Tag: Honoring God

All Glory to God

~ servantone1 ~ Leave a comment

JESUS SPEAKING

“Do we not say rightly that You are a Samaritan and have a demon?” Jesus answered, “I do not have a demon; but I honor my Father, and you dishonor Me. And I do not seek My own glory; there is One who speaks and judges. Most assuredly, I say to you, if anyone keeps My word he shall never see Death.” (John 8: 48 – 51)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

Jesus was accused by some of being demonically possessed. He responded by reminding them of His perfect commitment to honoring God. He said, “I do not seek My own glory:” thereby insinuating that genuine faith can be discerned in the lives of others based upon whether they are seeking to bring glory to God, rather than themselves. All of our kind actions and loving behaviors are meant to direct others toward our eternal Father (and His only begotten Son Jesus Christ.)

Many years ago I journeyed to an orphanage in Mexico to assist with improving their dilapidated facility. After some hard work, we eventually departed, driving toward the crowded border crossing on our way home. As we waited in traffic, someone in need approached our vehicle, begging for money. I pulled out some cash and handed it to them. I said, “This is from Jesus Christ;” giving God all of the glory for this act of kindness. Sometime later I bumped into a girl at the Church bookstore. Apparently she had been with me in the car that day. She told me that what I had said seemed strange to her at the time. And yet, after she had grown in her faith, she had finally understood what I was doing. I was giving the honor and glory to God.

Those who are faithfully committed to following Christ must avoid seeking glory for themselves; but rather, they must seek to glorify God in every good work they accomplish. We read in Colossians 3: 17, “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” May we all learn what it means to be selfless, and to render unto God all of the glory and honor He is due.

“Lord Heavenly Father, pour out Your Spirit into our hearts and minds, that we might seek to accomplish many good works in Your name, while giving You all of the glory and honor and praise. May we practice genuine selflessness as we continue to lay down our lives in service to others. 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!

Becoming as Little Children

~ 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.” (Matthew 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 can only be received.  Children inherently realize their own helplessness, and thus look to their parents for the fulfillment of their daily needs.  The disciples had yet to realize that those who displayed the greatest degree of humility, also elevated and honored God the most. Today, those who are nearest to the Lord, lower themselves down so that God may be lifted up in their place.

   In nature, birds represent an abundant group of animals.  Their young ones remain sheltered in nests while the adults go hunting; thus enabling them to establish a continuous supply of food.  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 understand their own limitations, and in turn, they comprehend the value of their parents. Lacking any sense of pride, the nestlings receive their care and nourishment as little children.

     Today, God has sent His Son to us, that we might consume eternal food.  We exist in this passing world for a short time before we can enter the Kingdom of God. Those who venture out to achieve righteousness for themselves will only discover death. Genuine salvation is a gift from God that can only be received; it cannot be earned (Note: Good works must also be accomplished in His name.) Outside of God’s provision we are incapable of becoming right with Him. By nature we are little children. May we understand this truth as we continue on our journey with Jesus Christ.

     “Lord Heavenly Father, as we walk through this world may we always lift You up.  You are an amazing, powerful, and awesome God.  You alone are Holy and righteous, and we thank You for all that You have done for us.  We ask and pray that You would lead us into humility and lowliness of heart. May we always seek Your righteousness and not our own. Feed us with Your spiritual food, that we might continue as little children.  We love You Lord, 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!

Humility

~ servantone1

JESUS SPEAKING

     “Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Mathew 5: 3.)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

     In this scripture, the phrase “poor in spirit” is a reference to the attribute of humility (a precious treasure that creates joy in the hearts of all those who possess it.)  Practicing humility requires acknowledging that God is the giver of all good things.  The Lord provides us with our food, shelter, clothing, careers, relationships, and every other necessity of daily living.  He has complete power over all of creation; the very air we breathe is a gift from Him.  Although the humble offer God many praises, the prideful prefer to acknowledge themselves first; mistakenly believing that everything they possess is the product of their own intelligence and hard work.

     An ancient ruler known as Nebuchadnezzar was once the mightiest king who had ever lived.  His reign over the Babylonian empire began in 605 B.C.  Like most powerful men, humility wasn’t one of his greatest attributes; he demanded that his subjects worship him in the manner of a God.  One day as he leisurely strolled through his palace, he spoke, saying, “Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for a royal dwelling by my mighty power and for the honor of my majesty?”  Before he was finished speaking, a voice came from heaven saying, “The kingdom has departed from you […] your dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field.  They shall make you eat grass like oxen; and seven years shall pass over you, until you know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever He chooses” (Daniel 4: 30 – 32.)  Indeed, because the Babylonian King had failed to give God the credit for his possessions, he slipped into madness and began acting like an ox for seven years; eating grass in the fields.

     As believers, we must avoid making the same mistake.  Instead, we must acknowledge that all good things come from God; that every possession is a blessing and a gift.  Those who desire to enter God’s kingdom would do well to continually honor Him.  Practically, Christian humility can be expressed through prayers of gratitude offered to God daily; we can also say grace before meals and praise the Lord in our private time and during worship services.  Tithing is another acknowledgement of God’s goodness.  Ultimately whatever form of thankfulness we choose to offer, it should come from the heart; and from a deep appreciation for everything that God has so graciously given us.

     “Lord Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your many gifts and provisions; for our food, our clothes, and our homes (to name a few.)  We recognize that all good things come from You.  Help us to maintain a spirit of gratitude and humility.  Cleanse our hearts of pride, that in lowliness we might better serve You and our fellows.  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!