Knowing the Truth

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JESUS SPEAKING

Now about the middle of the feast Jesus went into the temple and taught. And the Jews marveled, saying, “How does this Man know letters, having never studied?” Jesus answered them and said, “My doctrine is not Mine, but His who sent Me. If anyone wills to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is from God or whether I speak on My own authority. He who speaks from himself seeks his own glory; but He who seeks the glory of the One who sent Him is true, and no unrighteousness is in Him.” (John 7: 16 – 18)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

As Jesus taught in the temple, the Jewish leaders marveled at His doctrine. He had never been formally educated, and yet He possessed a perfect understanding of the scriptures. In a state of complete unity with God, His words contained no errors or unrighteous deviations. The knowledge of truth isn’t something that can be attained through careful study, but rather, can only be received from God, through His Holy Spirit (the true source of all wisdom.)

Concerning deception, Modern day psychology represents an attempt to explain and correct behavior based upon observation and human reasoning. As a result, many strange practices have arisen in the absence of God’s truth. None more peculiar than the current transgender movement. Advocates believe that individuals who feel inwardly as though they are a different sex than their biological anatomy indicates, should be true to their feelings instead of reality. Thus, many psychologists have embraced gender affirming care; suggesting for example, that the best therapy is for a man to transition into a woman; (or vice versa) by dressing, acting, and pretending to be the opposite sex. And yet in God’s word we read, “A woman shall not wear anything that pertains to a man, nor shall a man put on a woman’s garment, for all who do so are an abomination to the Lord your God.” (Deuteronomy 22: 5) Therefore the proper care is to address the lie and assist these individuals into accepting reality; which requires them to live in conformity with their genuine biological sex.

As Christians we are also called to live in conformity to the reality of God’s truth; as given to us through the teachings of Jesus Christ and the scriptures; which only the Holy Spirit can properly discern. If we seek only God’s glory, then we too can be used to reveal to others what is good, and right, and true. May we never stop spreading His glorious doctrine with great joy.

“Lord Heavenly Father, we recognize that You are the source of all truth. May we be conformed into Your image, and eagerly obey Your doctrines. May we carry Your message of salvation to the ends of the earth. Give us the strength, the courage, and the understanding to accomplish Your desires. 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!

Feeding the Sheep

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JESUS SPEAKING

So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Feed My lambs.” He said to Him again a second time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord, You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Tend My sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord you know all things; You know that I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep.” (John 21: 15 – 17)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

After the resurrection, and before ascending into heaven, Jesus spent some time with His Disciples. During this interaction, Peter was asked three times if He loved Jesus; and each time he reiterated his devotion. After every affirmation, he was given a mandate; to feed God’s people and to tend to His sheep. Thus Peter’s duty would require him to feed the body of believers spiritually; to nourish their hungry souls by reminding them of the words and teachings of Jesus Christ. And so, exposure to the scriptures is essential for healthy Christian living.

After invading Moscow in 1812, Napoleon thought he had defeated the Russians. And yet, upon entering Moscow he discovered the city was mostly abandoned and devoid of resources. In addition, a fire began, which burned a majority of the city to the ground. Despite losing Moscow, the Russians remained defiant and refused to surrender their nation. Lacking the supplies needed to endure the harsh winter, Napoleon ordered his Grand Army to retreat from Russia. During this time, the freezing weather, surprise attacks, and a lack of adequate shelter caused many deaths. However, the absence of food was likely the most devastating affliction they endured. Thousands of soldiers starved to death before their march was completed. According to some estimates, of the approximately 600,000 French troops who entered Russia, only around 100,000 survived the ordeal.

In much the same way, the body of Christ is an army marching together in unity. To be certain, our greatest adversary is a lack of spiritual nourishment. If we submit to reading and learning from the teachings of Jesus Christ (and the scriptures) our Spirits will remain strong and healthy. But if we neglect Church attendance and biblical teaching our souls will starve and we will fall away. May we always seek to be fed spiritually as we journey with Christ.

“Lord Heavenly Father, feed us with Your word and sustain our souls by the power of Your Holy Spirit. May we always embrace Your teachings and be attentive to the scriptures that You have written for our benefit. May we remain strong in the faith and never waiver. 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!

Sowing and Reaping

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JESUS SPEAKING

“Do you not say, ‘There are still four months and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest! And he who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit for eternal life, that both he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together. For in this the saying is true: ‘One sows and another reaps.’ I sent you to reap that for which you have not labored; others have labored, and you have entered into their labors.” (John 4: 35 – 38)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

Using the fundamentals of crop production, Jesus illustrates the spread of the gospel message. Many old testament figures had sown seeds through their prophetic descriptions of a future Messiah (Savior.) Similarly, John the Baptist sowed many seeds, urging his followers to repent of their sins in preparation for the arrival of Jesus Christ. These seeds of hope had taken root and grown into maturity; enabling the disciples to harvest the souls of all those willing to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

Many today have mixed opinions concerning the benefits of social media; and yet one thing is for certain; it is a very popular means of communication. In turn, as a Christian I have embraced this new technology; utilizing it to sow spiritual seeds in the hearts of all those I have come to know. Instead of posting personal updates and photos, I have chosen to use my account almost exclusively to post the words of Jesus Christ; as revealed in the scriptures. He is the savior of my soul, and therefore all that I possess exists to serve His will.

As Christians, our calling is to enter into the process of sowing seeds and reaping souls for God’s everlasting kingdom. We might present others with the gospel, or introduce them to certain scriptures that can take root in their hearts and grow. If we commit ourselves to God’s work, then our task is to save others and to offer them the same salvation we received in faith. May we never stop seeking the lost!

“Lord Heavenly Father, give us the strength to continue our mission by saving souls and planting seeds in the hearts of others. May we remain faithful to our duties, as we experience the joy of existing in communion with You. Direct our steps through the power of 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!