God’s Authority

March 3, 2014 ~ servantone1

JESUS SPEAKING

Jesus entered the temple courts, and, while he was teaching, the chief priests and elders of the people approached him. “By what authority are you doing these things?” they asked. “And who gave you this authority?” Jesus replied, “I will also ask you one question. If you answer me, I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things. John’s baptism—where did it come from? Was it from heaven, or from men?” “They discussed it among themselves and said, “If we proclaim, ‘From heaven,’ he will ask, ‘Then why didn’t you believe him?’ But if we say, ‘From men’—we are afraid of the people, for they all hold that John was a prophet.” So they answered Jesus, “We don’t know.” Then he said, “Niether will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things” (Mathew 21: 23-27.)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

The religious leaders had been profiting from the sale of merchandise within the temple. They were also manipulating exchange rates in order to defraud unsuspecting pilgrims. Jesus entered the temple, and overturned the money tables, and chased out those who were selling merchandise. He then sat down and began to teach. As he taught, some of the religious leaders approached him, and asked him by what authority he had done these things. The Lord in turn asked them where John the Baptist had received his authority. John had been given God’s authority outside the bounds of the corrupt priestly hierarchy; he wore no expensive robes; he had no formal temple training; he didn’t spend years in a classroom studying theology; yet God used him to call tens of thousands of Israelites to repentance. There is an authority that comes from men; an authority that can be abused, and used for selfish gain. In the midst of man’s attempts to exploit God’s people, the Lord often raises up leaders to oppose those in power; leaders who are given divine authority; leaders who are willing to disobey their superiors in order to accomplish the will of God.

On September 9^th of 2009, a military patrol made up of 36 American/Afghan troops was ambushed in the eastern province of Kunar (Afghanistan.) The men were pinned down and suffering casualties. In the midst of the firefight, these brave soldiers repeatedly requested air support; yet the off-site commanding officer’s denied every request. The men eventually radioed the base saying, “We’re going to die out here.” Dakota Meyer, a marine posted behind the main patrol, requested permission to drive in to the ambush to haul out his distressed comrades; his fervent requests were denied four times. Knowing that his superior officers were wrong, Dakota disobeyed their direct orders. He and another marine selflessly jumped in to a Humvee and headed in to the “kill zone.” They made five trips back and forth. Each time, Meyer (who was manning the gun) exposed himself to a hail of enemy fire. The two marines were able to save 13 servicemen and 23 Afghans; they also collected the bodies of four dead American soldiers. Sergeant Dakota Meyer was awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions. However, three of the military officers who denied the requests for assistance, were issued letters of reprimand (‘likely leading to the end of their careers.’)

Obeying authority is good; but sometimes those in leadership can error; some may even be completely corrupt, immoral, and unrighteous. On occasion, in order to accomplish God’s will, it becomes necessary to question and oppose those who are in positions of influence. As Christians we are given great authority; God Himself speaks through us; He uses us to accomplish His works; we are vessels of His love, His mercy, and His peace. May we continue to serve Him in love; may we preach the message without shame or remorse; may we continue to oppose those who pervert the gospel for their own personal gain; and may lovingly and persistently submit to the authority of those whom God has undoubtedly anointed.

“Lord Heavenly Father, we recognize Your authority. We understand that you have called us to accomplish Your will. Please continue to use and guide us in the ways of righteousness. When we encounter leaders who are evil and unjust, give us the strength to oppose them. Concerning spiritual matters, may we never submit to the unrighteous; instead, may we continually be willing to serve under and obey those whom you have truly anointed. 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.

Praying with expectancy

February 23, 2014 ~ servantone1

JESUS SPEAKING

“Have faith in God. For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea, and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe you receive them, and you will have them” (Mark 11: 22 – 24.)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

Faith is defined as a strong belief or trust in God’s abilities. He alone is able to move mountains, heal the sick, and raise the dead. Jesus urges every follower to pray with a measure of expectancy. We must truly believe that God is willing and able to provide for each and every one of our needs. When we ask in faith, and do not doubt, we can fully expect to receive the desires of our heart.

Hudson Taylor was a prominent missionary who lived in the 1800’s. He established the China Inland Mission, an organization that still exists to this day (known now as the OMF.) On his first journey to China, his ship hit a patch of windless ocean and began to drift uncontrollably toward an island known to be inhabited by vicious cannibals. The concerned captain approached Mr. Taylor and asked him to pray to God for help. “I will” said Taylor, “Provided you set your sails to catch the breeze.” The captain refused, not wanting to appear silly for unfurling in a dead calm. Taylor replied saying, “I will not undertake to pray for the vessel unless you will prepare the sails.” The captain reluctantly obliged. Soon there was a knock at Hudson’s door; “Who is there?” The captain replied, “Are you still praying for wind?” “Yes” responded Taylor. “Well” said the captain, “you’d better stop praying, we have more wind than we can manage.”

Hudson Taylor understood the principle of praying with expectancy. He prayed knowing full well that God would answer his prayer. If we pray with that same confidence and faith, we too, will receive the blessings of the Lord. May our hearts be free from doubt; may our requests be brave and bold; and may we fully expect our prayers to be answered according to the measure of our faith.

“Lord Heavenly Father, You are an amazing and mighty God. Create in us faithful hearts; hearts that do not doubt; hearts that completely trust in Your ability to provide for our needs. May we always pray with confidence, unwavering faith, and genuine expectancy. We love You Father, we praise You, and 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.

Only one way to enter God’s Kingdom

February 17, 2014 ~ servantone1

JESUS SPEAKING

Therefore Jesus said again, “I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. All who ever came before me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and to kill and to destroy; I have come that they might have life, and have it to the full” (John 10: 7-10.)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

In the days of Jesus sheepherding was a very common profession. A good shepherd would effortlessly love and care for his sheep. Most shepherds were continually concerned with feeding and watering their livestock; they also fended off hungry predators, and made sure to keep the sheep free from dangerous parasites. Over time, the sheep would come to trust in and rely upon the one who guided them and loved them. After many days and nights of grazing in the open fields, the shepherd would need to rest; he would return home and put his animals in a pen where he knew they would be safe; the pen prevented them from wandering off; it also protected them from hungry predators. Jesus is the ‘Good Shepherd.’ He came to gather together his sheep, and to lead them to safety. The sheep pen is an illustration that represents heaven; a place free from predators, where all of God’s children will one day dwell safely in peace. The Lord also proclaimed that there is just one way to enter the Kingdom of God. Only those who have faith in and follow Jesus Christ can truly be saved.

Today, flying is a common mode of transportation. In recent years, many terrorists have utilized airplanes to commit atrocious acts of violence against many innocent people. In an effort to prevent these attacks from occurring, airport security has become appropriately severe. There is only one way in, and one way out. Those seeking to enter through the security checkpoints must have proper identification. No license, or government identification, means no entry. This rule is without exception (a nice smile, a kind face, and an appealing excuse are of no benefit.) God’s kingdom is similar in many respects. There is one way to enter; only those who have faith in Jesus Christ can be admitted. If someone has been a kind and generous person for 85 years, but is not a child of God, they lack the proper identification. No non-believing Buddhist, Muslim, atheist, or agnostic, for example will be allowed entry; for they lack the one thing needed to fellowship with the Eternal Father; his one and only Son.

Jesus Christ is the ‘Good Shepherd.’ He came to lead his sheep into everlasting life. Many have heard his words and have received Him. Still many others have rejected him entirely. Despite the differences between them, the faithful and the unfaithful share in this; they will both one day stand at the gate; however, only those who called Jesus master and Lord will be able to enter God’s eternal Kingdom.

“Lord Heavenly Father, we desire to continue in the faith. We have come to trust in You fully; lead us Lord; teach us; provide for all of our needs. May we be Your sheep, and may You be our Shepherd; may we know Your voice and never be deceived. Protect us from those who would seek to do us harm and inspire us to reach out to those who are lost. 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.