Tag: Being Reborn

John the Baptist

~ servantone1 ~ Leave a comment

JESUS SPEAKING

“What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? But what did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft garments? Indeed, those who wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses. But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet. For this is he of whom it is written: ‘Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, who will prepare Your way before You.'” (Matthew 11: 7 – 10)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

John the baptist was a prophet sent by God to prepare the people for the arrival of Jesus Christ. He lived in the wilderness, wearing uncomfortable clothes and eating wild locusts and honey. He preached a simple message with boldness and authority; “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” The corrupt religious leaders despised John because people were abandoning them and journeying into the wilderness to hear the truth. If they chose to receive the message and repent, they would be baptized. This baptism was a public declaration of their commitment to abandon sinful living and embrace purity. They would then wait for the arrival of Jesus Christ, from whom they would receive salvation.

Today, wherever the gospel message is preached to unbelievers there should be an emphasis on both repentance and salvation. John was hated by many for one simple reason; he refused to compromise; his purpose wasn’t for people to feel comfortable but for people to feel convicted. Only through conviction and faith can an individual be reborn. Today, there are troubling trends occurring within the community of Churches claiming to be Christian. There are large churches that place an emphasis on a faith devoid of sacrifice; which does not exist. In turn, the messages presented rarely compel individuals to change. In such a way, lukewarm churches abound.

Today, Christians are tasked with spreading the gospel message to all those who walk in darkness. This message, which maintains an emphasis on repentance, will never be popular. Changing the gospel to make it more acceptable to man only creates greater confusion and unfaithfulness. Salvation through faith in Christ is not a wage to be earned, but allowing God to transform our lives is a decision we control. May we make that good decision today, and may we remain acceptable to God through the blood of our Savior Jesus Christ.

“Lord Heavenly Father, we yearn to continue our transformation through the work of Your Spirit. May we submit to Your will and carry the gospel message to all those who are seeking the truth. May we never compromise or allow the gospel to be changed in any way. Through humility may we be blessed, and through Your mercy may we know Your ultimate 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 name, Amen.” God bless all of you!

Healing and Gratitude

~ servantone1

JESUS SPEAKING

   Now it happened as he went to Jerusalem that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee.  Then he entered a certain village, there met him ten men who were lepers, who stood afar off.  And they lifted up their voices and said, “Jesus, master, have mercy on us.”  So when he saw them, he said to them, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.”  And so it was that as they went, they were cleansed.  And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, returned, and with a loud voice glorified God, and fell down on his face, at his feet, giving him thanks.  And he was a Samaritan.  So Jesus answered and said, “Were there not ten cleansed?  But where are the nine?  Were there not any found who returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?”  And he said to him, “Arise, go your way.  Your faith has made you well” (Luke 17: 11 – 19.)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

   Although Jesus healed ten lepers physically, only the Samaritan was healed spiritually.  For he alone returned to worship and honor the one true and living God.  Gratitude is often the greatest indicator of genuine faith.  Those who have been healed, cling to Jesus; making him the foundation upon which they build their lives.  Every mended heart is full of love for God; a love that is communicated through prayers of thanksgiving, songs of worship, acts of kindness, continuous bible reading, and obedience to the teachings of Jesus Christ. 

     Many years before God performed a miracle in my heart, I had been the resident of two mental institutions.  Daily I contemplated suicide; even attempting it on one occasion.  I was a slave to drugs and alcohol, cigarettes, fornication, and every other manner of available sin.  I, like the demon possessed man Jesus healed in another portion of scripture, was cutting myself and burning my skin with lit cigarettes.  When I gave my life to the Lord, he cast out the demons living within me; healing my mind, my body, and my soul.  I no longer smoke, drink, do drugs, or live promiscuously.  Today, my heart is filled with peace and love; love for God, love for others, and love for myself.  The Holy Spirit is now living in me; and I am a new creation.  Having experienced such a wonderful miracle, I return to Jesus Christ every day to thank Him.  I speak to Him in prayer; I read His word; and I attempt to follow His teachings and commandments in every area of my life.

    Has the Lord done a work of healing in you?  Have you been transformed by the Spirit of the Living God?  If Jesus Christ has touched your life, then may gratitude pour from your heart.  Give God the glory, honor, and praise He so greatly deserves.  Obey His commandments and love your neighbor.  Read His word and offer up prayers of thanksgiving.  Reach out to the lost and tell them about the miracles the Lord has performed in your life.  May God guide you and sanctify you; and may His peace never leave you; from this moment forward, until the day of His return.  [Note:  If you’ve never experienced salvation, contact us; we would love to discuss how you can do that today.]

    “Lord Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your many miracles; and for the gift of salvation.  You’ve transformed us; You’ve healed us; You’ve given us new lives.  May we always remain grateful; may love rule in our hearts and minds; and may we continually praise, honor, and worship Your Holy name.  We love You Father, we thank You, and we praise 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 Reborn

~ servantone1

JESUS SPEAKING

     “You do the deeds of your father.”  Then they said to him, “We were not born of fornication; we have one Father—God.”  Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I proceeded forth and came from God; nor have I come of myself, but He sent me.  Why do you not understand my speech?  Because you are unable to listen to my word.  You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do.  He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him.  When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it […] he who is of God hears God’s words; therefore you do not hear, because you are not of God” (John 8: 41 – 47.) 

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

     While Jesus walked the earth, many of the religious leaders were claiming to be children of God, and yet they in no way resembled Him.  Instead they were lovers of money, who selfishly desired the praises of men.  They also sought to kill Jesus because he truly was the Son of God.  Without exception, every human being has one of two Fathers.  Either they love and serve God in purity and truth, or they follow Satan and serve their own fleshly desires.  Those seeking to become children of God must be reborn.  Jesus said, “unless one is born again, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.”

     The process of being reborn is comprised of two very unique and distinct steps.  First, the individual must forget everything they have learned that is not congruent with the teachings of Jesus Christ.  Secondly they must embrace and live according to the commandments of God.  Before I was reborn, I willingly served Satan.  My life was full of selfishness, dishonesty, and promiscuity.  I had learned from movies and popular culture that fornication (sexual activity prior to marriage) was permissible and profitable.  However, after my rebirth, I abandoned my worldly education and embraced the biblical commandment to avoid fornication.  After many years of sexual purity, I met my wife.  We courted for nearly a year; during this time we did not cohabitate (live together); we also refrained from sexual contact of any kind.  In accordance with God’s desires, our first intimate moments were shared on the night of our wedding.

     Those who yearn to call God Father, must also be reborn; they must abandon what they have learned from popular culture and embrace the commandments of the Lord.  Every truly obedient soul will eventually come to resemble Jesus Christ.  Their hearts will be filled with compassion, truth, mercy, and love.  In turn, many others will see God in us and be drawn toward Him.

     “Lord God, may we call You our Father today.  May we be reborn and know that the old things have passed away and that You have made all things new.  Guide us, teach us, and transform our hearts, that we might continue to grow in Your likeness and Your image.  When others see us may they see You.  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!