Obedience leads to joy

January 12, 2015 ~ servantone1

JESUS SPEAKING

And it happened, as he spoke these things, that a certain woman from the crowd raised her voice and said to him, “Blessed is the womb that bore you, and the breast which nursed you.” But he said, “More than that, blessed are those who hear the word of God and ‘keep it’ (do it)” (Luke Chapter 11: verse 27 – 28.)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

The word ‘blessed’ fairly accurately translates in to our modern word for ‘happy.’ Those who are ‘blessed’ possess a genuine measure of peace, joy, and contentment. In this scripture, Jesus emphasizes two essential steps, that when followed, lead to true happiness. First, an individual must become aware of God’s commandments and teachings. Secondly, they must apply His doctrines in their lives and the lives of those around them.

Concerning happiness, Americans are more depressed than ever. From 2005 – 2008, the use of antidepressant medications increased by nearly 400%. One in every ten individuals is currently taking some form of antidepressant. Many however are not suffering from chemical imbalances (although some might be); rather, many are unhappy because they either don’t know God’s word, or they know it but refuse to apply it. Those committing great sins are consistently less happy than those who aren’t. For instance, approximately 1.5% of women who are married report experiencing some form of depression; yet 5.1% of women living with a man before marriage report being depressed. Further, those who engage in a homosexual lifestyle are more than 200% more likely to commit suicide than their heterosexual counterparts. Additionally, men who watch pornography daily are 3.5 times more likely to experience severe depression than the general population. Simply put, those who avoid sin are happier than those who don’t.

God lovingly gave mankind rules, that when observed, lead to satisfaction and joy; even in the midst of trials. However, when His statutes are ignored, the disobedient can expect to experience fear, emotional instability, and depression. The formula for achieving lasting peace isn’t complicated; simply read God’s word daily and apply His teachings in every area of your life. In so doing you will be blessed; you will avoid the misery of sin; and you will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

“Lord Heavenly Father, we hunger and thirst for genuine obedience. May we read Your word daily, and apply what we have learned in our lives. May we act upon Your commandments; may we love others; may we spread Your message; may we avoid sin and receive Your eternal rewards. 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

December 29, 2014 ~ 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 would 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 Holy Spirit

December 23, 2014 ~ servantone1

JESUS SPEAKING

“These things I have spoken to you while being present with you. However, the helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you” (John 14: 25-26.)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

Jesus informed his disciples that he would soon be departing; leaving them behind, but not alone. In his absence, he promised to send a replacement; a helper; a person to guide them; a spiritual entity that would remind them of every word he had ever spoken. After the crucifixion and resurrection, Jesus ascended in to heaven; having been glorified, he sent his Holy Spirit in to the hearts and minds every believer (on the day of Pentecost.) The disciples were granted the authority to forgive sins; cast out demons; raise the dead; and heal the sick. Similar acts of service and love currently reveal the presence of the Holy Spirit living within the believer; irrefutable proof that Jesus Christ did indeed arrive at his destination. Even today, he sits at the right hand of God; a position of honor, from which he continues to guide and direct his church.

In the early 20^th century a bold and daring explorer named Roald Amundsen set out to reach the remote poles of the earth. He arrived at the South Pole in 1911, and the North Pole in 1926. As the story goes, during his northern expedition, he carried along a homing pigeon. Homing pigeons mate for life; and when separated from their mates, they have a unique ability to return to their nests from anywhere in the world. Before journeying North, Amundsen, not wanting his wife to worry, promised to release the pigeon upon arriving at the North Pole. When the bird reached its nest in Norway, his wife was elated. The pigeon was a symbol; a message proclaiming that although the explorer had arrived in a harsh and distant land, he was still very much alive; and would undoubtedly return someday.

The Holy Spirit is also a symbol; it’s a message and a reminder that Jesus Christ is alive. Many have received the promised helper; others have not. Those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their lord and savior, have also opened their hearts and embraced his messenger. If you’ve never received the Holy Spirit, go somewhere quiet, and ask God to give you this free gift. The Lord never withholds His Spirit from those who genuinely ask Him.

“Lord Heavenly Father, we believe that Jesus Christ is Your Son, and that he’s seated at Your right hand. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit; guide and direct us; teach us; and remind us of everything that You have said. May we be faithful followers; may we never grow weary; may we never waiver; and may we never turn away from Your truth. May Your will be done in our lives always; and in the lives of our fellows. 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.