Becoming as a Little Child

~ servantone1

JESUS SPEAKING

     At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”  Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.  Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me.” (Mathew 18: 1-5)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

    Simply put, humility is the acceptance of helplessness.  Although we are all called to repent, the salvation that comes through Jesus Christ isn’t something that can be earned; it is something that must be received.  A child inherently realizes their own helplessness, and so they look to their parents for the fulfillment of their essential needs.  The disciples had yet to realize that those who were the most helpless, were also the individuals who honored God the most.  Today, those who are lowly push themselves down and elevate the one who provides for them.  So humility is the result of honoring God, and lowliness (humility) is the best way to know and love God, who is all powerful.

   In nature, birds are an abundant group of animals.  Their young ones remain in the nest while the adults go out to hunt; permitting them to return with a continuous supply of food.  Obviously no chick can provide for itself; they can’t fly, fend off predators, keep warm, or even clean themselves properly. They never stray from their nests because they instinctively know and understand their own limitations, and in turn, they comprehend the value of their parents.  Knowing no pride, the nestlings receive their care and nourishment as little children.

     Today, God has sent His son to us, that we might eat eternal food.  Jesus says, “I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.”  We live in this world, which is our nest for a short time, and those who venture out to achieve righteousness for themselves find only death.  Salvation must be directly received as a gift from God.  We must instinctively understand that we are powerless to become right with God outside of His provision.  Have we accepted God’s message?  Have we accepted it as a gift and not a wage?  Have we become helpless enough to understand that God provides us with all that we need?  We must be lowly and grateful that God has made a way for us to know and love Him. We must become as little children.

     “Lord Heavenly Father, as we come before You, we lift You up.  You are an amazing, powerful, and awesome God.  You are Holy and righteous, and we thank You for all that You have done for us.  We ask and pray that You help us to be humble, and we ask that You lead us into a lowliness of heart; help us to seek Your righteousness and not our own.  Feed us with Your Spiritual food, and make us like little children.  We love You Lord, 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!

Lusting

~ servantone1

JESUS SPEAKING

“You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘you shall not commit adultery.’  But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”  (Mathew 5: 27 – 28.)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

Pornography was as prevalent in ancient times as it is today.  Archaeologists have uncovered rooms in many Roman homes, set apart for sexual debauchery; the walls and ceilings are covered with inappropriate images.  Scholars have also discovered tens of thousands of sensual stone carvings; men and women, unclothed and objectified; some are small enough to be carried around; likely an ancient form of mobile pornography.  Similar sexually explicit images and carvings can be found in every culture and generation: India, Asia, Egypt, Peru, the Americas and even Europe.  And yet, despite the popularity of pornography, it is never proper, profitable, or permissible.  Every lingering glance and intense gaze has consequences.  Improper lust separates individuals from God, and is therefore a grave and damaging activity. Proper lust however, is a wonderful part of God’s design; in fact, lusting after a God given companion is encouraged by The Lord. Physical attraction between a husband and wife is an integral part of a healthy marriage.

As expected, improper lusting can bring about some very damaging consequences.  ‘At a 2003 meeting of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, two thirds of the 350 divorce lawyers who attended said the Internet played a significant role in the divorces in the past year; with excessive interest in online pornography contributing to more than half of such cases.’  Also, ‘nearly 57% of pastors say that addiction to pornography is the most sexually damaging issue to their congregations.’  Despite God’s command to refrain from indulging in pornography, many still seek to justify their disobedience; ‘29% of professing born again Christian adults in the U.S. feel it is morally acceptable to view movies with explicit sexual behavior.’  However, no amount of rationalization will ever make pornography acceptable.  To view erotic materials is to transgress against the commandments of God.

Improper lust and pornography are spiritually, mentally, and morally debilitating.  They separate the believer from God; they destroy marriages and rip apart families; they promote promiscuity, lewdness, and idolatry.  Today, we have a choice; do we engage in those things that God has condemned?  Or do we disobey our Lord and continue in sin?  Trust in Jesus Christ and turn away from the lust of the flesh, and you will walk in genuine fellowship with the everlasting God.

“Lord Heavenly Father, we seek clean hearts and pure minds.  Remove the lust from our hearts.  If anyone is struggling with pornography, or any other sexual sin, we ask that You empower them to overcome their addictions, that they may once again know true purity and holiness.  Without You Father, we can do nothing; may our increased wholesomeness be a work of Your hands; that you alone might receive 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!

Absolute Forgiveness

~ servantone1

JESUS SPEAKING

    “Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, ‘I repent,’ you shall forgive him” (Luke 17: 3-4.)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

   Those who desire God’s mercy must also be merciful; and those who yearn for His forgiveness must not withhold forgiveness from others. Hatred, anger, and resentment have no place in the heart of the believer; as unresolved bitterness creates division between God and His disciples. Jesus said, “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Everyone who truly seeks to follow the Lord, will also attempt to imitate Him; thus, forgiving those who repent without restriction or exception. God’s mercy is immeasurable; and in turn, those who practice unconditional forgiveness are wonderful examples of His limitless love.
   In 1956, five American missionaries flew into the jungles of Ecuador; seeking to make contact with a hostile and war-like tribe of Indians known as the Waodani. All five men were speared to death. Their families were devastated by the loss; in a single day, many wives were widowed, and a handful of children were orphaned. But did the remaining family members seek vengeance? Did they cry out for justice? No. Instead Elizabeth Elliot (who had lost her husband), and Rachael Saint (who had lost her brother), remained obedient to God; forgiving the tribesman unconditionally. Elizabeth and Rachael continued evangelizing the natives. The Waodani people eventually invited them into their community. One by one, the members of the tribe began committing their lives to Jesus Christ. The men who had perpetrated the murders expressed great joy in knowing that they had been forgiven. The women eventually formed lifelong friendships with the individuals who had killed their loved ones. This unconditional forgiveness has given birth to the Waodani Church; a church that is currently thriving. They have abandoned their spears and picked up their bibles; going so far as to evangelize the other neighboring tribes as well (at great personal risk to themselves.) This amazing work of God was only made possible because two women were willing to forgive without restriction.
    Forgiving others is not a suggestion, a recommendation, or a request; it is a command; a command that heals both the forgiver and those who are forgiven. Is there anyone you’re angry with? Has someone caused you great pain? Then you must forgive them. Search your heart and ask God to give you the courage, and the strength to let go of your resentments; to lay down your hostilities; to do away with your bitterness. In turn, God will give you peace…and your heart will be filled with joy, as you walk in fellowship with the almighty and everlasting Father.
 “Lord Heavenly Father, search our hearts and reveal our hidden resentments. Give us the strength and the courage to forgive without restriction. May we love as You have loved. May we forgive as You have forgiven. We cherish 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!