Tag: Jesus Speaks

Look to the cross

~ servantone1

JESUS SPEAKING    

                “And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to myself.”  This he said signifying by what death he would die.  The people answered him, ‘We have heard from the law that the Christ remains forever; then Jesus said to them, “A little while longer the light is with you.  Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you; he who walks in darkness does not know where he is going.  While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light” (John 12: 32-36.)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

                While addressing his followers, Jesus prophesied concerning the manner in which he would die.  He would be crucified, and the cross would come to symbolize healing, forgiveness and reconciliation with God.  Those who look to it in faith receive everlasting life and the free gift of salvation; those who refuse to accept Christ’s sacrifice continue under condemnation, and will eventually face eternal judgment.                     

                In the Old Testament, God lead the children of Israel out of slavery and bondage in Egypt.  They passed through the Red sea unharmed, and they entered the desert.  While in the desert many Hebrews rebelled against God and the authority of Moses.  Angered by their arrogance, God sent poisonous snakes into their midst to bite them.  Moses fervently approached the Lord and begged Him to show mercy.  Moved with compassion, God told Moses to sculpt a brass snake and fasten it to a long pole; he was then told to raise the pole up in the middle of the camp so everyone could see it.  The Israelites were instructed that if they looked upon the snake in faith, they would be healed from their venomous bites (simply put:  look at the snake and you will live; refuse to look and you will die.)  Jesus Christ was also lifted up on the cross for everyone to see; those who look to him in faith receive eternal life; those who refuse, experience judgment and eternal separation from God.  Jesus said in John 3: 14-16, “And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him would not perish but have eternal life.”

                The cross has always been a powerful symbol.  It has the power to bring light into the lives of those who walk in darkness.  It has the power to heal and the power to reconcile sinful man with a pure and Holy God; it has the power to grant eternal life to those who would but look to it in faith.  May you look upon the cross and receive the free gift of salvation.  May you receive the blood of Christ and the forgiveness of sins.  May you be ‘reborn’ and may God guide you as you travel toward His eternal kingdom.

                “Lord Heavenly Father, we praise You for Your wonderful plan of salvation.  As we look to the cross in faith, we receive Your sacrifice and we embrace our new lives with You.  Forgive us of our sins through the blood of Christ Jesus.  Grant us eternal life.  Heal our hearts and minds; help us to be ‘children of light;’ that others might see our good works and honor 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.

Moving Forward

~ servantone1

JESUS SPEAKING

            “Immediately He made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, to Bethsaida, while He sent the multitude away.  And when He had sent them away, He departed to the mountain to pray.  Now when evening came, the boat was in the middle of the sea; and He was alone on the land.  Then He saw them straining at rowing, for the wind was against them.  Now about the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea, and would have passed them by.  And when they saw Him walking on the sea, they supposed it was a ghost, and cried out; for they all saw Him and were troubled.  But immediately He talked with them, “Be of good cheer!  It is I; do not be afraid.”  Then He went up into the boat to them, and the wind ceased.  And they were greatly amazed in themselves beyond measure, and marveled” (Mark 6: 45 – 51.)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

            The Lord, desiring solitude, sent His disciples to the other side of the lake.  However, a great wind began to oppose them and they were unable to reach their destination.  Filled with compassion, Jesus walked across the sea to meet them.  After a fearful exchange, He was received into the boat.  Immediately the wind and the waves ceased, and the disciples were finally able to move forward.  Like that boat, many human beings can also become trapped.  Reaching a point of stagnation, they are no longer able to move forward.  Sadly, most are unaware that the key to progress is to receive Jesus Christ.

            In the 1890’s, Melvin Trotter had reached just such an impasse.  The son of a drunken bartender, he began drinking and gambling at an early age.  After marrying, he started a career as a barber.  However his rampant alcoholism made it difficult for him to hold down a steady job.  Eventually he began leaving his family for weeks at a time.  One day, upon returning home, he was informed that his two year old child had died.  Believing he was responsible, he considered suicide.  As he stood beside the coffin he vowed never to touch another drop of alcohol.  Two hours later he was drunk.  He proceeded to steal the shoes off of the body of his lifeless child and headed to Chicago, where he sold them for another drink.  Drunk and penniless he was nudged into the Pacific Garden Mission, where he accepted Jesus Christ into his heart.  His life was suddenly transformed.  God gave him the ability to work, to love, to live, and to stay sober.  He was finally free to move forward.  He began leading others to Christ and he eventually started his own rescue mission.  Melvin would later say, “I had taken cure after cure.  I had taken everything known to science, and had made resolution after resolution.  But just one glimpse of Jesus Christ, and I have never wanted a drink from that instant to this!”

            Many, like Mr. Trotter, will come to experience periods of stagnation.  Facing obstacles that seem immovable, they will struggle to find a solution.  However, the only real remedy is to receive Jesus Christ and to allow Him to eliminate the obstacle.  Upon entering the heart, He causes the winds to cease and the waters to calm; by His power those who are trapped can finally move forward.  May we all receive Jesus and be transformed by His mercy and grace.

            “Lord Heavenly Father, please soften the hearts of those who are suffering, that they would receive Your beloved Son.  By Your power may they grow, and learn, and be transformed.  As every obstacle is removed and every barrier is destroyed, may they be healed and free to continue moving forward.  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. 

Being Prepared For His Return

~ servantone1

JESUS SPEAKING

                Then Peter said to him, “Lord do you speak this parable only to us, or to all people?”  And the Lord said, “Who then is that faithful and wise steward whom his master will make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of food in due season?  Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes.  Truly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all that he has.  But if that servant says in his heart, ‘My master is delaying his coming,’ and begins to beat the male and female servants, and to eat and drink and be drunk, the master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in two and appoint him his portion with the unbelievers” (Luke 12: 42-46.)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

                Before ascending in to heaven Jesus promised to return one day in power and great glory; (it has been nearly 2000 years and his followers are still anxiously awaiting his arrival.)  As he spoke to his disciples he used a wedding parable to illustrate his future delay.  Often, when the master of a household left to attend a wedding, he could be gone for days.  His arrival was uncertain; he could return at 2:00 in the afternoon, or 2:00 in the morning (therefore the servants had to be continually prepared.)  In this parable, the master represented Jesus Christ, who after being resurrected, left the earth and journeyed in to heaven (promising to one day return.)  The servant placed over the master’s household represented the disciples whom Christ left behind to guide and care for his church.  Although the original disciples have gone to be with the Lord, God has placed new leaders in to positions of authority.  Some are just and wise stewards; some however, have lost faith; they have become impatient with Christ’s return, and in turn they have begun to mistreat God’s people.  When Christ does return, he will reward those who have been faithful, and he will punish those who failed to serve in the absence of their master.

                In the United States, a brand new industry known as ‘mystery shopping’ has become popular.  Most employers find it beneficial to tour their own facilities.  They must continually evaluate their products, their procedures, their equipment, and especially their employees.  Employees however, do not act naturally when their bosses are present; most tend to ‘put on a show;’ they work harder and more efficiently; and they become more positive and polite toward the customers and other staff members.  This effect makes it nearly impossible for managers and owners to accurately evaluate their workers.  In turn, many employers are now hiring individuals to pretend that they are customers; as they shop, they are secretly evaluating the employees.  When the employees become aware that the owner is using mystery shoppers, it causes them to continually maintain a higher level of performance in the work place.

                Many believers are slack because their master is not present; but Jesus could return at any moment.  A lack of faith in his second coming will lead to increased sin, and unrighteous living.  To avoid disobedience, we must constantly expect his arrival; every day; every hour; and every second.  We must never lose hope; we must trust in his promise, and wait patiently.  As we wait, it is our duty to continue to serve and love our fellows.  When he does return, those who were faithful in his absence will receive eternal blessings and everlasting life.

                “Lord Heavenly Father, may our hearts be expectant, and may we continue to hope in Your return.  Increase our faith that we might forever trust in Your promises.  May we always desire to serve You and our fellows.  Guide and direct our steps, that we may know with certainty, the duties and responsibilities that You have given to each us.  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.