Tag: glorifying God

Glorifying God

~ servantone1 ~ Leave a comment

JESUS SPEAKING

  ‘Now around the middle of the feast Jesus went up into the temple and began to teach. And the Jews marveled, saying, “How does this man know letters, having never studied?” Jesus answered them and said, “My doctrine is not my own, but His who sent me. If anyone wills to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is from God or whether I speak on my own authority. He that speaks from himself seeks his own glory; but he who seeks the glory of the One who sent him is true, and no unrighteousness is in him.” (John 7: 14-18.)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

  The educated men listening to Jesus speak were astonished at His perfect knowledge of scripture. Unlike them, He had never attended any notable Hebrew schools; nor had He sat at the feet of some prominent rabbi. Instead, His knowledge and wisdom came from God. Many of the Jewish Scholars demanded praise and admiration for their many years of extensive learning; Jesus however, sought only to honor and glorify God. Chasing after our own glory is a vain and empty endeavor; but seeking to glorify God and His only Son is the Christian way of life.
  One man who thoroughly understood this principle of righteous humility was John the Baptist. When Jesus began baptizing people in the Jordan river, John’s followers became concerned, saying “Rabbi, He who was with you beyond the Jordan, to whom you have testified—behold, He is baptizing, and all are coming to Him.” John replied, “A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven […] He must increase, and I must decrease.” John’s heart was devoid of selfish pride; he humbled himself and glorified the Son of God.
    Although Jesus Christ reigns in heaven, His deeds continue upon this Earth. He performs many miracles through his disciples. Some however, who selfishly desire glory, may take credit for God’s works. And yet a trustworthy servant renders to God the praise and honor He deserves. Glorifying God requires humbling ourselves. He must increase and we must decrease. As followers, we must forgo admiration so that God may receive what is rightfully His? Those who honor God in all things will receive an eternal reward.
  “Lord Heavenly Father, may You increase as we decrease. May we let go of our selfish desires for praise, that You would receive the credit for the good works that You are accomplishing in us, and through us. May we continue to be vessels of Your love and messengers of Your mercy. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit Lord, and may we always be pleasing to 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!

Miracles Happen

~ servantone1

JESUS SPEAKING               

                Now he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath.  And behold, there was a woman who had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bent over and could in no way raise herself up.  But when Jesus saw her, he called her to him and said to her, “Woman, you are loosed from your infirmity.”  And he laid his hands on her, and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God (Luke 13: 10-13.)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS    

                On a certain Sabbath day, Jesus was teaching in the synagogue; those who were listening would soon witness a wonderful act of divine charity.  In the midst of the crowd, there sat a deformed woman; who would unknowingly become the target of God’s mercy and grace.  For 18 years her twisted spine had condemned her to a life of humiliating hardship.  Jesus called her forward; and with one touch, she received her long awaited freedom; freedom from embarrassment and ridicule; freedom from shame; freedom from discomfort and pain.  Filled with gratitude, the once distorted woman honored and praised God for His compassionate work.  Miraculous healings such as this, serve two wonderful functions; they relieve suffering and inspire others to honor and glorify God.

                Approximately ten years ago, I was a resident in a mental institution; I was unable to work and incapable of completing even menial tasks; like laundry and cooking. I was filled with fear and couldn’t sit still for any extended period of time without suffering a fit of extreme anxiety. I was also surrounded by other disturbed individuals; one poor woman was actually undergoing electro-shock-therapy. In a place where pajamas and slippers were the daily norm, I was unaware that God would eventually call me forward. Sometime after being released, He laid his hand on me; healing my unhealthy mind. But he didn’t just heal me; He also transformed me in to a completely different person. Today, I’m married and own a home; I hold down a job and have wonderful friendships; I’m involved in a number of ministries. I give as much as I can and I serve others whenever possible; I truly love and empathize with those who are suffering. I am a responsible individual that can be relied upon. A man who was once dead, has been made alive again. I’m an example of God’s miraculous power. I have become whole, not because of anything I have done, but because of what God has done for me.

                Have you experienced a miracle?  Has God called you forward; has He done something amazing?  If so, then you are truly blessed; if not, He can and will heal you…if you let Him.  Have faith in the Lord and nothing will be impossible; trust in God and you will experience something miraculous. When you do, remember to give God the glory and honor He so greatly deserves; point at Him and proclaim, ‘My deliverer has arrived…and I have been set free; praise be to God.’

                “Lord Heavenly Father You are worthy to receive glory and honor and praise.  We thank You for all of the amazing things you’ve done in and through us.  We desire to see even greater miracles; increase our faith; and do the impossible. We’re excited to see You accomplish Your mighty works. 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.