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The Simple are Wise

~ servantone1

JESUS SPEAKING

           At that time Jesus answered and said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and have revealed them to babes.  Even so, Father, because it seemed good in Your sight.  All things have been delivered to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father.  Nor does anyone know the Father except the son, and the one to whom the son wills to reveal him” (Mathew 11: 25-27.)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

           In the Jewish culture, youth was often associated with weakness and stupidity.  So much so, that when a group of Jewish men gathered together, they frequently spoke in order of age; the oldest spoke first and the youngest spoke last.  They believed that with age came wisdom.  Jesus however, corrected this commonly held belief.  Wisdom concerning the messiah and God’s plan of salvation could not be attained through years of careful study; instead, the truth could only be received as a gift from God.  Those who thought themselves intelligent were blinded by pride and self-reliance; the simple and the ignorant however could more clearly see the value of God’s grace and the blessing of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ.

           Sigmund Freud pioneered what we might consider the modern field of psychology.  In fact, today he is remembered by some as one of the most intelligent men who has ever lived.  Yet most people don’t know that at one point in his career, he promoted the use of cocaine; believing it to be a cure for many of life’s common ailments.  He even encouraged his close acquaintances and compatriots to indulge in its use.  When one of his dear friends became horribly addicted to the drug, he saw the dangers of cocaine and anxiously recalled his previous promotions; he carried the guilt of his friend’s continual drug dependence for the rest of his life.  Some of the most well educated and intelligent people are often the most horribly deceived.

           The truth is a gift from The Lord (it is not something that can be earned.)  Intelligence, although beneficial and extremely useful, can sometimes blind those who trust in it more than God (the intellect frequently remains in opposition to simple faith and practical wisdom.)  God yearns for His children to trust in Him completely.  Those who are simple, unlearned, and unwise, are often the first to see the true value of God’s mercy and grace.  Won’t you receive the gospel today as a little child?  Won’t you believe with your whole heart?  Won’t you allow God to take control of your life?  If you place your faith in Jesus Christ you will come to know the truth; and you will be smarter than the most well-educated man, and wiser than the greatest king. 

           “Lord Heavenly Father, may we be as little children.  May we remain simple, and may we completely trust in, and rely upon You.  We pray for those who are intelligent and wise in their own thinking; those who have faith only in the achievements of men.  Reveal the truth to them, that they may come to humbly receive Your mercy and grace.  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 Vine

~ servantone1

JESUS SPEAKING

                “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser.  Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away; every branch that bears fruit he prunes, that it might bear more fruit.  You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you.  I am the vine, you are the branches.  He who abides in me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without me you can do nothing.  If anyone does not abide in me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them in to the fire, and they are burned.  If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it will be done for you.  By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be my disciples” (John 15: 1-8.)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

                In the first century, grapes were a highly prized commodity grown in Israel.  Most were familiar with how grapes were cultivated.  Many sizable fruit producing vineyards consisted of individual sections; each section possessed a main vine that sprouted from the ground and stretched at great length; this vine delivered valuable nutrients, such as water and minerals to the smaller fruit yielding branches.  In this parable, Jesus likens himself to the vine; his disciples, in turn, represent the branches.  God the Father is the vinedresser, or caretaker, who nurtures and cares for the fruitful stems; and like any good farmer, he prunes them; cutting away the twigs that are unproductive.  These unfruitful stalks represent those who claim to be Christians but consistently practice worldly ways. God also sanctifies his children by removing evil habits, thoughts, and actions from the hearts and minds of those who believe; making them more pure; more holy; and more righteous.  Jesus revealed that every true follower must allow his words to abide in their hearts and minds.  Therefore, daily bible reading is an essential part of achieving and maintaining a Godly life.

                On the night that I gave my life to Jesus Christ, I was given a cheap paperback copy of the New Testament.  I threw it in the back of my car, and rode around with it for days, not giving it a second thought.  Still, something began to stir in my heart; I suddenly felt the urge to read it.  I chose to utilize my lunch breaks at work to dive in to the scriptures.  As I read, my faith commenced to grow; my life began to change in new and wonderful ways; my spirit became strong and I began to do, say, and act more like Jesus Christ.  A peace came over me; my hatred and resentments were swallowed up by the grace and mercy of a loving God.  Today, I still read the bible; I have made scripture, and the words of Jesus Christ my foundation for living.  I keep them close; in my heart and in my mind; and they have produced much fruit in my life and the lives of those around me.

                Today there are many who willfully pass by the scriptures and pay them no mind; most are unaware of the transforming power of God’s word.  Such people, cut off from the true source of spiritual nourishment, go on to wither and die.  Still, there are those who do comprehend the value of daily bible reading; these individuals grow strong and produce much fruit.  Their hearts and minds find rest; their actions exemplify the love of God; and their lives become instruments of righteousness and peace.  So then the important question is, when was the last time you made daily bible reading a part of your life?

                “Lord Heavenly Father, we come before You today and we ask that Your words would abide in us.  Give us a hunger to read the scriptures daily; that we might grow strong and be Your disciples.  May we discover Your truths and may we bear much fruit for 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 Body of Christ

~ servantone1

JESUS SPEAKING

         “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to my Father.  And whatever you ask in my name, that I will do, that the Father be glorified in the Son.  If you ask anything in my name, I will do it” (John 14: 12-14.)

 INSPIRED THOUGHTS

         Jesus begins this scripture with a declarative statement, saying “most assuredly.”   Perhaps a more modern translation is, ‘without a doubt;’ whatever the translation, the underlying meaning is ‘what I am about to say to you is unquestionably true.’  This declaration however hinges upon the next statement He makes; “he who believes in me.”  The focus of miraculous works does not come from human ability, but from a belief in Jesus Christ.  He states that the faithful believers will not only do the works he had been doing, but that their works would exceed those he performed while on the earth.  Although Jesus rose from the dead and ascended into heaven, his body remains upon the earth to this day.  All power, all direction, and all good works come from the Father, and Jesus Christ, the head of our body who is seated in heaven at the right hand of God.

         Trees are one of God’s most beautiful creations.  A tree is primarily made up of two parts.  The visible portion, consisting of the trunk and the crown (with its tender leaves), and the roots which dig deep down into the soil.  Only half of a tree is visible to the human eye.  Still, trees are not securely anchored in place by their branches, leaves, or trunks; no matter how splendid they may appear.  They remain upright because of what exists beneath the earth.  All trees absorb life sustaining water and nutrients through their roots, deep down, in places that are hidden from sight.  Like the tree, today the body of Christ is also made up of two parts.  I cannot see Jesus Christ as he sits at the right hand of God, much like I don’t see the roots of a tree as they anchor it and bring it life; but no tree can spread its branches and thrive unless what is unseen exists.  Today, every person who has faith in the unseen, risen Lord, becomes a part of the visible, and very real body of Jesus Christ that went missing from the tomb.  The Son of God is the head of the body; directing us, speaking to us, moving us in the direction He wants us to go, so that He can continue doing His miracles in this place.

         If we currently have Faith in Jesus Christ we are a part of his body.  And as a part of his body, all the good works that we do, He does through us.  Jesus Christ, and God the Father get the credit for the miracles and the healings; every orphanage built, every hospital constructed in His name, every life that is transformed, represents the continuing work of Jesus Christ upon this earth.  One way that we can draw from his power is to pray without ceasing; to lift up our requests to him, no matter how small or insignificant they might seem.  The God of the universe has made us a promise; if we ask then we shall receive.  So ask in expectation of receiving, and be mindful to ask according to His will, and you’ll find this scripture fulfilled in your life.  Miracles will occur in you, and in the lives of those around you, as He uses you to accomplish His works.

         “Lord heavenly Father, we ask that You would give us more of Your Holy Spirit.  Increase our faith and bring us closer to You and to Your Son.  We want to see Your Glory; we want to believe as little children, and we want to be productive members of Your Body, here in this place.  Guide us and direct us; and use us for Your Glory.  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.