Archive for May, 2023

Becoming as Little Children

Published May 29, 2023 devotional , Jesus Speaks , Uncategorized Closed
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JESUS SPEAKING

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

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

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

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

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

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

Spreading the Gospel with Efficiency

Published May 22, 2023 devotional , Jesus Speaks , Uncategorized Closed
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JESUS SPEAKS

“Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces.” (Matthew 7: 6)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

Jesus instructs His followers to spread the gospel with the greatest degree of efficiency. The message of salvation is likened to holy pearls, which filthy animals such as dogs and pigs can never receive or appreciate. In a similar fashion, we must use discretion and wisdom when presenting the truth to people (some of whom are likened to brute beasts.) We should therefore avoid pouring our valuable words and resources into those who will never be converted or transformed. By avoiding these rebellious souls, we can reach even more individuals for Christ.

Some years ago, a local church decided to start a new movement in the surrounding community; otherwise known as a ‘motel ministry.’ They set their eyes on a local motel; a shabby complex notorious for housing drug addicts, criminals, alcoholics, and outcasts of every kind. A Sunday service was started and resources began pouring in. Individuals were provided with food and assistance of every kind. To most observers, the program appeared to be a noble attempt to show affection for outcasts and sinners. And yet, after many weeks of preaching and ministering, the church abruptly discontinued the entire endeavor. The reason was simple; they were not observing any genuine conversions; nor was the message producing any meaningful changes. The church admitted that rather than being productive, they were actually enabling people to live in sin with greater ease and comfort.

God never wastes His resources and neither should we. As Christians our mission is to spread the gospel message. We are thus commanded to avoid pouring into individuals who are Godless mockers; men and women who will never receive the riches of faith. Therefore, whenever the salvation of God is rejected, we need only move forward; refocusing our efforts on those who show an interest in being reconciled with the Lord. If we are led by the Spirit, then we will produce much fruit with great efficiency.

“Lord Heavenly Father, we desire to spread the gospel message to the ends of the earth. Strengthen us, that we might evangelize without fear. As we minister to others, speak to our hearts, that we might avoid preaching to those who are brute beasts; men and women who revel in their godlessness. Instead, lead us to those whose hearts have been softened and prepared to hear Your truth. Use us Lord, that we might produce much fruit for Your Kingdom. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name, amen.” God bless all of you!

Consider the Cost

Published May 15, 2023 Uncategorized Closed
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JESUS SPEAKING

“And whoever does not bear his cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, doesn’t sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it—lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, ‘This man began to build but was not able to finish?'” (Luke 14: 27 – 30)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

Jesus used this parable to warn any potential followers of the lifelong hardships they would endure as a result of Christian living. In full disclosure, He instructs them to “count the cost,” lest they commit themselves in error and eventually turn away from the faith prior to entering eternal life. In this present age, genuine believers will experience overwhelming joy, peace, sanity, healing and truth; but in service to God, they will also know suffering, persecution, hatred, and temporary discomfort. The Christian path is narrow, difficult, and rarely chosen. And yet it is the only way to enter the kingdom of heaven.

Adoniram Judson, the renowned missionary to Burma, experienced untold hardships while trying to reach the lost for Christ. For seven years he suffered hunger and poverty. He was eventually thrown into Ava Prison, where he endured incredible mistreatment for 17 months. For the rest of his life he would carry the ugly scars from the chains and iron shackles that bound him. Upon his release, he remained steadfast. He asked for permission to enter another province where he could continue preaching the Gospel. The godless ruler denied his request, saying, “My people are not foolish enough to listen to anything a missionary might say, but I fear they might be impressed with your scars and turn to your religion.”

Before an individual makes the decision to follow Jesus, they too must sit down and consider the cost. What does Christ expect from us? The answer is, ‘everything.’ Our whole lives. By submitting ourselves to His will, we can know unfading joy and everlasting peace. Following Jesus is a lifelong endeavor which requires great sacrifice; we will endure untold hardships, and persistent persecution. And yet, if we lay down our lives now, we will receive the greatest prize imaginable; eternal life with God in His kingdom.

“Lord Heavenly Father, may we continue to walk in faith as we spread the gospel to those who are willing to receive Your truth. Fill our hearts with joy, even as we endure persecution and suffering for Your Name’s sake. Order our steps and guide our decisions, that we might serve others and willingly sacrifice our own wants to accomplish 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’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you!

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