Category: Jesus Speaks

Moving Mountains

~ servantone1

JESUS SPEAKING

“Have faith in God.  For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says.  Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.” (Mark 11: 20-24)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

Jesus reminds us to place our faith in God, who is the true source of all power. The things that are impossible for man, like moving an entire mountain, are easy for God. No matter how large the obstacles in our lives might be, if we have faith in the Lord, we need only ask Him, and those hindrances will be removed. In turn, we can then continue our journey toward eternal life.

We read in the old testament that after being led out of the land of Egypt, the Jewish people encountered an impassible obstacle. As they stood on the shore of the red sea they could go no further. With Pharaoh’s army bearing down on them they faced certain annihilation. And yet God parted the sea, creating a pathway through which they could escape. When the Jews had safely crossed over, the waters returned; drowning the Egyptian army.

There is nothing that is impossible for God. There are no obstacles He cannot remove, nor barriers He can’t break through. According to Jesus, if we remain faithful, then we can ask the Lord for anything and it will be done for us according to His will. May we never underestimate the abilities of our heavenly Father. Through Him all things are possible.

“Lord Jesus, forgive our unbelief and fill our hearts with faith. No matter what obstacles we might encounter, we trust that You can remove them and give us victory. As we place our confidence in the Father, may we become more like You. May we do amazing and wonderful things in Your name. 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 name. Amen.” God bless all of You!

Giving

~ servantone1

JESUS SPEAKING

     “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20: 35)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

    The word ‘blessed’ most commonly translates into the English word for ‘happiness.’  Those who live a ‘blessed’ life regularly experience joy, peace, and contentment, despite the presence of any challenging circumstances.  Such a pleasant existence can only be achieved and maintained through daily acts of sacrificial service.  And yet, most human beings are resoundingly selfish.  In an endeavor to acquire as many possessions as possible, some have become isolated, discouraged and depressed. They remain unaware that genuine happiness doesn’t come from selfish gratification; but instead, is the product of selfless giving.

     Michael Norton, a Harvard business professor sought to discover a link between overall happiness and daily giving.  He conducted an experiment in which a small amount of money was given to a group of test subjects.  Half of the participants were instructed to spend the money on themselves; the other half were told to spend the money on someone else.  When researchers contacted the subjects at the end of the day, they found that those who had spent the money on someone else reported feeling much happier than those who had selfishly squandered their allotted funds.  [Note:  In another study, Norton found that sales team productivity and relationship quality increased as salespeople were given money to spend on other team members.]

     Professor Norton had discovered that, although selfish gain seems appealing, it also lacks the power bring about lasting joy.  Genuine peace and contentment are the result of selflessness and sacrifice.  By serving and giving we can demonstrate the generosity and love of Jesus Christ. May we never forget that happiness doesn’t originate from what we might receive, but rather, from what we are willing to give.

     “Lord Heavenly Father, continue to shower us with Your many blessings.  As we love and serve our fellows, may we be filled with Your unending joy and peace.  May our selfish desires come to an end; that through us, countless wandering souls might come to glorify Your Holy Name.  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!

Born of the Spirit

~ servantone1

JESUS SPEAKING

“That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from or where it goes. So is everyone born of the Spirit.” (John 3: 6 – 8)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

Jesus likens the Holy Spirit to the wind, which blows wherever it pleases; its origin and destination remain unknown to everyone who has rejected the gospel message. To those who are carnal, the way that Christians speak and behave seems strange and even foolish. Why be honest? Why be charitable? Why serve others? Why be kind to our enemies?

When God directed Noah to construct a massive boat in the middle of nowhere, he obeyed because he knew that a flood was coming, and that everyone but his family would soon perish. Those carnal souls who observed his tireless efforts must have questioned his sanity. Only a fool would construct a boat in the absence of the water needed to sail it.

Like Noah, when an individual receives the Holy Spirit, their actions and behaviors change, based upon what they know is coming in the future. For some everlasting life, and for others, everlasting death. We die in the present so that we may live in God’s eternal kingdom. We remain obedient, speak the truth, and preach the gospel so that others might also receive salvation and avoid the coming judgement. May we always follow the leading of the Holy Spirit.

“Lord Heavenly Father, as we journey through this world, may we continue to preach the gospel message. Number our steps, that we might obey the Holy Spirit, and remain faithful in everything that we do. May our efforts be diligent, and our actions righteous. 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!