Category: devotional

Jesus Sets Us Free

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JESUS SPEAKS

Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” They answered Him, “We are Abraham’s descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can You say, ‘You will be made free’?” Jesus answered them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave to sin. And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” (John 8: 31 – 36)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

Many today are living in bondage to some manner of sin; often a form of addiction that destroys families and drives individuals into extreme suffering. Without God there is little hope. But with God, all things are possible. Only those who choose to follow Christ will experience genuine freedom from the devastation of sin.

As the story goes, at an open-air Gospel meeting a preacher asked for testimonies. While this was going on a skeptic was passing by just when the testimony of a saved alcoholic was being given. He stopped to listen. The former alcoholic was talking about how Jesus had performed a miracle and saved his poor soul. The skeptic scoffed; making a few remarks to those standing near him. He said, “It’s nothing more than a dream, religion saving a man in this manner, just a mere dream, and nothing more.” However, among the listeners there was a little girl about ten years old. She had known the misery of a drunkard’s home. Having heard the skeptic’s remark, she approached him and said: “Please Sir, if it is only a dream, please don’t wake him—that is my daddy!”

Those who desire to know genuine freedom will follow Jesus Christ. Only He can remove addictions, heal the mind, and transform the soul. No matter how difficult the struggle might seem, or how large the obstacle might appear, He is able to overcome and to conquer; His power is immeasurable. May we always place our faith and trust in the Lord of all creation.

“Lord Heavenly Father, we trust in Your ability to transform our lives. If we have never accepted Your Son as our Savior, may our hearts succumb to Your precious will. May all those who are reading this experience the power of Your Holy Spirit. Through Your strength might we all discover the truth that sets men free. 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 Desire to Relieve Suffering

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JESUS SPEAKING

And behold, a certain lawyer stood up and tested Him, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” He said to him, “What is written in the law? What is your reading of it?” So he answered and said, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind,’ and ‘your neighbor as yourself.'” And He said to him, “You have answered rightly, do this and you will live.” But he, wanting to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Then Jesus answered and said: “A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a certain priest came down that road. And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. Likewise a Levite, when he arrived at the place, came and looked, and passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion. So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine, and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him, “Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, when I come again, I will repay you.’ So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?” And he said, “He who showed mercy on him.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.” (Luke 10: 25 – 37)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

In this parable, a priest and a Levite are the first two individuals to encounter the suffering stranger. Despite their status as Holy men, they exemplified ungodliness; moving on without rendering any assistance. The third man who arrived was a Samaritan (a people the Jews considered wicked, deplorable, and pagan.) And yet only the Samaritan expressed genuine compassion for the stranger. After cleaning and bandaging his wounds, he brought him to an inn and paid for his care and recovery. As Christians, we too are called to relieve the suffering of others (whenever the Lord leads.)

Like the good Samaritan, all Christians today are motivated by a desire to relieve human suffering; in whatever form it appears. For example, throughout much of the world clean drinking water is in short supply. Many sources of water in impoverished countries are polluted; and the existing wells are often too shallow and inadequate to prevent contamination from sewage; which causes death and disease. And so, in the name of Jesus Christ, many organizations have dug and built new wells in these locations; deep enough to prevent or reduce contamination. Utilizing these new sources of water they can also grow crops; which limits the effects of starvation. Like it should be, the body of Christ brings hope to others.

As Christians we must have compassion for those who are in desperate need, fulfilling our duty to prevent suffering whenever possible (without enabling those whose suffering is the result of their own sinful behavior) May we show the love of Christ to those who are struggling. Using our kindness as a testimony of God’s love, we can then offer the gospel message of repentance and salvation to those who have experienced God’s affection.

“Lord Heavenly Father, may we seek to accomplish Your works in this place, so that many might be drawn to You. Give us the desire to relieve the suffering of others (whenever appropriate.) May we also express love for our family, friends, and neighbors; giving ourselves over in service to those who are struggling. 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!

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!