Tag: obedience

Avoiding Sinful Activities

~ servantone1

JESUS SPEAKING

    “And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.” (Matthew 5: 30)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

Sin is defined as any act of willful disobedience toward God. Sin is very serious because it separates us from our Heavenly Father. Because God loves His children, He desires for us to let go of our sinful practices, and be reunited with, and grow closer to Him. Any egregious sins, such as fornication, adultery, lying, stealing, lewdness, drunkenness, idolatry, etc, must be abandoned. In order for us to live, we must cut away the sinful portions of our dead flesh.
    In April of 2003, an experienced mountain climber named Aaron Ralston was hiking alone in a remote mountain pass in Utah. While maneuvering through one of the crevices, a giant boulder dislodged and pinned his arm against the canyon wall; for days he attempted to free himself. He had not told anyone where he was going, so he knew that no one would be looking for him. When he had finally run out of water, Aaron was faced with a terrible choice. He could sever his arm with an ill-equipped pocket knife; or he could keep his arm and simply lay down and die. The only thing standing between Aaron and the rest of his life were two bones, several muscles, and some tendons in his forearm. Aaron chose to break the bones in his arm; he then sawed through his own flesh with a dull knife. After nearly 127 hours of confinement, he left his severed arm behind and climbed out of the canyon. Until that day Aaron had lived selfishly. He had been a ‘loner’ who pushed others away. Shortly after his experience he came to believe that the boulder had been waiting for him his entire life, and that it was destined to transform him. He said, “I left my hand behind in that canyon, but I gained my life back.”
    Like Aaron, many individuals encounter boulders in their lives; giant rocks that pin them down and keep them from knowing complete freedom. If you are plagued by any pressing sins and want to follow Jesus, then you have some cutting to do. Cut away the dead flesh and you will live. Ask God in faith for His assistance, and He will give you the strength to do what is necessary.
  “Lord Heavenly Father we recognize that sin can cause many to become separated from You. Although we know that salvation is a free gift, we also acknowledge our responsibility to refrain from willful acts of disobedience. Give us the strength to put any sinful activities to death, that we may continue to live for 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!

The Fear of God

~ servantone1

JESUS SPEAKING

“And I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear Him who, after He has killed, has power to cast into hell; yes, I say to you, fear Him!” (Luke 12: 4 -5)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

Today God’s love is preached with overwhelming supremacy; which often leaves little room for sermons that correctly emphasize the importance of fearing God. According to Jesus Christ, the fear of God and His potential judgements (including the sufferings of hell) are critical components of healthy Christian living. The fear of God produces obedience and adherence to His will. We read in Proverbs 9: 10, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” Thus we adhere to the commandments of our Savior because we love Him and He loves us; but also because we desire to avoid the pain of God’s correction and the anguish of hell.

According to historical documents and tradition, Saint George was a decorated military officer and a Christian serving in the Roman Army around 300 A.D. He was under the command of the Emperor Diocletian. In 303 A.D., the Emperor issued an edict of persecution against Christians, demanding that all of his soldiers offer pagan sacrifices as proof of their loyalty. Saint George promptly gave his belongings to the poor and presented himself before Diocletian, where he denounced the Emperor’s idols. When threats and promises could not move him from his steadfast confession, he was subjected to inhumane tortures, which he endured with great bravery. He was eventually beheaded because he feared and loved God more than man.

Like Saint George, our love and fearful reverence of God must never waiver. Because we are not of this world, we will endure persecution. And yet no matter how terrible the threats and punishments we might experience upon this earth, they are nothing compared to the splendor of heaven and the avoidance of hell. May we know the true fear of God and become wise; choosing those things which are above, rather than those things which are below.

“Lord Heavenly Father, we ask for an honest understanding of what it means to fear You. In the midst of our reverence, may we continue to feel Your love and affection. As we focus on the virtues that are eternal, may we never succumb to the fear of man. You alone Lord are worthy of all honor and glory. 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!

Follow Me

~ 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 20th 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.