Focus On Christ’s Return

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JESUS SPEAKING

“But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that day come on you unexpectedly. For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth.” (Luke 21: 34-36)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

Jesus warned His followers to be prepared for His return at any moment; and in turn, to remain focused on His future kingdom. Whenever an individual loses sight of the eternal, they will begin to indulge in selfish pursuits. Followers are thus cautioned against engaging in carousing (sexual immorality), drunkenness, and the cares of this life. By living with the expectation that Christ could return at any moment, we can avoid any deadly distractions.

Concerning distractions, text messaging while driving has resulted in a great number of motor vehicle tragedies. One very prominent case involved a plastic surgeon who was text messaging when he drove off of a cliff and tumbled to his death. Sadly, Dr. Frank Ryan was tweeting a message about his dog, who was with him in the car when he drove off a cliff; he died and his dog was badly injured. Dr. Ryan set out on a journey, but got distracted, and as a result he never reached his destination. So many people who believe in Jesus Christ start out on a journey toward an eternal destination, but never make it because they get distracted by the cares of this world.

Christians today need to avoid focusing on the passing pleasures of this life, and must never allow distractions to take our eyes off of Christ. Through Bible reading, evangelism, prayer, and fellowship, we can grow stronger in our faith. If we make God the central figure in our hearts, then we will not be afraid on the day He returns; but instead, we will be filled with delight as we contemplate the eternal life we will enjoy in His presence.

“Lord Heavenly Father, we exalt You in our hearts and minds. You alone are worthy of all praise and honor and glory. As we focus on the return of Your Son, help us to avoid any trivial distractions. Through the power of Your Holy Spirit, speak to us and give us the knowledge of Your will, that we may better serve You and our fellows. 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!

A Loving Father

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JESUS SPEAKING

Then He said: “A certain man had two sons. And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the portion of goods that falls to me.’ So he divided to them his livelihood. And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together, journeyed to a far country, and there wasted his possessions with prodigal living. But when he had spent all, there arose a severe famine in that land, and he began to be in want. Then he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would gladly have filled his stomach with the pods that the swine ate, and no one gave him anything. But when he had came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger. I will arise and go to my Father, and will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your servants.”‘ “And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the Father said to his servants, ‘Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us make merry; for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ And they began to be merry.” (Luke 15: 11 – 24)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

In this parable, the prodigal Son (representing sinners), is afforded the freedom to leave his father (representing God), and live according to his own sinful desires. Eventually, in the midst of great suffering, he chooses to return to his heavenly Father, expecting to be treated as a servant. And yet his return is cause for celebration. God the Father feels tremendous heartache for those who are lost in sin, and rejoices when they repent and return to Him.

Concerning God’s affection, we read in Ezekiel 33: 11, “Say unto them, as I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live.” Additionally, in Jeremiah 48: 31, God says, “Therefore I will wail for Moab, and I will cry out for Moab; I will mourn for the men of Kir Heres.” Although the nation of Moab was eventually destroyed in judgement, we know that God was saddened by the loss of so many souls.

If we endeavor to share God’s heart, then we must also love those who are lost in sin. As Christians, we are chosen messengers of the Gospel, which is a love letter from God to mankind; a sweet offering of salvation and reconciliation through the sacrifice of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. May we share God’s heart in all things, which includes His love for those who are lost.

“Lord Heavenly Father, may we be one in Spirit with You at all times. May we share Your thoughts and desires as we seek to serve others. May we continue in Your word and be strengthened and equipped to accomplish whatever ministry you have called us to. 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!

Producing Fruit

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JESUS SPEAKING

“The hour has come that the Son of Man should be glorified. Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.” (John 12: 23 – 25)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

Using an agricultural metaphor, Jesus references His upcoming death, burial, and resurrection. A single grain of wheat, when planted, can produce hundreds, thousands, and even millions of additional seeds. Similarly, the Lords’ suffering and agony upon the cross, and ensuing resurrection, has produced much fruit. His selfless sacrifice has inspired endless conversions; enabling millions to receive the mercy and grace of God.
As the story goes, in the 1800’s there resided a little girl from Philadelphia name Hattie Wiatt. She lived in close proximity to a popular, and very crowded Grace Baptist Church. One day she approached the Church and asked to attend their Sunday school. Sadly, she was told that there was no more room. Less than two years later, Hattie fell ill and passed away. A pocket book containing 57 pennies was found underneath her pillow; it was wrapped in a piece of scrap paper; written on the paper was a note that read, “To help build the little temple bigger, so that more children can go to Sunday school.” She had saved her pennies for 2 years intending to give them as a donation to the church. The pastor told his congregation of Hattie’s selflessness. Immediately donations began pouring in, until they had collected nearly $250,000 dollars. Soon the church was seating 3,300 people. The parishioners also chose to build a hospital as well as a university accommodating some 1,400 students (today, attendance at this college has reached nearly 30,000.) Hattie’s sacrifice, although small, has gone on to produce much fruit.
Like Hattie, we are called to selflessly lay down our lives to “build the little temple bigger.” To sacrifice our own wants and desires so that others may come to know the love of God. When we serve our fellows, love our neighbors, and give to those in need, we bear much fruit. Those who strive to live selflessly will come to know peace; true peace; heavenly peace; eternal peace; “the peace that surpasses all understanding.”
“Lord Heavenly Father, You are truly an amazing and awesome God. We desperately desire to be selfless; we yearn to lay down our lives so that others may come to know You. Help us to enjoy and embrace serving, giving, and loving. May we produce much fruit and bring many souls 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!