Month: April 2024

Seek First the Kingdom of God

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JESUS SPEAKING

“Therefore do not worry, saying ‘What shall we eat?’ or “What shall we drink?’ or “What shall we wear?’ For after all of these things the Gentiles (non-believers) seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” (Matthew 6: 31 – 33)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

The fear of not possessing the basic necessities of life creates anxiety in the heart; which entices nonbelievers to prioritize the hunt for resources ahead of everything else. In contrast, Jesus urges His followers to abandon this frantic pursuit, and instead, “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.” In other words, Christians must prioritize their relationship with God and focus on serving others in the ministry to which they have been called. In turn, God will provide for all of their worldly needs.

As the story goes, in 1865 a preacher named Hudson Taylor came to a great crisis in his life. In a town on the south coast of England he took a leap of faith in response to a single spiritual principle he’d recently discovered. He was surprised that this truth had eluded him for so long. He thought, “If we are obeying the Lord, the responsibility rests with Him, not with us.” In an instant his anxiety and uncertainty faded and the way ahead suddenly became clear. To obey the scriptures and trust that God will be faithful to His promised Word was not rash. Stepping out in faith, he founded the China Inland Mission; an organization which brought the gospel to tens of thousands of Chinese men and women inhabiting the inland areas of China. Because he’d made accomplishing God’s will his priority, all of his other earthly needs were met (as were the needs of the missionary organization.)

Like Mr. Taylor, everyone today has a choice to make. We can deny God and embrace the fear of want; which leads to self-seeking and the desperate search for necessary things. Or we can embrace God and trust Him completely; making the accomplishment of His will our top priority. The first choice is fraught with fear and anxiety. The second however, produces peace and results in divine provision. May we all choose what is right and follow Christ.

“Lord Heavenly Father, we come before you with humble hearts. We understand that apart from You we can do nothing. May we abandon our fears and place our trust in Your capable hands. As we minister to others, may we experience Your peace, Your prosperity, and Your provision. Only You are worthy of all honor and praise. 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!

Walk by Faith Not by Sight

~ servantone1 ~ 1 Comment

JESUS SPEAKS

When He had said these things, He spat on the ground and made clay with the saliva; and He anointed the eyes of the blind man with clay. And He said to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam” (which is translated, Sent). So he went and washed, and came back seeing. (John 9: 6 – 7)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

Jesus encounters a blind man desiring to be healed. Using an unorthodox method, He makes mud with His spit; smearing it across the man’s eyes. Still, instead of being instantly healed, he is instructed to go to the pool of Siloam and wash the dirt from his face. In faith, he remains obedient and soon returns with his sight. Because he listened to Jesus and followed God’s instructions, he experienced an amazing miracle.

As we read in the old Testament, the Jews who were led out of Egypt wandered in the desert for quite some time. They eventually reached the boundaries of the land God had promised to them as an inheritance. The Lord commanded them to cross over the Jordan river and conquer the inhabitants. Unfortunately fear infected their hearts, causing them to doubt God’s ability to give them the victory. As punishment, God condemned them to wander in the desert for an entire lifetime, until the following generation was willing to obey His instructions.

Even today, those who are God’s chosen people are commanded to follow His instructions. We must walk by faith, not by sight; trusting in His strength and in His power. No matter how large or immovable the obstacles might appear, we musn’t succumb to fear. The Lord is with us, and through Him we can achieve victory. If we walk according to God’s will, then we will experience miraculous things.

“Lord Heavenly Father, may we trust in Your power and in Your strength. Although we are weak, You are our strong tower. May we follow Your instructions and observe Your commandments every day. As we place our faith in You, we are confident that we will see miracles and observe marvelous wonders. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit Lord. 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 Narrow Gate

~ servantone1 ~ 1 Comment

JESUS SPEAKS

“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” (Matthew 7: 13 – 14)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

Living as a Christian is more difficult than any other way of life. Not many will choose to follow Christ because all believers are required to embrace selflessness; sacrificing our own desires in the present to better accomplish God’s will. The vast majority of individuals will choose the widest, easiest path; feeding their own flesh to avoid experiencing any present discomfort. Still, the path to eternal life is to die with Christ and be reborn.

According to historical accounts, in 320 A.D., Emperor Lucinius was engaged in the persecution of Christians within the boundaries of the Roman Empire. During this time, we read of an event that took place Near the city of Sebaste. Defying their commanders, approximately 40 honorable soldiers refused to denounce their faith in Jesus Christ. As punishment, they were marched onto a frozen pond and their garments were removed. They were given instructions that if they relented and abandoned their faith they could come back to shore and warm themselves. In defiance, the men rejoiced as they saw their eternal destination fast approaching. One man however, did relent; and yet another soldier who was guarding the men removed his clothes and took his place; confessing his newfound faith in Jesus. They all died, but are still alive in Christ.

Often, like these 40 soldiers, to live according to God’s commandments is to face death and persecution in the present. The path to eternal life is narrow; and not many will choose this sacrificial form of living. However, we should not be depressed or downcast. The Christian life, with all of its difficulties, is utterly amazing. Nothing else can produce overwhelming joy and everlasting peace within the human heart. As we celebrate our future with God, we can rejoice in the present.

“Lord Heavenly Father, give us the strength and courage to choose what is right and to shun the passing pleasures of sin. May we sacrifice our own desires for the good of Your Kingdom, spreading the gospel message to all those we meet. You alone are the Author and the Finisher of our faith. 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!