God’s possessions

February 2, 2015 ~ servantone1

JESUS SPEAKING

And it came to pass, when he drew near to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mountain called Olivet, that he sent two of his disciples, saying, “Go into the village opposite you, where as you enter you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever sat. Loose it and bring here. And if anyone asks you, ‘Why are you loosing it?’ thus you shall say to him, ‘Because the Lord has need of it.’” So those who were sent went their way and found it just as he had said to them. But as they were loosing the colt, the owners of it said to them, “Why are you loosing the colt?” And they said, “The Lord has need of it.” And they brought him to Jesus (Luke 19: 29 – 35.)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

Zachariah prophesied that the messiah would humbly arrive. Riding not on a horse or chariot; but rather, on a donkey. Jesus therefore sent out two disciples to procure an animal for his triumphal entry in to Jerusalem. When the men were confronted by the owner, they did as they were instructed; saying, “The Lord has need of it.” In turn, they were permitted to leave. Much has been written about this brief encounter; most commentators highlight the omniscience of God, the wisdom of Christ, and the faithfulness of the disciples. Yet in the midst of these obvious truths, there exists a nameless stranger; a generous individual who recognized that his or her possessions were divine endowments; heavenly gifts that, at any time, could be used to serve God’s purposes.

Every year around the holidays, a Christian organization known as ‘Operation Christmas Child’ begins working with thousands of churches across the country. Congregational members fill shoeboxes full of valuable items and deliver them to their local pastors. The parcels are then transported to a warehouse and sorted by volunteers; packaged, and shipped to impoverished nations around the world. Some givers even include heart felt letters and pictures of themselves. I myself have participated in this endeavor. Seeing millions of Americans respond to God’s call is truly inspiring. By giving of their time and resources, they have effectively revealed the love Jesus Christ to some of the least fortunate souls.

Like the donkey in this scripture, our possessions are not our own; our time, our money, and our resources belong to God. We are stewards of what we have been given. When the Lord calls, we must use our assets to spread the love of Jesus Christ. Be still, and the Holy Spirit will instruct you how, when, and what to give. Through generosity and faithfulness, you will know the joy of the Lord; now, and forevermore.

“Lord Heavenly Father, give us opportunities to use our resources to further the gospel. May we be generous; may we be faithful; and may we never turn away from those in need; serving others with gladness and singleness of heart. 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.

Give without expectations

January 27, 2015 ~ servantone1

JESUS SPEAKING

“And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you? For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back” (Luke 6: 34.)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

Even the most selfish human beings will lend to those who promise to repay them. Jesus therefore implored his disciples to exercise genuine selflessness; to freely give; expecting nothing in return. All those who desire true Godliness, must strive to practice the art of sacrificial giving.

One day, as I was preparing to leave the gym, an acquaintance approached me and asked to borrow ten dollars. After receiving the money, he repeatedly insisted that he would pay me back. Using this scripture as my guide, I informed him that the money wasn’t from me; it was from God. Thus I didn’t require nor desire any form of repayment. Eventually he understood that the cash wasn’t a loan; it was a gift. As we parted ways, the blessings of obedience filled my heart with joy.

The Lord yearns for His disciples to standout; to shine; to be more loving and more charitable than the worldly masses. Giving without expecting repayment is just one of many characteristics of genuine faith. Whether a stranger is begging for change, or a family member needs financial assistance, we must freely give in order to fulfill God’s desires. May we continue to embrace divine charity; giving without restriction; that through sincere obedience, we too might receive eternal rewards.

“Lord Heavenly Father, help us to be generous and kind. To give without expecting anything in return. May we abandon earthly rewards, in favor of eternal blessings. May Your love flow through us; that our faith might be a light to all those who walk in darkness. 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.

Healing and Gratitude

January 20, 2015 ~ servantone1

JESUS SPEAKING

Now it happened as he went to Jerusalem that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee. Then he entered a certain village, there met him ten men who were lepers, who stood afar off. And they lifted up their voices and said, “Jesus, master, have mercy on us.” So when he saw them, he said to them, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And so it was that as they went, they were cleansed. And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, returned, and with a loud voice glorified God, and fell down on his face, at his feet, giving him thanks. And he was a Samaritan. So Jesus answered and said, “Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine? Were there not any found who returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?” And he said to him, “Arise, go your way. Your faith has made you well” (Luke 17: 11 – 19.)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

Although Jesus healed ten lepers physically, only the Samaritan was healed spiritually. For he alone returned to worship and honor the one true and living God. Gratitude is often the greatest indicator of genuine faith. Those who have been healed, cling to Jesus; making him the foundation upon which they build their lives. Every mended heart is full of love for God; a love that is communicated through prayers of thanksgiving, songs of worship, acts of kindness, daily bible reading, and obedience to the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Many years before God performed a miracle in my heart, I had been the resident of two mental institutions. Daily I contemplated suicide; even attempting it on one occasion. I was a slave to drugs and alcohol, cigarettes, fornication, and every manner of available sin. I, like the demon possessed man Jesus healed, was cutting myself and burning my skin with lit cigarettes. When I gave my life to the Lord, he cast out the demons living within me; healing my mind, my body, and my soul. I no longer smoke, drink, do drugs, or live promiscuously. Today, my heart is filled with peace and love; love for God, love for others, and love for myself. The Holy Spirit is now living in me; and I am a new creation. Having experienced such a wonderful miracle, I return to Jesus Christ every day to thank Him. I speak to Him in prayer; I read His word; and I attempt to follow His teachings and commandments in every area of my life.

Has the Lord done a work of healing in you? Have you been transformed by the Spirit of the Living God? If Jesus Christ has touched your life, then may gratitude pour from your heart. Give God the glory, honor, and praise He so greatly deserves. Obey His commandments and love your neighbor. Read His word and offer up prayers of thanksgiving. Reach out to the lost and tell them about the miracles the Lord has performed in your life. May God guide you and sanctify you; and may His peace never leave you; from this moment forward, until the day of His return. [Note: If you’ve never experienced salvation, contact me; I would love to discuss how you can do that today.]

“Lord Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your many miracles; and for the gift of salvation. You’ve transformed us; You’ve healed us; You’ve given us new lives. May we always remain grateful; may love rule in our hearts and minds; and may we continually praise, honor, and worship Your Holy name. We love You Father, we thank You, and we praise 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.