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.

 

JESUS SPEAKING

                When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”  “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”  Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”  Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”  He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”  Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”  A third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”  Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?”  He said, “Lord you know all things; you know that I love you.”  Jesus said to him, “Tend my sheep.” […] and when he had said this he said, “Follow me.” (John 21: verse 15 – 19.)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

                On the night that Jesus was arrested, most of his disciples abandoned him.  As the armed soldiers escorted Jesus to the high priest for questioning, Peter (being strong willed), followed at a distance.  When they arrived at their destination, Peter sat down and watched as an angry crowd condemned his master.  They hurled insults at him and spit on him; they also blindfolded Jesus and repeatedly struck him in the face.  As Peter observed the brutality of the mob, his heart began to fail; his confidence gave way to fear.  Three times he was asked if he was a follower of Jesus Christ; three times he denied his affiliation and he ran off disgraced and ashamed.  After being crucified and buried, Jesus rose from the dead.  One day as the disciples were fishing he appeared to them; they shared in a time of food and fellowship.  The Lord then took Peter aside; he mercifully refrained from condemning him for his previous failures.  Instead, Jesus completely absolved him of his sins, and lovingly gave him a second chance.  He called Peter to continue in ministry, and to lead and care for those who would eventually come to believe in the Son of God.

                In the late 18 and early 1900’s there lived an ambitious inventor named Thomas Edision.  He is credited with inventing the battery, the phonograph, the telegraph, the movie projector, and many other well known devices.  One of his greatest inventions was the first industrial light bulb (an item we still use today.)  As the story goes, it took Mr. Edison and an entire team of men, 24 hours to produce the first working prototype.  After the many long hours, Edison gave the bulb to a young boy to carry up the stairs.  With the fragile device in his hands, the nervous assistant slowly started his ascent; every step was a carefully planned exercise.  Sadly, despite the child’s careful observance, he mistakenly shattered the bulb.  The disappointed team began again to manufacture another.  Twenty four hours later, the new bulb appeared.  Although the young assistant had failed the first time, Edison wisely understood that the boy needed, and deserved a second chance.  The youngster did not disappoint him; this time, he delivered the bulb to its destination intact.  [Note:  The world, unlike Mr. Edison, is not so forgiving.  There are many today who cannot find work, or are stuck in horrible jobs because of crimes they committed 10, 20, even 40 years ago.  They are condemned by, and find little reprieve from the sins of their past.]

                The world is filled with people who have failed in more ways than one; mistakes are a part of life.  Human beings can be unforgiving and cruel, but God is merciful.  As followers of Jesus Christ, we are called to give others a second chance; to forgive and forget.  In so doing, we too will be set free from the guilt of our past mistakes; forgiveness is the pathway to peace; and mercy is the road that leads to true fellowship with the eternal God.

                “Lord Heavenly Father, we have made many mistakes; but You have created in us a new heart.  You have given us a second chance.  May we show that same love toward others; may we forgive completely, and may we manifest Your mercy and grace in the lives of all those we meet.  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.

JESUS SPEAKING

                At that time Jesus answered and said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and have revealed them to babes.  Even so, Father, because it seemed good in Your sight.  All things have been delivered to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father.  Nor does anyone know the Father except the son, and the one to whom the son wills to reveal him” (Mathew 11: 25-27.)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

                In the Jewish culture, youth was often associated with weakness and stupidity.  So much so, that when a group of Jewish men gathered together, they spoke in order of age; the oldest spoke first and the youngest spoke last.  They believed that with age came wisdom.  Jesus however, corrected this commonly held belief.  Wisdom concerning the messiah and God’s plan of salvation could not be attained through many years of careful study; instead, the truth could only be received as a gift from God.  Those who thought themselves intelligent were blinded by pride and self-reliance; the simple and the ignorant however saw clearly the value of God’s grace and the blessing of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ.

                Sigmund Freud pioneered what we might consider the modern field of psychology.  In fact today, he is remembered as one of the most intelligent men who has ever lived.  Yet most people don’t know that at one point in his career he promoted cocaine as beneficial for curing many common ailments.  He even encouraged his close acquaintances and compatriots to indulge in its use.  When one of his dear friends became horribly addicted to the drug, he saw the dangers of cocaine and anxiously recalled his previous promotions; he carried the guilt of his friend’s continual drug dependence for the rest of his life.  Some of the most well educated and intelligent people are often the most horribly deceived.

                The truth is a gift from The Lord (it is not something that can be earned.)  Intelligence, although beneficial and extremely useful, can sometimes blind those who trust in it more than God (the intellect frequently remains in opposition to simple faith and practical wisdom.)  God yearns for His children to trust in Him completely.  Those who are simple, unlearned, and unwise, are often the first to see the true value of God’s mercy and grace.  Won’t you receive the gospel today as a little child?  Won’t you believe with your whole heart?  Won’t you allow God to take control of your life?  If you place your faith in Jesus Christ you will come to know the truth; and you will be smarter than the most well educated man, and wiser than the greatest king. 

                “Lord Heavenly Father, may we be as little children.  May we remain simple, and may we completely trust in, and rely upon You.  We pray for those who are intelligent and wise in their own thinking; those who have faith only in the achievements of men.  Reveal the truth to them, that they may come to humbly receive Your mercy and grace.  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.