Month: February 2024

The Heart

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JESUS SPEAKING

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone. Blind guides, who strain out a gnat and swallow a camel. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisees, first cleanse the inside of the cup and dish, that the outside of them may be clean also.” (Matthew 23: 23 – 26)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

Rigid outward obedience to God’s commandments doesn’t represent genuine faith. Instead, these behaviors are merely an external expression of a transformed heart. Jesus berated the religious leaders for their public deception and inward wickedness.. In an effort to remain ritualistically clean, the Pharisees would often strain out their liquids; preventing them from accidentally swallowing any small flies (gnats); (yet they swallowed a camel instead.) This obsession with ceremonial purity rendered them incapable of accomplishing good works, showing compassion toward others, and spreading God’s message of reconciliation. Christianity has always been focused on the purity of the heart; which compels the faithful to obey God’s will.

Some time ago, while driving through the parking lot of my old church, I noticed a speed limit sign. The pace was terribly slow, and yet I followed the rule because it was posted. My mind was outwardly committed to obedience, and yet I lacked the internal motivation necessary to obey without grumbling. Shortly thereafter, I recalled that the church was also a school, and that there were children present. My attitude abruptly changed. I finally understood the truth concerning that speed limit, and also what had inspired it. From that moment on, I chose to obey, not only because it was posted, but because I shared an affection for the children and didn’t want to see any of them injured. The outward rule was no longer merely outward, but inward as well.

Similarly, in the bible we are given rules and regulations that describe what outward obedience to God looks like; and yet if we only adhere because of what we have read we may stumble into hypocrisy. Instead, when we give our lives to Jesus Christ and are reborn, the Holy Spirit enters our hearts and illuminates our minds. We can finally obey because we possess a genuine love for God and others. Thus obedience and faith are inseparable.

“Lord Heavenly Father, we yearn to share the desires of Your heart; may our faith be genuine and our actions devoid of hypocrisy. Grant us new life through Your Holy Spirit, that we would obey You and accomplish Your works upon this earth. May we be the men and women you have called us to be, as we serve others in sincerity and truth. 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!

Good Works

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JESUS SPEAKING

“If I do not do the works of my Father, do not believe Me, but if I do, though you do not believe Me, believe the works, that you may know and believe that the Father is in Me, and I in Him.” (John 10: 37 – 38)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

Those who doubted that Jesus’ had been sent by God were urged to consider His works. He was accomplishing miracles, healing the sick, and even raising the dead. He exemplified compassion and selflessness. He showed kindness toward the weary and reached out to the outcasts and sinners. Many who heard His gospel message repented and were saved. In general, anyone who maintains a close personal relationship with God will outwardly manifest His qualities and character. Our good works reveal the presence of God within our hearts.

Anyone can claim to be a plumber. They can start a company, put an ad in the newspaper, buy the necessary equipment, and even book appointments. And yet, when the time comes to replace a faucet, fix a leak, or reroute some piping, those who lack the ability to accomplish these tasks aren’t real plumbers. Instead they are deceivers. Simply put, an individual’s actions are a reflection of who they truly are on the inside. Unlike words, actions do not lie.

Like Jesus, those who claim that God is their Father, will exemplify His nature and character in their lives. Thus God’s presence is manifest in the form of good works. Preaching the gospel, practicing selflessness, serving others, and loving what is pure and good are how we continue Christ’s work in this present time. If unbelievers can see God in our lives, then they will be drawn to Him.

“Lord Heavenly Father, we desire to accomplish Your will in this place. May we serve You in obedience, as we strive to accomplish good works in Your Holy Name. May others see our faith in action, and be compelled to accept salvation through Your Son. We seek to disappear so that You might live in our place. 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 Fear of God

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JESUS SPEAKING

  “And I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will show you whom you should fear; Fear Him who, after He has killed, has the power to cast into hell; yes, I say to you, fear Him.” (Luke 12: 4 – 8)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

  In this scripture, Jesus reveals that the fear of God is an essential component of genuine faith. Those who fear God’s wrath and the torments of hell are more inclined to obedience. In turn, no man should be more frightened of worldly persecution than eternal condemnation. Those who are facing affliction, imprisonment, or suffering for the sake of the gospel must keep the faith; standing firm in their affirmation of God’s truth.

  There is a strange new heresy floating around in some modern day churches. These congregations are usually lukewarm and enjoy a form of Christianity that isn’t confrontational; thus permitting many to continue in sin without being confronted or convicted through sound doctrine. In turn, the leaders of these churches have crafted a new doctrine concerning ‘the fear of God.’ They are teaching members that the word ‘fear,’ doesn’t actually mean ‘fear,’ but rather, it means ‘a reverence,’ or a simple respect for God. Clearly throughout the bible this new interpretation isn’t substantiated. The fear of God and the love of God are inseparable.

  The ‘fear of God’ is an active and integral aspect of Christian living. Additionally, the fear of hell and eternal punishment promotes repentance, salvation, and obedience to God’s will. God’s love is enduring, and his Spirit is precious; and yet, for those who have abandoned the faith, there is a coming judgement. May we chase after those who have not yet given their lives to Jesus Christ. That His kingdom might grow with every passing moment.

  ”Lord Heavenly Father, we yearn to please You in everything that we do. Increase our faith and our obedience to Your will. May we experience the type of fear that is inseparable from Your affection. Give us more of Your Holy Spirit, and continue to make us wise, willing, and honest, no matter the degree of persecution. 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!