Divine Appointments

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JESUS SPEAKING

And He sent out two of His disciples and said to them, “Go into the city, and a man will meet you carrying a pitcher of water; follow him. Wherever he goes in, say to the master of the house, “The Teacher says, “Where is the guest room in which I may eat the Passover with My disciples?”‘ Then he will show you a large upper room, furnished and prepared; there make ready for us.” So the disciples went out, and came into the city, and found it just as He had said to them; and they prepared the Passover. (Mark 14: 13 – 16)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

Jesus gave His disciples specific instructions on how to find the location for their Passover feast. A divine appointment was orchestrated, so that they would encounter a man carrying a pitcher of water. By following him, the disciples discovered a room that was already prepared for them. The definition of a divine appointment is, “A specific, unmistakable meeting arranged by God for a particular purpose; not by accident or coincidence.”

In the book of acts the Apostle Philip was traveling along a road when he met an Ethiopian man studying a copy of the book of Isaiah. Philip asked him if he understood it. The man replied, “How can I unless someone guides me.” Philip then enlightened him concerning the scripture, which was a prophecy concerning Jesus. The gospel was preached to him and the man declared his faith in Christ. He was then baptized by Philip in water and went his way rejoicing. This divine appointment, orchestrated by God, led to the salvation of a man’s soul.

Even today, God continues to orchestrate divine appointments. Those who are willing to share the gospel message will inevitably encounter others who are seeking the truth. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can be used to guide many to Jesus Christ. May we embrace our calling and be zealous to win souls for God.

“Lord Heavenly Father, give us the strength and courage to reach out to those we will encounter who need to hear the gospel message. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit, and speak through us, that we might be used to guide many into Your everlasting kingdom. 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 Light of the World

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JESUS SPEAKING

Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” (John 8: 12)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

Jesus Christ is the light of the world. He came to show everyone the pathway to a renewed relationship with God. His life, teachings, and Spirit have eliminated any confusion between what is good and evil. Now, every believer can know God’s will and avoid the stumbling blocks of sin.

In the Old Testament, a prophet named Hilkiah once discovered a lost copy of the written law of God inside of the old temple. He gave these scriptures to King Josiah, who upon reading them, was horrified at how terribly disobedient the entire nation of Israel had become; he even tore his own clothing in despair. In response, he chose to read the law out loud for everyone to hear; he also initiated a sweeping spiritual reformation designed to bring the nation of Israel back into compliance with God’s commandments. He journeyed throughout Israel, tearing down all of the pagan altars and destroying their idols. The light of God’s word gave Josiah discernment.

In much the same way, those who call Jesus their Lord are given the light of life; the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. As this light burns in our hearts, it illuminates the darkness; allowing us to discern the differences between good and evil. Thus, knowing what is right becomes a simple choice for those who desire to follow Christ.

“Lord Heavenly Father, we yearn to know Your will. Fill our hearts and minds with Your Holy Spirit, that we may comprehend what path is pleasing to You. Give us the strength and courage to choose what is right and to remain obedient, even in the hardest of times. 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 we pray. Amen.” God bless all of You!

The Greatest

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JESUS SPEAKING

So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down again, He said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. If then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.” (John 3: 12 – 17)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

During the first century, sandals were the most common type of footwear worn in Israel. Over the course of a day, dirt and grime would build up around the feet; thus necessitating the practice of foot washing before entering a home. This filthy task was usually relegated to the lowest ranking servants in a household. When Jesus washed the disciples feet, He gave us all an example of how lowliness and humility equates to greatness in God’s kingdom.

Throughout history, countless missionaries have gone into the dirtiest, most impoverished places to selflessly serve others in obedience to God’s will. As the story goes, one prominent missionary once wrote, “In encouraging young men to come out as missionaries, do use the greatest caution. One wrong-minded, obstinate man would ruin us. Humble…persevering men of sound, sterling character, with good accomplishment and some natural aptitude to acquire a language; men of amiable, yielding temper, willing to take the lowest place; men who live close to God, and who are willing to suffer all things for Christ sake without being proud of it—these are the kind of men we need.”

Like many missionaries, and like the Lord Jesus Christ, the greatest Christians among us will be those who are the greatest servants. If we desire to follow Christ we too must embrace a life of selflessness and humility; denying our own flesh so that others may see the works of God and experience His love. May we all commit to this undertaking.

“Lord Heavenly Father, provide us with opportunities throughout the day to serve others with great affection. May we seek to be the greatest servants; offering our lives as a sacrifice for the furtherance of Your gospel message. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit, and may we walk with You always. 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!