The Father’s Business

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JESUS SPEAKING

‘His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. And when He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast. When they had finished the days, as they returned, the boy Jesus lingered behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His mother did not know it; but supposing Him to have been in the company, they went a day’s journey, and sought Him among their relatives and acquaintances. Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers. So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your Father and I have sought You anxiously.” And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” But they did not understand the statement which He spoke to them.’ (Luke 2: 41 – 50)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

As a boy, Jesus went missing. After searching for many days, Mary and Joseph discovered Him in the temple; interacting with the teachers of the law. In response to Mary’s anger, Jesus reminded her of His divine purpose and higher loyalty to His genuine Father; the God of all creation. Any true child of God can be found wherever they have been called to accomplish God’s business.

As the story goes, when J.C. Penny was young, he worked for a grocery store owner in Hamilton, Missouri. One night, around the dinner table, he mentioned that his employer was “foxy.” Apparently the grocer had made a practice of mixing low quality coffee with the expensive brand; thus increasing his prophets. Jim’s father didn’t see anything funny about the practice. He responded, saying, “Tell me, if the grocer had found someone palming off an inferior item on him for the price of the best, do you think he would think he was just being ‘foxy,’ and laugh about it?” Jim could see his father was disappointed. “I guess not,” Jim replied. “I guess I just didn’t think of it that way.” Jim’s father instructed him to collect his wages and inform his employer that he would no longer be working for him. Mr. Penny’s decision to obey his father’s will and quit, eventually led him to found the dry goods store J.C. Penny’s. A successful establishment that grew into a nationwide chain of stores.

In like manner, those who call God their Father are given new hearts; they are endowed with an overwhelming desire to accomplish the Lord’s will in every situation. Our solemn duty, as Christians, is to be about our “Father’s business.” To mimic Him, to adhere to His commandments, and to deliver the knowledge of the gospel to every lost soul. May we never wander from this purpose.

“Lord Heavenly Father, may we continually serve Your purpose, no matter the situation. Look favorably upon us Lord, that our hearts might remain in complete fellowship with You; the author and finisher of our faith. 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!

Jesus Sets Us Free

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JESUS SPEAKS

Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” They answered Him, “We are Abraham’s descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can You say, ‘You will be made free’?” Jesus answered them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave to sin. And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” (John 8: 31 – 36)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

Many today are living in bondage to some manner of sin; often a form of addiction that destroys families and drives individuals into extreme suffering. Without God there is little hope. But with God, all things are possible. Only those who choose to follow Christ will experience genuine freedom from the devastation of sin.

As the story goes, at an open-air Gospel meeting a preacher asked for testimonies. While this was going on a skeptic was passing by just when the testimony of a saved alcoholic was being given. He stopped to listen. The former alcoholic was talking about how Jesus had performed a miracle and saved his poor soul. The skeptic scoffed; making a few remarks to those standing near him. He said, “It’s nothing more than a dream, religion saving a man in this manner, just a mere dream, and nothing more.” However, among the listeners there was a little girl about ten years old. She had known the misery of a drunkard’s home. Having heard the skeptic’s remark, she approached him and said: “Please Sir, if it is only a dream, please don’t wake him—that is my daddy!”

Those who desire to know genuine freedom will follow Jesus Christ. Only He can remove addictions, heal the mind, and transform the soul. No matter how difficult the struggle might seem, or how large the obstacle might appear, He is able to overcome and to conquer; His power is immeasurable. May we always place our faith and trust in the Lord of all creation.

“Lord Heavenly Father, we trust in Your ability to transform our lives. If we have never accepted Your Son as our Savior, may our hearts succumb to Your precious will. May all those who are reading this experience the power of Your Holy Spirit. Through Your strength might we all discover the truth that sets men free. 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 Desire to Relieve Suffering

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JESUS SPEAKING

And behold, a certain lawyer stood up and tested Him, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” He said to him, “What is written in the law? What is your reading of it?” So he answered and said, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind,’ and ‘your neighbor as yourself.'” And He said to him, “You have answered rightly, do this and you will live.” But he, wanting to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Then Jesus answered and said: “A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a certain priest came down that road. And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. Likewise a Levite, when he arrived at the place, came and looked, and passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion. So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine, and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him, “Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, when I come again, I will repay you.’ So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?” And he said, “He who showed mercy on him.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.” (Luke 10: 25 – 37)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

In this parable, a priest and a Levite are the first two individuals to encounter the suffering stranger. Despite their status as Holy men, they exemplified ungodliness; moving on without rendering any assistance. The third man who arrived was a Samaritan (a people the Jews considered wicked, deplorable, and pagan.) And yet only the Samaritan expressed genuine compassion for the stranger. After cleaning and bandaging his wounds, he brought him to an inn and paid for his care and recovery. As Christians, we too are called to relieve the suffering of others (whenever the Lord leads.)

Like the good Samaritan, all Christians today are motivated by a desire to relieve human suffering; in whatever form it appears. For example, throughout much of the world clean drinking water is in short supply. Many sources of water in impoverished countries are polluted; and the existing wells are often too shallow and inadequate to prevent contamination from sewage; which causes death and disease. And so, in the name of Jesus Christ, many organizations have dug and built new wells in these locations; deep enough to prevent or reduce contamination. Utilizing these new sources of water they can also grow crops; which limits the effects of starvation. Like it should be, the body of Christ brings hope to others.

As Christians we must have compassion for those who are in desperate need, fulfilling our duty to prevent suffering whenever possible (without enabling those whose suffering is the result of their own sinful behavior) May we show the love of Christ to those who are struggling. Using our kindness as a testimony of God’s love, we can then offer the gospel message of repentance and salvation to those who have experienced God’s affection.

“Lord Heavenly Father, may we seek to accomplish Your works in this place, so that many might be drawn to You. Give us the desire to relieve the suffering of others (whenever appropriate.) May we also express love for our family, friends, and neighbors; giving ourselves over in service to those who are struggling. 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!