The Fear of God

~ servantone1

JESUS SPEAKING

“And I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear Him who, after He has killed, has power to cast into hell; yes, I say to you, fear Him!” (Luke 12: 4 -5)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

Today God’s love is preached with overwhelming supremacy; which often leaves little room for sermons that correctly emphasize the importance of fearing God. According to Jesus Christ, the fear of God and His potential judgements (including the sufferings of hell) are critical components of healthy Christian living. The fear of God produces obedience and adherence to His will. We read in Proverbs 9: 10, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” Thus we adhere to the commandments of our Savior because we love Him and He loves us; but also because we desire to avoid the pain of God’s correction and the anguish of hell.

According to historical documents and tradition, Saint George was a decorated military officer and a Christian serving in the Roman Army around 300 A.D. He was under the command of the Emperor Diocletian. In 303 A.D., the Emperor issued an edict of persecution against Christians, demanding that all of his soldiers offer pagan sacrifices as proof of their loyalty. Saint George promptly gave his belongings to the poor and presented himself before Diocletian, where he denounced the Emperor’s idols. When threats and promises could not move him from his steadfast confession, he was subjected to inhumane tortures, which he endured with great bravery. He was eventually beheaded because he feared and loved God more than man.

Like Saint George, our love and fearful reverence of God must never waiver. Because we are not of this world, we will endure persecution. And yet no matter how terrible the threats and punishments we might experience upon this earth, they are nothing compared to the splendor of heaven and the avoidance of hell. May we know the true fear of God and become wise; choosing those things which are above, rather than those things which are below.

“Lord Heavenly Father, we ask for an honest understanding of what it means to fear You. In the midst of our reverence, may we continue to feel Your love and affection. As we focus on the virtues that are eternal, may we never succumb to the fear of man. You alone Lord are worthy of all honor and glory. 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!

Things Old and New

~ servantone1

JESUS SPEAKING

    Then He said to them, “Therefore every scribe instructed concerning the kingdom of heaven is like a householder who brings out of his treasure things new and old.”  (Matthew 13: 52)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

   The bible consists of two parts; the Old Testament and the New Testament.  The Old Testament contains prophecies, inspired writings, and recorded historical events and information dating from approximately 4004 B.C. to around 440 B.C.  God then chose to remain silent for 450 years, until around 15-30 A.D. when John the Baptist began preaching in the wilderness; announcing the near arrival of the Messiah; Jesus Christ.  Jesus soon appeared on the scene, completing God’s message and laying the foundation for the New Testament (the gospels, the apostles’ letters, and the book of revelation.)  Jesus often quoted from the Old Testament and added to it.  In turn, any scribe that understood the message would wisely combine the Old Testament and Christ’s words into one complete revelation from God.

    One day, while browsing at a swap meet, I made an interesting observation.  Many merchants were selling expensive antiques, which were highly valued because they were old.  Still others sold items that were completely new; it was their newness that gave them their value.  Things that are neither old nor new are extremely cheap; like VHS tapes; which aren’t new but are also not old enough yet to be valuable.  The wise retailers, like the householder Jesus was speaking about in this parable, got the most money for what they were selling because they sold items that were both old and new.  Similarly, God’s truth is not complete unless both the New and the Old Testament are combined as one.  The Holy Bible cannot be divided, altered, or added to in any way; it is a complete work.

   The Bible is filled with valuable treasures; gems of truth and nuggets of pure wisdom.  Jesus did not come to discard the Old Testament, but to combine the old and the new into a single masterpiece; a correspondence between God and man.  The world is filled with books, written by individuals and inspired by their own desires; and yet there is only one book that God Himself has written.  The Bible is a treasure chest that just begs to be opened; inside you will find every answer you have ever desired to know.  Open it and experience the fullness of the one true God.

   “Lord Heavenly Father, as we read Your Word, please give us a desire to dig deeply; to search for new insights and truths.  Guide us as we read, and speak to our hearts; make Your plan for us clear in our minds and in our souls.  We yearn to know the full, complete goodness of Your book; and therefore the complete knowledge of your affections for us.  We love You Lord, 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!

Being Prepared for Christ’s Return

~ servantone1

JESUS SPEAKING

        Then Peter said to him, “Lord do you speak this parable only to us, or to all people?” And the Lord said, “Who then is that faithful and wise steward whom his master will make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of food in due season? Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. Truly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all that he has. But if that servant says in his heart, ‘My master is delaying his coming,’ and begins to beat the male and female servants, and to eat and drink and be drunk, the master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in two and appoint him his portion with the unbelievers” (Luke 12: 42-46.)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

        Before ascending into heaven Jesus promised to return. He used a wedding parable to illustrate His second coming. When the master of a household left to attend a wedding, the exact moment of his return was uncertain. The master in this story represents Jesus. The servant placed over the master’s household represents the disciples whom He left behind to care for His church. Today, within the body of Christ there are new leaders in positions of authority. Some are just and wise stewards, while others have become impatient with Christ’s return and have chosen to mistreat God’s people and to live in sin. When Christ does return, He will reward those who have been faithful, and He will punish those who have failed to serve in the absence of their master.
        In the United States, a new industry known as ‘mystery shopping’ has become quite popular. Most employers find it beneficial to tour their own facilities; to evaluate their products, procedures, equipment, and especially their employees. Employees however, do not act naturally when their bosses are present; they tend to ‘put on a show;’ they work harder and more efficiently; they become more polite and positive toward the customers and other staff members. This effect makes it nearly impossible for managers and owners to accurately evaluate their workers. In turn, many employers are now hiring people to pretend that they are customers; as they shop, they are secretly evaluating the employees. And then, when the employees become aware that the owner is using mystery shoppers, it causes them to maintain a higher level of performance in the work place.
        Many purported Christians today have become slack, because their master is not present; but Jesus can return at any moment. A lack of faith in His second coming will lead to increased sin, and unrighteous living. To avoid disobedience, we must constantly expect His arrival; every second, of every hour, of every day. We must never lose hope; but rather trust in His promises. As we wait, it is our duty to continue to serve and love our fellows. When He does return, those who were faithful in His absence will receive eternal blessings and everlasting life.
        “Lord Heavenly Father, may our hearts be expectant as we continue to hope in Your return. Increase our faith that we might forever trust in Your promises. May we always desire to serve You and our fellows. Guide and direct our steps, that we may know with certainty, the duties and responsibilities that You have given to each us. 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!