Month: July 2024

The Simple are Wise

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JESUS SPEAKING

   At that time Jesus answered and said, “I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and have revealed them to babes.  Even so, Father, because it seemed good in Your sight.  All things have been delivered to Me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father.  Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the son wills to reveal Him.” (Matthew 11: 25-27)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

In the Jewish culture, youth was often associated with ignorance, inexperience, and stupidity.  Many believed that with old age came great wisdom.  Jesus however corrected this commonly held belief.  Wisdom concerning the Messiah and God’s plan of salvation couldn’t be attained through numerous years of careful study; instead, the truth could only be received as a gift from God.  Those who considered themselves intelligent were blinded by pride and chose to rely upon their own understanding. But the simple and the ignorant could more clearly see the value of God’s grace and the blessings of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ.

Concerning intelligence and stupidity, there once lived a man named Sigmund Freud. He pioneered what we might now call the modern field of psychology.  In fact, many learned academics today consider him to be one of the most intelligent men who has ever lived.  And yet, most are unaware that at one point in his career he actively promoted the use of cocaine; believing it to be a cure for many of life’s common ailments.  He even encouraged his close acquaintances and compatriots to indulge in its use.  When one of his dear friends became horribly addicted to the drug, he observed the dangers of cocaine and anxiously recanted his previous promotions. He carried the guilt of his friend’s drug dependence for many years.  And so we can see that some of the most well educated and intelligent people are often the most horribly deceived.

     The truth is a gift from The Lord (it’s not something that can be earned or attained.)  Intelligence, although extremely useful, can sometimes blind those who trust in it more than God.  The Lord yearns for His children to trust Him completely.  Those who are simple, unlearned, and unwise, are often the first to realize the true value of God’s mercy and grace.  May we receive the gospel today as little children. May we believe with our whole hearts and embrace a simple faith.

     “Lord Heavenly Father, may we become as little children.  May we trust in, and rely upon You completely.  We pray for those who are intelligent and wise in their own minds; who place their faith in the achievements of men.  Reveal the truth to them; that they too might come to know and accept Your salvation and mercy. 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!

Humility

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JESUS SPEAKING

     “Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Mathew 5: 3.)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

     In this scripture, the phrase “poor in spirit” is a reference to the attribute of humility (a precious treasure that creates joy in the hearts of all those who possess it.)  Practicing humility requires acknowledging that God is the giver of all good things.  The Lord provides us with our food, shelter, clothing, careers, relationships, and every other necessity of daily living.  He has complete power over all of creation; the very air we breathe is a gift from Him.  Although the humble offer God many praises, the prideful prefer to acknowledge themselves first; mistakenly believing that everything they possess is the product of their own intelligence and hard work.

     An ancient ruler known as Nebuchadnezzar was once the mightiest king who had ever lived.  His reign over the Babylonian empire began in 605 B.C.  Like most powerful men, humility wasn’t one of his greatest attributes; he demanded that his subjects worship him in the manner of a God.  One day as he leisurely strolled through his palace, he spoke, saying, “Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for a royal dwelling by my mighty power and for the honor of my majesty?”  Before he was finished speaking, a voice came from heaven saying, “The kingdom has departed from you […] your dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field.  They shall make you eat grass like oxen; and seven years shall pass over you, until you know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever He chooses” (Daniel 4: 30 – 32.)  Indeed, because the Babylonian King had failed to give God the credit for his possessions, he slipped into madness and began acting like an ox for seven years; eating grass in the fields.

     As believers, we must avoid making the same mistake.  Instead, we must acknowledge that all good things come from God; that every possession is a blessing and a gift.  Those who desire to enter God’s kingdom would do well to continually honor Him.  Practically, Christian humility can be expressed through prayers of gratitude offered to God daily; we can also say grace before meals and praise the Lord in our private time and during worship services.  Tithing is another acknowledgement of God’s goodness.  Ultimately whatever form of thankfulness we choose to offer, it should come from the heart; and from a deep appreciation for everything that God has so graciously given us.

     “Lord Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your many gifts and provisions; for our food, our clothes, and our homes (to name a few.)  We recognize that all good things come from You.  Help us to maintain a spirit of gratitude and humility.  Cleanse our hearts of pride, that in lowliness we might better serve You and our fellows.  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!

Giving Without Expectation

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JESUS SPEAKING

    “And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you?  For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back” (Luke 6: 34.)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

  Even the most selfish human beings will lend to those who can eventually repay them.  Thus Jesus implores His disciples to exercise genuine selflessness; to freely give; expecting nothing in return.  Those who truly yearn to emulate God must also strive to practice the art of sacrificial giving.

  Some time ago, while I was preparing to leave the gym, an acquaintance approached me and asked to borrow ten dollars.  After receiving the money, he repeatedly insisted that he would pay me back.  Using this scripture as my guide, I informed him that the money wasn’t from me; it was from God.  So I didn’t require, nor did I desire, any form of repayment.  Eventually he understood that the cash wasn’t a loan; it was a gift.  As we parted ways, the blessings of obedience filled my heart with joy.

  The Lord yearns for His disciples to standout; to shine; to be more loving and more charitable than the worldly masses.  Giving without expecting repayment is just one of many characteristics of genuine faith.  Whether a stranger is begging for change, or a fellow Christian needs financial assistance, we must freely give, when we are able, in order to fulfill God’s desires. [Note: Giving money to people who are addicted to drugs or alcohol is probably not wise; as we never want to enable individuals who are engaged in practicing evil.] May we continue to embrace divine charity; giving without restriction; that through sincere obedience, we might store up eternal rewards.

    “Lord Heavenly Father, help us to be generous and kind; to give without expecting anything in return.  May we focus more on our eternal blessings than Earthly rewards.  May Your love flow through us; that our faith might be a light to all those who walk 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!