Author: servantone1

Loving Our Enemies

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JESUS SPEAKING

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward have you. Do not even the tax collectors do the same.” (Matthew 5: 43 – 46)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

The way that we treat our enemies reveals the authenticity of our Christian faith. As imitators of Jesus we are called to love those who hate us. When we love our friends and despise our enemies, nothing remarkable is expressed or observed (as even those who are evil practice this form of devotion.) And yet if we display a supernatural affection for our adversaries, then others will witness the risen Lord accomplishing His works through us; and many will be transformed.

As the story goes, hundreds of years ago an elderly Christian man entered a forest in Poland on his journey toward his native country. He soon encountered a band of robbers who demanded all of his valuables, finally asking: “Have you given us all?” When he had finally answered “All,” they let him go. Once safely out of sight the old man felt something hard in the hem of his robe. It was his gold; sewn there for safety. He promptly hurried back and found the thieves. He said, “I have told you what was not true; it was unintentional. I was too terrified to think. Here, take the gold in my robes.” To his astonishment, nobody offered to take his gold. In fact, one man returned his purse, another returned his book of prayer, while still another returned his horse and helped him to mount it. They watched as he slowly rode away. Good had triumphed over evil.

We read in Romans 12: 20 – 21, “Therefore, if your enemy is hungry, feed him, if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head,” (conviction.) “Do not be overcome with evil, but overcome evil with good.” As Christians we are commanded to love our enemies; to greet them and show them kindness, no matter how devious. In so doing, others may observe this supernatural love of God and be drawn to the Lord.

“Lord Heavenly Father, we are grateful for all of the blessings You have bestowed upon us. May we let go of any hatred we are harboring for others, that we would seek to love even the worst of our enemies. May we greet our friends and adversaries with an equal measure of affection. 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 name, amen.” God bless all of You!

Test All Things Against Scripture

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JESUS SPEAKING

While fasting in the desert, Jesus was tempted by Satan on numerous occasions; several of which are recorded in the bible. Each time, the Lord rebuked the Devil, using scripture as His primary weapon. We read, ‘Then he (the devil) brought Him to Jerusalem, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down from here. For it is written: ‘He shall give His angels charge over You,’ and, ‘In their hands they shall bear you up, lest You dash your foot against a stone.'” And Jesus, (quoting Deuteronomy 6: 16) answered and said to him, “It has been said, ‘You shall not tempt the Lord your God.'” Now when the Devil had ended every temptation, he departed from Him until an opportune time. (Luke 4: 9 – 13)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

The devil is a cunning adversary “who walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” As the master of deception he mixes the truth with lies; leading many astray. Unfortunately he is quite successful in this endeavor. So how then, in the midst of the temptation and confusion, can an individual discern what is divine and true from what is earthly and false? One need only follow the example of our Savior, and test all things against scripture; against God’s revelation to mankind. Anything that is incompatible with the scriptures is not of God.

Concerning confusion, many airplane pilots will eventually encounter situations that lead to spatial disorientation. Spatial disorientation is the phenomenon that occurs when a pilot has a mistaken sense of their position and motion in relation to the Earth. This condition can occur because of fog, clouds, haze, darkness, etc. When a pilot loses control of their visual senses, they must rely solely on their aircraft’s instruments to understand their altitude, speed, and direction. Despite the reliability of these instruments, many succumb to panic. This loss of control creates extreme anxiety, which in turn prompts the pilot to prioritize their perceived instincts ahead of their logical minds. Believing their gauges to be faulty, they come to trust in their emotions and feelings. This misplaced trust causes airplanes to crash into the Earth.

Like these confused airplane pilots, those who follow Christ can be introduced to ideas and doctrines that are new, strange, and peculiar. If they rely on their emotions they are bound to encounter destruction. Like any good pilot looking at his gauges to discern what is right, Christians must look at their bibles to alleviate any confusion. If any belief or practice doesn’t conform to the scriptures, then it is most likely a false teaching. May we all look to the word of God for direction and discernment.

“Lord Heavenly Father, we come before you as humble servants. We desire to walk in the truth and to avoid committing ourselves to the practice of false doctrines. Protect our hearts and minds, and grant us discernment. May we have a hunger for Your word and a desire to accomplish Your will at all times and in every 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 name, amen.” God bless all of you!

Follow Christ Alone

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JESUS SPEAKING

“Can the blind lead the blind? Will they not both fall into the ditch? A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher.” (Luke 6: 39 – 40)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

Jesus is the only one who can see clearly enough to guide others into an eternal relationship with God. Those who respond to the Gospel are committing their lives to the implementation of Christ’s teachings. We are obligated to abandon any other teachers, guides, or mentors that oppose Christ’s will (keeping in mind that many new believers can benefit from a relationship with an elder.) Those who are faithful will repent and undergo a process known as sanctification. A process through which God’s Spirit will mold them into the image of Jesus Christ. In all things we must avoid following blind guides and deceptive human wisdom.

Many years ago I met a blind couple. Much to my surprise they expressed a fondness for going to see movies (which I thought was interesting.) They really enjoyed the dialogue, the sounds, and the music. I began picking them up regularly and accompanying them to the theater. As we walked they would trail behind me; holding onto my arm or my hand. As I guided them up stares, through doorways, and around corners, I would warn them of impending obstacles and potential hazards. Upon returning to their home, I would read their mail for them and make certain their house was properly cleaned and in order. Needless to say, they trusted me completely because I could see and they could not.

Jesus Christ is the only pathway to fellowship with God. He is the only one who can truly see. And so He alone is our teacher, mentor, and guide. We must therefore carefully follow His example, as outlined in scripture. If we seek to follow and be led by any other person, then we have failed in our efforts to accomplish God’s will; for although men will always fail, God never will (NOTE: As we imitate Jesus, many will observe our behavior and be drawn to Him. So we have an obligation to be an example to others; but we must always point them back toward Jesus Christ.) May we cling to our eternal teacher and hear His words. May we make every effort to imitate our Lord in all things, and to avoid following blind teachers.

“Lord Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your divine wisdom and guidance. We yearn to accomplish Your will and to follow Your Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. May we strive to implement His teachings in every area of our lives. Keep us safe, that we might refrain from following blind guides who are seeking to put themselves in the place of our Messiah. 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!