The secret to happiness

September 7, 2015 ~ servantone1

JESUS SPEAKING

And it happened, as he spoke these things, that a certain woman from the crowd raised her voice and said to him, “Blessed is the womb that bore you, and the breast which nursed you.” But he said, “More than that, blessed are those who hear the word of God and ‘keep it’ (do it)” (Luke Chapter 11: verse 27 – 28.)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

The word ‘blessed’ fairly accurately translates in to our modern word for ‘happy.’ Those who are ‘blessed’ possess a genuine measure of peace, joy, and contentment. In this scripture, Jesus emphasizes two essential steps, that when followed, lead to true happiness. First, an individual must become aware of God’s commandments and teachings. Secondly, they must apply His doctrines in their own lives and the lives of those around them.

Concerning happiness, Americans are more depressed than ever. From 2005 – 2008, the use of antidepressant medications increased by nearly 400%. One in every ten individuals is currently taking some form of antidepressant. Many however are not suffering from chemical imbalances (although some might be); rather, many are unhappy because they either do not know God’s word, or they know it but refuse to apply it. Those who are actively committing great sins are consistently less happy than those who are not. For instance, approximately 1.5% of women who are married report experiencing some form of depression; yet 5.1% of women living with a man before marriage report being depressed. Further, those who engage in a homosexual lifestyle are more than 200% more likely to commit suicide than their heterosexual counterparts. Additionally, men who watch pornography daily are 3.5 times more likely to experience severe depression than the general population. Simply put, those who avoid sin are happier than those who do not.

God lovingly gave mankind guidelines, which when followed lead to satisfaction and joy. When His statutes are ignored, the disobedient can expect to experience emotional instability, depression, and fear. The formula for achieving lasting happiness and complete peace is uncomplicated; simply read God’s word daily, and apply his teachings in every area of your life. In so doing you will be blessed; you will avoid the misery of sin, and you will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

“Lord Heavenly Father, we desire true obedience. May we read Your word daily, and apply what we have learned in our lives. May we act out Your commandments; may we love others; may we spread Your message; may we avoid sin, and in so doing, may we receive your eternal rewards. 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!

Working for God

August 31, 2015 ~ servantone1

JESUS SPEAKING

Then Jesus went around to all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he spoke to his disciples saying, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest” (Mathew 9: 35 – 38.)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

Vast numbers of people had traveled great distances to be healed, to see miracles, and to hear Jesus speak. As he looked upon the sea of lost and broken souls, his heart swelled with compassion. These men and women, having been denied the truth for so long, had become spiritually malnourished. Many weary souls eagerly devoured the gospel; and with it they received salvation through faith in God’s only Son. Jesus, realizing the enormous task that lay ahead, instructed his disciples to pray that the Father would send more workers in to the fields; that countless others might be delivered from death.

Many in the world today are unfamiliar with agricultural practices; yet during the time of Christ, farming was a close and intimate part of daily living. Modern farmers often utilize large machines to gather their crops; ancient farmers however, had to harvest their wheat by hand. When the grain had ripened, nearly every member of the household was recruited to assist in collecting the produce. Sometimes not even an entire family was enough; farmers would then hire seasonal laborers to assist them in accomplishing their goals [Note: A proper harvest was such an essential part of first century life, that warring armies would regularly call a truce during the reaping season; so the soldiers could return home to work in the fields.]

Today, there are billions of lost souls wandering this earth; currently unaware that God has sent His only Son that they might have eternal life. Those who believe and receive the message are in turn called to be messengers. True Christians must share in the labors of Jesus Christ, by delivering the gospel to those who are starving for truth. The fields are vast, the harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. We must pray that God would send more workers to aid in gathering His crop. As you labor for Christ, may compassion fill your heart; may love reign in your soul; and may God use you to convey His message to those who are in need.

“Lord Heavenly Father, may we share in Your labors; may we be filled with mercy and love; may we continually seek to deliver the gospel message to those who are perishing. We pray that You would send more workers in to the fields; that Your harvest might be plentiful. May the lost be found; may sinners repent; and may salvation be received by those who will come to believe. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to you’re will, in Jesus Christ’s name, Amen.” God bless all of you.

The Holy Spirit

August 24, 2015 ~ servantone1

JESUS SPEAKING

“I still have numerous things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. However, when He, the Spirit of Truth has come, He will guide you in all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. He will glorify me, for He will take of what is mine and declare it to you. All things that the Father has are mine. Therefore I said that He will take of mine and declare it to you” (John 16: 12-15.)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

Shortly before Jesus was crucified, he foretold of the arrival of a mysterious entity known as the ‘Holy Spirit;’ after the resurrection he ascended in to heaven and fulfilled his promise to every believer by sending “the Spirit of Truth.” For nearly 2000 years, Jesus has been seated in glory at the right hand of God; and for 2000 years there have been countless genuine confessions of faith. With every confession received, a gift has been given; the faithful obtain the indwelling of the fullness of God’s Spirit. Through the Holy Spirit, the desires of Christ become intuition; his path becomes transparent; evil is exposed by the divine light of the living God. Finally able to distinguish the truth from the lies, the newborn child of God recognizes counterfeit prophets and artificial religions; the inner Spirit also boldly declares the authority and authenticity of a single book; the Holy Bible. Ignorance is no longer an excuse, as God Himself directs the steps of His Faithful followers.

Many years ago, a friend invited me to attend a church service. Near the end of the service, there was an opportunity to approach the stage and publicly profess a faith in Jesus Christ; I chose to accept the invitation. Afterwards, I was given a bible; however I was afraid that the church might be a cult. Therefore I didn’t trust the accuracy of the bible they had given me. So I made my way to the local bookstore and asked one of the employees where I could find the “original bible.” With a confused look she replied, ‘Let me get another employee who’s a Christian; she’ll know more about this than I will.’ When the Christian girl returned, I explained my situation to her; “I want the original bible.” She replied, ‘Well it doesn’t really work that way. The original bible is in a different language’ (a language I did not understand.) [Note: She did impress upon me that the English translations were very accurate.] After our discussion I had one of my first experiences with the Holy Spirit. A voice suddenly spoke from my heart; a voice I didn’t hear with my ears; and yet my mind clearly comprehended what was said; the voice said, “You’ve always been too smart for your own good; just read the bible I gave you.” God had communicated with me through the Holy Spirit. I began reading the bible He wanted me to read; the bible I had received at my conversion (being easy to read and understand, it proved to be exactly what I needed.) With every flip of the page I grew closer to God. Without the Holy Spirit I might have fallen victim to my own arrogant pride.

The Holy Spirit is an essential component of our faith; without it we are blind, ignorant and lost. But God, in His great wisdom has said, “I will not leave you orphans.” The Spirit proclaims God’s desires on this earth; He testifies of what is true and helps us to choose what is good and avoid what is evil. Believe in Jesus Christ, and you will enter in to fellowship with the living God. Receive His Holy Spirit and you as well can share in the knowledge, power, and love of your Eternal Father, and His only begotten Son.

“Lord Heavenly Father, we love You, and we thank You for sending the Holy Spirit. Continue to speak to us and to guide us in the ways of righteousness. With every breath, may we draw nearer to You. Lead us, that we might do Your will in this place, and bring glory and honor to You and to Your Son. 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.