Jesus is the Only Way

February 21, 2022 ~ servantone1

JESUS SPEAKING

Therefore Jesus said again, “I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. All who ever came before me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and to kill and to destroy; I have come that they might have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10: 7-10.)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

Shepherding was a very common first century profession. A shepherd’s duties included feeding and watering his livestock, fending off hungry predators, and keeping them free from dangerous parasites. Over time a bond would form between the shepherd and his sheep. Often, after many days and nights of grazing in the open fields, the shepherd would need some time to rest. Upon returning home, he would place his flock into a pen where they would remain unharmed. Jesus is the ‘Good Shepherd.’ He came to gather His sheep together and lead them to safety. In this parable, the sheep pen represents heaven; Jesus is the gate; a single opening through which one can enter. Only those who have faith in and follow Jesus Christ are granted access to God’s eternal kingdom.

Today, flying is a very common mode of transportation. In recent years however, terrorists have used airplanes to commit terrible acts of violence against many innocent people. In an effort to prevent these attacks from occurring, airport security has become quite serious. There is now only one way in and one way out of an airport. Those seeking to enter through the security checkpoints must possess the proper identification. No license or alternative form of identification means no entry. This rule is without exception; a nice smile, a kind face, and an appealing excuse are of no benefit whatsoever. In many respects, God’s kingdom is identical. Simply put, there is one way to enter; and only those who have faith in the Messiah are granted access.

Jesus Christ is the ‘Good Shepherd.’ He came to lead his sheep into everlasting life. Many have heard His words and received Him. Still others have rejected Him entirely. Despite their many differences, the faithful and the unfaithful have one thing in common; they will both eventually stand before the Lord; and only those who have called Jesus master and followed His teachings will be able to enter God’s eternal Kingdom.

“Lord Heavenly Father, may we enter Your everlasting Kingdom. We have come to trust in You; please lead us, teach us, and provide for all of our needs. May we be Your sheep and may You be our Shepherd; may we know Your voice and never be deceived. Protect us from those who would seek to do us harm and inspire us to reach out to those who are lost. 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!

Temptation

February 14, 2022 ~ servantone1

JESUS SPEAKING

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6: 19 – 21)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

Jesus urges every follower to remain focused on the virtues that are eternal, rather than indulging in the momentary enjoyment of some passing pleasure. We are told in 1 Peter 5: 8, to “Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” One of Satan’s most efficient tactics is to create blindness. He elevates the allure of a present desire, while simultaneously concealing the long-term, or eternal consequences that will eventually arise as a result of engaging in some sinful activity.

Adultery is one of the most serious sins an individual can commit. Infidelity destroys families and devestates entire households. We read in proverbs 9: 13 – 18, “A foolish woman is clamorous; she is simple, and knows nothing. For she sits at the door of her house, on a seat by the highest places of the city, to call to those who pass by, who go straight on their way: ‘Whoever is simple, let him turn in here’; and as for him who lacks understanding, she says to him, “stolen water is sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.’ But he does not know that the dead are there, that her guests are in the depths of hell.” This woman’s plan was to corrupt those who were innocent; to blind human beings by emphasizing the enjoyment of immediate gratification; adultery may appeal to the flesh but it is destructive to the Spirit. Those who are deceived will act without contemplating their future torment. They can’t comprehend the ugliness of an eventual divorce; they can’t envision the trauma their children will endure, or the loneliness of partial custody. Like brute beasts they can see only what is right in front of their face, and no more.

As long as mankind walks upon this Earth, Satan will continue his campaign of temptation; presenting us with momentary pleasures devoid of eventual consequence. How then can we resist the trickery he employs to corrupt and defile those who love Jesus Christ? Simply put, we must emphasize and remain focused upon eternal virtues; things such as fidelity, selflessness, honesty, respect, charity, and kindness. The light of God’s eternal kingdom illuminates the devil’s lies and creates a genuine vision of those things which the Lord values.

“Dear Heavenly Father, may we avoid distraction and remain focused on our eternal destination with You in Your Kingdom. Protect us from sinful temptations that could arise and cause us to suffer. May we see the end from the beginning. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit Lord, that we might preach the gospel with boldness. 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!

Rejoice in Persecution

February 7, 2022 ~ servantone1

JESUS SPEAKING

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for my sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matthew 5: 10 – 12)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

From the time of the resurrection until today, true believers have always been verbally and physically persecuted for their faith. Of the original 12 disciples, 11 were violently murdered, and the twelfth was imprisoned for life. Throughout the centuries, the body of Christ has suffered affliction; millions have been martyred; many more have been discriminated against, despised, and socially ostracized. Jesus said, “Remember the words I spoke to you: ‘No servant is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you.” Because persecution is a sign of genuine obedience, many are able to take pleasure in adversity; in the midst of hardship the faithful are not without a sense of peace; for to endure pain for Christ is to experience great joy, and to suffer and die for him is to understand what it means to truly live.

Throughout the fourth century, the Roman Empire was actively persecuting professing Christians. In the year 320 A.D. a group of believing soldiers from Rome’s twelfth legion paid the ultimate price for their faith. The Emperor Licinius decreed that every Roman soldier was obligated to offer sacrifices to the pagan Gods. Forty Christian men refused to obey his command; in turn, they were immediately ordered to disrobe. After being marched onto a frozen lake they were informed that they could return to shore at any time, as long as they were willing to obey (the officers had even prepared hot baths for those who chose to relent.) As they froze, the exposed soldiers huddled together and began to sing songs and to praise God; in their hour of suffering they expressed overwhelming joy.) One by one, they perished. Sadly, a single solitary man did relent; but astonishingly another soldier who had been observing the spectacle was so moved by what he had seen that he instantly gave his life to Jesus Christ; he removed his clothes and walked out on to the ice to join his dying brothers.

Persecution is a part of genuine faith. Those who oppose God, will oppose those who follow Him. Obedience can produce much suffering. When we suffer for righteousness, we can rejoice and be glad, knowing that we serve the Living God. We must take up our cross; we must speak the truth; we must love without question, and give without stipulation. We must walk by faith and avoid compromise. In so doing, God will strengthen us in the hour of our greatest need; He will comfort us; He will give us victory; and we will inherit the riches of His Eternal Kingdom.

“Lord Heavenly Father, as we undergo trials give us strength and fill us with Your Holy Spirit; that we may rejoice in suffering and persecution. May we always praise Your Name; in good times and in bad. May we never compromise; may we never be conformed to the image of this world. May we live for righteousness and may we die for virtue. Father, we love You, 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.