Staying Focused on Jesus

September 3, 2019 ~ servantone1

JESUS SPEAKING

[As Christ walked with Peter along the beach, he said] “Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish.” This he spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God […] Then Peter, turning around, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following, who also had leaned on his breast at the supper, and had said, “Lord, who is the one who betrays You?” Peter, seeing him asked Jesus, “But Lord, what about this man?” Jesus said to him, “If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow me?” (John 21: 18 – 22.)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

Shortly after his resurrection, Jesus appeared to his disciples on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. He ate with them; fellowshipped with them; and encouraged them. He also privately took Peter on a walk along the beach (the apostle John followed at a close distance.) The Lord told Peter that one day he would be crucified for his faith. Peter, then inquired about the Apostle John’s fate. Jesus gently rebuked him (such matters were not his concern.) Jesus reminded him to remain completely focused upon his Lord and Savior. Peter had made a very common error; a mistake that is still prevalent within the church today. Many wrongly focus their attentions on other believers; or on their circumstances; or even on themselves. However, Jesus Christ demands the complete and undivided attention of every faithful follower.

How important is it to remain focused on Jesus Christ? On another occasion the disciples were rowing across the Sea of Galilee when they saw Jesus walking toward them on the water. Peter filled with faith, yelled “Lord if it is you […] tell me to come to you on the water.” Jesus replied, “come.” Peter got out of the boat, and began to walk on water; but as he approached Christ, he began to focus on the large waves that encircled him. Because he had taken his eyes off of the Lord, he began to sink; he cried out to Jesus saying “Lord save me.” Jesus grabbed him, and pulled him from the raging sea. Peter’s faith waivered because he turned his attentions away from the messiah. We can all learn from Peter’s mistake; those who are wise will continually remain focused upon Jesus Christ.

This world is full of diversions. We, like Peter, are all guilty of looking to the left and to the right; we have all misplaced our attentions; we have all succumbed to the numerous distractions in life. Though we have failed in many ways, with God’s help, we can all once again refocus upon our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. May our trust, faith, and hope in him never waiver; for in him we find our strength, our salvation, and our greatest victory.

“Lord Heavenly Father, we look to Your Son, and we place our faith fully in Him. Remove any distractions or diversions that exist in our lives and in our hearts. May our attentions always be focused upon You. Continue to sanctify us, that we might be fruitful. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you.

Anger is Murder

August 26, 2019 ~ servantone1

JESUS SPEAKING

“You have heard it said long ago, ‘Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell” (Mathew 5: 21-22.)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

Few evil offenses can rival the act of murder; and murder, like so many sins, is the outward expression of an inward disposition. All actions begin deep within the spirit. First century Judaism stressed external adherence to the laws of God. Jesus however, emphasized internal obedience; he focused on the heart; and rightly so; for murder is hatred that has reached full maturity; similarly, laziness gives birth to poverty; and adultery is the offspring of lust. Unless the heart is continually cleansed, evil will take root and generate a plethora of unholy actions. God judges the inner man; therefore, we as believers must diligently guard our hearts; allowing the Lord to cleanse them; and in so doing, we will also outwardly adhere to God’s commandments.

John Wilkes booth is one of the most famous assassins in U.S. history. On April 14^th, 1865, he crept up behind Abraham Lincoln, and shot him in the head (a wound that proved fatal.) Booth was a loyal southerner, angered over what he believed to be the evils of Northern aggression. He too was later killed. Abraham Lincoln’s death, although horrific, wasn’t the result of an assassin’s bullet; instead, it was the offspring of anger that had fully matured; hatred led to the deaths of both John Wilkes Booth and the 16^th president of the United States of America. [Additional illustration: It’s interesting to note that unchecked anger can not only lead to spiritual death, but it can also lead to physical death. A recent study conducted by John Hopkins university tracked 1,337 male medical students for 36 years following medical school; the study found that those who were quick to anger when undergoing stress, were three times more likely to “develop premature heart disease, and five times more likely to have an early heart attack. Angry young men, it appears, turn into angry old men with heart problems” (Cleveland Clinic, Anger and Heart Attack.)]

As sure as the day is long, anger will eventually grow into hatred; and hatred generates sin; therefore, the Lord teaches us that anger and murder are indistinguishable. The seeds that enter the ground and the fruit they produce are one in the same. Search your heart; and if you discover any anger, discard it; it serves only to separate you from your Creator. Permit the Lord to cleanse you of every lingering resentment and He’ll draw near to you; as a result, you’ll come to experience the peace and freedom of unconditional forgiveness.

“Lord Heavenly Father, we ask that You let the truth of this scripture sink deep down into our hearts and minds. May our souls be pure and free from evil thoughts and desires. Take away our anger and resentment; that we may we not judge others but love them instead; knowing that You are the only righteous judge. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit and transform us from the inside out. We love You Lord, 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!

Being Set Free

August 19, 2019 ~ servantone1

JESUS SPEAKING

Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are my disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free.” They answered him, “We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can you say you will be made free?” Jesus answered them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. And a slave does not abide in the house forever. Therefore, if the son makes you free, you shall be free indeed” (John 8: 31 – 36)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

Although slavery was common in the ancient world, the men Jesus spoke with were not slaves. Rather, being free men, they had failed to understand that they were slaves to their own sinful appetites. Sin is often a far crueler taskmaster than a man holding a whip. Even today, many weary souls are hopelessly ruled over by their addictions; some are in bondage to drugs and alcohol; some to pornography and sexual deviancy; while others are practicing deceit, lewdness, fornication, and idolatry; etc. And yet, no matter how vast the number of sins might be, Jesus Christ has been setting people free for nearly 2000 years.

One day I decided to visit Venice Beach; as I walked amidst the shops and street performers, I happened across a young couple. They were homeless; their hair was tangled and matted; their clothes were riddled with holes and despite being raised in the United States, they spoke with a heavy Jamaican accent. They were practicing the Rastafarian religion; a religion that promotes the spiritual use of marijuana. Their bondage to the drug was so ferocious that they had adopted an entirely foreign lifestyle, simply to continue smoking marijuana without conviction. Although they believed themselves to be free, they were in fact slaves; slaves whose master had caused them to lose nearly everything. Thankfully, I was able to share with them about how God had transformed my life; how He had relieved me of my addictions. I would like to tell you that they immediately received the message and were reborn, but I cannot. I can only pray that they might someday accept Jesus Christ and been set free.

If you are in bondage to some sin, turn your life over to Jesus Christ and He will relieve your burdens. He will set you free from your addictions; He will heal your mind and cleanse your soul. Invite Him into your heart, and He will become your master; He will protect you; He will guide you; He will mold you and shape you into His own image. You will know true freedom. As the love of God fills your heart, you will also experience genuine gratitude and eternal peace. [Note: If you have never received Jesus Christ as your Lord and savior and would like to be set free, contact me and we can discuss how you might make that decision today.]

“Lord Heavenly Father, we desire to be set free from the bondage of sin and death. Heal our hearts and minds; and give us hope. May our addictions be relieved, and may our fleshly desires be destroyed. May we serve You in sincerity of heart; may we never stray from Your paths of righteousness; and may we dwell in Your presence forever. 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!