Tag: the words of Jesus Christ

Spreading the Gospel with Efficiency

~ servantone1

JESUS SPEAKS

“Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces.” (Matthew 7: 6)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

Jesus instructs His followers to spread the gospel with the greatest degree of efficiency. The message of salvation is likened to holy pearls, which filthy animals such as dogs and pigs can never receive or appreciate. In a similar fashion, we must use discretion and wisdom when presenting the truth to people (some of whom are likened to brute beasts.) We should therefore avoid pouring our valuable words and resources into those who will never be converted or transformed. By avoiding these rebellious souls, we can reach even more individuals for Christ.

Some years ago, a local church decided to start a new movement in the surrounding community; otherwise known as a ‘motel ministry.’ They set their eyes on a local motel; a shabby complex notorious for housing drug addicts, criminals, alcoholics, and outcasts of every kind. A Sunday service was started and resources began pouring in. Individuals were provided with food and assistance of every kind. To most observers, the program appeared to be a noble attempt to show affection for outcasts and sinners. And yet, after many weeks of preaching and ministering, the church abruptly discontinued the entire endeavor. The reason was simple; they were not observing any genuine conversions; nor was the message producing any meaningful changes. The church admitted that rather than being productive, they were actually enabling people to live in sin with greater ease and comfort.

God never wastes His resources and neither should we. As Christians our mission is to spread the gospel message. We are thus commanded to avoid pouring into individuals who are Godless mockers; men and women who will never receive the riches of faith. Therefore, whenever the salvation of God is rejected, we need only move forward; refocusing our efforts on those who show an interest in being reconciled with the Lord. If we are led by the Spirit, then we will produce much fruit with great efficiency.

“Lord Heavenly Father, we desire to spread the gospel message to the ends of the earth. Strengthen us, that we might evangelize without fear. As we minister to others, speak to our hearts, that we might avoid preaching to those who are brute beasts; men and women who revel in their godlessness. Instead, lead us to those whose hearts have been softened and prepared to hear Your truth. Use us Lord, that we might produce much fruit for Your Kingdom. 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!

Consider the Cost

~ servantone1

JESUS SPEAKING

“And whoever does not bear his cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, doesn’t sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it—lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, ‘This man began to build but was not able to finish?'” (Luke 14: 27 – 30)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

Jesus used this parable to warn any potential followers of the lifelong hardships they would endure as a result of Christian living. In full disclosure, He instructs them to “count the cost,” lest they commit themselves in error and eventually turn away from the faith prior to entering eternal life. In this present age, genuine believers will experience overwhelming joy, peace, sanity, healing and truth; but in service to God, they will also know suffering, persecution, hatred, and temporary discomfort. The Christian path is narrow, difficult, and rarely chosen. And yet it is the only way to enter the kingdom of heaven.

Adoniram Judson, the renowned missionary to Burma, experienced untold hardships while trying to reach the lost for Christ. For seven years he suffered hunger and poverty. He was eventually thrown into Ava Prison, where he endured incredible mistreatment for 17 months. For the rest of his life he would carry the ugly scars from the chains and iron shackles that bound him. Upon his release, he remained steadfast. He asked for permission to enter another province where he could continue preaching the Gospel. The godless ruler denied his request, saying, “My people are not foolish enough to listen to anything a missionary might say, but I fear they might be impressed with your scars and turn to your religion.”

Before an individual makes the decision to follow Jesus, they too must sit down and consider the cost. What does Christ expect from us? The answer is, ‘everything.’ Our whole lives. By submitting ourselves to His will, we can know unfading joy and everlasting peace. Following Jesus is a lifelong endeavor which requires great sacrifice; we will endure untold hardships, and persistent persecution. And yet, if we lay down our lives now, we will receive the greatest prize imaginable; eternal life with God in His kingdom.

“Lord Heavenly Father, may we continue to walk in faith as we spread the gospel to those who are willing to receive Your truth. Fill our hearts with joy, even as we endure persecution and suffering for Your Name’s sake. Order our steps and guide our decisions, that we might serve others and willingly sacrifice our own wants to accomplish Your desires. 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!

Where God Guides God Provides

~ servantone1

JESUS SPEAKING

Then He called His twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases. He sent them to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. And He said, “Take nothing for the journey, neither staffs nor bag nor bread nor money; and do not have two tunics apiece. Whatever house you enter, stay there, and from there depart. And whoever will not receive you, when you go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet as a testimony against them.” So they departed and went through the towns, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere.” (Luke 9: 1 – 6)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

Jesus sent His disciples out into the surrounding communities to preach the gospel message and to heal the sick. They were prohibited from carrying any provisions with them on their journey; no food, no money, and no additional clothing. Thus they were required to rely upon God for the fulfillment of their daily needs. As a consequence, none of them were in want for anything. The Christian principle established through this scripture can be condensed into one simple phrase; “Where God guides, God provides.”

There once lived an old testament prophet named Elijah, who was ordered by God to address King Ahab (an evil ruler.) Elijah spoke, saying, “As the Lord God of Israel lives, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, except at my word.” His pronouncement of an impending drought made Elijah a target. In anger, the King sought to murder him. In turn, we read, ‘Then the word of the Lord came to him (Elijah), saying, “Get away from here and turn eastward, and hide by the Brook Cherith, which flows into the Jordan. And it will be that you shall drink from the brook, and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there.” So he went and did according to the word of the Lord, for he went and stayed by the Brook Cherith, which flows into the Jordan. The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning, and bread and meat in the evening; and he drank from the brook.’ Thus, in seclusion his life was preserved.

Like Elijah and the disciples, those who are obedient to God’s calling needn’t worry about the fulfillment of their own needs. As we endeavor to spread the gospel and serve others, the Lord will provide us with everything we require. We need but ask and we will receive the blessings of God. Only He can be trusted; only He can be relied upon. And so in Him the expression is true, “wherever God guides, God provides.”

Lord Heavenly Father, give us the faith required to rely upon You completely. Guide and direct our thoughts and actions, as we minister to others and preach the gospel message. May we never fear, or lack any trust in Your provision. As we continue to walk in Spirit with You Lord, may we have confidence in knowing that wherever You guide, You also provide. 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!