Month: December 2023

The Salt of the Earth

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JESUS SPEAKING

   “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it become salty again?  It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.” (Matthew 5: 13)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

   In ancient time’s salt was a very important commodity used to preserve meat; it was also a common ingredient included in many medicinal remedies.  And yet despite its numerous applications, salt was most often utilized to flavor foods; a tiny pinch and an otherwise bland dish would become rather tasty.  In this parable, Jesus likens every believer to salt; those who remain flavorful are those who continue to fulfill their primary purpose; these individuals consistently seek to serve their fellows, love others, and give to those in need.  Unfortunately, some who start out strong in the faith will eventually lose their saltiness and become self-centered and ungodly; the zeal that once drove them to accomplish good words fades away. If we begin serving ourselves and not others, our usefulness to God will become compromised.

   The statue of liberty is one of America’s most widely recognizable icons; an enduring symbol of freedom to all nations.  And yet ‘Lady Liberty’ has changed considerably over the years.  On the day of her dedication in 1886, her polished copper surface was a vibrant spectacle of orange and bronze; a truly marvelous sight to behold.  However, when copper interacts with the atmosphere it corrodes; and over time, her shiny exterior has grown dull, muted, and green.  The Statue of Liberty is still a magnificent example of ingenuity and craftsmanship; and yet she is no longer as magnificent as she was on the day of her dedication.

  Similarly, numerous Christians dedicate themselves to Jesus Christ, and initially they shine quite brilliantly.  Their zeal for what is good and their desire to spread the gospel is unparalleled.  As they serve, the love of The Lord is manifest in them; drawing others toward God.  Sadly however, over time, as other things displace their faith, selfishness arises; reigning in their hearts.  They become dull and muted; incapable of being used to accomplish God’s work.  May we never grow dull; may we continually put the Lord first in everything we do; and may we tirelessly strive to accomplish His will in this world.

   “Heavenly Father, fill us with Your Holy Spirit and give us opportunities to lovingly serve others.  We yearn to be pleasing to You in all things; that you might use us to further Your Kingdom.  May we always be zealous and flavorful; and may we never grow dull.  If we have turned from Your path, convict us and correct 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!

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

   In ancient time’s salt was a very important commodity used to preserve meat; it was also a common ingredient included in many medicinal remedies.  And yet despite its numerous applications, salt was most often utilized to flavor foods; a tiny pinch and an otherwise bland dish would become rather tasty.  In this parable, Jesus likens every believer to salt; those who remain flavorful are those who continue to fulfill their primary purpose; these individuals consistently seek to serve their fellows, love others, and give to those in need.  Unfortunately, some who start out strong in the faith will eventually lose their saltiness and become self-centered and ungodly; the zeal that once drove them to accomplish good words fades away. If we begin serving ourselves and not others, our usefulness to God will become compromised.

   The statue of liberty is one of America’s most widely recognizable icons; an enduring symbol of freedom to all nations.  And yet ‘Lady Liberty’ has changed considerably over the years.  On the day of her dedication in 1886, her polished copper surface was a vibrant spectacle of orange and bronze; a truly marvelous sight to behold.  However, when copper interacts with the atmosphere it corrodes; and over time, her shiny exterior has grown dull, muted, and green.  The Statue of Liberty is still a magnificent example of ingenuity and craftsmanship; and yet she is no longer as magnificent as she was on the day of her dedication.

  Similarly, numerous Christians dedicate themselves to Jesus Christ, and initially they shine quite brilliantly.  Their zeal for what is good and their desire to spread the gospel is unparalleled.  As they serve, the love of The Lord is manifest in them; drawing others toward God.  Sadly however, over time, as other things displace their faith, selfishness arises; reigning in their hearts.  They become dull and muted; incapable of being used to accomplish God’s work.  May we never grow dull; may we continually put the Lord first in everything we do; and may we tirelessly strive to accomplish His will in this world.

   “Heavenly Father, fill us with Your Holy Spirit and give us opportunities to lovingly serve others.  We yearn to be pleasing to You in all things; that you might use us to further Your Kingdom.  May we always be zealous and flavorful; and may we never grow dull.  If we have turned from Your path, convict us and correct 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!

Overcoming Fear

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JESUS SPEAKING

  ’On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side.“ Now when they had left the multitude, they took him along in the boat as He was. And other little boats were also with Him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!“ And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?“ And they feared exceedingly and said to one another, “Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!”‘ (Mark 4: 35 – 41)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

  Faith is the amount of trust or confidence we place in someone or something. And so, the presence of fear indicates the absence of faith (and vice versa.) We read that when the storm arose, the disciples were afraid they were going to die. In desperation, they turned to the only individual they believed could help. When Jesus awoke from His slumber, He stood up and calmed the wind and the waves; displaying a mastery over nature itself. He then rebuked His disciples for their fear and subsequent lack of faith.

  Concerning the devastating nature of fear, a Japanese soldier named Shoichi Yokoi once lived in a cave on the island of Guam, to which he fled in 1944 when it became clear that the Japanese were going to lose the war. Fearing for his life, the man stayed hidden for twenty-eight years in the jungle. During his time alone, he ate frogs, rats, snails, shrimp, and mangoes. He carried around a pair of trousers and a jacket he’d made from the bark of a tree. He knew the war had ended because of the leaflets that were dropped throughout the jungle. And yet he was afraid he’d be executed if he emerged. Eventually, two hunters happened by and explained to him that he need not hide any longer. At last he was free. After acquiring a decent pair clothes and some food, he was taken by plane to his home.

  In much the same way, fear can cause unbelievable devastation and suffering in a person’s life. Those who are fearful can be driven into isolation, desperation, and destruction. Yet there is a weapon that can destroy fear and permit people to move forward; that weapon is faith. Only faith in God and trust in His power can eradicate fear and doubt. Our trust in God can give us a mastery over our fears; allowing us to remain calm and know peace, even in the midst of a storm. May all of our fears be destroyed by our faith in Jesus Christ.

  ”Lord Heavenly Father, we desire to experience greater faith and to overcome all of our fears. Give us more of Your Holy Spirit, that we may comprehend the awesome power You wield over all creation. For You, nothing is impossible. May we know this truth in our hearts and fully place our faith in 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!

The Value of Christ’s Words

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JESUS SPEAKING

Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.” And Jesus answered, and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But only one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10: 38 – 42)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

Although Martha had opened her home to Jesus, she had failed to recognize His divine significance. Mary however, understood the value of His words. She felt compelled to abandon her duties and sit at His feet; a fitting place to devour His every sentence. Jesus rebuked Martha’s angry demand; addressing her troubled and distracted mind by affirming the righteousness of Mary’s priorities. The knowledge of Christ’s words is a treasure beyond comparison.

Gold is one of the most valuable and sought after possessions anyone can acquire. On January 24th, 1848 gold was discovered near Sutter’s Mill in Northern California (thus initiating the great american gold rush.) The news spread quickly, enticing thousands of men from all over the country (and the world) to journey west in search of fortune and prosperity. These individuals immediately reoriented their priorities, abandoning their homes, careers, businesses, and even relationships to seek untold riches. A few did get rich, but almost everyone else went broke.

The words of Jesus Christ are far more precious than gold; they are divine and lead to eternal riches and a peace that no amount of money can purchase. Like Mary, we must open the bible and sit at Christ’s feet; abandoning any worthless distractions. Read His words and know the truth; apply His teachings and you will be filled with the Spirit of the Lord. If you reorient your priorities your relationship with God will flourish and grow. May we all understand the value of Christ’s words.

“Lord Heavenly Father, we come before You in awe and wonder. May we comprehend what is truly valuable and be drawn to Your Son. Help us to identify and eliminate those things which can distract us from accomplishing Your will. Teach us your ways, and fill us with 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!