Delayed Gratification

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JESUS SPEAKING

“Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death.” (Revelation 2: 10 – 11)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

In the book of Revelation, Jesus addresses the Church in Smyrna; warning them of some impending persecution. They are admonished to stand fast and remain faithful, even unto death. Additionally, they are urged to focus on the reward of eternal life with God in the future (“the crown of life”); a fixation meant to strengthen their souls and help them to endure any present suffering.

Researchers once conducted a series of studies called the “Stanford Marshmallow Experiments.” During one study they presented preschool-aged children with a marshmallow and told them they could eat it immediately, or wait for a period of time (typically 15 minutes) to receive a second marshmallow or pretzel stick (depending on the child’s preference.) The study was designed to ascertain if delayed gratification and self-control could be indicators of future success. According to the initial findings, the children who could delay gratification tended to have better life outcomes when they were older, including higher SAT scores, educational attainment, and better health habits.

In much the same way, the Christian life requires a great deal of delayed gratification. We must be willing to deny our present sinful desires and worldly comforts, in exchange for eternal life with God. We read in Romans 8: 18, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” And still, despite any struggles we might face, we will experience overwhelming joy in the present; and we will know“a peace that surpasses all understanding.”

“Lord Heavenly Father, fill our hearts with unending joy, even as we suffer persecution in the present. May we remain focused on Your eternal reward; the everlasting life You have promised to all those who remain faithful. Give us the strength to endure and overcome. 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!

Weakness and Faith

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JESUS SPEAKING

And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians: 7 – 9)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

Although no one knows the exact infirmity, Paul struggled with some kind of physical ailment. On three occasions he asked the Lord to heal him, and three times he was denied. According to Jesus, Paul’s suffering would persist because it served the purposes of God. A weak messenger is humble, and so God alone receives all of the glory for His mighty works.

We read of an occasion in the book of Second Samuel, when a young boy named David fought against a giant named Goliath. The child carried no sword or shield, and wore no armor. Instead, he possessed only a sling and some stones. Upon seeing his adversary, Goliath mocked him, saying, “Am I a dog, that you have come out to me with sticks?” And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. Then David replied saying, “You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you and take your head from you […] Then all this assembly shall know that the Lord does not save with the sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord’s, and He will give you into our hands.” Of course we know that David defeated Goliath with one blow, striking him in the head with a stone. God chose a weak child to accomplish this amazing feat, so that everyone would observe and recognize His power and glorify His Holy name.

In this life, God may use certain ailments or weaknesses to prevent His servants from becoming prideful and independent. Our struggles can often keep us humble by promoting our complete reliance upon God for our care and daily provision. When we give all of the glory to God, we will witness Him accomplishing His mighty works in our lives, and in the lives of those around us.

“Lord Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your daily blessings and provision. May we remain humble so that others might better see your magnificent power and worship You. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit and strengthen us, that we may continue to spread the Gospel 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!

The Father’s Business

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JESUS SPEAKING

‘His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. And when He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast. When they had finished the days, as they returned, the boy Jesus lingered behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His mother did not know it; but supposing Him to have been in the company, they went a day’s journey, and sought Him among their relatives and acquaintances. Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers. So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your Father and I have sought You anxiously.” And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” But they did not understand the statement which He spoke to them.’ (Luke 2: 41 – 50)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

As a boy, Jesus went missing. After searching for many days, Mary and Joseph discovered Him in the temple; interacting with the teachers of the law. In response to Mary’s anger, Jesus reminded her of His divine purpose and higher loyalty to His genuine Father; the God of all creation. Any true child of God can be found wherever they have been called to accomplish God’s business.

As the story goes, when J.C. Penny was young, he worked for a grocery store owner in Hamilton, Missouri. One night, around the dinner table, he mentioned that his employer was “foxy.” Apparently the grocer had made a practice of mixing low quality coffee with the expensive brand; thus increasing his prophets. Jim’s father didn’t see anything funny about the practice. He responded, saying, “Tell me, if the grocer had found someone palming off an inferior item on him for the price of the best, do you think he would think he was just being ‘foxy,’ and laugh about it?” Jim could see his father was disappointed. “I guess not,” Jim replied. “I guess I just didn’t think of it that way.” Jim’s father instructed him to collect his wages and inform his employer that he would no longer be working for him. Mr. Penny’s decision to obey his father’s will and quit, eventually led him to found the dry goods store J.C. Penny’s. A successful establishment that grew into a nationwide chain of stores.

In like manner, those who call God their Father are given new hearts; they are endowed with an overwhelming desire to accomplish the Lord’s will in every situation. Our solemn duty, as Christians, is to be about our “Father’s business.” To mimic Him, to adhere to His commandments, and to deliver the knowledge of the gospel to every lost soul. May we never wander from this purpose.

“Lord Heavenly Father, may we continually serve Your purpose, no matter the situation. Look favorably upon us Lord, that our hearts might remain in complete fellowship with You; the author and finisher of our faith. 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!