Posts Tagged 'www.jesusspeaks.com'

Born of the Spirit

Published June 5, 2023 devotional , Jesus Speaks , Uncategorized Closed
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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

Published May 29, 2023 devotional , Jesus Speaks , Uncategorized Closed
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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!

Spreading the Gospel with Efficiency

Published May 22, 2023 devotional , Jesus Speaks , Uncategorized Closed
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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!

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