JESUS SPEAKING
“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 unable 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 […] he who is of God hears God’s words; therefore you do not hear, because you are not of God” (John 8: 41 – 47.)
INSPIRED THOUGHTS
While Jesus walked the earth, many of the religious leaders were claiming to be children of God, and yet they in no way resembled Him. Instead they were lovers of money, who selfishly desired the praises of men. They also sought to kill Jesus because he truly was the Son of God. Without exception, every human being has one of two Fathers. Either they love and serve God in purity and truth, or they follow Satan and serve their own fleshly desires. Those seeking to become children of God must be reborn. Jesus said, “unless one is born again, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.”
The process of being reborn is comprised of two very unique and distinct steps. First, the individual must forget everything they have learned that is not congruent with the teachings of Jesus Christ. Secondly they must embrace and live according to the commandments of God. Before I was reborn, I willingly served Satan. My life was full of selfishness, dishonesty, and promiscuity. I had learned from movies and popular culture that fornication (sexual activity prior to marriage) was permissible and profitable. However, after my rebirth, I abandoned my worldly education and embraced the biblical commandment to avoid fornication. After many years of sexual purity, I met my wife. We courted for nearly a year; during this time we did not cohabitate (live together); we also refrained from sexual contact of any kind. In accordance with God’s desires, our first intimate moments were shared on the night of our wedding.
Those who yearn to call God Father, must also be reborn; they must abandon what they have learned from popular culture and embrace the commandments of the Lord. Every truly obedient soul will eventually come to resemble Jesus Christ. Their hearts will be filled with compassion, truth, mercy, and love. In turn, many others will see God in us and be drawn toward Him.
“Lord God, may we call You our Father today. May we be reborn and know that the old things have passed away and that You have made all things new. Guide us, teach us, and transform our hearts, that we might continue to grow in Your likeness and Your image. When others see us may they see You. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you!
Jesus Speaks 