Tag: the words of Jesus Christ

Giving

~ servantone1

JESUS SPEAKING

     “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20: 35)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

    The word ‘blessed’ most commonly translates into the English word for ‘happiness.’  Those who live a ‘blessed’ life regularly experience joy, peace, and contentment, despite the presence of any challenging circumstances.  Such a pleasant existence can only be achieved and maintained through daily acts of sacrificial service.  And yet, most human beings are resoundingly selfish.  In an endeavor to acquire as many possessions as possible, some have become isolated, discouraged and depressed. They remain unaware that genuine happiness doesn’t come from selfish gratification; but instead, is the product of selfless giving.

     Michael Norton, a Harvard business professor sought to discover a link between overall happiness and daily giving.  He conducted an experiment in which a small amount of money was given to a group of test subjects.  Half of the participants were instructed to spend the money on themselves; the other half were told to spend the money on someone else.  When researchers contacted the subjects at the end of the day, they found that those who had spent the money on someone else reported feeling much happier than those who had selfishly squandered their allotted funds.  [Note:  In another study, Norton found that sales team productivity and relationship quality increased as salespeople were given money to spend on other team members.]

     Professor Norton had discovered that, although selfish gain seems appealing, it also lacks the power bring about lasting joy.  Genuine peace and contentment are the result of selflessness and sacrifice.  By serving and giving we can demonstrate the generosity and love of Jesus Christ. May we never forget that happiness doesn’t originate from what we might receive, but rather, from what we are willing to give.

     “Lord Heavenly Father, continue to shower us with Your many blessings.  As we love and serve our fellows, may we be filled with Your unending joy and peace.  May our selfish desires come to an end; that through us, countless wandering souls might come to glorify Your Holy Name.  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!

Born of the Spirit

~ servantone1

JESUS SPEAKING

“That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from or where it goes. So is everyone born of the Spirit.” (John 3: 6 – 8)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

Jesus likens the Holy Spirit to the wind, which blows wherever it pleases; its origin and destination remain unknown to everyone who has rejected the gospel message. To those who are carnal, the way that Christians speak and behave seems strange and even foolish. Why be honest? Why be charitable? Why serve others? Why be kind to our enemies?

When God directed Noah to construct a massive boat in the middle of nowhere, he obeyed because he knew that a flood was coming, and that everyone but his family would soon perish. Those carnal souls who observed his tireless efforts must have questioned his sanity. Only a fool would construct a boat in the absence of the water needed to sail it.

Like Noah, when an individual receives the Holy Spirit, their actions and behaviors change, based upon what they know is coming in the future. For some everlasting life, and for others, everlasting death. We die in the present so that we may live in God’s eternal kingdom. We remain obedient, speak the truth, and preach the gospel so that others might also receive salvation and avoid the coming judgement. May we always follow the leading of the Holy Spirit.

“Lord Heavenly Father, as we journey through this world, may we continue to preach the gospel message. Number our steps, that we might obey the Holy Spirit, and remain faithful in everything that we do. May our efforts be diligent, and our actions righteous. 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!

Becoming as Little Children

~ servantone1

JESUS SPEAKING

     At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”  Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.  Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me.” (Matthew 18: 1-5)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

    Simply put, humility is the acceptance of helplessness.  Although we are all called to repent, the salvation that comes through Jesus Christ isn’t something that can be earned; it is something that can only be received.  Children inherently realize their own helplessness, and thus look to their parents for the fulfillment of their daily needs.  The disciples had yet to realize that those who displayed the greatest degree of humility, also elevated and honored God the most. Today, those who are nearest to the Lord, lower themselves down so that God may be lifted up in their place.

   In nature, birds represent an abundant group of animals.  Their young ones remain sheltered in nests while the adults go hunting; thus enabling them to establish a continuous supply of food.  No chick can provide for itself; they can’t fly, fend off predators, keep warm, or even clean themselves properly. They never stray from their nests because they instinctively understand their own limitations, and in turn, they comprehend the value of their parents. Lacking any sense of pride, the nestlings receive their care and nourishment as little children.

     Today, God has sent His Son to us, that we might consume eternal food.  We exist in this passing world for a short time before we can enter the Kingdom of God. Those who venture out to achieve righteousness for themselves will only discover death. Genuine salvation is a gift from God that can only be received; it cannot be earned (Note: Good works must also be accomplished in His name.) Outside of God’s provision we are incapable of becoming right with Him. By nature we are little children. May we understand this truth as we continue on our journey with Jesus Christ.

     “Lord Heavenly Father, as we walk through this world may we always lift You up.  You are an amazing, powerful, and awesome God.  You alone are Holy and righteous, and we thank You for all that You have done for us.  We ask and pray that You would lead us into humility and lowliness of heart. May we always seek Your righteousness and not our own. Feed us with Your spiritual food, that we might continue as little children.  We love You Lord, we thank You, and we praise 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!