Loving our Enemies

~ servantone1

JESUS SPEAKING

“But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you. To him who strikes you on the one cheek, offer the other also. And for him who takes away your cloak, do not withhold your tunic either. Give to everyone who asks of you. And from him who takes away your goods do not ask them back. And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise.” (Luke 6: 27 – 31) “But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.” (Luke 6: 35 – 36)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

The ultimate purpose of every human being is to be a reflection of Jesus Christ upon this earth. In His physical absence, genuine believers must manifest the attributes of God. In turn, others will see the Lord in us and be compelled to acknowledge His presence and accept salvation. We are told that God shows kindness to even His worst enemies. Therefore we must display similar affection toward those who have wronged us. This supernatural response to hatred is a powerful tool which can convict and convince sinners to repent and become believers.

As the story goes, in the year 1818, Tamatoe, King of Huahine, one of the South Sea Islands, became a Christian. Soon after, he discovered a plot among his fellow natives to seize him and the other converts and to burn them to death. In response, he organized a band to attack the plotters. Thankfully he managed to capture them unaware. Still, the king displayed no carnal rage; they weren’t beaten, imprisoned, or executed. Instead he prepared a great feast and set it before them. This act of unexpected kindness surprised the savages, who promptly burned their idols and became Christians.

Showing love for others is easy; showing love for our enemies, without God’s help, is nearly impossible. When we love our enemies, God’s immeasurable affection for mankind is revealed in the presence of many. If we wish to accurately reflect God’s heart, we must assist our adversaries when they are in need. We can pray for them, provide for their financial needs, and use our resources for their betterment.

“Lord Heavenly Father, may we express love for all those who hate us. May we discard any resentments we’ve been harboring and forgive those who have visited harm upon us. May our enemies be blessed, may they experience Your enduring love, and may they surrender to You and be reborn through the power of Your Holy Spirit. 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!

Seeking the Lost

~ servantone1

JESUS SPEAKING

“Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it? And when she has found it, she calls her friends and neighbors together, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the piece which I lost!’ Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” (Luke 15: 8 – 10)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

Like this woman’s missing coin, the world is full of lost human beings; individuals who possess no knowledge of their creator. They have wandered off, stumbling about in darkness as they journey toward eternal condemnation. Yet Jesus came to seek and to save those who are perishing. Every believer who shares God’s loving heart will continue Christ’s evangelical work upon this Earth. As disciples, we are commanded to reach out to the lost; that others might hear the gospel of forgiveness and be reconciled to the Lord.

Many years ago, a dynamic missionary leader in India named Robert Wilder was dining with three naval officers. During the course of their conversation one of the officers remarked, “Why don’t these missionaries stay home and mind their own business?” Dr. Wilder replied, “Suppose you were ordered to take your battleship to Constantinople tomorrow, would you choose whether to obey or not?” The officer responded, “If we are ordered to go, we must go, even if every ship is sunk and every sailor killed.” “Quite right,” replied the missionary. “I have orders from the divine government: ‘Go and preach the gospel to every creature.'”

Like Robert Wilder, we too have been commanded to spread the gospel message. To seek out and to save the lost. This is what brings our God pleasure; this is what causes Him to rejoice. We can accomplish this evangelistic endeavor by witnessing to others, sharing our testimony, handing out bible tracts, and posting messages to our social media accounts, etc. We must be bold, we must be zealous, and we must always preach the truth, no matter the consequence.

“Lord Heavenly Father, You are worthy of all honor and praise. May we continue your work upon this Earth; reaching out to those who have wandered away. Remove our fears, that we might communicate Your message with boldness. Use us as instruments of Your love, and may our efforts be fruitful. 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!

Jesus is the Only Way

~ servantone1

JESUS SPEAKING

  Therefore Jesus said again, “I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep.  All who ever came before me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them.  I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved.  He will come in and go out, and find pasture.  The thief comes only to steal and to kill and to destroy; I have come that they might have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10: 7-10.)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

  Shepherding was a very common first century profession.  A shepherd’s duties included feeding and watering his livestock, fending off hungry predators, and keeping them free from dangerous parasites. Over time a bond would form between the shepherd and his sheep.  Often, after many days and nights of grazing in the open fields, the shepherd would need some time to rest.  Upon returning home, he would place his flock into a pen where they would remain unharmed.  Jesus is the ‘Good Shepherd.’  He came to gather His sheep together and lead them to safety.  In this parable, the sheep pen represents heaven; Jesus is the gate; a single opening through which one can enter.  Only those who have faith in and follow Jesus Christ are granted access to God’s eternal kingdom.

  Today, flying is a very common mode of transportation.  In recent years however, terrorists have used airplanes to commit terrible acts of violence against many innocent people.  In an effort to prevent these attacks from occurring, airport security has become quite serious.  There is now only one way in and one way out of an airport.  Those seeking to enter through the security checkpoints must possess the proper identification.  No license or alternative form of identification means no entry.  This rule is without exception; a nice smile, a kind face, and an appealing excuse are of no benefit whatsoever.  In many respects, God’s kingdom is identical.  Simply put, there is one way to enter; and only those who have faith in the Messiah are granted access.

  Jesus Christ is the ‘Good Shepherd.’  He came to lead his sheep into everlasting life.  Many have heard His words and received Him.  Still others have rejected Him entirely.  Despite their many differences, the faithful and the unfaithful have one thing in common; they will both eventually stand before the Lord; and only those who have called Jesus master and followed His teachings will be able to enter God’s eternal Kingdom. 

  “Lord Heavenly Father, may we enter Your everlasting Kingdom.  We have come to trust in You; please lead us, teach us, and provide for all of our needs.  May we be Your sheep and may You be our Shepherd; may we know Your voice and never be deceived.  Protect us from those who would seek to do us harm and inspire us to reach out to those who are lost.  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!