All Glory to God

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JESUS SPEAKING

“Do we not say rightly that You are a Samaritan and have a demon?” Jesus answered, “I do not have a demon; but I honor my Father, and you dishonor Me. And I do not seek My own glory; there is One who speaks and judges. Most assuredly, I say to you, if anyone keeps My word he shall never see Death.” (John 8: 48 – 51)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

Jesus was accused by some of being demonically possessed. He responded by reminding them of His perfect commitment to honoring God. He said, “I do not seek My own glory:” thereby insinuating that genuine faith can be discerned in the lives of others based upon whether they are seeking to bring glory to God, rather than themselves. All of our kind actions and loving behaviors are meant to direct others toward our eternal Father (and His only begotten Son Jesus Christ.)

Many years ago I journeyed to an orphanage in Mexico to assist with improving their dilapidated facility. After some hard work, we eventually departed, driving toward the crowded border crossing on our way home. As we waited in traffic, someone in need approached our vehicle, begging for money. I pulled out some cash and handed it to them. I said, “This is from Jesus Christ;” giving God all of the glory for this act of kindness. Sometime later I bumped into a girl at the Church bookstore. Apparently she had been with me in the car that day. She told me that what I had said seemed strange to her at the time. And yet, after she had grown in her faith, she had finally understood what I was doing. I was giving the honor and glory to God.

Those who are faithfully committed to following Christ must avoid seeking glory for themselves; but rather, they must seek to glorify God in every good work they accomplish. We read in Colossians 3: 17, “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” May we all learn what it means to be selfless, and to render unto God all of the glory and honor He is due.

“Lord Heavenly Father, pour out Your Spirit into our hearts and minds, that we might seek to accomplish many good works in Your name, while giving You all of the glory and honor and praise. May we practice genuine selflessness as we continue to lay down our lives in service to others. 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!

God is in Complete Control

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JESUS SPEAKING

Then Pilate said to Him, “Are You not speaking to me? Do You know that I have power to crucify You, and power to release You?” Jesus answered, “You could have no power at all over Me unless it had been given to you from above. Therefore the one who delivered Me to you has the greater sin.” (John 19: 11)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

During His interrogation by Pontius Pilate, Jesus remained silent. In response, Pilate reasserted his authority to sentence Jesus to death, or to set Him free. Jesus corrected the Governor, reminding him that his authority came from God alone, and thus the outcome would occur in complete conformity to God’s will. Pilate’s control was merely an illusion. Indeed, Jesus was crucified for the sins of the world; (the greatest blessing mankind has ever known.)

Like Jesus, those who walk according to the Spirit, will often encounter hardships and difficulties that can cause momentary suffering. And yet these struggles will eventually lead to a glorious and beneficial end. When we submit to God, He numbers our days and controls our steps. We endure as precious instruments in His hands. There is a scripture that all Christians should consider and remember during hard times. In Romans 8: 28, we read, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, and are the called according to His purpose.”

All things, even apparent setbacks, will eventually work together for Good to those who love God. As we follow Christ we can be confident that the Lord is leading us toward a glorious end. His provision is perfect, and His plan for us is magnificent. If we remember that God is in control of our lives, we can avoid fear, and worry, and uncertainty; and instead be joyful no matter the circumstance. May we always trust in the Lord and never doubt His guidance and direction.

“Lord Heavenly Father, we trust in You with all our hearts. Fill us with faith, and hope, and love. May we continually rest in the knowledge that You are in control of our lives, no matter the circumstance. With this knowledge, may we encourage others to follow You without hesitation or doubt. 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 Danger of Idolatry

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JESUS SPEAKING

        “Therefore when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place, then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let him who is on the housetop not go down to take anything out of his house. And let him who is in the field not go back to get his clothing. But woe to those who are pregnant and nursing babies in those days. And pray that your flight may not be in winter or on the Sabbath. For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been seen since the beginning of the world, nor ever shall be” (Matthew 24: 15 – 21.)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

        Throughout Christ’s ministry he spoke of a day when great destruction and tribulation would befall the nation of Israel, and the world; (the prophet Daniel also spoke of such a day.) In the future there will be an unmistakable sign preceding the tribulation of all nations. This sign will appear within the reconstructed temple itself. An evil man will erect an object, image, or shrine in the ‘Holy of Holy’s;’ an abomination that many will come to worship in the place of God. Deep within the heart of every human being, there is a position of absolute supremacy reserved for what every person loves the most. When the Lord occupies this place all is well.. However, those who put other things in this position are guilty of idolatry; a sin that often precedes some manner of destruction.

        In the Old Testament there lived a rich and powerful ruler named Belshazzar who dwelt within the seemingly impenetrable city of Babylon (the walls of this city were rumored to be 300 feet high and 80 feet thick.) His Father Nebuchadnezzar had sacked Jerusalem decades earlier, stealing the gold and silver artifacts from within the Jewish temple. These relics sat inside of the Babylonian treasury for years, until one evening Belshazzar held a great feast. We read, “Then they brought the gold vessels that had been taken from the temple […] and the king and his lords, his wives, and his concubines drank from them; they drank wine and praised the gods of gold and silver, bronze and iron, wood and stone” (Daniel 5: 3 – 4). Belshazzar worshiped precious metals rather than the living God. That night a haunting vision appeared before him. The king asked Daniel the prophet to interpret its meaning. Daniel prophesied saying “And you have praised the gods of silver and gold […] and the God who holds your breath in his hand and owns all of your ways you have not glorified […] Your kingdom has been divided and given to the Medes and Persians.” The sentence for his idolatry was carried out that very night; an invading army conquered the city and killed King Belshazzar. [Note: From the historical accounts it is believed that a giant river flowed through the city of Babylon. While Belshazzar was feasting, the Persian King Darius used a dam to divert the flow of the mighty river; his army then cleverly followed the dry riverbed under the giant walls, and conquered the vibrant metropolis in a single night.]

        Idolatry is dangerous and inevitably leads to destruction. Those who desire preservation must avoid putting anything in the place of God. The Lord must come first; before money, a career, a relationship, a business, or a hobby, etc. When we elevate God into His rightful position in our hearts, then we are truly free; when He is the most important person in our lives, then everything falls into place. Love God and you will find peace; put Him first and you will experience everlasting life; for “where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

        “Lord Heavenly Father, may we love You with our whole hearts. May we always worship You in Spirit and in truth, and may we never forsake Your ways. If any form of idolatry has entered our lives, may You uproot it and cast it into the sea. May we be purified, and once again comprehend the goodness of humility and 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.!