Fleeing Sin and Temptation

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JESUS SPEAKING

“If your hand or foot causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter life lame or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet, to be cast into everlasting fire.” (Matthew 18: 8)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

According to Jesus, we are to avoid sin at all costs. He goes even further, suggesting that we should also abandon anything that might lead us into temptation or cause us to sin. For example, if someone becomes a Christian and has a history of drunken (alcoholic) behavior, they should rid their houses of liquor and avoid hanging out in bars; they would also be wise to make new friends and abandon their old drinking buddies.

Many years ago, after becoming a Christian, I made the decision to only use my laptop at coffee shops and other public places where anyone who walked by could see what I was viewing on my screen. This accountability helped me to avoid watching anything inappropriate on my laptop. Although I no longer struggle with that form of temptation, for a time, avoiding isolated computer use served me well.

As Christians, we must strive to be as perfect in our deeds as our Lord and savior Jesus Christ is. Although we cannot attain sinless perfection (for which there is grace), we are still called to avoid sin and anything else that might lead us into temptation. No matter our situation, with God’s help, we can all do better.

“Lord Heavenly Father, give us the strength and courage to avoid those things that are sinful or tempting. May our lives be committed to purity and goodness. Grant us the wisdom to recognize those areas of our lives where change is necessary. Without You we are lost, but with You we have all hope. We love You Father, 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!

Complete Joy

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JESUS SPEAKING

“As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.” (John 15: 9 – 11)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

According to Jesus, those who abide in His love will also be filled with His joy. This kind of joy is defined as a deep, enduring contentment and inner peace derived from God’s Holy Spirit dwelling within us, rather than from external circumstances. This divine joy is a constant disposition that reveals the presence of God.

As the story goes, many years ago when a missionary named Adoniram Judson returned home on furlough, he passed through the city of Stonington Connecticut. A young boy who was playing nearby was struck by the man’s appearance. He had never seen such a light on any human face. He promptly ran up the street and asked a minister if he knew who the stranger was. The minister hurried back, but became so absorbed in conversation with Judson that he forgot about the impatient youngster standing beside him. Years later, that young boy became a powerful preacher named Henry Clay Trumbull. In a book of memoirs he penned a chapter entitled: “What a Boy Saw in the Face of Adoniram Judson.” From an early age, that man’s joyful countenance had changed his life.

Like Mr. Judson, we too are called to exemplify the joy of Christ in our behaviors and mannerisms. If Christ is alive within us, then His supernatural joy will flow outward from us; and we will experience even greater joy as we build upon our relationship with the Lord. If we love God, His love will be revealed in us.

“Lord Heavenly Father, fill us with Your love. May Your Holy Spirit come alive within our hearts . May we know pure joy and experience the eternal peace that “surpasses all understanding.” 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 name. Amen.” God bless all of you!

The Kingdom of God

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JESUS SPEAKING

“The kingdom of God does not come with observation; nor will they say, ‘See here! or ‘See there.’ For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you!” (Luke 17: 20 – 21)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

According to Christ, the Kingdom of God in this world is not a physical place that can be observed with the eyes. Instead, it is a spiritual place that exists within the human heart. God’s kingdom is present inside those who seek to live in obedience to His will. Although hidden from sight, the effects of the kingdom can be observed by examining the works of individuals who are committed to Christ.

Interestingly enough, there are many things in this world that cannot be identified directly with human eyes, but nonetheless exist. In order to identify some microscopic particles for example, a form of spectral analysis is often performed. An unknown substance is exposed to a beam of light or a laser. These lights interact with the object’s atoms and a unique spectral pattern of energy is emitted. This pattern is observed and then compared to a database of “Spectral Fingerprints” that can identify any unknown compound.

In much the same way, the kingdom of heaven is hidden within the human heart; unseen but alive. Although it cannot be observed directly, the presence of God can be observed by examining what comes out of a person; their actions, their words, and their works. Genuine Christianity can always be discerned. May we all behave in a manner that represents the will and desires of our heavenly Father.

Lord God, we yearn for Your Kingdom to grow within us. May Your Holy Spirit possess every aspect of our lives and empower us to live as genuine Christians. May our actions testify of Your goodness and righteousness. 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!