Category: Jesus Speaks

Avoiding Partiality

~ servantone1

JESUS SPEAKING

                Now the Pharisees, who were lovers of money, also heard all these things, and they derided Him.  And he said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts.  For what is highly esteemed among men is an abomination to God” (Luke 16: 14-15.)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS 

                What the world considers valuable and what God considers valuable are often in direct opposition.  Most esteem beauty, wealth, fame, power, and intellect above Godliness, compassion, love, humility, and genuine mercy.  The Pharisees (religious leaders) hearts were wicked; they preferred interacting with the wealthy, affluent, and well educated. Jesus however, fellowshipped with repentant prostitutes and tax collectors; he reached out to the lame and befriended many outcasts. He avoided showing any form of ungodly partiality; preferring instead, to honor and esteem only those things that God deemed commendable.

                In the Old Testament, we read of a time when it became necessary to anoint a new king to rule over the nation of Israel.  The Lord commanded the prophet Samuel to travel to Bethlehem, where he was instructed to choose a king from among the Sons of Jesse.  Upon arriving, Samuel laid his eyes upon Eliab (one of the eldest sons); Eliab was mature, healthy, and strong.  The prophet, being mislead by worldly values, proclaimed, “Surely the Lord’s anointed is before him!”  God responded, saying, “Do not look at his appearance or his physical stature, because I have refused him, for the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”  After God had rejected seven of Jesse’s eldest sons, it appeared that there was no one left.  Samuel asked if all his Sons were present; Jesse replied, “Well there remains yet the youngest, and there he is, keeping the sheep.”  When David, the youngest and weakest of Jesse’s son’s appeared, God said, “Arise and anoint him, for this is the one.”  In time it became apparent why God chose David. He possessed priceless spiritual values; he was wise and loved God with his whole heart; his courage and faith were unshakable.

                In all cultures it is common to show partiality; most prefer the wealthy, affluent, and good looking; yet to highly esteem such attributes is to error. The apostle James wrote, “For if there should come in to your assembly a man with Gold rings ‘and also’ a poor man in filthy clothes, and you pay attention to the one wearing fine clothes and say to him, “You sit here in a good place,” and say to the poor man, “You stand there,” or “Sit at my footstool,” have you not shown partiality among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts?”  Every believer must therefore make an effort to avoid esteeming worldly values.  With God’s help, we can be impartial; we can see with His eyes; we can become lovers of truth; men and women who adore kindness, cherish compassion, and embrace mercy.

                “Lord Heavenly Father, guide us, and lead us as we journey through this life.  Give us clean hearts, that we might avoid partiality, and love what is truly good.  May we turn away from worldly pursuits, and walk in Your ways; may we love what You love; may we value what You value; and may we live as You have lived.  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.

Who’s traveling with you?

~ servantone1

JESUS SPEAKING

            Now it happened, on a certain day, that he got into a boat with his disciples.  And he said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side of the lake.”  And they launched out.  But as they sailed he fell asleep.  And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water, and were in jeopardy.  And they came to him and awoke him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!”  Then he arose and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water.  And they ceased, and there was a calm.  But he said to them, “Where is your faith?”  And they were afraid, and marveled, saying to one another, “Who can this be?  For he commands even the winds and water, and they obey him!” (Luke 8: 22-25.)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

            The Sea of Galilee is the lowest (below sea level) freshwater lake in the world.  Because it sits beside the Mediterranean, warm and cool air collide; producing fierce storms that arise almost instantaneously.  Jesus and his disciples were crossing this sea when a violent squall threatened to capsize their vessel.  As the Lord peacefully slept in the back of the boat, his companions began panicking.  Fear caused them to forget who was accompanying them on their journey.  After being roused, Jesus calmed the storm and asked them, “Where is your faith?”  Fear and faith are natural enemies.  The presence of one often signals the absence of the other.  People are gripped with fear when they lose faith in the God who dwells within them.  He is a loving Father who has promised to ‘never leave us, nor forsake us.’  As David once wrote in Psalm 23, “I shall fear no evil, for you are with me.”

            Some time ago, I interacted with a man who frequented the coffee shop where I studied.  He often appeared to be under a great deal of stress.  His fearful, unsettled, and distracted demeanor was difficult to overlook.  One day he leaned over and said, “Can you give me a scripture, or something from the bible that will help me remember that ‘God will never give me more than I can handle?”  I recalled for him the story of Jesus calming the storm.  His disciples feared they were going to capsize and drown; but God kept them from perishing.  I reminded him that the size of the waves and the level of desperation were unimportant; rather, what truly mattered was who was traveling in the boat with him.  By implication, he understood that if Jesus was in his heart, he would always stay afloat.

            Today, our lives are like vessels gliding across the sea.  Sometimes the surface is tranquil; and sometimes it’s stormy; only those who invite Jesus to accompany them on their voyage will make it to the other side.  No true believer will ever slip beneath the waves; for the Lord himself will cause the wind and waves to cease.  When you feel fear, remember the promises of God; have faith and you’ll survive whatever storm you’re enduring; your life will be preserved because the Lord is with you.

            “Lord Heavenly Father, may we always remember that Your Son dwells within our hearts; accompanying us as we journey through life.  Protect us from the storms that arise along the way; destroy our fears and increase our faith.  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.

Amends

~ servantone1

JESUS SPEAKING

                “Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift” (Mathew 5: 23-24.)               

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

                No one can have a close relationship with God in a vacuum; human beings live within complex social structures; communities made up of family, friends, neighbors, acquaintances, and even complete strangers.  Our relationship with others is a reflection of our relationship with God.  When we sin against our neighbor, we also sin against our Lord.  If we lie, slander, and hate another person, we have lied, slandered, and hated our own creator.  In the first century, many Jewish families traveled long distances to sacrifice animals to atone for their sins; having received forgiveness, they were restored to a right relationship with God.  Jesus teaches us that we are to first be reconciled to our neighbor; only then are we permitted to approach the Lord and honor Him with our sacrifices.  Today, this commandment, known as ‘making amends,’ is still an essential Christian practice.

                When I came to California many years ago, I began working a 12 step program; a system designed to help me overcome a horrible drug addiction.  The creators of the program were almost all Christians.  In turn, the steps were heavily influenced by the teachings found in the book of James, the Sermon on the Mount, and 1 Corinthians, 13.  After becoming a Christian, I discovered that Christ’s command to make amends, likely inspired the founders to create the 8th and 9th steps.  The eighth step reads, “Made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to amends to them all.”  The ninth step reads, “Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.”  From 2005 until today, I’ve continued making amends to those I’ve harmed.  I’ve made restitution and paid off every delinquent debt; I’ve also asked for forgiveness from those who were affected by my sins.  With every debt paid and every apology given, I’ve felt my spirit drawing nearer to my teacher, my Lord, and my Friend.

                Today, in order to move forward with God, you might consider delving in to your past.  Examine your previous mistakes.  If you’ve stolen from anyone, pay them back; if you’ve lied, and your lies have caused hardship, return and speak the truth.  If by mistreating others, you have created resentments, you are commanded to humble yourself, and request forgiveness.  Making amends is an important Christian practice.  We’ve all sinned; but what we do with those sins will determine whether we grow closer to the Lord, or remain at a distance.  The choice is ours to make.

                “Lord Heavenly Father, bring to our remembrance the names of those we have harmed; may we approach them and make restitution.  Give us the strength and the humility to ask for forgiveness; that we might be reconciled to those who are resentful.  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.