Month: May 2023

Where God Guides God Provides

~ servantone1

JESUS SPEAKING

Then He called His twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases. He sent them to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. And He said, “Take nothing for the journey, neither staffs nor bag nor bread nor money; and do not have two tunics apiece. Whatever house you enter, stay there, and from there depart. And whoever will not receive you, when you go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet as a testimony against them.” So they departed and went through the towns, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere.” (Luke 9: 1 – 6)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

Jesus sent His disciples out into the surrounding communities to preach the gospel message and to heal the sick. They were prohibited from carrying any provisions with them on their journey; no food, no money, and no additional clothing. Thus they were required to rely upon God for the fulfillment of their daily needs. As a consequence, none of them were in want for anything. The Christian principle established through this scripture can be condensed into one simple phrase; “Where God guides, God provides.”

There once lived an old testament prophet named Elijah, who was ordered by God to address King Ahab (an evil ruler.) Elijah spoke, saying, “As the Lord God of Israel lives, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, except at my word.” His pronouncement of an impending drought made Elijah a target. In anger, the King sought to murder him. In turn, we read, ‘Then the word of the Lord came to him (Elijah), saying, “Get away from here and turn eastward, and hide by the Brook Cherith, which flows into the Jordan. And it will be that you shall drink from the brook, and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there.” So he went and did according to the word of the Lord, for he went and stayed by the Brook Cherith, which flows into the Jordan. The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning, and bread and meat in the evening; and he drank from the brook.’ Thus, in seclusion his life was preserved.

Like Elijah and the disciples, those who are obedient to God’s calling needn’t worry about the fulfillment of their own needs. As we endeavor to spread the gospel and serve others, the Lord will provide us with everything we require. We need but ask and we will receive the blessings of God. Only He can be trusted; only He can be relied upon. And so in Him the expression is true, “wherever God guides, God provides.”

Lord Heavenly Father, give us the faith required to rely upon You completely. Guide and direct our thoughts and actions, as we minister to others and preach the gospel message. May we never fear, or lack any trust in Your provision. As we continue to walk in Spirit with You Lord, may we have confidence in knowing that wherever You guide, You also provide. 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 New Family

~ servantone1

JESUS SPEAKING

“Then His mother and brothers came to Him, and could not approach Him because of the crowd. And it was told Him by some, who said, “Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside, desiring to see You.” But He answered and said to them, “My mother and My brothers are these who hear the word of God and do it.” (Luke 8: 19 – 21)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

As Jesus preached to the masses, His mother and brothers arrived. And yet the thick crowds prevented them from reaching Him. Upon being made aware of their presence, Jesus verbally dismantles the priority of traditional family affiliation. Thus, the importance of biological association is no longer a cause for preference. Instead, a new spiritual family has been established; a family comprised of individuals who not only profess a belief in Jesus Christ, but also implement His teachings into their daily lives. In turn, genuine faith is always accompanied by good works.

Since the beginning, authentic Christianity has consistently been very works oriented. We read in the book of James, “What does it profit my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works is dead.” (James 2: 14 – 17)

When we place our trust in Jesus Christ and receive the Holy Spirit we are reborn into a new family. We become children of the Living God; sons and daughters of the Most High. As brothers and sisters in Christ we are no longer affiliated merely by what we express verbally, but instead, by the works that accompany our confessions of faith. Odedience to God and the teachings of Jesus Christ are physical manifestations of true belief. May we continue to accomplish good works in our community and among the family of believers.

“Lord Heavenly Father, we are truly grateful for Your mercy and grace. As we walk in fellowship with You, may we obey the teachings of Your Son and love our new brothers and sisters. Permit our faithfulness and acts of affection to drive others to the foot of the cross. As we lay down our lives, may you arise in our place; that the gospel message might be preached to all those living 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!