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Consider the Cost

Published May 15, 2023 Uncategorized Closed
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JESUS SPEAKING

“And whoever does not bear his cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, doesn’t sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it—lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, ‘This man began to build but was not able to finish?'” (Luke 14: 27 – 30)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

Jesus used this parable to warn any potential followers of the lifelong hardships they would endure as a result of Christian living. In full disclosure, He instructs them to “count the cost,” lest they commit themselves in error and eventually turn away from the faith prior to entering eternal life. In this present age, genuine believers will experience overwhelming joy, peace, sanity, healing and truth; but in service to God, they will also know suffering, persecution, hatred, and temporary discomfort. The Christian path is narrow, difficult, and rarely chosen. And yet it is the only way to enter the kingdom of heaven.

Adoniram Judson, the renowned missionary to Burma, experienced untold hardships while trying to reach the lost for Christ. For seven years he suffered hunger and poverty. He was eventually thrown into Ava Prison, where he endured incredible mistreatment for 17 months. For the rest of his life he would carry the ugly scars from the chains and iron shackles that bound him. Upon his release, he remained steadfast. He asked for permission to enter another province where he could continue preaching the Gospel. The godless ruler denied his request, saying, “My people are not foolish enough to listen to anything a missionary might say, but I fear they might be impressed with your scars and turn to your religion.”

Before an individual makes the decision to follow Jesus, they too must sit down and consider the cost. What does Christ expect from us? The answer is, ‘everything.’ Our whole lives. By submitting ourselves to His will, we can know unfading joy and everlasting peace. Following Jesus is a lifelong endeavor which requires great sacrifice; we will endure untold hardships, and persistent persecution. And yet, if we lay down our lives now, we will receive the greatest prize imaginable; eternal life with God in His kingdom.

“Lord Heavenly Father, may we continue to walk in faith as we spread the gospel to those who are willing to receive Your truth. Fill our hearts with joy, even as we endure persecution and suffering for Your Name’s sake. Order our steps and guide our decisions, that we might serve others and willingly sacrifice our own wants to accomplish Your desires. 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!

Where God Guides God Provides

Published May 8, 2023 Uncategorized Closed
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JESUS SPEAKING

Then He called His twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases. He sent them to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. And He said, “Take nothing for the journey, neither staffs nor bag nor bread nor money; and do not have two tunics apiece. Whatever house you enter, stay there, and from there depart. And whoever will not receive you, when you go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet as a testimony against them.” So they departed and went through the towns, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere.” (Luke 9: 1 – 6)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

Jesus sent His disciples out into the surrounding communities to preach the gospel message and to heal the sick. They were prohibited from carrying any provisions with them on their journey; no food, no money, and no additional clothing. Thus they were required to rely upon God for the fulfillment of their daily needs. As a consequence, none of them were in want for anything. The Christian principle established through this scripture can be condensed into one simple phrase; “Where God guides, God provides.”

There once lived an old testament prophet named Elijah, who was ordered by God to address King Ahab (an evil ruler.) Elijah spoke, saying, “As the Lord God of Israel lives, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, except at my word.” His pronouncement of an impending drought made Elijah a target. In anger, the King sought to murder him. In turn, we read, ‘Then the word of the Lord came to him (Elijah), saying, “Get away from here and turn eastward, and hide by the Brook Cherith, which flows into the Jordan. And it will be that you shall drink from the brook, and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there.” So he went and did according to the word of the Lord, for he went and stayed by the Brook Cherith, which flows into the Jordan. The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning, and bread and meat in the evening; and he drank from the brook.’ Thus, in seclusion his life was preserved.

Like Elijah and the disciples, those who are obedient to God’s calling needn’t worry about the fulfillment of their own needs. As we endeavor to spread the gospel and serve others, the Lord will provide us with everything we require. We need but ask and we will receive the blessings of God. Only He can be trusted; only He can be relied upon. And so in Him the expression is true, “wherever God guides, God provides.”

Lord Heavenly Father, give us the faith required to rely upon You completely. Guide and direct our thoughts and actions, as we minister to others and preach the gospel message. May we never fear, or lack any trust in Your provision. As we continue to walk in Spirit with You Lord, may we have confidence in knowing that wherever You guide, You also provide. 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!

A New Family

Published May 1, 2023 Uncategorized Closed
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JESUS SPEAKING

“Then His mother and brothers came to Him, and could not approach Him because of the crowd. And it was told Him by some, who said, “Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside, desiring to see You.” But He answered and said to them, “My mother and My brothers are these who hear the word of God and do it.” (Luke 8: 19 – 21)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

As Jesus preached to the masses, His mother and brothers arrived. And yet the thick crowds prevented them from reaching Him. Upon being made aware of their presence, Jesus verbally dismantles the priority of traditional family affiliation. Thus, the importance of biological association is no longer a cause for preference. Instead, a new spiritual family has been established; a family comprised of individuals who not only profess a belief in Jesus Christ, but also implement His teachings into their daily lives. In turn, genuine faith is always accompanied by good works.

Since the beginning, authentic Christianity has consistently been very works oriented. We read in the book of James, “What does it profit my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works is dead.” (James 2: 14 – 17)

When we place our trust in Jesus Christ and receive the Holy Spirit we are reborn into a new family. We become children of the Living God; sons and daughters of the Most High. As brothers and sisters in Christ we are no longer affiliated merely by what we express verbally, but instead, by the works that accompany our confessions of faith. Odedience to God and the teachings of Jesus Christ are physical manifestations of true belief. May we continue to accomplish good works in our community and among the family of believers.

“Lord Heavenly Father, we are truly grateful for Your mercy and grace. As we walk in fellowship with You, may we obey the teachings of Your Son and love our new brothers and sisters. Permit our faithfulness and acts of affection to drive others to the foot of the cross. As we lay down our lives, may you arise in our place; that the gospel message might be preached to all those living 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!

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