Month: November 2014

Publicly Professing the Faith

~ servantone1

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 a major role in what we communicate to others; most intuitively hide what is unimportant or shameful, while openly expressing the attributes they hold most dear.  In American culture, individuals utilize social media to post quotes, publish photos, and transmit thoughts.  Many also use billboards, bumper stickers, t-shirts, and jewelry to convey their beliefs.  Yet in a nation supposedly comprised of a Christian majority, Jesus Christ rarely occupies the top position.   He is often displaced by seemingly 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 face execution and imprisonment.  Only some 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 must 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 true 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 followed the teachings of Jesus Christ?  Would we be condemned by love, and convicted for the faith?

                Those who are proud to be disciples are truly committed to the Lord.  As believers we must actively seek to express our beliefs in obvious and practical ways; through words, deeds, and 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, showers down 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 in Jesus Christ’s name, amen.”  God bless all of you. 

Leftovers taste great

~ servantone1

JESUS SPEAKING

                Then Jesus went from there and departed to the region of Tyre and Sidon.  And behold, a woman of Caanan came from that region and cried out to him, saying, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David!  My daughter is severely demon possessed.”  But he said to her not a word.  And his disciples came and urged him, saying, “Send her away, for she is crying out after us.”  But he answered and said, “I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”  Then she came and worshiped him, saying, “Lord, help me!”  But he answered and said, “It is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.”  And she said, “Yes, Lord, but even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from the masters table.”  Then Jesus answered and said to her, “O woman, great is your faith!  Let it be to you as you desire!”  And her daughter was healed from that very hour (Mathew 15: 21-28.)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

                In first century Jewish culture, dogs were considered dirty animals; they scavenged through garbage heaps; feeding on the scraps that human’s refused to eat.  The Hebrew people commonly referred to non-Jews (gentiles) as dogs.  Jesus called the begging woman a dog; an insult designed to test her heart.  She didn’t react in anger; she didn’t hurl insults at him.  Instead, she laid down her pride, embraced his assessment, and continued chasing her miracle.  Because she exhibited true humility, Jesus granted her request and praised her for her faith. 

                When I was a small child, my family usually ate meals around a dining room table.  Of course we were expected to devour everything on our plates; even the things we didn’t enjoy.  Brutis, our overeager collie, always sat patiently beside the table.  When my mother exited the room, my siblings and I would gently lower our dishes and Brutis would lick them clean.  When she returned, she was pleased to see our empty plates.  Our dog wasn’t prideful; he never complained about the taste of the food; nor did he consider leftovers and scraps undignified.  Instead, he joyfully consumed whatever we rejected. 

                The Jewish people were God’s priority in the first century, and they hold a preferred place even today.  Jesus was Jewish; as were John, Peter, Paul, and the other 10 disciples.  In fact, only one of the books in the New Testament was written by a non-Jewish author.  Whenever Paul entered a new city, he would walk straight in to the synagogue and proclaim the gospel.  Only after they had rejected the message, did he preach to the gentiles.  By the grace and mercy of God, we as non-Jews have come to inherit eternal life.  If you are Jewish and you have faith in God’s son, you are blessed.  If you are gentile, you can humbly and joyfully devour the divine leftovers (they are just as wonderful as the main course.)  Know your place and God will honor you.  By discarding pride and embracing His mercy, you will experience the desires of your heart, and you will “dwell in the house of the Lord, forever.”  [Note:  Despite God’s love for the Jewish people, Jesus Christ has broken down the barriers of inequality that divide Jews and gentiles.  ‘We are all one in Christ Jesus.’]

                “Lord Heavenly Father, we thank You for the Jewish people, and for the salvation You have offered them through Your Son.  We love them because You love them.  May we all, Jew and gentile alike, humbly accept Your message; knowing that we are undeserving of Your grace.  Grant us the miracle of reconciliation, that we might experience Your wonderful mercy.  We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these thing, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name, Amen.”  God bless all of you.

Avoiding Partiality

~ servantone1

JESUS SPEAKING

                Now the Pharisees, who were lovers of money, also heard all these things, and they derided Him.  And he said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts.  For what is highly esteemed among men is an abomination to God” (Luke 16: 14-15.)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS 

                What the world considers valuable and what God considers valuable are often in direct opposition.  Most esteem beauty, wealth, fame, power, and intellect above Godliness, compassion, love, humility, and genuine mercy.  The Pharisees (religious leaders) hearts were wicked; they preferred interacting with the wealthy, affluent, and well educated. Jesus however, fellowshipped with repentant prostitutes and tax collectors; he reached out to the lame and befriended many outcasts. He avoided showing any form of ungodly partiality; preferring instead, to honor and esteem only those things that God deemed commendable.

                In the Old Testament, we read of a time when it became necessary to anoint a new king to rule over the nation of Israel.  The Lord commanded the prophet Samuel to travel to Bethlehem, where he was instructed to choose a king from among the Sons of Jesse.  Upon arriving, Samuel laid his eyes upon Eliab (one of the eldest sons); Eliab was mature, healthy, and strong.  The prophet, being mislead by worldly values, proclaimed, “Surely the Lord’s anointed is before him!”  God responded, saying, “Do not look at his appearance or his physical stature, because I have refused him, for the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”  After God had rejected seven of Jesse’s eldest sons, it appeared that there was no one left.  Samuel asked if all his Sons were present; Jesse replied, “Well there remains yet the youngest, and there he is, keeping the sheep.”  When David, the youngest and weakest of Jesse’s son’s appeared, God said, “Arise and anoint him, for this is the one.”  In time it became apparent why God chose David. He possessed priceless spiritual values; he was wise and loved God with his whole heart; his courage and faith were unshakable.

                In all cultures it is common to show partiality; most prefer the wealthy, affluent, and good looking; yet to highly esteem such attributes is to error. The apostle James wrote, “For if there should come in to your assembly a man with Gold rings ‘and also’ a poor man in filthy clothes, and you pay attention to the one wearing fine clothes and say to him, “You sit here in a good place,” and say to the poor man, “You stand there,” or “Sit at my footstool,” have you not shown partiality among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts?”  Every believer must therefore make an effort to avoid esteeming worldly values.  With God’s help, we can be impartial; we can see with His eyes; we can become lovers of truth; men and women who adore kindness, cherish compassion, and embrace mercy.

                “Lord Heavenly Father, guide us, and lead us as we journey through this life.  Give us clean hearts, that we might avoid partiality, and love what is truly good.  May we turn away from worldly pursuits, and walk in Your ways; may we love what You love; may we value what You value; and may we live as You have lived.  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.