appeared. So the servant of the owner came and said to him, “Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have tares?’ He said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’ The servants said to him, ‘Do you want us then to go and gather them up?’ But he said, ‘No, lest while you gather up the tares you also uproot the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest, and at the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, “First gather together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn.”‘” (Matthew 13: 24 – 30)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

A tare is an inedible weed that resembles wheat during the early stages of growth. In this parable the field represents the Church. The man who sowed good seed is God. His enemy is Satan, who spread the tares among the wheat. The roots of the fruitful and unfruitful plants had grown together; making it difficult to uproot one without damaging the other. And thus, God permits the faithful and the unfaithful to remain together in the Church. However, when the harvest arrives, which represents God’s eternal judgement, He will separate the wheat from the tares. And those masquerading as Christians will be cast into hell, while genuine believers will enter God’s everlasting kingdom.

Many today, and throughout history, have fallen victim to a devastating belief; mainly ‘that everyone claiming to be a Christian represents Christ.’ Much to Satan’s delight, the Church is infested with false believers. Some spiritually immature souls have permitted the poor behavior of others to push them away from Christianity. Perhaps they were hurt by a pastor, a church leader, a deacon, an elder, or just another professing believer. According to scripture, we should expect hypocrisy and deception from many within the Church. Thank goodness our faith does not reside in the hands of anyone but Jesus Christ.

As in every generation, the enemies of God have sought to muddy the waters. To confuse individuals about what it means to be a Christian. Today, there are many unbelievers among the faithful. Although they blend in, their hearts are far from the Lord, and they cause division and harm to those who are unaware of their presence. May we use the Spirit of Truth to recognize and differentiate between the faithful and the faithless.

“Lord Heavenly Father, may we live our lives as genuine Christians, faithfully representing Your Son in all that we say and do. May we find other faithful believers, through whom we might be strengthened, to accomplish Your purposes. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit and give us a desire to spread the gospel throughout the world. We love You, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you!

The Word of God

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JESUS SPEAKING

Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was Hungry. Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.”(Matthew 4: 1 – 4)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

Fasting is a practice which elevates an individual’s inward Spirit above the desires of their flesh. While fasting in the wilderness for forty days, Jesus was tempted by the devil, who implored Him to perform a miracle that would end His hunger. The Lord promptly rebuked Him; quoting an old testament passage that emphasizes the sustaining power of God’s word and the importance of obeying the Scriptures. Food is beneficial for our bodies, but the word of God is nourishment for our souls.

As the story goes, a Haifa policeman who knew his Bible well, began chasing a gang of smugglers. The criminals had used a donkey-drawn carriage to escape. Although the smugglers got away, the policeman managed to capture some of the donkeys. The wise officer made excellent use of his knowledge of scripture; in particular, Isaiah 1: 3, which says, “the ox knows his owner, and the donkey, his master’s crib.” He withheld food from the beasts of burden for several days before turning them loose. The hungry animals led the police directly to the smuggler’s hide-out!”

Those who desire a close relationship with God and a mastery over their fleshly desires must seek-out and become familiar with the Holy Scriptures. The word of God is sacred and eternal; it is a teacher and friend to all those who yearn to accomplish God’s will. When we lack knowledge and seek guidance, we need only turn to the bible for answers. Our Spirits feed on the word, and thus a healthy Spirit will devour, cherish, and commit to memory, the sacred scriptures.

“Lord Heavenly Father, we come before You with humble hearts. Apart from You we can do nothing, but with You, we can accomplish great things. May we feed on Your word in our hearts, and use the scriptures to guide our thoughts and actions. Sustain us through the power of Your Holy Spirit, that we might withstand temptation and overcome suffering. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you!

Making Amends

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JESUS SPEAKING

    “Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and you remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift” (Matthew 5: 23-24.)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

  Human beings exist within complex social structures comprised of family, friends, neighbors, acquaintances, and even complete strangers.  Our relationship with others is a reflection of our relationship with God.  When we sin against our neighbor, we also sin against the Lord.  If we desire God’s forgiveness, we must seek the forgiveness of our fellows. Jesus has taught us that we are to approach those we have harmed and ask for forgiveness; making restitution whenever possible. In so doing we will draw closer to the Lord. This commandment, known as ‘making amends,’ remains an essential Christian doctrine.

Many years ago, before becoming a Christian, I began working a 12-step program; a system designed to help drug addicts and alcoholics achieve sobriety. The creators of the first six steps were Christians; a gathering of believers known as the Oxford Group.  As a result, the steps were inspired by the teachings found in the book of James, the Sermon on the Mount, and 1 Corinthians, verse 13.  After becoming a Christian, I discovered that Christ’s command concerning amends likely inspired the founders to create the 8th and 9th steps (a broadening of the restitution step created by the oxford group.)  The eighth step reads, “Made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all.”  The ninth step reads, “Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.”  From 2005 until now, I’ve continued making amends to those I’ve harmed; making restitution and asking for forgiveness.

    Today, in order to move forward with God, we might consider delving into our past; making a thorough examination of our previous mistakes.  If we’ve stolen from anyone, we must pay them back; if we’ve lied, and those lies have caused hardship, we can return to them and speak the truth.  If we’ve mistreated others and created resentments, we must humble ourselves and request forgiveness. Making amends is an essential Christian practice.

    “Lord Heavenly Father, bring to our remembrance the names of those we have harmed; may we approach them and make restitution.  Give us the courage, the strength, and the humility to ask for forgiveness; that we might be reconciled to those who resent us.  We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name.  Amen.”  God bless all of you!

Christians are Strange

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JESUS SPEAKING

“That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but you cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.” (John 3: 6 – 8)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

The wind is an invisible force that can demolish buildings and uproot large trees. Yet the origin and destination of any significant gust is imperceptible. The Spirit of God is also invisible, yet it has the power to transform lives and accomplish the impossible. Those who accept the gospel receive the Holy Spirit and are born again. Their origin and eventual destination are clearly discerned; they come from God and will one day return to Him; their lives are changed in the most meaningful ways. Those who possess no knowledge of God are baffled by Christians; their behaviors are considered strange and peculiar. ‘Why be selfless?’ ‘Why serve others?’ ‘Why embrace honesty and integrity at the expense of profits and material possessions?’

In first Peter 1 verse 4 we read, “In regard to these (sinful behaviors), they will think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you.” Many years ago, after becoming a Christian, I worked as a sales representative for a local business. Around the holiday season, a delivery driver decided to give small calendars away to all the male employees. He entered my office and threw one of them onto my desk. Much to my dismay, there was a pornographic image of a woman on the front. I told him I didn’t want the item and gave it back to him; making it known that I didn’t look at pornography. He seemed shocked, offended, and even a bit angry. To him, my reaction was odd; my behavior was strange. In his mind all men enjoyed looking at pornography.

To those who are not saved, the manner in which Christians live is considered peculiar and strange. The ungodly are ruled over by their fleshly desires; they live to satisfy themselves now. They cannot see the end from the beginning; and so they embrace sin with enthusiasm. Still, in every generation there are Christians dwelling in the midst of the masses. They follow what is good and lasting; denying their fleshly appetites to satisfy God’s will. They are a light in the darkness.

“Lord Heavenly Father, we pray for those who are lost; may they see your good works and be driven to the foot of the cross. May they be reborn and embrace virtue, love, and mercy. Pour out Your Spirit into our hearts, that we might be used to spread the gospel and bring others to salvation. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you!

Actions Matter

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JESUS SPEAKING

    “But what do you think?  A man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, ‘Son, go work today in my vineyard.’  He answered and said, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he regretted it and went.  Then he came to the second and said likewise.  And he answered and said, ‘I go, sir’ but he did not go.  Which of the two did the will of his Father?”  They said to him, “The first.”  Jesus said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that the tax collectors and the harlots enter the kingdom of God before you.” (Matthew 21: 28-31)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

    Despite their numerous years of biblical study, many priests and religious leaders had failed to obey God by refusing to accomplish His will. They possessed a great knowledge of truth (wisdom), and yet it was never manifested in their lives. And so while the intelligent and well educated were refusing to follow God’s laws, many prostitutes and tax collectors were receiving salvation through Christ. These social outcasts possessed little knowledge of scripture, and yet what little they did possess, they chose to implement in their lives. The gospel is more than a feeling or a thought; it is an action.

   In the spring of 1862 a confederate Major General named ‘Stonewall Jackson’ fought a famous military campaign in a valley near the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia.  His tactics were unorthodox and his troop movements unpredictable (he utilized speed and stealth to attack his union counterparts.)  Concerning speed, he reportedly marched his 17,000 men nearly ‘646 miles in 48 days’ (approximately 13 miles a day.)  Traveling at this furious pace, they met many natural obstacles (such as hills and streams.)  As the story goes, at one point they encountered a river too treacherous to cross.  Jackson told his engineers to draw up plans for a bridge; he then summoned his wagon master and informed him that they urgently needed to cross the river.  The wagon master began to gather together every rock, fence rail, and log he could find; before sunrise the next day, the wagon master approached General Jackson and said, ‘The artillery and wagons have crossed the river sir.’  General Jackson replied, ‘Where are the engineers, and what are they doing?’  The wagon master replied, ‘they are in their tent, drawing up the plans for the bridge.’

    Knowledge is useless, unless it is implemented to accomplish a task.  We are called to be ‘doers of the word, and not hearers only.’  The Christian life is full of action.  When God commands us to love our enemies, we must love them.  When He instructs us to give to the poor and needy, we must open our wallets (and purses.)  When we are directed to pray for those who persecute us, we must drop to our knees.  Keep the commandments of God and you will be blessed; obey Him and you will experience peace; follow Him and you will know joy; eternal joy; everlasting joy; joy without end.

“Lord Heavenly Father, give us the strength to live out Your commandments.  May we receive Your words and accomplish them.  May we be ‘doers of Your word and not hearers only;’ may our actions bring others to repentance and salvation, and may we love our neighbors without restraint or indignation.  We love You Father, we praise You and we thank You; and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name.  Amen.”  God bless all of you!

Generosity

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JESUS SPEAKING

“Forgive and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.” (Luke 6: 37 – 38)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

Our relationship with God and our fellows is intimately intertwined. In fact, the blessings we receive from the Lord are dependent upon our treatment of others. If we display generosity, freely and liberally giving to those in need, then we will receive even more abundant blessings from the Lord. Our baskets will burst and our cups will overflow, as we experience the fullness of God’s mercies.

As the story goes, when Charlie Page was a young man he was broke, penniless and jobless. One day he stopped on the street to listen to the salvation army service. When the tambourine was passed to him for collection, he told the girl holding it that he would like to give something, but he had nothing; not even enough money to eat a meal. She gave him a dollar and told him, “Take this: put ten cents in the offering, and hereafter give a tenth of all you earn to God. Keep this up all your life and you’ll never be penniless again.” He followed her directions. After getting a job he began giving regularly. With every act of generosity his wealth grew, until he was giving away far more than a tenth. He became a lifelong philanthropist; building hospitals and helping to carry on the work of the Lord.

Like Charlie, all Christians today are called to be generous with their possessions; giving to those in need whenever possible. Whoever is willing to step out in faith and bless others will himself receive the blessings of God. Be generous and charitable and your charity will return to you in abundance. God remains faithful to all those who are faithful.

“Lord Heavenly Father, fill our hearts with compassion and generosity. May we choose to help those in need, and to treat others with dignity and respect. As we give, may we receive, that we may give all the more. Through our acts of charity, may others observe Your compassion, Your goodness, and Your generosity. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You; and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ name. Amen.” God bless all of you!

Do Everything as Unto the Lord

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JESUS SPEAKING

“He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much, and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much. Therefore if you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust true riches? And if you have not been faithful in what is another man’s, who will give you what is your own?” (Luke 16: 10 – 12)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

The earthly possessions imparted to mankind by God ultimately serve an eternal purpose. Those who utilize their skills and talents to further the gospel and serve others in the present, will inherit eternal life; the ultimate reward for their faithfulness. Those who are unable to serve their families, their neighbors, and their earthly employers with passion, zeal, and diligence will never be permitted to serve God in His Kingdom. We read in Colossians, “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.”

As the story goes, a man once wandered the streets of Philidalphia searching for employment. A well-known business man named Mr. Girard offered him a day’s labor. The man was tasked with hauling a pile of bricks from one end of the yard to the other. The man showed up early and worked heartily without complaint. The next day he was hired to return the bricks to their original location. He was paid to repeat this mundane objective for over a week, until it was evident that he could be trusted to do exactly what he was told. Mr. Girard soon promoted him to a more lucrative position as a purchasing agent; granting him the authority to buy items on behalf of his employer.

Like this wayward man, we too have been given a task to accomplish; to serve others with divine passion and supernatural affection. To preach the gospel through our words and deeds, so that others might be drawn to Christ and receive salvation. We must obey our employers, serve our families, and do everything “as to the Lord.” Those who can be trusted to handle the smallest tasks, will enter God’s Kingdom, and be given eternal responsibilities.

“Lord Heavenly Father, may we serve our fellows in the same manner in which we serve You. May we be diligent to accomplish even the most menial of tasks with great zeal. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit, and guide our hearts and minds, so that the entire world might observe Your goodness in and through us. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things according to You will, in Jesus Christ’s name, amen.” God bless all of you!

Ownership

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JESUS SPEAKING

‘So they watched Him, and sent spies who pretended to be righteous, that they might seize on His words, in order to deliver Him to the power and the authority of the Governor. Then they asked Him, saying, “Teacher, we know that You say and teach rightly, and You do not show personal favoritism, but teach the way of God in truth: is it lawful for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” But He perceived their craftiness, and said to them, “Why do you test Me? Show Me a Denarius (Roman coin.) Whose image and inscription does it have?” They answered and said, “Caesar’s.” And He said to them, “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” But they could not catch him in His words in the presence of the people. And they marveled at His answer and kept silent.’ (Luke 20: 20 – 26.)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

In the first century, Israel was conquered by the Roman empire. Thus the Jews were compelled by their occupiers to pay heavy taxes. When asked if paying taxes to the Romans was lawful, Jesus drew attention to a single Roman coin; which possessed Caesar’s image and inscription; so then returning what already belonged to the Emperor wasn’t evil. And yet like coins, human beings were created by God in His image and likeness (as revealed in the book of Genesis.) According to Jesus, these treacherous men who approached Him, were so fixated on rebelling against the Romans that they had failed to accomplish their most important purpose; to offer themselves up to God and live in submission to His will.

Children are a wonderful blessing and inheritance from God. When a parent holds a newborn baby in their arms for the first time, naturally they feel a sense of ownership; as if the child belongs to them. However, like every other valuable thing we possess, children belong to God. Parents then are simply stewards of what God has given them. And so the duty of every parent is to bring their children up “in the training and admonition of the Lord.” God must always be the primary focus of their lives. If God is first, then everything else will find its necessary place.

As human beings we are created in the sacred image of the Lord; and thus we belong to Him. Those who put God first in their lives and acknowledge His ownership, will become His precious possession. However, those who choose to rebel against His authority will continue serving the things which can never set them free. Follow God and know His ways; acknowledge Him and He will walk with you in fellowship, as a Father and a friend.

“Lord Heavenly Father, we desire to make You the priority in our lives. Provide us with the strength to abandon useless things, and to embrace Your ways with great enthusiasm. May we belong to You. May we be Your precious possessions, now, and forever. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name, amen.” God bless all of you!

Brokenness

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JESUS SPEAKING

“Have you never read in the scriptures: ‘The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. This was the Lord’s doing, and it was marvelous in our eyes’? Therefore I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a nation bearing the fruits of it. And whoever falls on this stone will be broken; but on whomever it falls, it will grind them to powder.” (Matthew 21: verse 42 – 44)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

Jesus was an outcast, hated by the religious leaders who ruled over the temple. They rejected Him, fulfilling the prophecy, ‘The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone.’ In turn, Jesus became the cornerstone of a new temple, not comprised of stones, but instead made from the flesh and Spirit of individual believers. Those who are unwilling to abandon their pride will be crushed beneath the weight of Jesus Christ. However, those who fall upon the rock of salvation and are broken will know redemption. Broken things can be remade, reshaped, and reformed. Being fully broken allows God to remake us in His image. Thus brokenness leads to rebirth.

Horses are beautiful, powerful, and majestic animals. Over the centuries, they have proven beneficial to mankind in numerous ways; pulling, hauling, and plowing, etc. Many however have been used as primary modes of transportation. Today, any horse carrying a rider has undergone a process known as ‘breaking.’ The animal’s basic desire is to be free, to run wild and to do as it pleases. So, over the course of time, this rebellious nature is driven out of them. They are taught to embrace the bit and bridle, and to move without bucking. They are made to accept the straps of the saddle and to embrace the riders commands. When the horse has relinquished complete control, it has been fully broken. Only a broken horse can faithfully serve its master.

Like horses, human beings have desires and instincts that conflict with God’s commands. Pride and selfishness are obstacles that stand in the way of brokenness. When we thrust ourselves upon Christ, we relinquish control and are shattered. From these fractured pieces we are reborn, reshaped, and remade into the glorious image of our God. May we embrace change and relinquish control; trusting that God’s plan is far greater than anything we could ever ask or imagine.

“Lord Heavenly Father, we come before you as humble servants. May we embrace the brokenness that accompanies our devotion to Your son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. Create within us clean hearts, and give us the courage to spread the gospel with confidence and faithfulness. May Your temple of flesh and Spirit continue to grow and flourish, as it should, now and forevermore. We thank You, we praise You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name, Amen.” God bless all of you!

John the Baptist

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JESUS SPEAKING

“What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? But what did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft garments? Indeed, those who wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses. But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet. For this is he of whom it is written: ‘Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, who will prepare Your way before You.'” (Matthew 11: 7 – 10)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

John the baptist was a prophet sent by God to prepare the people for the arrival of Jesus Christ. He lived in the wilderness, wearing uncomfortable clothes and eating wild locusts and honey. He preached a simple message with boldness and authority; “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” The corrupt religious leaders despised John because people were abandoning them and journeying into the wilderness to hear the truth. If they chose to receive the message and repent, they would be baptized. This baptism was a public declaration of their commitment to abandon sinful living and embrace purity. They would then wait for the arrival of Jesus Christ, from whom they would receive salvation.

Today, wherever the gospel message is preached to unbelievers there should be an emphasis on both repentance and salvation. John was hated by many for one simple reason; he refused to compromise; his purpose wasn’t for people to feel comfortable but for people to feel convicted. Only through conviction and faith can an individual be reborn. Today, there are troubling trends occurring within the community of Churches claiming to be Christian. There are large churches that place an emphasis on a faith devoid of sacrifice; which does not exist. In turn, the messages presented rarely compel individuals to change. In such a way, lukewarm churches abound.

Today, Christians are tasked with spreading the gospel message to all those who walk in darkness. This message, which maintains an emphasis on repentance, will never be popular. Changing the gospel to make it more acceptable to man only creates greater confusion and unfaithfulness. Salvation through faith in Christ is not a wage to be earned, but allowing God to transform our lives is a decision we control. May we make that good decision today, and may we remain acceptable to God through the blood of our Savior Jesus Christ.

“Lord Heavenly Father, we yearn to continue our transformation through the work of Your Spirit. May we submit to Your will and carry the gospel message to all those who are seeking the truth. May we never compromise or allow the gospel to be changed in any way. Through humility may we be blessed, and through Your mercy may we know Your ultimate affection. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ name, Amen.” God bless all of you!

Avoiding Cults and Heresy

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JESUS SPEAKING

“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.” (John 10: 1 – 5)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

This world is teaming with false prophets and evil men intent on leading people astray. Yet every sheep who calls Christ their master is protected from the influences of false doctrine. They know the truth so well that any pernicious lies are easily recognized. A robust familiarity with the words and teachings of Jesus Christ is a blueprint for the destruction of cult leaders, and the twisted beliefs they interject into the faith. Know the words of the Lord and you will never be deceived by the false pronouncements of unholy men.

Joseph Smith, famous cult leader and founder of the Mormon religion, claimed he had received divine revelations from God. However, his heretical teachings are easily discerned in the light of Christ’s words. For instance, one of the foundations of Mormonism includes the construction of temples; buildings that are considered holy places where only the most sacred of rituals can be performed. These structures however are an abomination to the Lord. We know this because in John chapter 4, a Samaritan woman asks Jesus where the proper place to worship God is (at the temple in Samaria, or at the temple in Jerusalem?] Jesus responded, saying, “Woman, believe Me, the hour is coming when you will neither on this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, worship the Father. You worship what you do not know, we know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship Him in spirit and truth.” [This signaled the end of temple worship.] We are later informed by Peter that, “you also as living stones, are being built up, a spiritual house, a Holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” The Church is a gathering of believers, rather than the buildings in which they meet.

Any teachings that include the construction and use of sacred temples and holy structures are heretical and inconsistent with the voice, teachings, and example of Jesus Christ. The only way to understand what is evil and avoid being led astray, is to possess an intimate knowledge of the Lord. We must know His teachings and recognize His voice, that we may follow Him exclusively, as obedient sheep.

“Lord Father, Lord God in Heaven, we desire to remain in You, and to follow the teachings and example of our Shepherd, Your Son, Jesus Christ. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit, and bring to our remembrance the words of our Messiah. May we know Him completely, and never be led astray by those who seek the destruction of what is good. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name, amen.” God bless all of you!

Overcoming Trials and Tribulations

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JESUS SPEAKING

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16: 33)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

According to Jesus, in this world, every Christian will experience adversity. Although Godly living leads to greater peace, Faith in Christ doesn’t exempt anyone from enduring trials and tribulations. And yet Christians are endowed with the Spirit of the Living God; a source of eternal strength that enables them to overcome any obstacle with joy. This display of supernatural peace in the midst of trials is baffling to those who are beaten down and afflicted by despair. As the struggles of life burn away our defects, a more perfect image of Jesus Christ is revealed.

The cocoon of the Emperor Moth is flask-shaped. In order for the perfect insect to emerge it must force its way through the neck of the cocoon in hours of intense struggling. Many believe that the pressure to which the moth’s body is subjected to during this process is a product of God’s design, which forces the juices into the vessels of the wings. It is said that if an individual intervenes, and prematurely cuts away the cocoon, the moth will emerge with shriveled wings, rendering it incapable of flight. In this case, it seems the struggle is necessary for proper development.

In much the same way, the trials and tribulations that Christians endure in this life are occasions for growth and opportunities for evangelism. Although believers are not exempt from adversity, we are free from despair, immune to destruction, and devoid of hopelessness. When we remain faithful, no matter our circumstances, others will see God in us. Thus in the midst of our worst moments, God can receive His greatest glory.

“Lord Heavenly Father, give us the strength to endure and overcome any adversity. In the midst of our trials may we exemplify a joy and peace that surpasses all understanding. As we faithfully endure difficulties, help us to grow strong, and to become a more accurate reflection of Your Son. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ name, amen.” God bless all of you!

Accomplishing God’s Will

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JESUS SPEAKING

“For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of Him who sent Me, that of all He has given Me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up at the last day. And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day.” (John 6: 38 – 40)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

Accomplishing the perfect will of God was always Christ’s primary purpose. Every word He spoke, every miracle He performed, and every message He preached, were all precise manifestations of God’s desires. For those who have accepted the gospel and have been reborn, an overwhelming hunger to fulfill God’s wishes in the present time will become paramount.

As individuals grow older they begin contemplating how their assets might be passed down to their children. Many will record a ‘last will and testament;’ a written document that outlines exactly how they want their valuables to be distributed. If an individual suspects their children might argue or fight over their inheritance, they may choose to appoint a trusted person to be the ‘executor’ of their will. In this case, someone still living is given the task of making sure the will is followed to the letter. If anyone contests the will, an executor will appear in court on behalf of the deceased and make certain that their will is carried out.

Like any good ‘executor,’ those who follow Christ are tasked with carrying out the will of God in this world. We must never deviate from the accomplishment of His desires. We must speak only His truth, no matter how challenging the circumstances might become. If we are committed to spreading the pure gospel, without alteration or compromise, then we will endure persecution, hatred and contempt.

“Lord Heavenly Father may we always do what is pleasing to You. May we spread Your gospel message without changing it in any way. May all of our words and deeds be accurate reflections of Your perfect will. Fill us with your Holy Spirit Lord, that we might be strengthened and prepared for the ministry. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name we pray. Amen.” God bless all of you!

Glorifying God

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JESUS SPEAKING

  ‘Now around the middle of the feast Jesus went up into the temple and began to teach. And the Jews marveled, saying, “How does this man know letters, having never studied?” Jesus answered them and said, “My doctrine is not my own, but His who sent me. If anyone wills to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is from God or whether I speak on my own authority. He that speaks from himself seeks his own glory; but he who seeks the glory of the One who sent him is true, and no unrighteousness is in him.” (John 7: 14-18.)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

  The educated men listening to Jesus speak were astonished at His perfect knowledge of scripture. Unlike them, He had never attended any notable Hebrew schools; nor had He sat at the feet of some prominent rabbi. Instead, His knowledge and wisdom came from God. Many of the Jewish Scholars demanded praise and admiration for their many years of extensive learning; Jesus however, sought only to honor and glorify God. Chasing after our own glory is a vain and empty endeavor; but seeking to glorify God and His only Son is the Christian way of life.
  One man who thoroughly understood this principle of righteous humility was John the Baptist. When Jesus began baptizing people in the Jordan river, John’s followers became concerned, saying “Rabbi, He who was with you beyond the Jordan, to whom you have testified—behold, He is baptizing, and all are coming to Him.” John replied, “A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven […] He must increase, and I must decrease.” John’s heart was devoid of selfish pride; he humbled himself and glorified the Son of God.
    Although Jesus Christ reigns in heaven, His deeds continue upon this Earth. He performs many miracles through his disciples. Some however, who selfishly desire glory, may take credit for God’s works. And yet a trustworthy servant renders to God the praise and honor He deserves. Glorifying God requires humbling ourselves. He must increase and we must decrease. As followers, we must forgo admiration so that God may receive what is rightfully His? Those who honor God in all things will receive an eternal reward.
  “Lord Heavenly Father, may You increase as we decrease. May we let go of our selfish desires for praise, that You would receive the credit for the good works that You are accomplishing in us, and through us. May we continue to be vessels of Your love and messengers of Your mercy. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit Lord, and may we always be pleasing to You. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name, Amen.” God bless all of you!

Avoiding Dirty Language

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JESUS SPEAKING

     “Are you also still without understanding?  Do you not yet understand that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and is eliminated?  But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man.  For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemes.  These are the things which defile a man, but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile a man.” (Matthew 15: 16 – 20)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

     The Jews believed that eating with unwashed hands rendered them spiritually unclean, thus hindering their relationship with God.  And yet this particular sanitary practice of washing before meals isn’t found anywhere in the Old Testament scriptures, but is instead derived from the opinions and traditions of the Rabbis (the teachings of men.)  God dwells in the human heart and not the stomach; therefore when an individual’s words and deeds are righteous, the presence of God is revealed in them.  But the existence of deception and filthy talk reveal a heart that is defiled.

     I recently attended a function where I had the opportunity to interact with an old reverend who had spent his life and career supposedly representing Jesus Christ.  When he addressed the group, he used an innocent analogy concerning life, yet in his rendering he made use of a dirty word.  This peculiar occurance was later followed by a joke which included a reference to the attire worn by strippers.  Needless to say, whether right or wrong, I left there questioning the purity of his heart and his commitment to God.

     Without a doubt, the things we do and say are expressions of our relationship with God; especially the cleanliness and purity of our language.  When we present ourselves as Christians, others will look to us as an example of how Christianity should be practiced.  There is no faster way to destroy our testimony and cast a shadow over our faith than to use foul language and engage in filthy talk.

     “Lord Heavenly Father, fill us with Your Holy Spirit and cleanse our hearts of all unrighteousness, that we might accomplish Your good works and exemplify Your purity and cleanliness.  May our tongues be filled with encouragement and kindness.  Provide us with opportunities this week to witness to those You have placed in our path.  We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name .  Amen.”  God bless all of you!

Why People Reject Christ

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JESUS SPEAKING

“He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.” (John 3: 18 – 21)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

According to Jesus Christ, those who refuse to believe in the gospel are driven by a singular desire; to continue in sin without conviction. Jesus is the light, and those who are willing to confront their sins and repent will draw near to Him. Yet those who are unwilling to abandon their sinful behaviors will avoid Christianity at all costs; they may even choose to persecute those who represent Jesus. For many who embrace darkness, the light is their enemy.

Every night around the world there are clubs and bars that thrive on and promote drunkenness and promiscuity. They shut the windows and turn down the lights; creating an environment where people can forget who they are and sin without conviction. Still, although they embrace the darkness for a time, these establishments must eventually close. When they need people to leave, they do one essential thing; they simply turn on the lights. In the light people can see themselves again for who they truly are, and the cover of darkness is broken. The patrons will then exit without delay.

Like clubs and bars, this world is a very dark place; full of sinfulness and debauchery; but Jesus Christ and His followers are the light that shines in the darkness. His presence convicts the world of sin; revealing the truth for all to see. Some will encounter that light and be transformed. Others will be convicted and because they refuse to change, they will attack the light. They will rage against Christianity and persecute anyone who dares to spread the gospel.

“Lord Father in Heaven, we desire to carry your light into the darkest places. Give us the strength and the courage to withstand any persecution we will endure on Your behalf. Please continue to make us better Christians and better messengers of Your will. May those who walk in darkness see the light and be transformed by it. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name, amen.” God bless all of you!

Blessings and Cursings

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JESUS SPEAKING

    “Blessed are you poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.  Blessed are you who hunger now, for you shall be filled.  Blessed are you who weep now for you shall laugh.  Blessed are you when men hate you […] for the Son of Man’s sake […] for indeed your reward is great in heaven […] But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation.  Woe to you who are full, for you shall hunger.  Woe to you who laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep.  Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for so did their fathers to the false prophets.” (Luke 6: 20-26)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

    The pronouncement of blessings and cursings was an intimate part of the Jewish culture.  Many Israelites would bring their children to the Rabbi’s to receive a formal blessing.  A blessing is a prophetic pronouncement of some future good in an individual’s life.  A cursing however, foretells of some impending calamity.  The blessings that Jesus conveyed upon the crowds were entirely dependent upon their reaction to His message.  Those who continued chasing after the passing pleasures of this life would ultimately enter into unending sorrow.  But those who chose to deny their own desires in order to serve God, would eventually inherit eternal rewards.  Without question, every genuine believer must embrace sacrifice.  Some common sacrifices might include wealth, a potential career, power, property, prestige, or any number of other selfish indulgences.  Because the path to peace with God includes enduring some manner of present pain, most will reject the gospel and continue in sin.

    To more easily understand this scripture, we need only look at the modern day credit card crisis.  Right now, Americans possess more debt than many previous generations could’ve ever imagined. This current epidemic is often the direct result of extreme self-indulgence.  When a person goes out shopping and they can’t afford an item, they might use a credit card to avoid denying themselves the joys of some passing pleasure.  But paying for things with money we don’t have doesn’t make the pain disappear; it simply postpones it.  Eventually the credit card company is going to come looking for their money; causing those who have fed their fleshly appetites to endure the suffering they so desperately attempted to avoid.

   Many people have spent their entire lives avoiding pain; constantly indulging in pleasurable endeavors. However, their suffering hasn’t been eliminated, it’s only been deferred.  They will eventually be required to ‘pay the check.’  Chasing after wealth, material possessions, careers, and even a good reputation can lead to an eternity of pain.  So then, self-denial is the way to inherit eternal blessings.  Volunteering, using our excess wealth to bless the needy, spending time listening to others, evangelizing, as well as visiting widows and orphans are just a few ways we can practice self-denial in this life.  By denying ourselves, we will become servants of the living God; and in the coming kingdom, we will receive the blessings of eternal life.

    “Lord Heavenly Father, help us to willingly endure the sufferings of sacrifice in this present time; that we might renounce our own desires in order to fulfill Your purposes.  May we deny ourselves, take up our crosses, and follow You.  Reveal to us where we can be more selfless; where we can be more giving; and where we can be more loving.  We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name.  Amen.”  God bless all of you!

Prophecy Proves the Bible is True

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JESUS SPEAKING

   Then He took the twelve aside and said to them, “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and all  things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of Man will be accomplished.  For He will be delivered to the gentiles and will be mocked and insulted and spit upon.  They will scourge Him and kill Him.  And the third day He will rise again.” (Luke 18: 31 – 33.)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

   On numerous occasions Jesus foretold of His impending death upon the cross; His suffering and crucifixion had also been described in great detail hundreds of years earlier.  Throughout the centuries, the old testament prophets (inspired by God) wrote about the arrival of God’s messiah; a solution to sin; a sacrifice that would once and for all put an end to the iniquity that separated the divine Creator from his fallen children (Jesus Christ was, and is that sacrifice.) 

   One important prophetic scripture comes from the book of Isaiah; a book that was written between 740 and 680 B.C.  Chapter 53 is particularly interesting because it describes the suffering of Jesus in stunning detail (hundreds of years before the crucifixion occurred.)  We read, “Surely he has borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon him, and by his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed and afflicted, Yet he opened not his mouth; he was led as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth. He was taken from prison and from judgment, and who will declare his generation? For he was cut off from the land of the living; for the transgressions of my people he was stricken. And they made his grave with the wicked — but with the rich at his death, because he had done no violence, nor was any deceit in his mouth. Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him; he has put him to grief. When you make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand. He shall see the labor of his soul and be satisfied. By his knowledge my righteous servant shall justify many, for he shall bear their iniquities. Therefore I will divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong, because he poured out his soul unto death, and he was numbered with the transgressors, and he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.”

   Only God can know the future; only the Creator can foretell of events before they occur.  Accurate prophecy is a characteristic which is unique to the Holy Bible.  No other book or set of sacred writings have ever correctly predicted anything.  The scriptures are the Lord’s reliable revelation; and they can be trusted.  As you read the word, remember, you are not simply reading a book compiled by men, but a book authored by God Himself.  May it inspire you, may it lead you, and may it transform you.

   “Lord Heavenly Father, we praise You and we thank You for providing us with the Holy Bible.  As we read it, may we approach it with reverence and respect.  Speak to us through Your word; with every sentence we read, and every page we turn, may our hearts be transformed. May we become more like You and more like Your Son.  We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name.  Amen.”  God bless all of you!

Letting Go and Grabbing Hold

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JESUS SPEAKING

     “Again, the kingdom of God is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.  Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it.” (Matthew 13: 45-46)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

     The message of “The kingdom of God,” is priceless; it is a treasure more valuable than gold and silver, and more precious than diamonds.  For contained within it is the love of God and the gift of eternal life.  As Jesus preached the message, a fortunate few recognized the truth and were willing to trade in everything they possessed to receive the Lord’s everlasting gift.  Many believers willingly sacrificed great wealth, time, relationships, homes, and positions of prestige in order to take hold of the true riches of God’s everlasting kingdom.  As believers, we too are called to let go of any worldly idols in order to fully embrace Christianity.

    Interestingly enough, some people make a living letting go of one thing so they can grab hold of another.  Trapeze performers for example, swing effortlessly back and forth, high above the hard concrete floors.  For these men and women, timing and precision can mean the difference between living and dying.  The individual who risks their life to spin through the air must know when to let go of their swing and when to grab hold of their partner dangling from the opposite swing.  So too, the gospel is a message about ‘letting go’ and ‘grabbing hold;’ no one can ‘grab hold’ of the Kingdom of God unless they fist ‘let go’ of whatever idols they are clinging too in this world.  For the believer, the pursuit of empty rewards must end, and the pursuit of heavenly rewards must begin.

     Sadly, during the Lord’s public ministry, thousands simply passed by Him as He spoke; they chose to cling to their own lives rather than grab hold of God and the new life He was offering them.  Today, the Lord is still speaking; His message is still being proclaimed throughout the world.  And yes, even today many still choose the temporary pleasures of this life over the eternal peace of God.  Most refuse because the Christian life is not easy.  There are many trials and hardships that accompany genuine faith.  Although self-sacrifice and self-denial aren’t popular, they are necessary.  May we all choose to let go of selfish pursuits and grab hold of and embrace the free gift of God.

   “Lord Heavenly Father, we come before You and ask that You give us the strength to avoid selfish pursuits; we long to serve others, and to sacrifice our lives to accomplish Your desires.  May we receive Your kingdom with gladness, and may we let go of anything that is hindering us from completely submitting to Your perfect will.  We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name we pray, amen.”  God bless all of you!

Look to the Cross

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JESUS SPEAKING

  “And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw all peoples to myself.”  This He said signifying by what death He would die.  The people answered him, ‘We have heard from the law that the Christ remains forever; then Jesus said to them, “A little while longer the light is with you.  Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you; he who walks in darkness does not know where he is going.  While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.” (John 12: 32-36)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

   While addressing His followers, Jesus prophesied concerning the manner in which He would die.  He would be crucified, and the cross would come to symbolize healing, forgiveness and reconciliation with God.  Those who look to it in faith receive everlasting life and the free gift of salvation; those who refuse to accept Christ’s sacrifice continue under condemnation, and will eventually face eternal judgment.

    In the Old Testament, God lead the children of Israel out of slavery and bondage in Egypt.  They passed through the Red sea unharmed, and they entered the desert.  While in the desert many Hebrews rebelled against God and the authority of Moses.  Angered by their arrogance, God sent poisonous snakes into their midst to bite them.  Moses approached the Lord and begged Him to show mercy.  Moved with compassion, God instructed Moses to sculpt a brass snake and fasten it to a long pole; he was then told to raise the pole up in the middle of the camp so everyone could see it.  The Israelites were then told that if they looked upon the snake in faith, they would be healed from their venomous bites (simply put:  look at the snake and you will live; refuse to look and you will die.)  Jesus Christ was also lifted up on the cross for everyone to see; those who look to Him in faith receive eternal life; those who refuse, experience unending judgment.  Jesus said in John 3: 14-16, “And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him would not perish but have eternal life.”

    The cross has always been a powerful symbol.  It has the ability to bring light into the lives of those who are walking in darkness.  It has the power to heal and the power to reconcile sinful man with a pure and Holy God; it has the power to grant eternal life to those who would but look to it in faith.  May you look upon the cross and receive the free gift of salvation.  May you receive the blood of Christ and the forgiveness of sins.  May you be ‘reborn’ and may God guide you as you travel toward His eternal kingdom.

  “Lord Heavenly Father, we praise You for Your wonderful plan of salvation.  As we look to the cross in faith, we receive Your sacrifice and we embrace our new lives with You.  Forgive us of our sins through the blood of Christ Jesus.  Grant us eternal life.  Heal our hearts and minds; help us to be ‘children of light;’ that others might see our good works and honor You.  We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name, amen.”  God bless all of you!

The Tenth Commandment

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JESUS SPEAKING

    Then one from the crowd spoke to Jesus saying, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.”  But he said to him, “Man, who made me a judge or an arbitrator over you?”  And he said to them, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.” (Luke 12: 13 – 15)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

  Jesus fervently warned his followers to avoid covetousness.  Those who covet strongly desire the belongings of others; as a result they lack the proper gratitude for what they have been given.  Due to the destructive nature of this particular sin, God gave mankind the tenth commandment; which states: “You shall not covet (desire) your neighbor’s house, you shall not covet (desire) your neighbor’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor’s.”  Covetousness is dangerous because it leads to a number of other sins such as theft, adultery, and murder, etc.

  In ancient times, King David was an extremely powerful man who possessed great riches.  In error, he had countless wives and concubines at his disposal to satisfy his physical needs.  Yet, one evening, while walking along the rooftop of his palace, his eyes beheld a woman who was bathing naked.  Her name was Bathsheba; the spouse of a military commander named Uriah.  David immediately began to covet her, and he eventually committed the act of adultery.  He was soon informed that Bathsheba had conceived and was pregnant.  After numerous attempts to cover up his disgraceful deed, David finally had Uriah murdered in battle; thus enabling him to take Bathsheba as his wife.  King David was later judged for his sin and the penalty was severe.

   As faithful servants, we must be careful to maintain a spirit of gratitude, and to take pleasure in what the Lord has given us.  In so doing, we will fulfill the tenth commandment and avoid covetousness.  May we never desire the possessions of others; may we always remain grateful for what we have been given; and may God grant us true contentment and everlasting peace.

   “Lord Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your many blessings.  Fill us with unending gratitude and genuine appreciation.  If we have broken the tenth commandment convict our hearts and help us to change.  May we never desire the possessions of others; but instead take pleasure in the gifts that You have given us.  We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name, Amen.”  God bless all of you!

Stay Focused on Today

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JESUS SPEAKING

     “Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” (Matthew 6: 34)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

Apprehension, fear and anxiety are destructive emotions that cause turmoil in the hearts and minds of most human beings. Although the majority of our worries revolve around some real (or imagined) future difficulty, they usually cause us distress in the present. Such uncertainties can steal our joy and distract us from the work that God has currently called us to accomplish. Therefore, Jesus commands every believer to live in the moment and to focus wholly and completely upon the blessings, cares, and concerns of today.

In the Old Testament book of Exodus we are given a wonderful illustration that emphasizes the importance of living in the moment. After leaving Egypt and passing through the Red Sea, the Jewish people wandered around in the wilderness for forty years. Every day God miraculously fed them by causing a delicious bread to condense and accumulate on the desert floor. However, no one was allowed to collect and store excess amounts of bread (except on the day prior to the Sabbath.) Instead, they were only permitted to eat what was necessary to sustain their daily lives. Violating this law meant focusing on tomorrow’s needs and concerns. [Note: In the New Testament, when asked how one ought to pray, Jesus reiterated this doctrine; we are told to ask God to “give us this day our daily bread.” Not our weekly, monthly, or yearly bread; but rather, “our daily bread.”] Fear of tomorrow serves only to distract us from the obligations, joys and blessings of today.

When we focus on the present, we are fully able to accomplish God’s will. As we place our trust in the Lord, we will begin to know peace, and to cherish every second of every day. To live now is to live for God; knowing that His love is a present gift and not some future possibility. 

“Lord Heavenly Father, help us to live in the moment and to rely upon You for our daily needs. May our concerns and our cares be firmly rooted in the present. If our hearts are filled with fear and anxiety about the future, remove them, that we may be joyful, loving, and better able to serve You today. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you!

Avoiding Sinful Activities

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JESUS SPEAKING

    “And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.” (Matthew 5: 30)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

Sin is defined as any act of willful disobedience toward God. Sin is very serious because it separates us from our Heavenly Father. Because God loves His children, He desires for us to let go of our sinful practices, and be reunited with, and grow closer to Him. Any egregious sins, such as fornication, adultery, lying, stealing, lewdness, drunkenness, idolatry, etc, must be abandoned. In order for us to live, we must cut away the sinful portions of our dead flesh.
    In April of 2003, an experienced mountain climber named Aaron Ralston was hiking alone in a remote mountain pass in Utah. While maneuvering through one of the crevices, a giant boulder dislodged and pinned his arm against the canyon wall; for days he attempted to free himself. He had not told anyone where he was going, so he knew that no one would be looking for him. When he had finally run out of water, Aaron was faced with a terrible choice. He could sever his arm with an ill-equipped pocket knife; or he could keep his arm and simply lay down and die. The only thing standing between Aaron and the rest of his life were two bones, several muscles, and some tendons in his forearm. Aaron chose to break the bones in his arm; he then sawed through his own flesh with a dull knife. After nearly 127 hours of confinement, he left his severed arm behind and climbed out of the canyon. Until that day Aaron had lived selfishly. He had been a ‘loner’ who pushed others away. Shortly after his experience he came to believe that the boulder had been waiting for him his entire life, and that it was destined to transform him. He said, “I left my hand behind in that canyon, but I gained my life back.”
    Like Aaron, many individuals encounter boulders in their lives; giant rocks that pin them down and keep them from knowing complete freedom. If you are plagued by any pressing sins and want to follow Jesus, then you have some cutting to do. Cut away the dead flesh and you will live. Ask God in faith for His assistance, and He will give you the strength to do what is necessary.
  “Lord Heavenly Father we recognize that sin can cause many to become separated from You. Although we know that salvation is a free gift, we also acknowledge our responsibility to refrain from willful acts of disobedience. Give us the strength to put any sinful activities to death, that we may continue to live for You. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you!

Love For God

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JESUS SPEAKING

Jesus said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hand all the law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 22: 37 – 40)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

According to Jesus, loving God with every ounce of our being is a natural response exhibited by those who have received the Gospel message. Dedicating our hearts, souls, and minds toward serving our heavenly Father first isn’t easy, but it is of the utmost importance. He must become our priority, He must become our emphasis; upon Him we focus our lives. Because He has saved us, we must then serve Him.

As the story goes, a violent thunderstorm once preserved the town of Basle from the shells of the Russians and Hungarians who were besieging the city. These pious people, as a thankful offering in gratitude to God, founded a school for the training of Christian missionaries. This was the origin of the great Basle Missionary Society which sent out hundreds of missionaries from 1815 – 2001. Because they had felt the love of God, they were compelled to make serving God their top priority.

We who have known the love of God are called to love Him First. In turn, we dedicate our hearts, minds, and souls to the Lord. Our salvation has made Jesus and His message our top priority. His ways become our ways; His path becomes our path. If we remain focused on loving God, we will never fail to love everyone else.

“Lord Heavenly Father, we come before You as humble servants. We are eternally grateful for Your salvation and we have felt Your love. In return, may we love You with every fiber of our being. May You remain our first priority, as we dedicate our lives to serving You in Spirit and in truth. We love You, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ name. Amen.” God bless all of you!   

Moving Mountains

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JESUS SPEAKING

“Have faith in God.  For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says.  Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.” (Mark 11: 20-24)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

Jesus reminds us to place our faith in God, who is the true source of all power. The things that are impossible for man, like moving an entire mountain, are easy for God. No matter how large the obstacles in our lives might be, if we have faith in the Lord, we need only ask Him, and those hindrances will be removed. In turn, we can then continue our journey toward eternal life.

We read in the old testament that after being led out of the land of Egypt, the Jewish people encountered an impassible obstacle. As they stood on the shore of the red sea they could go no further. With Pharaoh’s army bearing down on them they faced certain annihilation. And yet God parted the sea, creating a pathway through which they could escape. When the Jews had safely crossed over, the waters returned; drowning the Egyptian army.

There is nothing that is impossible for God. There are no obstacles He cannot remove, nor barriers He can’t break through. According to Jesus, if we remain faithful, then we can ask the Lord for anything and it will be done for us according to His will. May we never underestimate the abilities of our heavenly Father. Through Him all things are possible.

“Lord Jesus, forgive our unbelief and fill our hearts with faith. No matter what obstacles we might encounter, we trust that You can remove them and give us victory. As we place our confidence in the Father, may we become more like You. May we do amazing and wonderful things in Your name. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ name. Amen.” God bless all of You!

Giving

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JESUS SPEAKING

     “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20: 35)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

    The word ‘blessed’ most commonly translates into the English word for ‘happiness.’  Those who live a ‘blessed’ life regularly experience joy, peace, and contentment, despite the presence of any challenging circumstances.  Such a pleasant existence can only be achieved and maintained through daily acts of sacrificial service.  And yet, most human beings are resoundingly selfish.  In an endeavor to acquire as many possessions as possible, some have become isolated, discouraged and depressed. They remain unaware that genuine happiness doesn’t come from selfish gratification; but instead, is the product of selfless giving.

     Michael Norton, a Harvard business professor sought to discover a link between overall happiness and daily giving.  He conducted an experiment in which a small amount of money was given to a group of test subjects.  Half of the participants were instructed to spend the money on themselves; the other half were told to spend the money on someone else.  When researchers contacted the subjects at the end of the day, they found that those who had spent the money on someone else reported feeling much happier than those who had selfishly squandered their allotted funds.  [Note:  In another study, Norton found that sales team productivity and relationship quality increased as salespeople were given money to spend on other team members.]

     Professor Norton had discovered that, although selfish gain seems appealing, it also lacks the power bring about lasting joy.  Genuine peace and contentment are the result of selflessness and sacrifice.  By serving and giving we can demonstrate the generosity and love of Jesus Christ. May we never forget that happiness doesn’t originate from what we might receive, but rather, from what we are willing to give.

     “Lord Heavenly Father, continue to shower us with Your many blessings.  As we love and serve our fellows, may we be filled with Your unending joy and peace.  May our selfish desires come to an end; that through us, countless wandering souls might come to glorify Your Holy Name.  We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You; and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name.  Amen.”  God bless all of you!

Born of the Spirit

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JESUS SPEAKING

“That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from or where it goes. So is everyone born of the Spirit.” (John 3: 6 – 8)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

Jesus likens the Holy Spirit to the wind, which blows wherever it pleases; its origin and destination remain unknown to everyone who has rejected the gospel message. To those who are carnal, the way that Christians speak and behave seems strange and even foolish. Why be honest? Why be charitable? Why serve others? Why be kind to our enemies?

When God directed Noah to construct a massive boat in the middle of nowhere, he obeyed because he knew that a flood was coming, and that everyone but his family would soon perish. Those carnal souls who observed his tireless efforts must have questioned his sanity. Only a fool would construct a boat in the absence of the water needed to sail it.

Like Noah, when an individual receives the Holy Spirit, their actions and behaviors change, based upon what they know is coming in the future. For some everlasting life, and for others, everlasting death. We die in the present so that we may live in God’s eternal kingdom. We remain obedient, speak the truth, and preach the gospel so that others might also receive salvation and avoid the coming judgement. May we always follow the leading of the Holy Spirit.

“Lord Heavenly Father, as we journey through this world, may we continue to preach the gospel message. Number our steps, that we might obey the Holy Spirit, and remain faithful in everything that we do. May our efforts be diligent, and our actions righteous. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you!

Becoming as Little Children

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JESUS SPEAKING

     At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”  Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.  Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me.” (Matthew 18: 1-5)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

    Simply put, humility is the acceptance of helplessness.  Although we are all called to repent, the salvation that comes through Jesus Christ isn’t something that can be earned; it is something that can only be received.  Children inherently realize their own helplessness, and thus look to their parents for the fulfillment of their daily needs.  The disciples had yet to realize that those who displayed the greatest degree of humility, also elevated and honored God the most. Today, those who are nearest to the Lord, lower themselves down so that God may be lifted up in their place.

   In nature, birds represent an abundant group of animals.  Their young ones remain sheltered in nests while the adults go hunting; thus enabling them to establish a continuous supply of food.  No chick can provide for itself; they can’t fly, fend off predators, keep warm, or even clean themselves properly. They never stray from their nests because they instinctively understand their own limitations, and in turn, they comprehend the value of their parents. Lacking any sense of pride, the nestlings receive their care and nourishment as little children.

     Today, God has sent His Son to us, that we might consume eternal food.  We exist in this passing world for a short time before we can enter the Kingdom of God. Those who venture out to achieve righteousness for themselves will only discover death. Genuine salvation is a gift from God that can only be received; it cannot be earned (Note: Good works must also be accomplished in His name.) Outside of God’s provision we are incapable of becoming right with Him. By nature we are little children. May we understand this truth as we continue on our journey with Jesus Christ.

     “Lord Heavenly Father, as we walk through this world may we always lift You up.  You are an amazing, powerful, and awesome God.  You alone are Holy and righteous, and we thank You for all that You have done for us.  We ask and pray that You would lead us into humility and lowliness of heart. May we always seek Your righteousness and not our own. Feed us with Your spiritual food, that we might continue as little children.  We love You Lord, we thank You, and we praise You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name.  Amen.”  God bless all of you!