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Love God’s Messengers

~ servantone1

JESUS SPEAKING

                “He who receives you receives me, and he who receives me receives Him who sent me.  He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward.  And he who receives a righteous man in the name of a righteous man, shall receive a righteous man’s reward.  And whoever gives one of these little ones only a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple, assuredly, I say to you, he shall by no means lose his reward” (Mathew 10: 40 – 42.)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

                In the first century there were no computers or telephones; nor was there any formal postal service.  Therefore, long distance communication was carried out by personal messenger.  Generally, when the individual carrying a message had arrived, they were received warmly and treated with great love and respect (most were provided with food, water, and lodging.)  To disrespect and neglect a messenger was to disrespect and neglect the one who had sent him.

                Many centuries before Jesus Christ arrived, there live a very powerful old testament prophet named Elijah.  Due to the wickedness of King Ahab, Elijah was forced to pronounce a drought upon the nation of Israel.  Eventually, the land became so dry that many began to starve.  During this time, God instructed the prophet to travel to a foreign land (where he was to lodge with a widow and her son.)  Upon arriving he asked the unfortunate woman for some bread.  She replied, saying, “I do not have bread, only a handful of flour in a bin, and a little oil in a jar; and see, I am gathering sticks that I may go in and prepare it for myself and my son; that we may eat it, and die.”  Elijah replied saying, “Do not fear […] but make a small cake from it first, and bring it to me; and afterward make some for yourself and your son for thus says the Lord God of Israel: ‘The bin of flour shall not be used up, nor shall the jar of oil run dry, until the day the Lord sends rain on the earth.’”  The widow woman did as she was told and God continually filled the bin with flour and the jar with oil (because she had shown love toward God’s messenger, she also received his reward: as others died, the widow and her son remained unharmed.)

                Each member of the body of Christ is a prophet; every priest, pastor, teacher, evangelist, and elder carries an important message from the Lord.  Those who love and care for God’s messengers, love and care for God Himself.  When we support a missionary we receive their blessings.  When we give to the church, we share in their labors, and reap their rewards.  When we serve those who serve God, we serve Jesus Christ.  Get involved at a church and ask how you can be of service; look for opportunities to love those who carry God’s message, and you will know the true riches of His mercy and grace.

                “Lord Heavenly Father we desire to love those whom You have sent.  Provide us with opportunities to receive Your disciples, Your teachers, and Your prophets.  May we draw near to Your messengers, and give to those who faithfully serve You; that we might obtain the blessings You have so graciously bestowed upon them.  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 Salt of the Earth

~ servantone1

JESUS SPEAKING

“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned?  It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men” (Mathew 5: 13.)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

                In ancient time’s salt was a very important commodity used as a preservative in meat and as an additive in many medicinal remedies (it was mined and traded extensively throughout the Mediterranean.)  Despite its many varying applications, salt was, by far, most commonly used to flavor foods (a little pinch and an otherwise bland dish was rendered tasty.)  In this parable Jesus likens every believer to salt; those who remain flavorful are those who continue to fulfill their primary purpose; such individuals consistently serve their fellows, love others, and give to those in need.  Unfortunately, many who start out strong in the faith eventually lose their saltiness; they become self-centered and ungodly; they no longer possess a zeal for what is good, and they choose to serve themselves rather than others; such individuals are useless to God and will not inherit eternal life.

                The statue of liberty is one of America’s most widely recognized icons.  She is a towering symbol of freedom to all nations.  However, “Lady Liberty” has changed somewhat over the years.  On the day of her dedication in 1886, her polished copper surface was a vibrant spectacle of bright red and orange (truly she was something to behold.)  Sadly, when copper interacts with the atmosphere it corrodes; over time, her once shiny exterior has become dull, muted, and green.  The statue of liberty is still a magnificent example of ingenuity and craftsmanship; however, she is no longer what she once was on the day of her dedication.

                Many Christians also dedicate themselves to Jesus Christ, and initially, they shine quite brilliantly.  Their zeal for what is good and their desire to spread the gospel is unparalleled.  As they serve, the love of The Lord is manifest in them, drawing others toward God.  Sadly, over time (as other things displace their faith) selfishness begins to reign in their hearts.  They become dull and muted; such individuals are rendered useless to God.  May we never grow dull; may we continually put the Lord first in all that we do; and may we tirelessly strive to accomplish His will in this place.

                “Heavenly Father, fill us anew with Your Holy Spirit.  Give us opportunities to serve others in love.  We desire to be pleasing to You in all things; use us to further Your Kingdom.  May we always be zealous and flavorful, and may we never grow dull.  If we have turned away, please convict us and correct us.  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.

Daily Bible Reading

~ servantone1

JESUS SPEAKING

                Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.  And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward he was hungry.  Now when the tempter came to him, he said, “If you are the Son of God, then command these stones to become bread.”  But he answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God’” (Mathew 4: 1 – 4.)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

                The flesh and the spirit are the two most fundamental parts of every human being.  Each requires unique attention.  If the body is not fed it begins to deteriorate; similarly, the Spirit must also be nourished in order to avoid decay.  After being baptized by John, the Lord was led in to the wilderness, where he fasted for forty days and forty nights.  During this time, Satan attempted to persuade him to break his fast.  In response, Jesus reminded the Devil of the greater importance of Spiritual sustenance.  In the absence of physical food, Christ’s soul remained strong; his heart fed continually upon the word of God.  Only those who regularly read the scriptures will grow to maturity, and remain in control of their fleshly desires.

                Prior to my conversion, I recall interacting with a number of individuals who practiced daily bible reading.  Many seemed to possess an unshakable faith; they were filled with joy and peace, and were far more loving than those around them.  I started to realize that the scriptures had the power to transform lives.  After I received Jesus Christ as my Lord and savior, I began to make daily bible reading a part of my life (knowing that exposure to the Word of God would bring about wonderful changes in my heart and mind.)  Truly, in persisting to read, my faith has been increased, my negative habits have been removed, and my obedience has grown exponentially.  I have experienced the true power of God’s word.  I still read the bible daily, and the Lord continues to mold me and shape me in to the image of His Son.

                The majority of individuals today are spiritually malnourished; most have thoroughly fed their bodies but have neglected their spiritual needs.  Those who desire to be transformed cannot ignore God’s word; it is a fountain of truth; it is a spring of knowledge; it is a river of life; it has the ability to purify and cleanse the heart and the mind.  May we all come to understand the power of the Holy Scriptures; may we read His word daily.  May we be fed spiritually and grow strong; and may God’s laws bring us true peace, unending love, and everlasting joy.

                “Lord Heavenly Father, please give us a hunger to read Your Word.  Help us to comprehend the importance of Spiritual nourishment.  May we desire Your truths, and devour Your laws.  May we continuously feed off of the scriptures and grow strong; and may every word, of every page, draw us ever closer to You.  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.