Category: Jesus Speaks

God Made A Way

~ servantone1

JESUS SPEAKING

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” (John 3: 16 – 17) Jesus also said, “I am the way the truth and the life, no man comes to the Father, except through Me.” (John 14: 6)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

Since Adam initially sinned in the garden of Eden, man has been separated from God. A pure and holy Creator doesn’t fellowship with sinful people. And yet, in His wisdom, the Lord created a way through this barrier of sin and death by sending His Son Jesus Christ to die on the cross. This eternal sacrifice has the power to completely and permanently reconcile human beings to God. When we place our faith in Jesus Christ and exercise obedience to His teachings, we are reconnected with our Heavenly Father. Only our faith in Jesus Christ is enduring and acceptable.

For centuries the Pacific and Atlantic oceans remained separated by the American continents. Ships carrying cargo had no choice but to sail around them in order to reach the other side. Many individuals had long dreamed of creating a waterway through a narrow section of land in the nation of Panama. Considering the amount of work needed to accomplish the task, most believed it couldn’t be done. And yet President Theodore Roosevelt thought otherwise. As president, he ordered the digging to begin in 1904, and despite many setbacks, the canal was completed in 1914. The mighty barrier had been breached. The Atlantic and Pacific Oceans had finally been united.

Like the Panama Canal, God has dug a pathway through the barrier of sin and death that separates Him from mankind. Those who place their faith in Jesus Christ can be reconciled with their Heavenly Father; permitting them to once again be united. The praise and honor for this amazing work belongs to God alone. We read “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” (Ephesians 2: 8 – 9)

“Lord Heavenly Father, we pray for your unending grace, and we thank You for sending Your son to die for our sins, that we might be reconciled to You forever. May we continue to spread this good news to others; that they too might be saved and reunited with You. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit and give us the strength and courage to continue faithfully preaching the Gospel. 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!

Turn the Other Cheek

~ servantone1

JESUS SPEAKS

“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’  But I tell you not to resist an evil person.  But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.  If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also.  And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two.  Give to everyone who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away.” (Matthew 5: verse 38 – 42)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

The natural human reaction to being slapped in the face is to respond in kind; reciprocating upon the attacker an equivalent amount of violence. Yet Jesus has instructed us to resist this temptation; and instead, to offer up our other cheek. How then does this act of submission serve to further God’s eternal kingdom? Simply put, unsaved individuals expect you to hit them back; which then leads to a brawl. As a result, any ensuing violence creates a veil; a cover that permits their evil hearts to remain hidden. However, responding to hatred with sacrificial love tears away this covering; revealing their own wickedness. Witnessing this genuine vision can convict people and lead them to repentance and salvation. Thus responding to evil with kindness is a powerful tool which serves to further the gospel message.

Some time ago I was involved in a road rage incident. While traveling at an adequate speed, I turned left into another lane. A large truck abruptly appeared behind me. The irate man clutching the wheel began honking his horn relentlessly. I eventually stopped in the left hand turn lane. The stranger pulled up beside me and exited his vehicle. After approaching my passenger’s side door he began pounding on the window as he continued directing his hateful screams toward me. Without provocation he spit on my window. During our ensuing discussion I informed him that he was speeding; a fact that I sensed he knew to be true. At any point I could’ve left my car and initiated a physical altercation. However, the Spirit took hold of my heart, causing my demeanor to abruptly shift. My agitation and frustration faded. I looked into the man’s eyes and said, “Well you have a blessed day Sir.” In that moment his anger faltered. The love in my voice had made his hatred less certain. As he attempted to continue the argument, I responded yet again, saying, “Well you have a blessed day sir.” Right then I witnessed his defensiveness flounder. I perceived in him the presence of remorse and shame. He had been convicted by my kind words. He slowly backed away, re-entered his vehicle and drove off.

Responding to hatred with more hatred is expected, but spiritually unprofitable. No amount of violence, retribution or harm can change a human heart for the better. And so we are commanded to respond to evil with affection. Only love can reveal the truth, convict hearts, and lead to the transformation and rebirth of a human soul. We cannot, of ourselves, display supernatural adoration. However, God can and will give us the mind and spirit necessary to accomplish such a daunting task. If we continue loving, giving, and following the Lord, we will participate in a great harvest and produce much fruit.

“Lord Heavenly Father, we revel in Your Holy Spirit and embrace Your calling. As we interact with the world, may we display Your supernatural love for others; returning good for evil, and kindness for hatred. May we participate in Your harvest, leading others to repentance and salvation through love. Remain in us always, as we can accomplish nothing without 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!

Let Your Light Shine

~ servantone1

JESUS SPEAKING

“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it provides light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven.” (Matthew 5: 14 – 16)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

Like a city on a hill, genuine Christianity can never be concealed or remain hidden. Those who have been reborn are no longer shackled by apathy and indifference. Instead, they are compelled to accomplish good works; powerful displays of affection, service, and selflessness that shine through the darkness of the surrounding culture. Openly displaying these charitable behaviors serves but one singular purpose; to bring glory and honor to God. This divine light draws those who are lost to The Lord, and many are converted and receive salvation.

Every evening without fail, the moon rises and a seemingly endless sea of stars fills the night sky. The northern lights splash around and the constellations are easily observed. And yet when the morning arrives, a single powerful star appears on high and shines with such ferocity that it overwhelms the atmosphere; causing the other stars to disappear; but they aren’t really gone; instead they are simply concealed amidst the suffocating rays of the sun; and thus, in its presence, every other bright thing becomes muted and obscured.

Like the Sun, Christians are called to shine so brightly that they are easily recognized by others. Amidst an ocean of indifference, our love must stand out. Having been filled up completely, God’s Holy Spirit will inevitably pour into the lives of those around us. When we serve others, when we practice generosity, and when we display affection for those who are lost, they will see God in us, and be drawn to Him. May we continue to shine brightly, and may God receive the glory and honor He so richly deserves.

“Lord Heavenly Father, we come before You and ask for more of Your Holy Spirit. Pour into us, that we might pour into others. Compel us to accomplish good works, to be charitable, and giving; knowing that Your love can transform anyone, no matter how far away they might’ve wandered. As we continue to evangelize, may our lives be a testament to the transforming power of 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!