Tag: worship

Worshiping God

Featured ~ servantone1 ~ Leave a comment

JESUS SPEAKING

“For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.'” (Matthew 4: 10)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

God created Human beings to walk in fellowship with Him; to worship Him in Spirit and in truth. This worship manifests itself in adoration and reverence for the Lord. Thus we submit to His will while singing songs that praise and honor Him. We should elevate and worship God in our prayers and times of fellowship.

In the old testament, we read about a prophet named Daniel. While living in Babylon, King Darius made a decree outlawing the worship of any God other than the King himself. Daniel refused to adhere to this directive; and in fact, Daniel allowed others to observe him praying to God. When his act of disobedience was discovered, he was thrown into a lions den. After a day had passed the King approached the den, hoping Daniel had not been devoured by the lions. And indeed, he was still alive because God had sent an angel to keep the mouths of the lions from opening.

Like Daniel, we were created with a desire to worship the one true and living God. The devil desires for us to adore false Gods, and to worship created things rather than the creator Himself. If we have received Christ and been reconciled to God, then we can finally know our genuine purpose in this world; which is to worship God alone, and to serve him with faithful hearts.

“Lord Father, we desire to worship You alone and to render to you all of the praise and honor that You deserve. May we perform the tasks that You have given us to accomplish with sincere Hearts. And may we walk in complete fellowship with You, all the days of our lives. 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 we pray. Amen.” God bless all of you!

Gratitude

~ servantone1

JESUS SPEAKING

        Now it happened as He went to Jerusalem that He passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee. Then as He entered a certain village, there met Him ten men who were lepers, who stood afar off. And they lifted up their voices and said, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” So, when He saw them, He said to them, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And so it was, that as they went, they were cleansed. And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, returned, and with a loud voice glorified God, and fell on his face at his feet, giving Him thanks. And he was a Samaritan. So, Jesus answered and said, “Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine? Were there not any found who returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?” And He said to him, “Arise, go your way. Your faith has made you well.” (Matthew 17: 11 – 19)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

        Leprosy is a debilitating bacterial disease that has existed for thousands of years; it causes fingers, toes, noses, and other extremities to rot away, horribly disfiguring its victims. Despite modern treatments, Leprosy remains highly contagious. Since the days of Christ, infected individuals have been ostracized; forced into isolated colonies beyond the city limits. When traveling, lepers were required to maintain great distances between themselves and those who were healthy. Upon entering a crowded area, they were obligated to yell out, “unclean, unclean,” as a warning for others to keep their distance. The lepers who approached Jesus stood “afar off,” and pleaded with Him to be healed. Jesus ordered the lepers to go and show themselves to the priests (In Jewish society, the priests were charged with diagnosing leprosy; if someone was healed, the priests had to examine them before they could return home to their families.) As the lepers journeyed, all ten were outwardly healed; yet only one was inwardly healed. Filled with gratitude, the filthy Samaritan returned to praise and honor Jesus Christ.
        As the story goes, there once lived a prominent Physician who was also a devoted golfer. His longtime caddie had a club foot (a deformity in which the foot bends inward, making it difficult to walk.) ‘Doc Gordon,’ as he was known, often traveled south for the winters to continue his golf game. One winter, he decided to take his caddie with him; during their trip, the doctor operated on the man’s foot and he was made completely whole. Soon after they returned, the doctor became ill and passed away. One day, the caddie was carrying another member’s bag; at every hole he stopped to pluck a flower, until eventually he had gathered a very beautiful bouquet. The member was curious and asked the caddie about his new girlfriend. He replied, “Oh no, I don’t have a girlfriend. These are for Doctor Gordon. I go to his grave twice a week and place these flowers there.” Over his lifetime, Doctor Gordon had helped thousands of sick people; correcting many physical afflictions and uncomfortable ailments. Yet only one patient was truly thankful. The young caddie continued to praise and honor his deceased friend and benefactor because his heart was filled with gratitude.
        Jesus Christ has given eternal life to every faithful soul and healed so many individuals around the world. Still, only those who express frequent gratitude have truly experienced a miracle. There are several ways to express our gratitude for God; we may offer prayers of thanksgiving and testify of His greatness. We may also gather together with other believers to worship Him in Spirit and in Truth. We may continue to perform acts of service, charity, love, and mercy, etc. Gratitude is a fruit of genuine salvation; those who understand the value of what they have been given, honor and praise God every single day. (Note: If you have never received Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, please contact us and we can discuss how you can do that right now.)
        “Lord Heavenly Father we praise You, we honor You, and we thank You for our salvation. We are unworthy servants, and yet You have loved us. Thank You for healing us and protecting us; thank you for Your kindness and provision. You are truly an awesome and amazing God. May our hearts be filled with gratitude; and may we be compelled to speak of Your greatness whenever and wherever possible. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you!

Healing and Gratitude

~ servantone1

JESUS SPEAKING

                Now it happened as he went to Jerusalem that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee.  Then he entered a certain village, there met him ten men who were lepers, who stood afar off.  And they lifted up their voices and said, “Jesus, master, have mercy on us.”  So when he saw them, he said to them, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.”  And so it was that as they went, they were cleansed.  And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, returned, and with a loud voice glorified God, and fell down on his face, at his feet, giving him thanks.  And he was a Samaritan.  So Jesus answered and said, “Were there not ten cleansed?  But where are the nine?  Were there not any found who returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?”  And he said to him, “Arise, go your way.  Your faith has made you well” (Luke 17: 11 – 19.)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

                Although Jesus healed ten lepers physically, only the Samaritan was healed spiritually.  For he alone returned to worship and honor the one true and living God.  Gratitude is often the greatest indicator of genuine faith.  Those who have been healed, cling to Jesus; making him the foundation upon which they build their lives.  Every mended heart is full of love for God; a love that is communicated through prayers of thanksgiving, songs of worship, acts of kindness, daily bible reading, and obedience to the teachings of Jesus Christ. 

                Many years before God performed a miracle in my heart, I had been the resident of two mental institutions.  Daily I contemplated suicide; even attempting it on one occasion.  I was a slave to drugs and alcohol, cigarettes, fornication, and every manner of available sin.  I, like the demon possessed man Jesus healed, was cutting myself and burning my skin with lit cigarettes.  When I gave my life to the Lord, he cast out the demons living within me; healing my mind, my body, and my soul.  I no longer smoke, drink, do drugs, or live promiscuously.  Today, my heart is filled with peace and love; love for God, love for others, and love for myself.  The Holy Spirit is now living in me; and I am a new creation.  Having experienced such a wonderful miracle, I return to Jesus Christ every day to thank Him.  I speak to Him in prayer; I read His word; and I attempt to follow His teachings and commandments in every area of my life.

                Has the Lord done a work of healing in you?  Have you been transformed by the Spirit of the Living God?  If Jesus Christ has touched your life, then may gratitude pour from your heart.  Give God the glory, honor, and praise He so greatly deserves.  Obey His commandments and love your neighbor.  Read His word and offer up prayers of thanksgiving.  Reach out to the lost and tell them about the miracles the Lord has performed in your life.  May God guide you and sanctify you; and may His peace never leave you; from this moment forward, until the day of His return.  [Note:  If you’ve never experienced salvation, contact me; I would love to discuss how you can do that today.]

               “Lord Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your many miracles; and for the gift of salvation.  You’ve transformed us; You’ve healed us; You’ve given us new lives.  May we always remain grateful; may love rule in our hearts and minds; and may we continually praise, honor, and worship Your Holy name.  We love You Father, 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.