Follow Me

February 5, 2018 ~ servantone1

JESUS SPEAKING

“As Jesus passed on from there, He saw a man named Mathew sitting at the tax office. And he said to him, “Follow Me.” So he arose and followed Him” (Mark 9: 9.)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

The calling of Mathew is among the shortest conversion stories recorded in the bible. As a tax collector, he was hated and despised by his own people. Still Jesus saw something in him worth saving. As the Lord passed by He uttered two simple words that would forever transform Mathew’s life; “Follow Me.” His response was concise, immediate, and unwavering. Mathew arose, abandoned his position, and began following Jesus Christ.

During the 1880’s, a famous baseball player named Billy Sunday had a similar experience. One day, he and his teammates entered a saloon and began drinking. Upon exiting, Billy spotted a group of Christians singing hymns and preaching about God’s salvation and forgiveness. As tears rolled down his face, he turned to his teammates and said, “Boys, I’m through! Going to turn to Jesus Christ. We’ve reached the parting of the ways.” Some mocked him, while others encouraged him. He then entered the Pacific Garden Mission and gave his life to the Lord. Later he said, “I called upon God’s mercy. I staggered out of my sins into the outstretched arms of the Savior. I became instantly a new creation in Him. The next morning at practice, my manager, Mike Kelly, greeted me and said, ‘Billy, I read in the paper what occurred yesterday. Religion isn’t my long suit, but I won’t knock you, and I’ll knock the daylights out of anyone who does.” Billy Sunday went on to become one of the greatest evangelists of the early 20^th century.

Like Mathew, and like Billy, God is still calling many to follow Him today. Jesus Christ desires that all would come to know Him and submit to His discipleship. Some respond to His call; still others do not. How can you respond to God’s call and receive salvation? First, go to a quiet place, and ask God to enter your heart. Turn away from sin, and profess a faith in Jesus Christ. Get involved at a local church and be baptized. Request an easy to read version of the bible (read it every day; beginning with the gospels.) As you grow in the knowledge of God and submit to His commandments, you will experience a transformation. You will feel the old things pass away; for behold, God will make “all things new.”

“Lord Heavenly Father we thank You for calling us to be Your disciples. May You always dwell within our hearts and minds. Give us the strength to turn away from sin and death, that we might embrace the new life we have in You. Teach us, guide us, be our Father and we will be Your children. Give us Your Holy Spirit that we may lovingly 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.

Anger is Murder

January 29, 2018 ~ 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 which has grown to full maturity; laziness gives birth to poverty; and adultery is the offspring of lust. Unless the heart is continually cleansed, evil will take root and produce 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; 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; rather, it was the offspring of fully matured anger; 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 in to angry old men with heart problems” (Cleveland Clinic, Anger and Heart Attack.)]

Anger grows in to hatred, and hatred generates sin; therefore, the Lord teaches us that anger and murder are indistinguishable. The seed that enters the ground and the fruit it produces are one in the same. Search your heart; if you discover any anger, discard it; it serves only to separate you from your creator. Allow the Lord to cleanse you of every lingering resentment and He’ll draw near to you; in turn, 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 into our hearts and minds. May our souls be pure and free from evil thoughts and desires. Take away our anger and resentment; may we not judge others, but may we love them; 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!

The Salt of the Earth

January 22, 2018 ~ servantone1

JESUS SPEAKING

“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it become salty again? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men” (Mathew 5: 13.)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

In ancient time’s salt was a very important commodity, used to preserve meats; it was also a common ingredient included in many medicinal remedies. However, despite its numerous applications, salt was most often employed to flavor foods; just a tiny pinch and an otherwise bland dish would become rather tasty. In this parable Jesus likens every believer to salt; those who remain flavorful are those who continue to fulfill their primary purpose; such individuals consistently serve their fellows, love others, and give to those in need. Unfortunately, many who start out strong in the faith eventually lose their saltiness and become self-centered and ungodly; they no longer possess the zeal to accomplish good works. By serving themselves and not others, they become useless to God.

The statue of liberty is one of America’s most widely recognizable icons; an enduring symbol of freedom to all nations. And yet ‘Lady Liberty’ has changed a great deal over the years. On the day of her dedication in 1886, her polished copper surface was a vibrant spectacle of orange and bronze; a truly marvelous sight to behold. Sadly, when copper interacts with the atmosphere it corrodes; and over time, her shiny exterior has grown dull, muted, and green. The Statue of Liberty is still a magnificent example of ingenuity and craftsmanship; however, she is no longer as marvelous as she once was on the day of her dedication.

Similarly, many Christians dedicate themselves to Jesus Christ, and initially they shine quite brilliantly. Their zeal for what is good and their desire to spread the gospel is unparalleled. As they serve, the love of The Lord is manifest in them; drawing others toward God. Sadly, over time, as other things displace their faith, selfishness begins to reign in their hearts. They become dull and muted; such individuals are rendered useless to God. May we never grow dull; may we continually put the Lord first in all that we do; and may we tirelessly strive to accomplish His will in this place.

“Heavenly Father, fill us with Your Holy Spirit. Give us opportunities to lovingly serve others. We desire to be pleasing to You in all things; use us to further Your Kingdom. May we always be zealous and flavorful; and may we never grow dull. If we have turned away, please convict us and correct us. 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.