Category: Jesus Speaks

The Gift of Singleness

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JESUS SPEAKING

  “All cannot accept this saying, but only those to whom it has been given. For there are eunuchs who were born thus from their mother’s womb, and there are eunuchs who were made eunuchs by men, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven’s sake. He who is able to accept it, let him accept it.” (Matthew 19: 11 – 12)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

  A eunuch is someone who lacks the ability or the overwhelming desire to produce offspring. In this scripture, there are three main causes of sterility: a birth defect; the actions of an oppressor; or the will of God. According to Jesus, there are some believers who, in order to better serve the body of Christ, will forsake marriage and embrace a life of celibacy. God alone has the power to call these individuals to a life of selfless submission and only He can give them the peace needed to serve in singleness.

  According to the scriptures, Paul was one of the most influential evangelists of the early Church. After being saved by Christ, he committed his entire life to spreading the gospel message. While journeying from one city to the next, he encountered many perils, dangers, and hardships; a lifestyle not fitting for a wife and children. For the sake of efficiency God gave him the gift of singleness. And of course Paul received that gift and remained celibate until his death in Rome. Through his ministry, many came to know the Lord.

  The call to singleness is an active component of the Christian Church. Some are called to marry and raise their children according to God’s word; they are ministers in their own households. However, on occasion, there are others who are called by the Lord to remain single. They have received the gift of peace in the absence of marriage. Thus they can more efficiently accomplish their callings without wives or children.

  ”Lord Heavenly Father, we know that many of us are called to marry and raise our families in the Church. And yet there are others who are called to a life of singleness; whose ministries can only be accomplished in the absence of matrimony. Reveal to us our gifts, and give us the strength and the peace to accept our callings. 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!

Overcoming Fear

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JESUS SPEAKING

  ’On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side.“ Now when they had left the multitude, they took him along in the boat as He was. And other little boats were also with Him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!“ And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?“ And they feared exceedingly and said to one another, “Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!”‘ (Mark 4: 35 – 41)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

  Faith is the amount of trust or confidence we place in someone or something. And so, the presence of fear indicates the absence of faith (and vice versa.) We read that when the storm arose, the disciples were afraid they were going to die. In desperation, they turned to the only individual they believed could help. When Jesus awoke from His slumber, He stood up and calmed the wind and the waves; displaying a mastery over nature itself. He then rebuked His disciples for their fear and subsequent lack of faith.

  Concerning the devastating nature of fear, a Japanese soldier named Shoichi Yokoi once lived in a cave on the island of Guam, to which he fled in 1944 when it became clear that the Japanese were going to lose the war. Fearing for his life, the man stayed hidden for twenty-eight years in the jungle. During his time alone, he ate frogs, rats, snails, shrimp, and mangoes. He carried around a pair of trousers and a jacket he’d made from the bark of a tree. He knew the war had ended because of the leaflets that were dropped throughout the jungle. And yet he was afraid he’d be executed if he emerged. Eventually, two hunters happened by and explained to him that he need not hide any longer. At last he was free. After acquiring a decent pair clothes and some food, he was taken by plane to his home.

  In much the same way, fear can cause unbelievable devastation and suffering in a person’s life. Those who are fearful can be driven into isolation, desperation, and destruction. Yet there is a weapon that can destroy fear and permit people to move forward; that weapon is faith. Only faith in God and trust in His power can eradicate fear and doubt. Our trust in God can give us a mastery over our fears; allowing us to remain calm and know peace, even in the midst of a storm. May all of our fears be destroyed by our faith in Jesus Christ.

  ”Lord Heavenly Father, we desire to experience greater faith and to overcome all of our fears. Give us more of Your Holy Spirit, that we may comprehend the awesome power You wield over all creation. For You, nothing is impossible. May we know this truth in our hearts and fully place our faith in You. 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 Value of Christ’s Words

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JESUS SPEAKING

Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.” And Jesus answered, and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But only one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10: 38 – 42)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

Although Martha had opened her home to Jesus, she had failed to recognize His divine significance. Mary however, understood the value of His words. She felt compelled to abandon her duties and sit at His feet; a fitting place to devour His every sentence. Jesus rebuked Martha’s angry demand; addressing her troubled and distracted mind by affirming the righteousness of Mary’s priorities. The knowledge of Christ’s words is a treasure beyond comparison.

Gold is one of the most valuable and sought after possessions anyone can acquire. On January 24th, 1848 gold was discovered near Sutter’s Mill in Northern California (thus initiating the great american gold rush.) The news spread quickly, enticing thousands of men from all over the country (and the world) to journey west in search of fortune and prosperity. These individuals immediately reoriented their priorities, abandoning their homes, careers, businesses, and even relationships to seek untold riches. A few did get rich, but almost everyone else went broke.

The words of Jesus Christ are far more precious than gold; they are divine and lead to eternal riches and a peace that no amount of money can purchase. Like Mary, we must open the bible and sit at Christ’s feet; abandoning any worthless distractions. Read His words and know the truth; apply His teachings and you will be filled with the Spirit of the Lord. If you reorient your priorities your relationship with God will flourish and grow. May we all understand the value of Christ’s words.

“Lord Heavenly Father, we come before You in awe and wonder. May we comprehend what is truly valuable and be drawn to Your Son. Help us to identify and eliminate those things which can distract us from accomplishing Your will. Teach us your ways, and fill us with Your Holy Spirit. 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!