Being prepared for His return

February 10, 2014 ~ servantone1

JESUS SPEAKING

Then Peter said to him, “Lord do you speak this parable only to us, or to all people?” And the Lord said, “Who then is that faithful and wise steward whom his master will make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of food in due season? Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. Truly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all that he has. But if that servant says in his heart, ‘My master is delaying his coming,’ and begins to beat the male and female servants, and to eat and drink and be drunk, the master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in two and appoint him his portion with the unbelievers” (Luke 12: 42-46.)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

Before ascending in to heaven Jesus promised to return one day in power and great glory; (it has been nearly 2000 years and his followers are still anxiously awaiting his arrival.) As he spoke to his disciples he used a wedding parable to illustrate his future delay. Often, when the master of a household left to attend a wedding, he could be gone for days. His arrival was uncertain; he could return at 2:00 in the afternoon, or 2:00 in the morning (therefore the servants had to be continually prepared.) In this parable, the master represented Jesus Christ, who after being resurrected, left the earth and journeyed in to heaven (promising to one day return.) The servant placed over the master’s household represented the disciples whom Christ left behind to guide and care for his church. Although the original disciples have gone to be with the Lord, God has placed new leaders in to positions of authority. Some are just and wise stewards; some however, have lost faith; they have become impatient with Christ’s return, and in turn they have begun to mistreat God’s people. When Christ does return, he will reward those who have been faithful, and he will punish those who failed to serve in the absence of their master.

In the United States, a brand new industry known as ‘mystery shopping’ has become popular. Most employers find it beneficial to tour their own facilities. They must continually evaluate their products, their procedures, their equipment, and especially their employees. Employees however, do not act naturally when their bosses are present; most tend to ‘put on a show;’ they work harder and more efficiently; and they become more positive and polite toward the customers and other staff members. This effect makes it nearly impossible for managers and owners to accurately evaluate their workers. In turn, many employers are now hiring individuals to pretend that they are customers; as they shop, they are secretly evaluating the employees. When the employees become aware that the owner is using mystery shoppers, it causes them to continually maintain a higher level of performance in the work place.

Many believers are slack because their master is not present; but Jesus could return at any moment. A lack of faith in his second coming will lead to increased sin, and unrighteous living. To avoid disobedience, we must constantly expect his arrival; every day; every hour; and every second. We must never lose hope; we must trust in his promise, and wait patiently. As we wait, it is our duty to continue to serve and love our fellows. When he does return, those who were faithful in his absence will receive eternal blessings and everlasting life.

“Lord Heavenly Father, may our hearts be expectant, and may we continue to hope in Your return. Increase our faith that we might forever trust in Your promises. May we always desire to serve You and our fellows. Guide and direct our steps, that we may know with certainty, the duties and responsibilities that You have given to each us. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you.

Follow Me

January 27, 2014 ~ servantone1

JESUS SPEAKING

“As Jesus passed on from there, He saw a man named Mathew sitting at the tax office. And he said to him, “Follow Me.” So he arose and followed Him” (Mark 9: 9.)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

The calling of Mathew is among the shortest conversion stories recorded in the bible. As a tax collector, he was hated and despised by his own people. Still Jesus saw something in him worth saving. As the Lord passed by He uttered two simple words that would forever transform Mathew’s life; “Follow Me.” His response was concise, immediate, and unwavering. Mathew arose, abandoned his position, and began following Jesus Christ.

During the 1880’s, a famous baseball player named Billy Sunday had a similar experience. One day, he and his teammates entered a saloon and began drinking. Upon exiting, Billy spotted a group of Christians singing hymns and preaching about God’s salvation and forgiveness. As tears rolled down his face, he turned to his teammates and said, “Boys, I’m through! Going to turn to Jesus Christ. We’ve reached the parting of the ways.” Some mocked him, while others encouraged him. He then entered the Pacific Garden Mission and gave his life to the Lord. Later he said, “I called upon God’s mercy. I staggered out of my sins into the outstretched arms of the Savior. I became instantly a new creation in Him. The next morning at practice, my manager, Mike Kelly, greeted me and said, ‘Billy, I read in the paper what occurred yesterday. Religion isn’t my long suit, but I won’t knock you, and I’ll knock the daylights out of anyone who does.” Billy Sunday went on to become one of the greatest evangelists of the early 20^th century.

Like Mathew, and like Billy, God is still calling many to follow Him today. Jesus Christ desires that all would come to know Him and submit to His discipleship. Some respond to His call; still others do not. How can you respond to God’s call and receive salvation? First, go to a quiet place, and ask God to enter your heart. Turn away from sin, and profess a faith in Jesus Christ. Get involved at a local church and be baptized. Request an easy to read version of the bible (read it every day; beginning with the gospels.) As you grow in the knowledge of God and submit to His commandments, you will experience a transformation. You will feel the old things pass away; for behold, God will make “all things new.”

“Lord Heavenly Father we thank You for calling us to be Your disciples. May You always dwell within our hearts and minds. Give us the strength to turn away from sin and death, that we might embrace the new life we have in You. Teach us, guide us, be our Father and we will be Your children. Give us Your Holy Spirit that we may lovingly serve You and our fellows. 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 supremacy of necessity

January 20, 2014 ~ servantone1

JESUS SPEAKING

Now it happened that He went through the grain-fields on the Sabbath; while they went His disciples began to pluck the heads of grain. And the Pharisees said to Him, “Look, why do they do what is not lawful on the Sabbath?” But He replied saying, “Have you never read what David did when he was in need and hungry, he and those with him: how he went into the house of God in the days of Abiathar the high priest, and ate the showbread, which is not lawful to eat except for the priests, and also gave some to those who were with him?” And He said, “The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath. Therefore the Son of Man is also Lord of the Sabbath” (Mark 2: 23 – 28.)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

God commanded that the seventh day of every week be observed as a day of rest. When the Pharisees witnessed Jesus and His disciples casually plucking and consuming wheat on the Sabbath, they accused Him of violating God’s commandment. Jesus asked them to consider an illustration from the Old Testament. As a youth, David spent many days and nights fleeing from King Saul (an evil man who sought to kill him.) On one occasion, he and his companions were so malnourished that, in desperation, they entered a temple and ate the showbread from the altar (a bread set aside solely for the priests.) God did not punish David for eating the bread because he was starving and needed nourishment. On rare occasions, necessity can supersede the legalistic application of certain biblical laws.

Recently, I became aware of a child in Pakistan who desperately needed a hernia operation. A large portion of his intestines had begun to protrude from the walls of his abdomen. His family could not afford the surgery. After praying for God’s wisdom, my wife and I decided to use a portion of our tithe money to pay for the operation. Although we understood our biblical obligation to give ten percent of our income to the church, we also understood that a young child’s life was at stake. We chose to forgo one law in order to embrace another. The need to preserve life was the greater need [By God’s grace the boy is now healthy and doing well.]

Following biblical law is essential. Every statute is righteous and good. However, as Christians we must never submit to extreme legalism (a strict adherence to the law that leaves no room for exceptions.) Occasionally we will be asked to bend in order to accomplish God’s will. May we always remain flexible; may we be sensitive too the needs of others; and may we seek to fulfill and apply the teachings of Jesus Christ in every area of our lives.

“Lord Heavenly Father, we are thankful that You continually provide for our needs; use us to provide for the needs of others. Soften our hearts that we might never be too rigid or legalistic. May You continue to show us favor and aide us in knowing and doing what is right. 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.