Approaching God

~ servantone1

JESUS SPEAKING

“Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.  The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank you that I am not like other men—extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector.  ‘I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.’  And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’  I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 18: 10-14.)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

In this parable, two men approached God. One was a Pharisee; a religious leader who loathed the impure and unrighteous. The other man was a tax collector; an extortioner, a liar, and a thief. The pharisee was filled with pride; trusting in his own good works and adherence to the law. The tax collector however, feared the Lord; he dared not even lift his eyes up to heaven, but instead expressed anger for failing to live a Godly life; as a result, he begged for God’s mercy. We are told that the repentant sinner was more acceptable to God than the religious zealot, because he elevated God and humbled himself. The Pharisee however, approached God pridefully; stealing some of God’s glory for Himself. Those who love God must approach Him with a spirit of humility.

As the story goes, there once lived a wealthy man who invited many honored guests for a feast. His own richly decorated chair was placed at one end of a long table. While he was away, each guest seated himself according to his own esteemed position in sight of the master. When the time came and everyone had been seated, the master moved his chair to the other end of the table. Similarly, Jesus has said that “everyone who exalts him self will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

As Christians, we must strive to maintain purity, but never at the expense of humility. Our own righteousness is a work of God. He is worthy of all the honor and praise. He honors those who are humble, but humbles those who honor themselves. May we never forget how merciful God has been toward us. May we continually contemplate the majesty and scope of God’s love for us, that while we were still sinners Christ died for us. Only then can we experience the greatness of God’s affection and the joyfulness of His Spirit living within our hearts.

“Father, if You find any areas of self-righteousness inside us, please reveal them and remove them. Through Your power may we be sanctified and made pure. We elevate You to the position of honor and glory in our lives. May we never look down on others, but instead reach out to them in humility with affection. 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!

Moving Forward

~ servantone1

JESUS SPEAKING

      “Immediately He made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, to Bethsaida, while He sent the multitude away.  And when He had sent them away, He departed to the mountain to pray.  Now when evening came, the boat was in the middle of the sea; and He was alone on the land.  Then He saw them straining at rowing, for the wind was against them.  Now about the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea, and would have passed them by.  And when they saw Him walking on the sea, they supposed it was a ghost, and cried out; for they all saw Him and were troubled.  But immediately He spoke to them, “Be of good cheer!  It is I; do not be afraid.”  Then He got into the boat with them, and the wind ceased.  And they were greatly amazed in themselves beyond measure, and marveled.” (Mark 6: 45 – 51)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

      Seeking solitude, the Lord insisted His disciples journey to the other side of the lake without Him.  During their voyage, a great wind rose up against them; preventing them from reaching their destination.  Filled with compassion, Jesus walked across the sea to meet them.  After a fearful exchange, He was received into the boat.  The wind and waves abruptly ceased, permitting the disciples to finally move forward.  Like that boat, many individuals today have reached a point of stagnation; they have become hopelessly trapped and unable to move forward.  Unfortunately, most are unaware that inviting Jesus Christ into their hearts is the key to making progress.

      In the 1890’s, a man named Melvin Trotter had reached just such an impasse.  The son of a drunken bartender, he began drinking and gambling at an early age.  After marrying, he started a career as a barber.  Unfortunately, his rampant alcoholism rendered him incapable of holding down a steady job.  He eventually began leaving his family for weeks at a time.  One day, upon returning home, he was informed that his two-year-old child had died.  Believing he was responsible, he contemplated suicide.  At the funeral, while standing beside the coffin, he vowed never to touch another drop of alcohol.  Two hours later he was drunk yet again.  In desperation, he stole the shoes from the body of his lifeless child and headed to Chicago, where he sold them for another drink.  Drunk and penniless he was nudged into the Pacific Garden Mission, where he accepted Jesus Christ into his heart.  His life was suddenly transformed.  God gave him the ability to work, to love, to live, and to stay sober.  He was finally free to move forward.  He began leading others to Christ and eventually started his own rescue mission. Melvin would later say, “I had taken cure after cure.  I had taken everything known to science and had made resolution after resolution.  But just one glimpse of Jesus Christ, and I have never wanted a drink from that instant to this!”

      Like Mr. Trotter, many will come to experience periods of stagnation.  Facing obstacles that appear immovable, they will struggle to uncover a solution.  And yet the only real remedy is to receive Jesus Christ; who can then eliminate those stubborn obstacles.  Upon entering the heart, He causes the wind and the waves to cease; only through His power can those who are trapped finally move forward.  May we all receive Jesus and be transformed by His mercy and grace.

      “Lord Heavenly Father, please soften the hearts of those who are suffering, that they would receive Your beloved Son.  By Your power, may they grow and learn, and be transformed.  As every obstacle is removed and every barrier is destroyed, may they be healed and continue moving forward.  We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name.  Amen.”  God bless all of you! 

The Power of Scripture

~ servantone1

JESUS SPEAKING

    So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you continue in my word then you are my disciples indeed, and you shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free” (John 8: 31-32.)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

   God, in His wisdom, has chosen to use language (words) to reveal Himself to mankind. The written and spoken words of God and of His only Son Jesus Christ are recorded within the pages of The Holy Bible. These words have the power to grant eternal life; to purify and to heal; to transform and to enlighten. The word of God can do so many things; but unless it is harnessed and utilized, it isn’t likely to produce any meaningful change. Daily scripture reading is essential for the growth of the believer; a dusty bible is a reflection of the heart of its owner.
   Francis A. Schaffer was a brilliant 20th century American scholar and theorist. As a young adult he had been eagerly studying the works of the Greek philosophers. In his quest for knowledge he had been exposed to many interesting questions; for which there were no answers (he was drowning in theory, speculation, and conjecture.) At this same time he was also attending a very liberal church on the weekends, which failed to provide him with the answers he desired (because they did not preach bible based sermons.) ‘He thought, “I wonder whether I should stop calling myself a Christian, and discard the bible?” Then he reconsidered; choosing instead to face the fact that he had never actually read the bible.’ In desperation he began reading the scriptures for himself; with every turn of the page, his amazement grew. He had finally found the answers to his questions. His curiosity had led him to a genuine faith in Jesus Christ. Francis Schaffer never stopped reading his bible. He chose to commit the rest of his life to helping others discover the truth that he had received from God.
   Nearly 130 million books have been written throughout human history. Every year 50,000 new titles are published. Yet in a sea of literary works, only the Holy Bible contains the truth. The bible transforms lives; it creates affection, produces kindness, and generates love; it relieves addictions, and delivers from despair; it can heal the sick and bring hope to the hopeless; it contains the answers to life’s deepest questions; it is a powerful tool; yet like all tools, it can do nothing unless it is put to use. Read God’s word and discover your purpose. Grab hold of the promises of God and never let go. Open His Holy Scriptures and you will neither stumble nor stray from the path of everlasting life.
    “Lord Heavenly Father, show us the importance of daily bible reading. May we cling to Your words as a dying man clings to his last breath. Instill in us the desire to seek You. May we be transformed through the power of Your word. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit, that we may be more like Your Son; may others see our lives and praise Your Name. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you!