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!

Worshiping God

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JESUS SPEAKING

“For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.'” (Matthew 4: 10)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

God created Human beings to walk in fellowship with Him; to worship Him in Spirit and in truth. This worship manifests itself in adoration and reverence for the Lord. Thus we submit to His will while singing songs that praise and honor Him. We should elevate and worship God in our prayers and times of fellowship.

In the old testament, we read about a prophet named Daniel. While living in Babylon, King Darius made a decree outlawing the worship of any God other than the King himself. Daniel refused to adhere to this directive; and in fact, Daniel allowed others to observe him praying to God. When his act of disobedience was discovered, he was thrown into a lions den. After a day had passed the King approached the den, hoping Daniel had not been devoured by the lions. And indeed, he was still alive because God had sent an angel to keep the mouths of the lions from opening.

Like Daniel, we were created with a desire to worship the one true and living God. The devil desires for us to adore false Gods, and to worship created things rather than the creator Himself. If we have received Christ and been reconciled to God, then we can finally know our genuine purpose in this world; which is to worship God alone, and to serve him with faithful hearts.

“Lord Father, we desire to worship You alone and to render to you all of the praise and honor that You deserve. May we perform the tasks that You have given us to accomplish with sincere Hearts. And may we walk in complete fellowship with You, all the days of our lives. 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 we pray. Amen.” God bless all of you!

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!