One Father, One Teacher

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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 your 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)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

Jesus chastised the religious leaders for placing themselves between God and man; which enabled them to steal a measure of God’s glory for themselves. He then addressed His disciples, forbidding them from calling anyone on earth their Teacher/Rabbi; as He alone was their Teacher/Master. He also forbade them from calling anyone on earth their Father, because God alone was their Father; rendering them all brothers. Thus He seems to be establishing a singular hierarchy among the body of believers. Pointing others to Christ alone is the first obligation of every believer.

  One man who thoroughly understood this principle of servant leadership and pointing others to Christ alone was named John the Baptist. When he saw Jesus He identified Him as the Messiah, saying, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” Some time later John’s followers approached him saying, “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, “He must increase and I must decrease.”

Like John, we must decrease so that Jesus can increase. Our most important obligation as believers is to point others toward Jesus Christ; our one True Teacher. He possesses all of the truth and He alone is the head of the Church. May we continually look to Him for guidance, direction, and discernment. May He live through us as we walk in the light of His leadership. (Note: This does not mean that the church must be entirely devoid of structure.)

“Lord Heavenly Father, we seek to serve You and to point others toward Your Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. May we never steal any of Your glory. Give us the strength to obey and the courage to do what’s right in Your eyes. 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

“The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. ‘This was the Lord’s doing, and it is 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 him to powder.” (Matthew 21: 42 – 44)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

Jesus refers to Himself as the chief cornerstone upon which the new temple has been built. According to Christ, those who reject Him as the foundation of God’s new work will be crushed into powder. However, those who choose to follow Him must first fall upon Him and be broken to pieces. This brokenness is necessary, because until we are broken, we cannot be reshaped and remade into God’s instruments.

Every butterfly begins its life as a small caterpillar. At some point its outer skin becomes a hard capsule known as the Chrysalis. Within this pouch the caterpillar undergoes an extreme transformation. Nearly all of its body parts are dissolved into a soupy liquid. The remaining imaginal cells then grow into the legs, the antennae, and the wings. After breaking free from this capsule, this creature flies away; another stunning example of God’s perfect design.

In much the same way Christians must be broken (or destroyed) before they can be remade. The old ways must perish and melt away in order for our new lives to begin. We must be willing to let go of anything that stands in the way of God’s desired transformation. May we always be willing to change and never resist the work of God in our lives.

“Lord Heavenly Father, may we maintain a willingness to die to ourselves and be broken, that Your work in us may be accomplished. Transform us into the servants and stewards that You desire, and may we serve You with obedient and cheerful hearts. 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!

“Follow Me”

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JESUS SPEAKING

     ‘As Jesus passed on from there, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax office.  And he said to him, “Follow Me.”  So he arose and followed Him.’ (Mark 9: 9)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

     The calling of Matthew is one of the shortest conversion stories recorded in the bible.  As a tax collector, he worked for the Roman Empire; earning him the contempt and disdain of his own people.  Still Jesus saw something in him worth saving.  As the Lord passed by He uttered two simple words that would forever transform Matthew’s life; “Follow Me.”  Matthew’s response was simple, immediate, and unwavering.  He arose, abandoned his position, and began following Jesus Christ.

     During the 1880’s, a famous baseball player named Billy Sunday had a similar experience.  One day he and his teammates entered a saloon and began drinking. Upon exiting the bar, Billy spotted a group of Christians singing hymns and preaching about God’s salvation and forgiveness.  With tears rolling down his face, he turned to his teammates and said, “Boys, I’m through!  Going to turn to Jesus Christ.  We’ve reached the parting of the ways.”  Some mocked him, while others encouraged him.  He immediately entered the Pacific Garden Mission, where he gave his life to the Lord.  Later he said, “I called upon God’s mercy.  I staggered out of my sins and into the outstretched arms of the Savior.  I became instantly a new creation in Him.  The next morning at practice, my manager, Mike Kelly greeted me and said, ‘Billy, I read in the paper what occurred yesterday.  Religion isn’t my long suit, but I won’t knock you, and I’ll knock the daylights out of anyone who does.”  Billy Sunday went on to become one of the greatest evangelists of the early 20th century.

     Like Matthew, and like Billy, God is still calling many of us to follow Him today.  Jesus Christ desires that everyone might come to know Him and submit to His discipleship.  How then can you obey God’s call and receive salvation?  First, find a quiet place and then ask God to enter your heart.  You must profess a faith in Jesus Christ and also turn away from sinful living.  Get involved at a local church and be baptized in front of your family and friends.  Find a bible and begin reading it in the gospels.)  As you grow in the knowledge of God and submit to His commandments, you will experience an amazing transformation.

     “Lord Heavenly Father, we thank You for calling us to be Your disciples.  May You dwell forever in our hearts and minds.  Give us the strength to turn away from sin and death, that we might fully embrace the new life we have in You.  You are our Father and we are Your children. Teach us and guide us in all things. Give us more of Your Holy Spirit that we may lovingly serve You and our fellows.  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 Opposition to God’s Will

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JESUS SPEAKING

And He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. He spoke this word openly. Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him. But when He had turned around and looked at His disciples, He rebuked Peter, saying, “Get behind Me, Satan! For you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.”

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

Peter expected Jesus to immediately establish His Kingdom upon the earth; a belief that rendered him incapable of accepting Christ’s impending death upon the cross. Jesus rebuked Peter for his attempted subversion of God’s will, saying “Get thee behind me Satan.” Thus He identifies Satan as the true source of Peter’s inspiration to prevent Him from dying for the salvation of mankind. May we never stand in opposition to God’s will.

In the old testament, there lived a prophet named Jonah. The Lord instructed him to go to Nineveh (a wicked city), and preach a message of repentance and reconciliation with God. For whatever reason, Jonah refused to go; and in fact, he traveled in the opposite direction; making every effort to run away from his duties because of his hatred for the city. No matter where Jonah went, he was subjected to suffering by God; and still he refused to go. After being tossed into the sea he was swallowed by a massive fish that descended into the depths. And still he remained stubborn. However, after spending three days and three nights in the belly of the fish, he finally relented. He was spit up onto dry land and journeyed to Nineveh. Once there, he reiterated God’s warning for them to repent and avoid destruction (and for a time they did repent.)

Like Jonah, whenever we stand in the way of the Lord’s will, we place ourselves in opposition to God. As a result He may convict our hearts by means of the Holy Spirit, or He may cause us to endure suffering; a form of punishment designed to change our attitudes and bring us into submission. May we always follow God’s path and never walk in opposition to His will.

“Lord Heavenly Father, You are a wonderful creator, and we thank You for all of the many blessings we have received. Through the power of Your Holy Spirit, may we always walk according to Your will. May we never stand in the way of any works You are seeking to accomplish. 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 name, amen.” God bless all of you!

The Flood

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JESUS SPEAKING

“But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. For as the in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.” (Matthew 24: 37 – 39)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

Jesus likens His eventual second coming to the days of Noah and the flood. When the Lord returns the faithful will be saved but the wicked will be judged. According to Jesus Noah was an actual man and the ark was a genuine vessel. Additionally, He establishes that the global flood was an authentic historical event, as opposed to a symbolic metaphor.

Today there are countless individuals claiming to be Christian who deny that Noah lived and actively promote the belief that the flood account was simply an allegory (a fictional tale meant to teach a deeper lesson.) Clearly these heretical apostates are leading others astray. In fact, we are warned about these individuals in 2 Peter, 3 – 6. We read, “Knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, and saying, ‘Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.’ For this they willfully forget: that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water, by which the world that then existed perished, being flooded with water.”

There are some who cannot comprehend the power of God, and in the midst of their ignorance they purpose to change the meaning of scripture to suit their own beliefs. They will struggle to chip away at the foundations of God’s truth, because if one part of the Bible is false then nothing is sacred and everything can be questioned. May we fully trust in the Bible and its historical accuracy.

“Lord Heavenly Father, we thank You for creating the heavens and the earth, and for all of the miracles You have accomplished throughout history and in our lives. May we never doubt You or the scriptures that sustain and purify our hearts and minds. 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!

Seeking the Lost

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JESUS SPEAKING

“Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it? And when she has found it, she calls her friends and neighbors together, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the piece which I lost!’ Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” (Luke 15: 8 – 10)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

Like this woman’s missing coin, the world is full of lost human beings; individuals who possess no knowledge of their creator. They have wandered off, stumbling about in darkness as they journey toward eternal condemnation. Yet Jesus came to seek and to save those who are perishing. Every believer who shares God’s loving heart will continue Christ’s evangelical work upon this Earth. As disciples, we are commanded to reach out to the lost; that others might hear the gospel of forgiveness and be reconciled to the Lord.

Many years ago, a dynamic missionary leader in India named Robert Wilder was dining with three naval officers. During the course of their conversation one of the officers remarked, “Why don’t these missionaries stay home and mind their own business?” Dr. Wilder replied, “Suppose you were ordered to take your battleship to Constantinople tomorrow, would you choose whether to obey or not?” The officer responded, “If we are ordered to go, we must go, even if every ship is sunk and every sailor killed.” “Quite right,” replied the missionary. “I have orders from the divine government: ‘Go and preach the gospel to every creature.'”

Like Robert Wilder, we too have been commanded to spread the gospel message. To seek out and to save the lost. This is what brings our God pleasure; this is what causes Him to rejoice. We can accomplish this evangelistic endeavor by witnessing to others, sharing our testimony, handing out bible tracts, and posting messages to our social media accounts, etc. We must be bold, we must be zealous, and we must always preach the truth, no matter the consequence.

“Lord Heavenly Father, You are worthy of all honor and praise. May we continue your work upon this Earth; reaching out to those who have wandered away. Remove our fears, that we might communicate Your message with boldness. Use us as instruments of Your love, and may our efforts be fruitful. 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 Importance of Communion

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JESUS SPEAKING

When the hour had come, He sat down, and the twelve Apostles with Him. Then He said to them, “With fervent desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer, for I say to you, I will no longer eat of it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, “Take this and divide it among yourselves: for I say to you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body which is given for you: do this in remembrance of Me.” Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is shed for you.” (Luke 22: 14 – 20)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

During the last supper, Jesus instituted a critical Christian practice known as communion; a ritualistic act of eating bread and drinking wine (grape juice) in remembrance of His sacrifice upon the cross. The bread represents His broken body and the wine (grape juice) is symbolic of the blood He shed upon the cross. This communal celebration is an essential practice for those who are following Jesus Christ.

Although some today question the correct frequency required for the observance of communion (and there is some legitimate debate), we are given a guiding example in the new testament. In the book of Acts, chapter 20 verse 7 we read, “Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight.” In the Jewish culture, the first day of the week began on Saturday evening and ended when the sun went down on Sunday. This is the reason why Sunday morning services are so common in our Churches. And so, with this scripture in mind, weekly communion seems to be ideal. (Note: some early Christians practiced daily communion.)

As believers, communion represents an essential practice rooted in solid Christian doctrine. As we gather together in our celebration of Christ’s sacrifice, may we partake of the bread and wine (grape juice) in a manner that honors God. And in so doing, reiterate our commitment to the faith and our remembrance of the new covenant; through which we have received forgiveness and salvation.

“Lord Heavenly Father, we are so thankful that You sent Your Son to save us from our sins and to grant us eternal life. May we joyfully celebrate Your awesome deliverance as we partake in communion with our fellow believers. May we never forget the incredible sacrifice that Your Son made for our reconciliation and forgiveness. 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!

What is Truly Valuable

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JESUS SPEAKING

“Again, the kingdom of heaven 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.“ (Matthew 14: 44)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

In this parable a man discovers a treasure in a field. After hiding the treasure, he sells all of his other possessions to purchase the land, and the riches contained within it. The treasure in this story represents the gospel message and the salvation and reconciliation that God has given to all those who put their faith in Jesus Christ. There is nothing more valuable than knowing we are members of God’s eternal kingdom; and in His presence we will live forever.

As the story goes, a woman was once dying in a poorhouse. The doctor bent over her and heard her whisper, “Praise the Lord.” He replied saying, “Why auntie, how can you praise God when you are dying in a poorhouse?” “Oh, doctor,” she replied, “it’s wonderful to go from the poorhouse to a mansion in the skies!”

Jesus Himself has given us the promise of eternal life in His kingdom. A precious treasure that has no equal. In fact, all of the riches this earth has to offer cannot compare to even a single day in God’s presence. If we keep our hearts and minds focused on our future with the Lord, we will always experience joy, no matter our present circumstances.

“Lord Heavenly Father, please help us to remember what is truly valuable in this world. May we be joyful at all times, knowing that we have been saved from death, and instead, have received eternal life. 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!

Division Creates Weakness

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JESUS SPEAKING

   “Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand.” (Matthew 12: 25)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

    Division produces strife; which in turn, creates weakness.  Although there are many forms of discord, by far the most damaging is ‘internal conflict.’   Hatred between friends is often more devastating than hatred among enemies.  Divisiveness breaks the bonds of marriage; it sets parents against their children; it tears families apart; it defeats armies and conquers entire nations.  The body of Christ is a divine family which is meant to exist in perfect unity and peace.

    Since its inception, the United States has been involved in many military confrontations.  Despite the numerous wars waged in foreign lands, the bloodiest conflict was actually fought on American soil.  The Civil War erupted in the 1860’s; ending nearly 620,000 lives and producing millions of crippled war veterans. The property damage was astronomical; the cost exceeding 6 billion dollars. Cities and railroads were destroyed. Homes and businesses were looted and vandalized; entire crops were set ablaze. Many families were also torn in two, with some siblings fighting for opposing armies.

    Much like 1860’s America, the church has at times, experienced great disunity.  The number of issues that have fostered division include: differing methods of baptism; observance of certain holidays; adherence to dietary restrictions; and the structure of church authority, etc. To avoid divisiveness we must place an emphasis on our common faith in Jesus Christ, and not allow “uncertain things” to divide us. (Note: Many sinful practices that go against biblical doctrine must never be accepted by the body of Christ; but rather deserve spiritual opposition which may create division.)

    “Lord Heavenly Father, we desire to experience spiritual unity.  Please remove those things which divide us, that we might love each other in peace. Cleanse our hearts of any ungodly resentments or divisions. Strengthen Your body, that we might rejoice together as one family. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You; and we ask and we pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name we pray,  amen.”  God bless all of you!

Guiding Others to Jesus

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JESUS SPEAKS

‘Now it happened on a certain day, as He was teaching, that there were Pharisees and teachers of the law sitting by, who had come out of every town of Galilee, Judea, and Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was present to heal them. Then behold, men brought on a bed a man who was paralyzed, whom they sought to bring in and lay before Him. And when they could not find how they might bring him in, because of the crowd, they went up on the housetop and let him down with his bed through the tiling into the midst before Jesus. When He saw their faith, He said to him, “Man, your sins are forgiven you.” And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, “Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?” But when Jesus perceived their thoughts, He answered and said to them, “Why are you reasoning in your hearts? Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Rise up and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has the power on earth to forgive sins”—He said to the man who was paralyzed, “I say to you, arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.” Immediately he rose up before them, took up what he had been lying on, and departed to his own house, glorifying God.’ (Luke 5: 17 – 25)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

A group of loyal men set out to carry their paralyzed friend to Jesus. In a desperate attempt to circumvent the crowds, they puncture a hole in the roof, and lower the sick man down to the Lord. The man’s tortured body is healed and his sins are forgiven; thus permitting him to return home. In like manner, those who are faithful are duty bound to escort their families, friends, loved ones, relatives, and acquaintances to the feet of Jesus Christ. In so doing, they too can be healed, forgiven and restored to a right relationship with God.

“Every atom in the universe can act upon every other atom, but only through the atom next to it. If a man would act upon every other man, he could do it best by acting, one at a time, upon those beside him.” —Henry Drummond—

Although many are called to be missionaries in some distant nation, there’s no shortage of souls that require saving right here at home. Those who are positioned directly beside us in this life are often the most inclined to accept the gospel message; our parents, our children, our brothers and sisters, our cousins, our nieces and nephews, our close friends and even our coworkers. Having been healed ourselves, we must then make an effort to guide them to the feet of Jesus Christ.

“Lord Heavenly Father, may we never be distracted or dissuaded from accomplishing our primary purpose; which includes spreading the gospel message to those You have placed directly beside us. Each day, may we strive to guide our friends and family members to the foot of Your throne, through the blood of our Savior. Open their hearts and minds, that they too might receive forgiveness and be healed. 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 Widow’s Faith

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JESUS SPEAKING

Now Jesus sat opposite the treasury and saw how the people put money into the Treasury. And many who were rich put in much. Then one poor widow came and threw in two mites, which make a quadrans. So He called His disciples to Himself and said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the Treasury; for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood.” (Mark 12: 41 – 44)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

Jesus watched as the masses deposited their money into the Temple Treasury. Most gave out of their abundance; but one poor widow put in everything that she had to live on. Jesus honored her because she possessed absolute faith in God’s ability to provide for her needs. Those who fully trust in God will know His blessings.

As the story goes, there once lived a wealthy shoe manufacturer who at one point in his early life became completely broke. He had been unemployed for so long that he was down to his last dollar. He decided to trust in God, and he put (half) 50 cents into the collection basket at his church. The next morning he heard of a job in a neighboring town. The railroad fair to that town was one dollar. So he paid 50 cents to travel halfway to the desired location. He exited the train and began walking into the town. Before he had walked one block he discovered a factory that was employing men. Within thirty minutes he had a new job at a salary of five dollars more a week than he would have received had he gone to the other town. God honored him for his trust; providing for all of his needs.

Like this poor widow woman, we too can possess an extraordinary faith. If we trust fully in God for His guidance and provision then we can live without fear and walk in His perfect will. May we step out in faith whenever we feel God calling us. By trusting in our Lord, we will know true faithfulness and abundant peace.

“Lord Heavenly Father, may walk by faith without fear. May we be willing to put our trust in You and to follow Your guiding hand. As we practice sacrificial giving, may our endeavors be blessed; that others might observe the power of Your provision. 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!

Love is an Action

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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)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

This parable clearly illustrates the active nature of genuine faith. Although both sons responded with words, only one son took action; thus displaying true obedience. For those who believe, mere words are empty and deceitful, unless they are accompanied by acts of kindness and affection.

Today my wife called me at the coffee shop and told me that the dishes had not been done. Still she explained that it wasn’t necessary for me to come home and do them. When I hung up the phone, I said “I love you.” In that solitary moment I realized that my expression of love was empty and hollow, because my words were devoid of the corresponding action. And so, I decided to return home and do the dishes.

As Christians, we are expected to go beyond only verbal expressions of love. Our affection for others must manifest itself in our actions. Thus faith is an action (and internal belief), which can also be accompanied by words. May we continue to love others in all that we say and do.

“Lord Heavenly Father, we come before you with humble hearts. May Your love and affection for mankind be expressed in the things that we do, and in the actions that we take. May our words and deeds be without hypocrisy, as we seek to genuinely love others. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You. We ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you!

The Only Way

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JESUS SPEAKING

“Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who ever came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” (John 10: 7 – 10)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

Jesus uses a shepherding parable to illustrate an essential truth. In this illustration He identifies a sheepfold, or an enclosure where the livestock are penned in for safe keeping. This secure and protected place represents heaven. Jesus then likens Himself to the one true Shepherd, as well as the only door through which an individual can enter God’s heavenly kingdom. The thieves and robbers mentioned in this parable represent anyone who suggests there is another way to fellowship with God, other than through Jesus Christ.

In the Old Testament, Moses led the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. As they reached the shores of the Red Sea, Pharaoh and his army were fast approaching them with murderous intentions. With no means of escape, God performed a miracle. He divided the Red Sea and made a pathway for the Jewish people to escape to the other side. They walked through the sea and were saved; Pharaoh’s army however was destroyed. God prescribes the method of salvation, and mankind must then choose to follow God or to wander off. Any religion that suggests there is a different pathway to reach God is evil and exists solely to lead people astray.

Like those who walked through the sea, God has made a way for human beings to escape death. This pathway is exclusive; rendering all other religions useless. Only by believing in Jesus Christ and accepting His sacrifice upon the cross can one enter God’s eternal kingdom. Jesus is the doorway; He is the path, and He is the life. May we all choose to follow Him and surrender ourselves to His service.

“Lord Heavenly Father, we come before you with humble hearts. We recognize that You have made a way for us to enter into eternal fellowship with You. May we never stray from this path, nor become idle in our evangelistic endeavors. May we remain zealous for the truth as we spread the gospel message to all those who are lost. 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!

Focus On Christ’s Return

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JESUS SPEAKING

     “But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that day come on you unexpectedly.  For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth.” (Luke 21: 34-36)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

     Jesus warned His followers to be prepared for His return at any moment; and in turn, to remain focused on His future kingdom. Whenever an individual loses sight of the eternal, they will begin to indulge in selfish pursuits. Followers are thus cautioned against engaging in carousing (sexual immorality), drunkenness, and the cares of this life. By living with the expectation that Christ could return at any moment, we can avoid any deadly distractions.

     Concerning distractions, text messaging while driving has resulted in a great number of motor vehicle tragedies. One very prominent case involved a plastic surgeon who was text messaging when he drove off of a cliff and tumbled to his death.  Sadly, Dr. Frank Ryan was tweeting a message about his dog, who was with him in the car when he drove off a cliff; he died and his dog was badly injured.  Dr. Ryan set out on a journey, but got distracted, and as a result he never reached his destination.  So many people who believe in Jesus Christ start out on a journey toward an eternal destination, but never make it because they get distracted by the cares of this world.

     Christians today need to avoid focusing on the passing pleasures of this life, and must never allow distractions to take our eyes off of Christ.  Through Bible reading, evangelism, prayer, and fellowship, we can grow stronger in our faith. If we make God the central figure in our hearts, then we will not be afraid on the day He returns; but instead, we will be filled with delight as we contemplate the eternal life we will enjoy in His presence.

    “Lord Heavenly Father, we exalt You in our hearts and minds. You alone are worthy of all praise and honor and glory.  As we focus on the return of Your Son, help us to avoid any trivial distractions. Through the power of Your Holy Spirit, speak to us and give us the knowledge of Your will, that we may better serve You and our fellows. 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!

A Loving Father

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JESUS SPEAKING

Then He said: “A certain man had two sons. And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the portion of goods that falls to me.’ So he divided to them his livelihood. And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together, journeyed to a far country, and there wasted his possessions with prodigal living. But when he had spent all, there arose a severe famine in that land, and he began to be in want. Then he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would gladly have filled his stomach with the pods that the swine ate, and no one gave him anything. But when he had came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger. I will arise and go to my Father, and will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your servants.”‘ “And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the Father said to his servants, ‘Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us make merry; for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ And they began to be merry.” (Luke 15: 11 – 24)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

In this parable, the prodigal Son (representing sinners), is afforded the freedom to leave his father (representing God), and live according to his own sinful desires. Eventually, in the midst of great suffering, he chooses to return to his heavenly Father, expecting to be treated as a servant. And yet his return is cause for celebration. God the Father feels tremendous heartache for those who are lost in sin, and rejoices when they repent and return to Him.

Concerning God’s affection, we read in Ezekiel 33: 11, “Say unto them, as I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live.” Additionally, in Jeremiah 48: 31, God says, “Therefore I will wail for Moab, and I will cry out for Moab; I will mourn for the men of Kir Heres.” Although the nation of Moab was eventually destroyed in judgement, we know that God was saddened by the loss of so many souls.

If we endeavor to share God’s heart, then we must also love those who are lost in sin. As Christians, we are chosen messengers of the Gospel, which is a love letter from God to mankind; a sweet offering of salvation and reconciliation through the sacrifice of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. May we share God’s heart in all things, which includes His love for those who are lost.

“Lord Heavenly Father, may we be one in Spirit with You at all times. May we share Your thoughts and desires as we seek to serve others. May we continue in Your word and be strengthened and equipped to accomplish whatever ministry you have called us to. 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!

Producing Fruit

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JESUS SPEAKING

    “The hour has come that the Son of Man should be glorified. Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.” (John 12: 23 – 25)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

     Using an agricultural metaphor, Jesus references His upcoming death, burial, and resurrection. A single grain of wheat, when planted, can produce hundreds, thousands, and even millions of additional seeds. Similarly, the Lords’ suffering and agony upon the cross, and ensuing resurrection, has produced much fruit. His selfless sacrifice has inspired endless conversions; enabling millions to receive the mercy and grace of God.
     As the story goes, in the 1800’s there resided a little girl from Philadelphia name Hattie Wiatt. She lived in close proximity to a popular, and very crowded Grace Baptist Church. One day she approached the Church and asked to attend their Sunday school. Sadly, she was told that there was no more room. Less than two years later, Hattie fell ill and passed away. A pocket book containing 57 pennies was found underneath her pillow; it was wrapped in a piece of scrap paper; written on the paper was a note that read, “To help build the little temple bigger, so that more children can go to Sunday school.” She had saved her pennies for 2 years intending to give them as a donation to the church. The pastor told his congregation of Hattie’s selflessness. Immediately donations began pouring in, until they had collected nearly $250,000 dollars. Soon the church was seating 3,300 people. The parishioners also chose to build a hospital as well as a university accommodating some 1,400 students (today, attendance at this college has reached nearly 30,000.) Hattie’s sacrifice, although small, has gone on to produce much fruit.
     Like Hattie, we are called to selflessly lay down our lives to “build the little temple bigger.” To sacrifice our own wants and desires so that others may come to know the love of God. When we serve our fellows, love our neighbors, and give to those in need, we bear much fruit. Those who strive to live selflessly will come to know peace; true peace; heavenly peace; eternal peace; “the peace that surpasses all understanding.”
     “Lord Heavenly Father, You are truly an amazing and awesome God. We desperately desire to be selfless; we yearn to lay down our lives so that others may come to know You. Help us to enjoy and embrace serving, giving, and loving. May we produce much fruit and bring many souls into Your everlasting 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!

Prophecy Fulfilled

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JESUS SPEAKING

“And the Father Himself, who sent Me, has testified of Me. You have neither heard His voice at any time, nor seen His form. But you do not have His word abiding in you, because whom He sent, Him you do not believe. You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me. But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life.” (John 5: 37 -40)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

Long before the birth of Christ, many Old Testament figures were inspired by God to record prophetic descriptions of the future Messiah. The things of which they foretold were made manifest in Jesus Christ. This is why He said the scriptures “testify of Me.” Apart from the Judeo-Christian faith, no other religion in the world has ever accurately predicted future events with any degree of precision.

The book of Isaiah was compiled sometime between 600 to 800 years before Jesus was born. In it we read, “Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and and will give birth to a Son, and will call Him Immanuel” (God with us.) Later in this book 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…yet it pleased the Lord to bruise Him.” In addition we read, “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgement and justice, from that time forward, even forever.” Other Old Testament prophecies include the Messiah being born in Bethlehem, and having His hands and feet pierced (as was done during the crucifixion.) We are also told that men would gamble for his clothing, which occurred at the foot of the cross. Other prophecies describe him healing the sick, curing the blind, and bringing the good news to mankind.

Prophecy enables us to reaffirm that our faith is genuinely inspired by God. No one other than God can know the future; and so we can recognize what is true and be transformed by it. Jesus is the Messiah, and the Holy Scriptures are the only divinely inspired collection of texts in this world. May God’s word be a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path.

“Lord Heavenly Father, we recognize Your use of prophecy and are greatly blessed by it. You alone possess the knowledge of truth. May we continue to walk in that truth with You, and be transformed by the power of 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!

Divine Appointments

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JESUS SPEAKING

And He sent out two of His disciples and said to them, “Go into the city, and a man will meet you carrying a pitcher of water; follow him. Wherever he goes in, say to the master of the house, “The Teacher says, “Where is the guest room in which I may eat the Passover with My disciples?”‘ Then he will show you a large upper room, furnished and prepared; there make ready for us.” So the disciples went out, and came into the city, and found it just as He had said to them; and they prepared the Passover. (Mark 14: 13 – 16)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

Jesus gave His disciples specific instructions on how to find the location for their Passover feast. A divine appointment was orchestrated, so that they would encounter a man carrying a pitcher of water. By following him, the disciples discovered a room that was already prepared for them. The definition of a divine appointment is, “A specific, unmistakable meeting arranged by God for a particular purpose; not by accident or coincidence.”

In the book of acts the Apostle Philip was traveling along a road when he met an Ethiopian man studying a copy of the book of Isaiah. Philip asked him if he understood it. The man replied, “How can I unless someone guides me.” Philip then enlightened him concerning the scripture, which was a prophecy concerning Jesus. The gospel was preached to him and the man declared his faith in Christ. He was then baptized by Philip in water and went his way rejoicing. This divine appointment, orchestrated by God, led to the salvation of a man’s soul.

Even today, God continues to orchestrate divine appointments. Those who are willing to share the gospel message will inevitably encounter others who are seeking the truth. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can be used to guide many to Jesus Christ. May we embrace our calling and be zealous to win souls for God.

“Lord Heavenly Father, give us the strength and courage to reach out to those we will encounter who need to hear the gospel message. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit, and speak through us, that we might be used to guide many into Your everlasting 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!

The Light of the World

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JESUS SPEAKING

Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” (John 8: 12)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

Jesus Christ is the light of the world. He came to show everyone the pathway to a renewed relationship with God. His life, teachings, and Spirit have eliminated any confusion between what is good and evil. Now, every believer can know God’s will and avoid the stumbling blocks of sin.

In the Old Testament, a prophet named Hilkiah once discovered a lost copy of the written law of God inside of the old temple. He gave these scriptures to King Josiah, who upon reading them, was horrified at how terribly disobedient the entire nation of Israel had become; he even tore his own clothing in despair. In response, he chose to read the law out loud for everyone to hear; he also initiated a sweeping spiritual reformation designed to bring the nation of Israel back into compliance with God’s commandments. He journeyed throughout Israel, tearing down all of the pagan altars and destroying their idols. The light of God’s word gave Josiah discernment.

In much the same way, those who call Jesus their Lord are given the light of life; the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. As this light burns in our hearts, it illuminates the darkness; allowing us to discern the differences between good and evil. Thus, knowing what is right becomes a simple choice for those who desire to follow Christ.

“Lord Heavenly Father, we yearn to know Your will. Fill our hearts and minds with Your Holy Spirit, that we may comprehend what path is pleasing to You. Give us the strength and courage to choose what is right and to remain obedient, even in the hardest of times. 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 we pray. Amen.” God bless all of You!

The Greatest

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JESUS SPEAKING

So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down again, He said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. If then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.” (John 3: 12 – 17)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

During the first century, sandals were the most common type of footwear worn in Israel. Over the course of a day, dirt and grime would build up around the feet; thus necessitating the practice of foot washing before entering a home. This filthy task was usually relegated to the lowest ranking servants in a household. When Jesus washed the disciples feet, He gave us all an example of how lowliness and humility equates to greatness in God’s kingdom.

Throughout history, countless missionaries have gone into the dirtiest, most impoverished places to selflessly serve others in obedience to God’s will. As the story goes, one prominent missionary once wrote, “In encouraging young men to come out as missionaries, do use the greatest caution. One wrong-minded, obstinate man would ruin us. Humble…persevering men of sound, sterling character, with good accomplishment and some natural aptitude to acquire a language; men of amiable, yielding temper, willing to take the lowest place; men who live close to God, and who are willing to suffer all things for Christ sake without being proud of it—these are the kind of men we need.”

Like many missionaries, and like the Lord Jesus Christ, the greatest Christians among us will be those who are the greatest servants. If we desire to follow Christ we too must embrace a life of selflessness and humility; denying our own flesh so that others may see the works of God and experience His love. May we all commit to this undertaking.

“Lord Heavenly Father, provide us with opportunities throughout the day to serve others with great affection. May we seek to be the greatest servants; offering our lives as a sacrifice for the furtherance of Your gospel message. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit, and may we walk with You always. 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!

Worshiping God

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JESUS SPEAKING

“For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.'” (Matthew 4: 10)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

God created Human beings to walk in fellowship with Him; to worship Him in Spirit and in truth. This worship manifests itself in adoration and reverence for the Lord. Thus we submit to His will while singing songs that praise and honor Him. We should elevate and worship God in our prayers and times of fellowship.

In the old testament, we read about a prophet named Daniel. While living in Babylon, King Darius made a decree outlawing the worship of any God other than the King himself. Daniel refused to adhere to this directive; and in fact, Daniel allowed others to observe him praying to God. When his act of disobedience was discovered, he was thrown into a lions den. After a day had passed the King approached the den, hoping Daniel had not been devoured by the lions. And indeed, he was still alive because God had sent an angel to keep the mouths of the lions from opening.

Like Daniel, we were created with a desire to worship the one true and living God. The devil desires for us to adore false Gods, and to worship created things rather than the creator Himself. If we have received Christ and been reconciled to God, then we can finally know our genuine purpose in this world; which is to worship God alone, and to serve him with faithful hearts.

“Lord Father, we desire to worship You alone and to render to you all of the praise and honor that You deserve. May we perform the tasks that You have given us to accomplish with sincere Hearts. And may we walk in complete fellowship with You, all the days of our lives. 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!

Fleeing Sin and Temptation

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JESUS SPEAKING

“If your hand or foot causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter life lame or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet, to be cast into everlasting fire.” (Matthew 18: 8)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

According to Jesus, we are to avoid sin at all costs. He goes even further, suggesting that we should also abandon anything that might lead us into temptation or cause us to sin. For example, if someone becomes a Christian and has a history of drunken (alcoholic) behavior, they should rid their houses of liquor and avoid hanging out in bars; they would also be wise to make new friends and abandon their old drinking buddies.

Many years ago, after becoming a Christian, I made the decision to only use my laptop at coffee shops and other public places where anyone who walked by could see what I was viewing on my screen. This accountability helped me to avoid watching anything inappropriate on my laptop. Although I no longer struggle with that form of temptation, for a time, avoiding isolated computer use served me well.

As Christians, we must strive to be as perfect in our deeds as our Lord and savior Jesus Christ is. Although we cannot attain sinless perfection (for which there is grace), we are still called to avoid sin and anything else that might lead us into temptation. No matter our situation, with God’s help, we can all do better.

“Lord Heavenly Father, give us the strength and courage to avoid those things that are sinful or tempting. May our lives be committed to purity and goodness. Grant us the wisdom to recognize those areas of our lives where change is necessary. Without You we are lost, but with You we have all hope. We love You Father, 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!

Complete Joy

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JESUS SPEAKING

“As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.” (John 15: 9 – 11)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

According to Jesus, those who abide in His love will also be filled with His joy. This kind of joy is defined as a deep, enduring contentment and inner peace derived from God’s Holy Spirit dwelling within us, rather than from external circumstances. This divine joy is a constant disposition that reveals the presence of God.

As the story goes, many years ago when a missionary named Adoniram Judson returned home on furlough, he passed through the city of Stonington Connecticut. A young boy who was playing nearby was struck by the man’s appearance. He had never seen such a light on any human face. He promptly ran up the street and asked a minister if he knew who the stranger was. The minister hurried back, but became so absorbed in conversation with Judson that he forgot about the impatient youngster standing beside him. Years later, that young boy became a powerful preacher named Henry Clay Trumbull. In a book of memoirs he penned a chapter entitled: “What a Boy Saw in the Face of Adoniram Judson.” From an early age, that man’s joyful countenance had changed his life.

Like Mr. Judson, we too are called to exemplify the joy of Christ in our behaviors and mannerisms. If Christ is alive within us, then His supernatural joy will flow outward from us; and we will experience even greater joy as we build upon our relationship with the Lord. If we love God, His love will be revealed in us.

“Lord Heavenly Father, fill us with Your love. May Your Holy Spirit come alive within our hearts . May we know pure joy and experience the eternal peace that “surpasses all understanding.” 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!

The Kingdom of God

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JESUS SPEAKING

“The kingdom of God does not come with observation; nor will they say, ‘See here! or ‘See there.’ For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you!” (Luke 17: 20 – 21)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

According to Christ, the Kingdom of God in this world is not a physical place that can be observed with the eyes. Instead, it is a spiritual place that exists within the human heart. God’s kingdom is present inside those who seek to live in obedience to His will. Although hidden from sight, the effects of the kingdom can be observed by examining the works of individuals who are committed to Christ.

Interestingly enough, there are many things in this world that cannot be identified directly with human eyes, but nonetheless exist. In order to identify some microscopic particles for example, a form of spectral analysis is often performed. An unknown substance is exposed to a beam of light or a laser. These lights interact with the object’s atoms and a unique spectral pattern of energy is emitted. This pattern is observed and then compared to a database of “Spectral Fingerprints” that can identify any unknown compound.

In much the same way, the kingdom of heaven is hidden within the human heart; unseen but alive. Although it cannot be observed directly, the presence of God can be observed by examining what comes out of a person; their actions, their words, and their works. Genuine Christianity can always be discerned. May we all behave in a manner that represents the will and desires of our heavenly Father.

Lord God, we yearn for Your Kingdom to grow within us. May Your Holy Spirit possess every aspect of our lives and empower us to live as genuine Christians. May our actions testify of Your goodness and righteousness. 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!

Erasing Ourselves

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JESUS SPEAKING

“I can of Myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge; and My judgement is righteous, because I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me.” (John 5: 30)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

Until Jesus, no one had ever seen a man walking in complete unity with God; accomplishing His will with absolute precision. Jesus displayed no selfish ambition; nor did He possess any desire to deviate from what was right. In fact, Jesus said, “If you had known Me, you would have known my Father also; and from now on you know Him and have seen Him […] he who has seen Me, has seen the Father.” Jesus is the perfect image of God in the flesh.

Some time ago I attended an estate sale where they were selling a great many works of art. Most of the valuable pieces had already been sold. However, as I walked through the garage I noticed something peculiar. A framed painting had been tucked into a section of cheaper prints. The canvas was caked in a thick layer of grey dust; thus preventing anything from being seen. Using my finger, I wiped away a small section of residue, which confirmed that the piece was an authentic painting. I purchased the item and took it home. I then meticulously removed the dust from the picture, revealing an exceptionally well done antique still life painting of a military helmet, a dagger, and a book. The dust had prevented anyone from seeing its genuine value and beauty.

As Christians we are called to emulate Christ; to reveal the image of God to others. However, like the dust on that painting, our selfish desires can interfere; preventing many from seeing God as He truly is. To express God’s will in the present we must abandon any of our desires that conflict with what the Lord wants to accomplish in the lives of those around us.

“Lord Heavenly Father, we lift up our voices to praise You with all honor and glory. As we seek to reveal Your image to our fellows, give us the strength to live in perfect submission to Your will. May our shortcomings and appetites be erased by the power of 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!

Get Baptized

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JESUS SPEAKS

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” —Jesus— (Matthew 28: 19 – 20)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

Jesus identifies baptism as an essential component of the gospel message. When an individual is baptized in water, they are committing themselves to the lifestyle of repentance that accompanies genuine faith. Although salvation and forgiveness are from the Lord alone, the decision to turn away from sin and permit God to transform us is an individual decision. Every authentic convert must abandon their sins and attempt to live rightly. And thus baptism is the outward manifestation and public profession of our commitment to Holy living.

As the story goes, some years back a man who was practicing Hinduism chose to place his Faith in Jesus Christ. He immediately decided to be baptized. He arrived at the ceremony wearing, as all Brahmins do, the ‘Yagnopavita,’ or sacred thread that hangs from the neck; these decorative sashes also identify the highest members of India’s caste society. During the baptism, after coming up out of the water, he snapped the thread and tossed it into the surrounding water; signifying the death of his old life and his commitment to, ‘walk in newness of life’ in Christ.

Like this converted Hindu realized, Baptism is an act of submission to God’s will. Those who embrace the gospel must choose to repent and turn to the Lord. Being baptized is a public profession of this commitment; a promise to follow the teachings of Christ. Those who are baptized will experience a strengthened relationship with God. If you have placed your faith in the Lord and have never been baptized, consider undergoing the ceremony whenever possible. If you desire to accept the faith and convert, then baptism will draw you closer to the Lord.

“Lord Heavenly Father, you are an amazing and powerful God. We accept and recognize the importance of water baptism; especially among those who are turning to the faith. Give us the strength to live according to the commitments we have made. Through the power of Your Holy Spirit, may we continually remain faithful and repentant. 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 Second Mile

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JESUS SPEAKING

    “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’  But I tell you not to resist an evil person.  But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.  If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also.  And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two.  Give to everyone who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away.” (Matthew 5: 38 – 42)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

During the first century A.D. the Roman army occupied Israel. As conquerors they were afforded certain privileges. One provision gave every Roman soldier the right to compel any Jewish citizen to carry their equipment, for up too, but not in excess of, one Roman mile. Jesus used this law to illustrate the principle of serving others, even our enemies, in abundance. Going the second mile is a uniquely Christian principle. Accomplishing the bare minimum proves little; but the genuine love of God is made manifest when we exceed the demands, requests, and expectations of others.

During our vacation this summer we stayed at our family’s cabin near the lake. The cottage had a sauna which required wood for heating. At some point I was asked to restock the bin holding the logs. I immediately set about accomplishing my task; transporting the kindling from the shed to the sauna house. I took my time; adjusting and re-stacking the logs to maximize the amount of usable space. Not only did I fill the bin, but I continued stacking after it was full. When I had reached the maximum height, given the constraints of safety and stability, my task was complete. Later on I was approached by the family member who had asked me to refill the bin. She told me that I had done the best job of restocking the wood that she had ever seen; as a matter of fact, she was so impressed that she even took a picture of it. Obviously my efforts had paid off; revealing something wonderful about God and His followers.

No matter where we are in life, there are countless opportunities to serve others in abundance. Whenever we go the ‘second mile;’ it reveals something wonderful about God’s character. Thus, if we are compelled to accomplish a task, we must go above and beyond; serving others with great zeal, enthusiasm, and affection.

“Lord Heavenly Father, fill us with Your Holy Spirit, that we might have the strength to serve others in abundance. In all that we do, may we accomplish our good works in Your Holy name; that You would receive all of the honor and glory You so rightly deserve. 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!

A Simple Rule

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JESUS SPEAKING

“And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise.” (Luke 6: 31)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

Every evil act perpetrated against another human being is selfish in nature. Therefore, as Christians we must consider how we would like to be treated, and then apply that standard toward our interactions with others. Following this simple rule can lead us into a more righteous life.

Nowhere in the world today is a lack of empathy more evident than in the abortion industry. When a human being is conceived in the womb, a life begins. A human life, beautiful and wonderful. That individual will grow, they will be born, and they will be loved by others. And yet, for any number of selfish reasons, some women and men will choose to end that life. There are many excuses given of course; “It’s inconvenient,” or “I’m not ready,” or “My whole life will change.” But no matter the reason, abortion is a violation of Christ’s golden rule. The truth is revealed when we ask those considering abortion a few simple questions: “Would you have rather been aborted in the womb? Would you like for someone to end your life? Would you be happy if someone erased you from this world?” Most honest individuals will answer, “no!” And yet the practice continues without end. [Note: For those who have chosen abortion, there is forgiveness in Christ.]

Abortion is just one of a number of behaviors that violates Christ’s commandment to treat others as we ourselves would like to be treated. Those who are wise will implement this ‘golden rule,’ and in turn, grow closer to God. May God be glorified in the way we treat and love our fellows.

“Lord Heavenly Father, give us the strength and desire to apply this scripture in our lives. May we be honest and selfless in our dealings with others. May we be considerate and empathetic; trustworthy and faithful in all that we do. We love You Lord, 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!

Professing Our Faith

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JESUS SPEAKING

    “I also say to you, whoever confesses me before men, him the son of man will confess before the angels of God.  But he who denies me before men will be denied before the angels of God.” (Luke 12: 8 – 9.)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

  Pride plays an essential role in what we choose to communicate to others; most intuitively hide what is unimportant or shameful, while simultaneously expressing the things that are of great value.  In American culture, individuals utilize social media to post quotes, publish photos, and transmit thoughts.  Similarly, others may use billboards, bumper stickers, t-shirts, and jewelry to convey their beliefs to the public.  And yet, in a nation reportedly comprised of millions of Christians, Jesus Christ very rarely occupies the top position.   He is often displaced by more important things; like a career, a family, a political candidate, a sports team, a noteworthy cause, or even a unique lifestyle.

   Throughout history Christians have been persecuted for their outward professions of faith.  In many countries today, those who openly convert from Islam to Christianity will endure imprisonment and execution.  Only a lucky few are afforded the right to a trial; during these mock proceedings, evidence of a true conversion is presented against the accused.  To test the genuineness of our faith, we can ask ourselves a hypothetical question: “If we were to go on trial for our lives, what evidence would our accusers have to convict us of being real Christians?”  Would we be blamed for spreading the gospel?  Would we be found guilty of outwardly displaying our beliefs without shame or remorse?  Would others willingly testify that we have followed the teachings of Jesus Christ?  Would we be condemned for our love, and convicted by our faith?

    Those who are proud to be disciples are truly committed to the Lord.  As believers we must actively seek to express our faith in obvious and practical ways; through our words, our deeds, and our nonverbal communication.  Whether it’s the bumper sticker that reads, “Jesus is Lord,” or the cross that hangs from our neck, outward displays of devotion strengthen our relationship with God.  Each time we openly express our love for Christ, we grow closer to our Heavenly Father; who in turn, pours out upon us, all of His spiritual blessings.

   “Lord Heavenly Father, give us the strength and the desire to share our faith with others.  May we never be ashamed to be called Your Sons and Daughters.  Continue to be our number one love; may nothing ever come before You.  In Your wisdom, give us opportunities to communicate Your message to those who are devoid of understanding; that they too would come to know You as we have.  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!

Leading Others to Christ

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JESUS SPEAKING

    While journeying through Samaria, Jesus chose to sit down beside a well; as He rested, He began speaking with a Samaritan woman who had come to draw water. During their conversation He revealed to her certain intimate details of her life; details that only God Himself could know.  Amazed and astonished, ‘the woman said to Him, “Sir, I perceive that you are a prophet […] I know that the messiah is coming (who is called the Christ.)  When He comes He will tell us all things.”  Jesus answered her saying, “I who speak to you am He.” […] The woman then left her water-pot, went her way into the city, and said to the men, “Come, see a man who told me everything I’ve ever done.  Could this be the Christ?” […] And many of the Samaritans of that city believed in Him because of the word of the woman who testified saying, “He told me everything I’ve ever done.”  So when the Samaritans had come to Him, they urged Him to stay with them; and He stayed there two days.  And many more believed because of His own words.” (John 4: 19 – 41)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

    One fateful afternoon, Jesus Christ chose to reveal himself to an immoral woman who was attempting to draw water from a well.  She was unaware that on that day she would find the Son of God and receive salvation.  Upon hearing Him recount every intimate detail of her life, she became overwhelmed with joy.  The astonished woman left her water-pot behind and entered the city; seeking to lead others to Jesus.  As expected, those who followed her eventually received the eternal gift of God.  Everyone who places their faith in Jesus Christ becomes a messenger.  Having been redeemed, we must strive to lead other sick individuals to the ‘Great Physician;’ the only one capable of mending their wounds and healing their broken hearts.

    As the story goes, like our ‘Great Physician,’ there was once a missionary Doctor who was practicing medicine in a Chinese hospital. As he sought to alleviate the suffering of his fellows, he surgically healed a blind man afflicted with cataracts (a clouding of the lenses of the eye that causes blindness.)  A few weeks later, 48 blind men arrived from the wilds of china (each one seeking to undergo the same incredible procedure.)  Incapable of proper navigation, they forcefully clung to a long rope.  Not surprisingly, the man who had been cured weeks earlier was guiding them.  Some of these desperate men had journeyed hundreds of miles to reach the hospital and be healed.

    There are so many people in this world who have been blinded by sin and death.  These lost souls need someone to guide them toward the ‘Great Physician.’  Like the Samaritan woman, those who have been enlightened are given the task of leading others to Jesus Christ.  As ‘reborn’ Christians, we become instruments in the hands of our almighty God.  If we are willing, He will use us to reach out to our family members, co-workers, friends, and even complete strangers.  One of our major tasks is to testify concerning the wonderful works that He has accomplished in the our lives, and in the lives of others who have placed their faith in Him.

“Lord Heavenly Father, fill us with Your Holy Spirit.  May we be amazed every day by Your righteous deeds and splendid miracles.  Help us to embrace our obligation to lead others to Your Son.  Provide us with opportunities to witness to those who are lost in darkness; that they would hear our words and desire Your righteous gift of eternal life.  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!

A Stony Heart

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JESUS SPEAKING

     “But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles.” (Matthew 30: 20 – 21)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

     The gospel is a powerful force; like a raging river that gouges out valleys and tears apart mountains, the gift of salvation transforms lives. Many eagerly receive God’s message but lack the proper foresight; they do not understand the magnitude of the changes God intends to perform in their lives. Genuine faith is costly; the price of salvation is death; death to our old lives and sinful habits. We must willingly be destroyed in order to be remade in the image of Christ. Those whose hearts are stony initially experience a brief relationship with God, but desperately cling to their old familiar ways; thus abandoning their faith when it requires true change.
     As the story goes, when a famous gangster named Mickey Cohen was released from prison in the 1950’s, a Pastor by the name of Bill Jones made it his personal mission to convert him to Christianity. When Jones presented Mickey with the gospel, he said a prayer and accepted Jesus into his heart. Soon, word of his conversion spread, and many were amazed to hear that this once villainous mobster had turned to Christ. Although Mickey enjoyed being called a ‘Christian,’ he refused to live like one. He soon lost touch with Pastor Jones and began hanging around with his old buddies from the criminal underworld. The disheartened Jones confronted Cohen to tell him that as a Christian he needed to put some distance between himself and his old criminal associates. Puzzled, Cohen responded, “Jones, you never told me that I had to give up my career. You never told me that I had to give up my friends. There are Christian movie stars, Christian athletes, and Christian businessmen. So, what’s the matter with being a Christian gangster? If I have to give up all that – if that’s Christianity – then count me out.”
     Sadly, Mickey’s story is not that uncommon; out of the four different types of soil Christ describes, the stony heart can be the deadliest; for within it there exists the greatest propensity for self-deception. The belief that a verbal profession of faith without corresponding actions is sufficient for salvation is a lie. With their lips they affirm Christ, but with their lives they deny Him. Continuing in behaviors such as, pornography, fornication, drunkenness, idolatry, and dishonesty, etc., contradicts the rebirth that all Christians must undergo. Anyone who identifies with this type of soil, has one of two choices to make; continue forward in delusion or get honest with themselves and surrender to a new life with Jesus; a life of repentance; a life free from darkness and unrighteousness; a life lived as a disciple of Christ. May the Lord give us the courage, the strength, and the conviction to make the right choice.
     “Lord Heavenly Father transform us into the image of Your Son. May we lay down our old lives to take up our new ones. May our relationship with You be deep and meaningful. May our lives always confirm our verbal professions of faith. If we have not fully committed our lives to You, reveal to us the areas where we have refused to change; and by the power of Your Holy Spirit, help us to conquer them. 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!

Serpents and Doves

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JESUS SPEAKING

   “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves.  Therefore be wise as serpents and as harmless (innocent) as doves.” (Matthew 10: 16)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

     Those who accept the Holy Spirit and forsake evil are cleansed of all unrighteousness.  They are made pure and holy; rendering them as innocent as doves.  And yet, unlike natural born children whose innocence is accompanied by ignorance, the ‘reborn’ child of God retains the knowledge of good and evil.  In the heart of every believer, innocence and wisdom exist in harmony.  The serpent that Jesus speaks about is a creature that symbolizes wisdom.  In Genesis, God created the serpent to be the wisest of all the animals.  Characteristically, snakes are rarely surprised, they are always aware of potential predators, and they are patient.  In an evil world, God’s eternal offspring must apply comparable wisdom to avoid destruction. How can we love those who are evil, while also making sure we don’t get eaten by them?  Only through God’s divine guidance can someone be both a serpent and a dove.

     Some years ago a man entered the coffee shop where I was studying; it was late and there were very few customers. He began speaking in a broken English accent and was behaving in a peculiar manner. He started drawing attention to himself by flirting with the workers behind the register.  When the employees were distracted, the man leaned over the counter and snatched some money from the tip jar; quickly concealing it.  I rose up and approached the counter.  When he turned around, I greeted him with a stern look. “Put it back,” I insisted.  “I’m so sorry” he replied; admitting to his thievery; he returned the money and asked for forgiveness.  He explained that he was starving and in desperate need of money.  My heart softened a bit and I informed him that what he really needed was Jesus.  I offered to help him so he didn’t have to steal.  I gave him a bible from my car and some money. After gratefully receiving these blessings, he departed.  Like a serpent, God gave me the wisdom to recognize evil and oppose it. And yet, like a dove, I avoided despising the man, and instead I showed him love, and I cared for him according to God’s will.

    The Lord has called every follower to be wise; equipping us with the ability to recognize and oppose evil. But believers must also be harmless and innocent; showing love and affection for those who oppose what is good. While the wicked seek to destroy the faithful, Christians are called to love, to serve, and to convert sinners.  Walk wisely in the ways of God,. Reach out to the lost and bring hope to the hopeless, and you will know the joy of the Lord forever.

     “Lord Heavenly Father, give us the wisdom to avoid being harmed by evil while at the same time opposing it.  May we be kind to those who walk in darkness and be willing to love the wicked.  Let Your light shine brightly in us and through us, that we might direct others away from destruction and toward eternal life.  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!

Being a Good Steward

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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

    There are two kinds of riches; earthly riches and heavenly riches.  The heavenly riches are eternal; and thus far more valuable.  The word ‘Mammon’ that Jesus uses in this scripture is a reference to earthly possessions; things entrusted to our care by God; like jobs, a car, a home, a wife or husband, money, a career, etc.)  God has given the earth and everything in it to mankind as a temporary possession.  Every man and woman is a steward of what God had given them.  A steward is defined as ‘someone who manages property or other affairs for someone else.’   How someone handles this mortal life, indicates whether or not they will inherit eternal life with God.

    Many years ago my Dad worked for a distributing company.  They owned many trucks, which necessitated the hiring of drivers.  He would often interview the prospective employees.  According to my Dad, as part of the interview he would accompany the individuals out to the parking lot where he would peer into their automobiles.  If their car was neat and orderly they might be hired.  However, if their automobiles were messy and in disrepair, they wouldn’t get the job.  Some of them would complain, but my dad would tell them, ‘If this is the way you take care of your car, this is the way you’ll treat our trucks.’  They had failed to take care of their possessions, so they were rejected from employment.

    Today, the things that we have in this life are not ours.  Our wives, our kids, our houses, our cars, our friends, our families, our bodies, and even our money; it all belongs to God, and we are tasked with taking care of what we’ve been given.  If we succeed in being good stewards of our current possessions, then we will receive for ourselves, eternal possessions from God.  If we haven’t lived as Christians in this life, how can we expect to receive eternal life?

    “Lord Heavenly Father, we come before You and we ask that You would give us the desire to serve You; that our possessions in this life might serve Your purposes and further the spreading of the gospel message.  May we be good stewards of what You have given us, that we might one day inherit true riches.  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 New Temple

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JESUS SPEAKING

‘Jesus said to them, “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 him to powder.” (Matthew 21: 42 – 44)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

Many of the Jews rejected Jesus. In response He quoted an old testament prophecy that states ‘the stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone.’ A cornerstone is the first block laid down during the construction of a masonry foundation. Every other piece is set in reference to this one ceremonial stone, which ensures the proper orientation of the entire structure. Jesus came to destroy the old temple and to erect a new one in its place. This new temple is comprised of flesh and blood. God no longer dwells in sacred buildings; but instead He inhabits the hearts of all those who believe. Every faithful soul is a brick laid down upon the foundation of Jesus Christ. Those who deny the Lord will be crushed by Him; but those who believe will fall upon Him and be broken. This brokenness permits God to use us according to His desires.

Many years ago, a researcher named Jack Lipton attempted to study how the members of 11 different major symphony orchestras perceived each other. He found that the percussionists were viewed as insensitive, unintelligent, hard-of-hearing, and yet fun-loving. The string players were seen as arrogant, stuffy, and unathletic. The brass players were described as “loud,” whereas the woodwind musicians were held in the highest esteem; they were characterized as quiet, meticulous, but a bit egotistical. With such wildly divergent personalities and perceptions, how could these orchestras work together to create beautiful music? The answer was simple: regardless of how the musicians viewed one another, they sacrificed their biases and stereotypes in subordination to the leadership of the conductor. Under his guidance they worked together to generate inspiring music.

In a similar manner, we as Christians are called to sacrifice our own desires and concerns for the greater good. When we lay down our lives and submit to God we become members of the Body of Christ; an interconnected structure of individuals that collectively represents the new temple; the physical manifestation of Christ on this Earth. Jesus is our cornerstone, and when we rest ourselves down upon Him, we become bricks in the Church; a structural instrument that creates beautiful music. May we find value in fellowship with one another; that our faith might continue to grow as God adds to His Church daily.

“Lord Heavenly Father, You are worthy of all honor and praise. May we be broken and added to the temple You have erected upon the foundation of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Help us to desire fellowship and embrace the gathering together of the brethren. Fill our hearts with Your Holy Spirit, that we might be used to add to Your Church daily. 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!

Hope

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JESUS SPEAKING

“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In my Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so I would have told you. I also go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. And where I go you know; and the way you know.” (John 14: 1-4)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

Jesus says, “let not your heart be troubled;” a clear reference to the anxiety, fear, and depression that can afflict the lives of those who have lost hope. The definition of hope is, ‘the feeling of joy and optimism experienced in the present, as it relates to the anticipation of some future good.’ By simply contemplating the wonders of God’s coming kingdom, those who believe can feel joy even in the darkest moments. Such a splendid hope can also eradicate the distress of any present suffering.

As the story goes, a large school system once had a program to assist children who were sick in the hospitals with their school work. One day a teacher was asked to visit a particular child. She spoke with the child’s regular teacher who told her, “We’re studying nouns and adverbs in his class now. I’d be grateful if you could help him understand them so he doesn’t fall too far behind.” That afternoon, the hospital teacher went to see the boy. No one had told her that the child had been badly burned and was in great pain. Upon witnessing the boy’s injuries she was upset and began to stammer. “I’ve been sent by your school to help you with nouns and adverbs.” Having completed her session, she left; feeling as though she had accomplished very little. However, the next day a nurse asked her, “What did you do to that boy?” Believing she had committed some offense, the teacher began to apologize. “No, no,” replied the nurse. “You don’t know what I mean. We’ve been worried about that little boy, but ever since yesterday, his whole attitude has changed. He’s fighting back, responding to treatment. It’s as though he’s decided to live.” Two weeks later the boy explained that, until the teacher had arrived, he had completely given up hope. Everything changed when he came to a simple realization which he expressed this way: “They wouldn’t send a teacher to work on nouns and adverbs with a dying boy, would they?”

The child in this illustration had been struggling because he had lost hope in the future. If we have lost our joy in the present, it is because we have taken our eyes off of the eternal life we have been promised in the future. We are therefore instructed to look forward to our everlasting fellowship with Jesus in God’s kingdom. If we believe God, we can endure any trial or tribulation in this place. Never lose hope; never doubt the promises of the Lord; and you as well will experience “the peace of God which surpasses all understanding.”

“Lord Heavenly Father, we trust You with our lives and believe in Your promises. Increase our faith, that no matter what circumstances we might encounter, we can experience the joy that accompanies our hope of eternal fellowship with You. May we continue to spread the gospel message to others; that they too might walk as Christians, from this day forward. 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!

Receiving God’s Message

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JESUS SPEAKING

   “I have manifested Your name to the men whom You have given me out of the world.  They were Yours, You gave them to Me, and they have kept Your word.  Now they have known that all things which You have given Me are from You.  For I have given them the words which You have given Me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came forth from You; and they have believed that that You sent me.” (John 17: 6-8.)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

  As Jesus spoke directly to God in the presence of His disciples, He identified His task and acknowledged that it had been accomplished.  His duty was to make God known to all those who were willing to listen.  The true children of God heard Jesus, accepted Him as God’s messenger, and received His words as the words of God.  Still today the Lord is selecting individuals out of the world, to become His eternal possessions.  Anyone who accepts the message of Christ is a true child of God.  Those who follow God are saved, while those who ignore His message will perish.

    In 1912 the Titanic slipped beneath the icy waves of the Atlantic Ocean. Nearly 1500 people joined the ship on its journey to the bottom of the ocean.  Although there weren’t enough lifeboats to carry all of the passengers, no one truly needed to die.  Most people are unaware that a large ship named ‘The Californian’ was less than 20 miles away that night (close enough to have saved most of Titanic’s passengers.)  ‘The Californian’ received some distress calls from the Titanic (via radio communication.) The crew also observed distress flares being fired from the titanic.  And yet, for some reason the Captain of ‘The Californian’ didn’t take these messages seriously, and returned to bed after hearing the reports.  During an official inquiry into the Captain’s actions, he remained elusive, continually changing his story; some even reported that he made attempts to doctor the log book and change their reported position on the evening of the tragedy.  The real circumstances of his inaction were never clearly identified.  Many still speculate that the Captain simply didn’t take the messages seriously.  He had heard the reports, but didn’t believe them, and for that reason 1500 people lost their lives.

   Jesus Christ, and the words that He spoke are God’s signal flares in a very dark and frigid world.  Some see the signals, and they are drawn to Him.  They see Jesus and know that He is God’s message, and because they believe in that message they are saved from death.  Sadly, no matter how many flares He sends up pointing to His Son, most will never take them seriously. Jesus Christ is God’s message to us all.  Those who respond, will follow Him and dedicate their lives to spreading His message.  May we all respond to God’s calling.

    “Lord heavenly Father, we come before You and ask You to increase our faith.  We desire to be Yours, and we believe Your message and accept Your words.  As we await the life You have promised us, we ask that You strengthen our hearts in this world, that we might accomplish Your work.  Give us a desire to spread Your message, that we would make more disciples.  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!

Being Honest

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JESUS SPEAKS

While speaking with a group of men, Jesus said, “If you were Abraham’s children you would do the works of Abraham. But now you seek to kill me, a Man who has told you the truth which I heard from God. Abraham did not do this. You do the deeds of your father.” Then they said to Him “We were not born of fornication; we have one Father—God.” Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love Me for I proceeded forth and came from God; nor have I come of Myself but He sent Me. Why do you not understand My speech? Because you are not able to listen to My word. You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.” (John 8: 29 – 34)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

Lying and dishonesty are sinful behaviors that originate from Satan; these dreadful lies produce confusion, hardship and suffering. The truth however, which is pure, unchanging, and reliable, emanates from God the Father. He sent His only Son Jesus Christ to preach the truth, and for that purpose He was hated. Many today remain frightened of the gospel message because they yearn to continue in their sin without guilt or remorse. Thus honesty creates great animosity. Speaking the truth can be quite costly; which constitutes one of the reasons Jesus Christ is rejected more often than He is accepted.

In 2004, a high school golfer named Chelsee Richard, of Bloomingdale Florida, lost her chance to win the state championship by being honest. In the qualifier for the state finals, Chelsee hit her tee shot on the second hole into the rough. She then unkowingly played another golfer’s ball out of the rough and finished the hole. However, on the third hole she realized what she had done. The rules stated that a golfer must declare on that hole, that they hit the wrong ball before putting the ball into the cup, or they are disqualified. Chelsee drew strength from her favorite bible verse, Philippians 4: 13; “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” She promptly reported her error, ending her senior season and her dream of going to the state finals. Concerning the incident, she said, “With my faith and with God, being honest was the most important thing to me, and that’s what is going to advance on through my life; being honest.”

Like Chelsee, many Christians have committed themselves to walking in the truth. We must always speak what is right and avoid dishonesty, no matter the cost. For those who have been called according to God’s purpose, lying of any sort is entirely unacceptable. We will undoubtedly encounter hatred, disdain, and derision, but our hearts will overflow with gladness. As we avoid Satan’s lies, those who are walking in darkness will see a great light and be drawn to God.

“Lord Heavenly Father, we love You and are committed to Your cause of salvation. May we speak only those things that are true and never fall victim to the lies that tempt others to sin. Sanctify us by the power of Your Holy Spirit, that we might be bold messengers of the Gospel. 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 Greatness of God’s Love

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JESUS SPEAKING

     “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3: 16)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

     God is a loving Father who cares deeply for every human being. His love is so profound that He sent His only Son to suffer the punishment for our sins; that we might receive the gift of eternal life. Because Jesus Christ was whipped, beaten, mocked, and crucified, the world has seen the love of God. His pierced hands and feet are a reminder of the astonishing measure of His affections.

     As the story goes, many years ago a man named William Dixon lived in Brackenwaite, England. He was a widower whose only son had tragically died. Near him there lived a grandmother who was raising her orphaned grandson. One day their house caught on fire; although the elderly grandmother was rescued, her grandson was trapped in the blaze. Dixon climbed an iron pipe on the side of the house and lowered the boy to safety. The hand he used to hold onto the pipe was badly burned. Shortly after the fire, the grandmother died. The townspeople wondered who would care for the boy. Two volunteers appeared before the town council. One was a father who had lost his son and wanted to adopt the orphan. The other man was William Dixon. When given the opportunity to speak, Mr. Dixon said nothing. Instead, he simply raised his scarred hand in the air for everyone to see. The vote was taken, and the boy was given to Mr. Dixon.

     Like Mr. Dixon, Jesus Christ endured great pain and suffering to save us from certain death. His scarred hands and feet are reminders of that immense love. Who better to call our master and our Lord than the one who sacrificed His life so that we could live? Having received salvation, we are now compelled to lay down our lives for others. Abandoning selfish pursuits, we are called to exemplify the attributes of selflessness and sacrifice. Through our actions, the entire world can observe the depths of God’s love.

     “Lord Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your immeasurable affection. We praise You Jesus for the pain that You endured on the cross for us. May our hearts be filled with gratitude. May we follow Your example and lay down our lives in service to our fellows. Give us the strength to love others as You have so graciously loved us. We honor 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!

Building Our Relationship with God

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JESUS SPEAKING

“And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret, will reward you openly.” (Matthew 6: 5 – 7)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

According to Jesus, many hypocrites were using public prayer to draw attention to themselves; and thus gain the admiration of other men rather than God. In turn, Christians are instructed to pray in secret as well; where no one but God is watching. This type of confidential prayer remains pure and undefiled; which causes our relationship with God to flourish and grow.

Concerning the dangers of seeking admiration for ourselves, we need only examine the fall of Satan from heaven. We read, “How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How you are cut down to the ground, you who weakened the nations! For you have said in your heart: ‘I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation on the farthest sides of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High.’ (Isaiah 14: 12 – 14)

Satan fell because he desired the admiration and worship of others; but only God deserves to be honored and glorified. And so the devil was cut down, cast out, and humbled. As Christians, we must not succumb to those same prideful desires. When we pray to the Lord in secret, we are set free from the burdens of selfish motivation. And because we honor Him in secret, He will then reward us openly.

“Lord Heavenly Father, may we avoid the desire to be honored by other men, and instead, may we seek the honor that only You can provide. May we be inspired to pray in secret, as we strive to grow in our relationship with You. Be present with us no matter where we are and guide us in accordance with 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’s name, amen.” God bless all of you!

The Source of All Power

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JESUS SPEAKING

    Then they said to him, “What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?” Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent.” (John 6: 28 – 29)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

    Everywhere Jesus went the crowds went with him; having witnessed His countless miracles, the masses desperately sought to discover how they too might accomplish similar feats of greatness. Jesus answered them saying, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent.” According to the Lord, righteousness and divine power are the offspring of a life founded on genuine faith; faith in the Son of God; faith that His teachings are God’s revelation to mankind; faith that He is seated at the creator’s right hand; faith that He loves us and that through Him we are reconciled to our Almighty and Everlasting Father. The Messiah is the source of all our power; only through Jesus can we hope to accomplish God’s will.
    Some time ago I purchased a saw from a local hardware store. Unfortunately the saw suddenly shut down while I was using it. I tried everything to get it to start again. I fiddled with it; I read the directions more thoroughly; I searched the internet for similar problems. Eventually I had to bring the saw back to the store and exchange it for a different one. After returning home, I plugged in the new saw; sadly it didn’t work either. My frustration drove me to try a different socket, and sure enough, the blade began to spin. I soon discovered that a local fuse had blown which only affected a couple of outlets in the house. Needless to say, I was more than a little embarrassed. The saw had never been broken; instead, it stopped working because it had become separated from the source of it’s power.
    Like my saw, many today are disconnected from the source of all divine power. Without faith in Jesus Christ they are unable to function properly. Those who do place their faith in God’s Son grow strong and continue to mature. They possess great peace and an enduring hope; they are given the ability to live righteously and to accomplish many wonderful works in the lives of others. May we continue to place our faith in Jesus Christ. May we never turn away from the source of our strength, that our lives may continue to be a testament to God’s power and majesty.
    “Lord Heavenly Father, we believe in Your Son and we acknowledge His power. Increase our faith that we might grow stronger and be more like You. Accomplish Your works in us and through us, that our lives may be a testament of Your goodness and mercy. 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!

Discipline

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JESUS SPEAKING

“Enter through 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)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

In ancient times, cities were surrounded by protective walls; necessitating the creation of access gates that could be shuttered during enemy attacks. A wide gate is easy to enter; it’s much quicker, more convenient, and requires very little restraint. A narrow gate however, is harder to access, more time consuming, far less convenient, and demands selflessness. Thus the path to eternal life necessitates great discipline and control.

Concerning discipline, we need only examine an illustration from the Old Testament. During Israel’s war with the Midianites, Gideon commanded an army of thousands. Following God’s direction, 22,000 soldiers were sent home; leaving only 10,000 men. And yet God instructed him to reduce the number of his forces even further; thus granting God greater glory for their victory. The Lord insisted the remaining men be tested. And so Gideon was ordered to bring his troops down to the water to drink. All those who dropped to their knees or lapped up the water like dogs were sent home. Those who showed discipline and restraint by using their hands to bring the water to their mouths were chosen by God to continue fighting. This test yielded a group of only 300 men. And still God used this small force to defeat thousands of Midianites.

Like Gideon’s 300 men, we as Christians are commanded to live disciplined lives. We must show control and restraint over our fleshly desires and appetites. Only the power of the Holy Spirit can grant us victory over our enemies and give us the strength to follow Christ through that narrow gate. May the Lord Jesus live and reign in our hearts and minds forever.

“Lord Heavenly Father, we desire to enter through the narrow gate. Give us more of Your Holy Spirit, that we might withstand the temptations of the flesh and exhibit discipline and restraint. May we choose what is good and avoid what is evil. To You be all honor and glory, 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!

Avoid Covetousness

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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)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

Jesus openly rebuked a man for coveting his brother’s wealth. Covetousness is defined as a strong desire to obtain the possessions of others. This jealous instinct is so pervasive that God issued the tenth commandment, which reads, “You shall not covet your neighbors house; you shall not covet your neighbors wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbors.” (Exodus 20: 17)

In the Old Testament, King Ahab strongly desired a piece of property that belonged to another man. He attempted to purchase the parcel, but Naboth the owner rejected his offer. As a result, Ahab became depressed and upset. He retreated into isolation and refused to eat. All of this displeasure, despite owning many lands and an abundance of property. In response, the King’s wife Jezebel sought to acquire the vineyard at any cost. Using lies, she plotted evil against Naboth and had him murdered. Despite knowing how Naboth had died, Ahab arose and took possession of the vineyard. In turn, God sent the prophet Elijah to proclaim a punishment against Ahab and Jezebel for their treacherous behavior. Both of them would eventually die in horrific ways.

If not quickly corrected, covetousness can lead to suffering and punishment. How then do we avoid breaking the 10th commandment? By taking pleasure in and enjoying all of the blessings and possessions that God has given us. When we stop being grateful for what the Lord has provided in the present, we may succumb to jealousy. Ultimately, a spirit of continual gratitude is the cure for covetousness. May we all enjoy and be grateful for what we have been given.

“Lord Heavenly Father, give us the wisdom and knowledge to avoid covetousness. May we never be anxious to acquire the possessions of others. Create purity in our hearts, and extinguish any evil desires that might arise in our minds. May we experience continual gratitude for all of the things that you have so graciously 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!

Trust in God’s Plan

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JESUS SPEAKING

‘Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and to him the Lord said in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.” So the Lord said to him, “Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying. And in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him, so that he might receive his sight.” Then Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name.” But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, King’s, and the children of Israel. For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake.” And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, he sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit. Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and he was baptized.’ (Acts 9: 10 – 18)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

God called Ananias to seek out an individual named Saul; a man who had been struck with blindness after an encounter with Jesus Christ. Ananias was initially reluctant to go. In fact, he reminded the Lord of Saul’s reputation as a persecutor of Christians. Despite his concerns, Ananias displayed remarkable faith. He abandoned his fears and embraced his calling. As a result, Saul’s vision was restored and he was baptized. Saul changed his name to Paul and dedicated the rest of his life to spreading the gospel message.

Like Ananias, Noah was also a man of great faith. When he was commanded by God to construct a giant boat on dry land (a massive undertaking with seemingly no present purpose) he didn’t argue with the Lord. Instead Noah faithfully believed God’s warning of an impending flood, and so he simply obeyed. Noah and his family were thus saved from destruction because they trusted God’s plan. Faith like that moves mountains.

As Christians we must trust God’s plan and obey His commandments at all times; even when things seem confusing, uncertain, or even counterintuitive. We cannot see the future in its fullness as God can. And so we must“walk by faith, not by sight,” The Lord will guide us if we are willing to surrender our lives into His hands. With God, all things are possible.

“Lord Heavenly Father, we come before you with humble hearts and a desire to accomplish Your will. Give us the faith we need to obey You in all things. Guide us also, by the power of Your Holy Spirit, that we would make the best decisions we can in the furtherance of Your desires. 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!

The Greatest Treasure

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JESUS SPEAKING

“Again, the kingdom of heaven 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: 44 – 46)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

In this parable a man finds a treasure hidden in a field and immediately recognizes its value. Without hesitation, he sells all of his possessions and purchases the plot of land. The treasure found in this field is meant to represent the Gospel message. As followers of Christ, if we have been reborn and truly understand the value of salvation, then we will seek to share this message with those who are lost.

Jim Elliot was a man who understood the power of the Gospel message, and the need to help others discover the treasure of salvation. In the 1950’s, he felt called by God to journey to the jungles of Ecuador, where he married his wife (a fellow missionary.) In 1956, they sought to make contact with a warlike, and godless tribe of natives known as the Auca/Waodani. Understanding the risks, Jim and four other Christian men attempted to make contact with the tribe. All four men were speared to death by the savages and died as Martyrs. Although their bodies were buried, obviously these men are not dead, but alive with Christ. Prior to his physical death, Jim Elliot wrote an inspiring sentence in his journal. It reads, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” (Through the continued efforts of Jim’s wife and other missionaries, many of the Auca/Waodani tribe eventually converted to Christianity.)

If you have never discovered the gift of eternal salvation, then I encourage you to ask God to reveal Himself to you. The Spirit of our living Lord is prepared to enter the hearts and minds of all those who put their faith in Jesus Christ. If you desire this everlasting treasure, you can receive it at any time and be reborn. May all those who seek the truth find their Savior.

“Lord Heavenly Father, we stand in awe of Your mighty works. May we comprehend the value of Your gift of salvation and eternal life. May we receive You in a worthy manner, and spread Your gospel to the ends of the earth. You truly are an awesome and amazing God. 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!

Shining Brightly

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JESUS SPEAKING

“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it provides light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Mathew 5: 14 – 16)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

     It is impossible for a Christian to remain unrecognized. To stay hidden is to fail to fulfill God’s purpose. Every genuine believer is called to be different; to stand out; to be set apart; loving where there is no love; serving in the midst of selfishness; faithfully encouraging others; nurturing the sick; caring for the needy; filling the hearts and minds of many with hope and joy. Genuine faith inevitably produces an abundance of good works. As disciples we are set apart; we are a light in a dark world; we are divine instruments that point toward the one true and everlasting Father.
     Of all the planets and stars that glow in the night sky, one of the brightest is the North Star (known as Polaris.) Resting in a sea of stars it outshines most of its neighbors. Every other star in the northern hemisphere travels across the sky; Polaris however, remains fixed; a characteristic that proved useful to ancient mariners who sought to navigate the open oceans. The North Star’s brightness and stability make it easy to recognize; a heavenly body that is not readily confused with the thousands of dimmer objects that surround it.
     Like the North Star, the believer is by far the brightest and most stable object in the lives of those around them. In a sea of unbelievers, the followers of Jesus Christ standout; they are unique. Filled with compassion, charity, and peace, they are easily recognized. They orient others by pointing them toward God (who is the source of all love and mercy.) If you have received the salvation of the Lord, then you too are different. Don’t seek to remain hidden. Instead, let the light of Christ shine through you; that others may see your good works and know that there is a God who loves them.
     “Lord Heavenly Father, we desire to be different. We desire to be more loving, more caring, and more giving. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit and help us to shine brightly in this dark and often cold world. May others see our good works and be drawn to You; the loving Creator and everlasting Father. We love You Lord, 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!

Self-Harm and Demonic Possession

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JESUS SPEAKING

‘And when He had come out of the boat, immediately there met Him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit, who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no one could bind him, not even with chains, because he had often been bound with shackles and chains. And the chains had been pulled apart by him, and the shackles broken in pieces. Neither could anyone tame him. And always, night and day, he was in the mountains and in the tombs, crying out and cutting himself with stones. When he saw Jesus from afar, he ran and worshiped Him. And he cried out with a loud voice and said, “What have I to do with You Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I implore You by God that You don not torment me.” For He had said to him, “Come out of the man unclean spirit!” Then He asked him, “What is your name?” And he answered, saying, “My name is Legion; for we are many.” Also he begged Him, saying, “Send us to the swine, that we may enter them.” And at once Jesus gave them permission. Then the unclean spirits went out and entered the swine (there were about two thousand); and the herd ran violently down the steep place into the sea, and drowned in the sea. So those who fed the swine fled, and they told it in the city and in the country. And they went out to see what it was that had happened. Then they came to Jesus and saw the one who had been demon-possessed and had the legion, sitting and clothed and in his right mind. And they were afraid. And those who saw it told them how it happened to him who had been demon-possessed, and about the swine. Then they began to plead with Him to depart from their region. And when He got into the boat, he who had been demon-possessed begged Him that he might be with Him. However, Jesus did not permit him, but said to him, “Go home to Your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you.” And he departed and began to proclaim in Decapolis all that Jesus had done for him; and all marveled.’ (Mark 5: 7 – 27)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

Jesus cast the evil spirits out of a demonically possessed man. Once expelled, the demons entered a nearby herd of pigs, prompting them to commit suicide by running into the sea. We can gather much information from this scripture concerning the signs of demonic possession. Increased strength, a desire for isolation (especially pushing away those who care), as well as behaviors that are characterized as self-harm (cutting, burning, inflicting injury against one’s own flesh.) And of course suicide is the eventual culmination of a demon’s desires.

On December 14th 2012, an armed man named Adam entered a grade school and perpetrated the mass murder of many young children prior to committing suicide. This evil individual showed all of the signs of demonic possession. At an early age he became obsessed with mass murder. Making lists of the top casualty shooters of all time. In 5th grade he submitted a creative writing story that focused on the murder of children, cannibalism and taxidermy. Over the years he withdrew from everyone, until in the 10th grade he left his classmates to be home schooled. During this time he connected with a group of others online who loved violence, and were interested in mass murder. He also expressed desires of a perverted nature. After graduating in 2009, his situation worsened. He stopped coming out of his room entirely, and like the demoniac in scripture, he sought complete isolation; covering up his windows with black garbage bags and only communicating with his parents via email. He complained that sunlight caused him pain, and sought to live in the shadows. Concerning self-harm, he eventually became anorexic, (starving himself to 112 pounds with a six foot frame); he also started using a lighter to burn his skin. Now he has entered the eternal judgement from which he can never escape.

Demonic possession is as real as the day is long. There are no shortage of examples that we can examine in our culture today. And yet, although some, like Adam, have succumb to the demons and accomplished evil acts (often culminating in suicide), many afflicted souls are still being set free by the Son of God. As we continue to spread the Gospel, may we experience joy as we observe the demons being cast out of those who put their faith in Jesus Christ.

“Lord Heavenly Father, by means of Your Holy Spirit, give us the strength to cast out demons in Your name. May You set free all those who are oppressed, and give hope to the hopeless. May we serve You in this endeavor, knowing that You have the power to transform even the worst sinners. 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!

Delayed Gratification

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JESUS SPEAKING

“Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death.” (Revelation 2: 10 – 11)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

In the book of Revelation, Jesus addresses the Church in Smyrna; warning them of some impending persecution. They are admonished to stand fast and remain faithful, even unto death. Additionally, they are urged to focus on the reward of eternal life with God in the future (“the crown of life”); a fixation meant to strengthen their souls and help them to endure any present suffering.

Researchers once conducted a series of studies called the “Stanford Marshmallow Experiments.” During one study they presented preschool-aged children with a marshmallow and told them they could eat it immediately, or wait for a period of time (typically 15 minutes) to receive a second marshmallow or pretzel stick (depending on the child’s preference.) The study was designed to ascertain if delayed gratification and self-control could be indicators of future success. According to the initial findings, the children who could delay gratification tended to have better life outcomes when they were older, including higher SAT scores, educational attainment, and better health habits.

In much the same way, the Christian life requires a great deal of delayed gratification. We must be willing to deny our present sinful desires and worldly comforts, in exchange for eternal life with God. We read in Romans 8: 18, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” And still, despite any struggles we might face, we will experience overwhelming joy in the present; and we will know“a peace that surpasses all understanding.”

“Lord Heavenly Father, fill our hearts with unending joy, even as we suffer persecution in the present. May we remain focused on Your eternal reward; the everlasting life You have promised to all those who remain faithful. Give us the strength to endure and overcome. 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!

Weakness and Faith

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JESUS SPEAKING

And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians: 7 – 9)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

Although no one knows the exact infirmity, Paul struggled with some kind of physical ailment. On three occasions he asked the Lord to heal him, and three times he was denied. According to Jesus, Paul’s suffering would persist because it served the purposes of God. A weak messenger is humble, and so God alone receives all of the glory for His mighty works.

We read of an occasion in the book of Second Samuel, when a young boy named David fought against a giant named Goliath. The child carried no sword or shield, and wore no armor. Instead, he possessed only a sling and some stones. Upon seeing his adversary, Goliath mocked him, saying, “Am I a dog, that you have come out to me with sticks?” And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. Then David replied saying, “You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you and take your head from you […] Then all this assembly shall know that the Lord does not save with the sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord’s, and He will give you into our hands.” Of course we know that David defeated Goliath with one blow, striking him in the head with a stone. God chose a weak child to accomplish this amazing feat, so that everyone would observe and recognize His power and glorify His Holy name.

In this life, God may use certain ailments or weaknesses to prevent His servants from becoming prideful and independent. Our struggles can often keep us humble by promoting our complete reliance upon God for our care and daily provision. When we give all of the glory to God, we will witness Him accomplishing His mighty works in our lives, and in the lives of those around us.

“Lord Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your daily blessings and provision. May we remain humble so that others might better see your magnificent power and worship You. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit and strengthen us, that we may continue to spread the Gospel to all those who walk in darkness. 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 Father’s Business

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JESUS SPEAKING

‘His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. And when He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast. When they had finished the days, as they returned, the boy Jesus lingered behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His mother did not know it; but supposing Him to have been in the company, they went a day’s journey, and sought Him among their relatives and acquaintances. Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers. So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your Father and I have sought You anxiously.” And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” But they did not understand the statement which He spoke to them.’ (Luke 2: 41 – 50)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

As a boy, Jesus went missing. After searching for many days, Mary and Joseph discovered Him in the temple; interacting with the teachers of the law. In response to Mary’s anger, Jesus reminded her of His divine purpose and higher loyalty to His genuine Father; the God of all creation. Any true child of God can be found wherever they have been called to accomplish God’s business.

As the story goes, when J.C. Penny was young, he worked for a grocery store owner in Hamilton, Missouri. One night, around the dinner table, he mentioned that his employer was “foxy.” Apparently the grocer had made a practice of mixing low quality coffee with the expensive brand; thus increasing his prophets. Jim’s father didn’t see anything funny about the practice. He responded, saying, “Tell me, if the grocer had found someone palming off an inferior item on him for the price of the best, do you think he would think he was just being ‘foxy,’ and laugh about it?” Jim could see his father was disappointed. “I guess not,” Jim replied. “I guess I just didn’t think of it that way.” Jim’s father instructed him to collect his wages and inform his employer that he would no longer be working for him. Mr. Penny’s decision to obey his father’s will and quit, eventually led him to found the dry goods store J.C. Penny’s. A successful establishment that grew into a nationwide chain of stores.

In like manner, those who call God their Father are given new hearts; they are endowed with an overwhelming desire to accomplish the Lord’s will in every situation. Our solemn duty, as Christians, is to be about our “Father’s business.” To mimic Him, to adhere to His commandments, and to deliver the knowledge of the gospel to every lost soul. May we never wander from this purpose.

“Lord Heavenly Father, may we continually serve Your purpose, no matter the situation. Look favorably upon us Lord, that our hearts might remain in complete fellowship with You; the author and 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!

Casting Our Nets

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JESUS SPEAKING

Then He got into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, and asked him to put out a little from the land. And He sat down and taught the multitudes from the boat. When He had stopped speaking, He said to Simon, “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” But Simon answered and said to Him, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.” And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking. So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!” (Luke 5: 3 – 8)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

Although Peter was initially hesitant, he ultimately obeyed Jesus’ command to return to the sea and let down his nets. In so doing he witnessed a miracle. His nets could scarcely contain the abundance of fish they had captured. Because Jesus had promised to make them “fishers of men,” this event is a symbol of the greater calling of every Christian. If we are attentive, God will inform us of when and where to cast our nets.

As the story goes, in the early 1800’s, an English missionary named Barnabas Shaw was forbidden to preach in Cape Town, South Africa. However, instead of leaving the impoverished continent, he chose to push even further into the interior. He purchased a yoke of oxen, put his wife and his goods into a wagon and started out; intending to settle wherever he would be allowed to preach. They journeyed for nearly three hundred miles. Then one night while camping, they discovered that a band of natives (Hottentots) were camping nearby. In conversation with the leader Shaw learned that these tribal people were on their way to Cape Town to find a missionary to teach them about the Christian faith. Shaw was the exact man they were seeking. Obviously God had been leading him the entire time.

Like Barnabas Shaw, God has called every believer to accomplish some manner of outreach in furtherance of the Gospel. Each of us has been endowed with different gifts, talents and abilities, which we can use to effectively minister to others. If we are willing to listen, Jesus Christ will show us when and where to cast our nets; and those who are obedient will be fruitful.

“Lord Heavenly Father, You are our strength and our Redeemer; without You we are lost. As we journey through this life, we ask for Your direction. Where would You have us serve, and to what ministry have we been called? Grant us that wisdom; and give us the courage and passion to continue as instruments of 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’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you!