Tag: the words of Jesus Christ

Avoid Covetousness

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JESUS SPEAKING

Then one from the crowd spoke to Jesus saying, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.”  But he said to him, “Man, who made me a judge or an arbitrator over you?”  And he said to them, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.”  (Luke 12: 13 – 15)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

Jesus openly rebuked a man for coveting his brother’s wealth. Covetousness is defined as a strong desire to obtain the possessions of others. This jealous instinct is so pervasive that God issued the tenth commandment, which reads, “You shall not covet your neighbors house; you shall not covet your neighbors wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbors.” (Exodus 20: 17)

In the Old Testament, King Ahab strongly desired a piece of property that belonged to another man. He attempted to purchase the parcel, but Naboth the owner rejected his offer. As a result, Ahab became depressed and upset. He retreated into isolation and refused to eat. All of this displeasure, despite owning many lands and an abundance of property. In response, the King’s wife Jezebel sought to acquire the vineyard at any cost. Using lies, she plotted evil against Naboth and had him murdered. Despite knowing how Naboth had died, Ahab arose and took possession of the vineyard. In turn, God sent the prophet Elijah to proclaim a punishment against Ahab and Jezebel for their treacherous behavior. Both of them would eventually die in horrific ways.

If not quickly corrected, covetousness can lead to suffering and punishment. How then do we avoid breaking the 10th commandment? By taking pleasure in and enjoying all of the blessings and possessions that God has given us. When we stop being grateful for what the Lord has provided in the present, we may succumb to jealousy. Ultimately, a spirit of continual gratitude is the cure for covetousness. May we all enjoy and be grateful for what we have been given.

“Lord Heavenly Father, give us the wisdom and knowledge to avoid covetousness. May we never be anxious to acquire the possessions of others. Create purity in our hearts, and extinguish any evil desires that might arise in our minds. May we experience continual gratitude for all of the things that you have so graciously given 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!

The Greatest Treasure

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JESUS SPEAKING

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it.” (Matthew 13: 44 – 46)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

In this parable a man finds a treasure hidden in a field and immediately recognizes its value. Without hesitation, he sells all of his possessions and purchases the plot of land. The treasure found in this field is meant to represent the Gospel message. As followers of Christ, if we have been reborn and truly understand the value of salvation, then we will seek to share this message with those who are lost.

Jim Elliot was a man who understood the power of the Gospel message, and the need to help others discover the treasure of salvation. In the 1950’s, he felt called by God to journey to the jungles of Ecuador, where he married his wife (a fellow missionary.) In 1956, they sought to make contact with a warlike, and godless tribe of natives known as the Auca/Waodani. Understanding the risks, Jim and four other Christian men attempted to make contact with the tribe. All four men were speared to death by the savages and died as Martyrs. Although their bodies were buried, obviously these men are not dead, but alive with Christ. Prior to his physical death, Jim Elliot wrote an inspiring sentence in his journal. It reads, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” (Through the continued efforts of Jim’s wife and other missionaries, many of the Auca/Waodani tribe eventually converted to Christianity.)

If you have never discovered the gift of eternal salvation, then I encourage you to ask God to reveal Himself to you. The Spirit of our living Lord is prepared to enter the hearts and minds of all those who put their faith in Jesus Christ. If you desire this everlasting treasure, you can receive it at any time and be reborn. May all those who seek the truth find their Savior.

“Lord Heavenly Father, we stand in awe of Your mighty works. May we comprehend the value of Your gift of salvation and eternal life. May we receive You in a worthy manner, and spread Your gospel to the ends of the earth. You truly are an awesome and amazing God. 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!

Shining Brightly

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JESUS SPEAKING

“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it provides light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Mathew 5: 14 – 16)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

     It is impossible for a Christian to remain unrecognized. To stay hidden is to fail to fulfill God’s purpose. Every genuine believer is called to be different; to stand out; to be set apart; loving where there is no love; serving in the midst of selfishness; faithfully encouraging others; nurturing the sick; caring for the needy; filling the hearts and minds of many with hope and joy. Genuine faith inevitably produces an abundance of good works. As disciples we are set apart; we are a light in a dark world; we are divine instruments that point toward the one true and everlasting Father.
     Of all the planets and stars that glow in the night sky, one of the brightest is the North Star (known as Polaris.) Resting in a sea of stars it outshines most of its neighbors. Every other star in the northern hemisphere travels across the sky; Polaris however, remains fixed; a characteristic that proved useful to ancient mariners who sought to navigate the open oceans. The North Star’s brightness and stability make it easy to recognize; a heavenly body that is not readily confused with the thousands of dimmer objects that surround it.
     Like the North Star, the believer is by far the brightest and most stable object in the lives of those around them. In a sea of unbelievers, the followers of Jesus Christ standout; they are unique. Filled with compassion, charity, and peace, they are easily recognized. They orient others by pointing them toward God (who is the source of all love and mercy.) If you have received the salvation of the Lord, then you too are different. Don’t seek to remain hidden. Instead, let the light of Christ shine through you; that others may see your good works and know that there is a God who loves them.
     “Lord Heavenly Father, we desire to be different. We desire to be more loving, more caring, and more giving. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit and help us to shine brightly in this dark and often cold world. May others see our good works and be drawn to You; the loving Creator and everlasting Father. 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!