Jesus Creates Division

~ servantone1

JESUS SPEAKING

“Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword. For I have come to ‘set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law’; and ‘a man’s enemies will be those of his own household.’ He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it.” (Matthew 10: 34 – 39)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

Jesus didn’t come to create peace on earth. Instead, He likens His message to a sword; a sharp instrument designed to slice the world in two; separating the faithful from the unfaithful. Everyone, without exception, must choose a side. Either Christ is “the way, the truth, and the life,” the only begotten Son of God, or He’s nothing more than an influential historical figure; or perhaps even a deceptive charlatan. Those who believe the Gospel message are called to live as Christians; shunning what is evil and embracing what is good. Although individual believers adore Jesus, the vast majority of human beings despise Him, and His disciples. They hate Him because they cannot hide their sins in the light of His presence; and so they seek to destroy the light and everyone who carries it.

As Christianity grew throughout the Roman empire, it created immense division. Seeking to preserve the worship of false Gods, many rulers sought to destroy the faith. One Emperor named Diocletian was particularly violent in his hatred of the bible and Christianity. He killed many Christians, with such outrageous cruelties, and destroyed so many bibles, that at one point he believed he had actually succeeded in his efforts. Over a burned bible he constructed a monument with an inscription that read, “Extincto nomene Christianorum,” which means, “the name Christian is extinguished.” Additionally, he fashioned a medal with the engraving, “The Christian religion is destroyed and the worship of the gods is restored.”

Obviously Diocletian’s efforts to destroy the Church were unsuccessful, as the gospel is still being preached to this day. And yet the message continues to create division. Some are receptive and become believers, while many others do not. Those who call Christ their savior can expect to be shunned, hated, and even persecuted for their faith. If those who yearn to live in darkness without shame or remorse cannot flee from the light, then they will seek to destroy it. Thus, as faithful believers we will be persecuted and despised.

“Lord Heavenly Father, we desire to carry Your truth wherever we go. As we faithfully walk through this life, we expect Your gospel to elicit division, strife, and even hatred. Please give us the courage and strength to stand firm; that we might endure the persecution and animosity of this present world; and thus through us, Your light may always shine in the 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!

Exhortation

~ servantone1

JESUS SPEAKS

In the book of Revelation, Jesus spoke to the Church of Ephesus saying, “I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary. Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent.” (Revelation 2: 2 – 5)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

Jesus commends the Ephesian Church for their good works, patience, spiritual discernment, and avoidance of evil. He also exhorts them to return to their first love; a state of being exemplified by an overwhelming zeal for the gospel message. This scripture represents a type of communication known as an ‘exhortation.’ The definition of an exhortation is, ‘an address or communication emphatically urging someone to do something; in a biblical context, exhortation more specifically relates to the correction of some behavior.’ The practice of exhortation is an integral part of any healthy church and can lead to wonderful revivals.

Many years ago an evangelist named D.L. Moody entered a small town hoping to experience a revival. However, for at least a week nothing remarkable occurred. The meetings were devoid of power. And yet one day he chose to exhort those in attendance; suggesting that one of the participants was harboring an unforgiving spirit. The chairman of the committee suddenly stood up and left the meeting in full view of the audience. The arrow had struck its mark, piercing the heart of the group’s leader. Apparently he had been having trouble with someone for about six months. That night he hunted the man down and asked for his forgiveness. The chairman abruptly returned to Moody. With tears in his eyes he said, “I thank God you ever came here.” That evening the inquiry room was thronged with people and the chairman committed his remaining life to faithful service. Eventually he became one of the greatest Christian laborers Moody had ever known.

The practice of exhortation, exemplified by Christ in this verse, is meant to correct and strengthen the Church. Those who have lost their zeal are encouraged to repent and take hold of the passion they once possessed for spreading the gospel. For those seeking to live a Christian life, a lack of enthusiasm is unacceptable. We need to release our fears and step out in faith. Our duty as believers, is to share the message of salvation with others, and to further Christ’s coming kingdom.

“Lord Heavenly Father, fill our hearts with a supernatural passion; a zeal that never fades. If we have wandered, guide us back to our first love. Give us the courage to boldly speak Your truth and to accurately present the gospel message to others. Fill us with more of Your Holy Spirit. For it is only through Your Spirit that a revival can occur, and the newness of life can be attained through the sacrifice of Your son upon the cross. 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!

Simple Faith

~ servantone1

JESUS SPEAKING

Then Thomas, called the twin, one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came.  The other disciples therefore said to him, “We have seen the Lord.”  So he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger in to the print of the nails, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.  And after eight days his disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them.  Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, “Peace to you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Reach your finger here, and look at my hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into my side.  Do not be unbelieving, but believing.” And Thomas answered and said to him, “My Lord and my God!”  Jesus said to him, “Thomas, because you have seen me, you have believed.  Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (John 20: 24-29.)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

Thomas had seen Jesus walk on water, heal the sick, and raise the dead. And yet, when several disciples claimed to have seen the Lord after his crucifixion, Thomas’ faith wavered. Accordingly, he professed that his doubts would persist until he had encountered the resurrected Messiah; at which time, he would need to examine the physical wounds for himself. Shortly thereafter, Jesus appeared and invited Thomas to touch His lacerations. The doubting disciple promptly glorified God and expressed the renewal of his faith. In response, Jesus uttered an enduring truth. The strongest faith a person can possess is simple and requires no proof. Those who believe without seeing are the nearest to God.

As the story goes, one night a mother and her daughter were preparing to retire for the evening. The Child was afraid of the dark. When the light was extinguished, the girl caught a glimpse of the moon through her window. “Mother,” she asked; “is the moon God’s light?” “Yes,” said the mother. The little girl continued, “Will God put out His light and go to sleep?” “No my child,” responded the woman, “God never goes to sleep.” Then, out of the simplicity of her child-like faith the girl concluded, “Well, as long as God is awake, there is no sense in both of us staying up.”

Childlike faith is the most powerful form of belief; it requires no miracles, or signs or wonders. But rather, it consists of a complete trust in God; in His words, His deeds, and His promises. Although His works can be easily observed today, after His ascension into heaven, no living human being, except the apostle John, has ever seen Christ. Still, those of us who believe possess a faith that is solid and unwavering. We know Him, because He lives inside us. We would do well to continue in our faith without the need for more evidence or intellectual affirmation.

“Lord Father, we are Your children. We believe, not because of what we have seen, but because of who You are. You alone are worthy of our trust; You alone carry the truth. We accept Your words and promises without the need for proof, because You are alive within our hearts, and we are one with You. May we always possess a child-like 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!