The Light of the World

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JESUS SPEAKING

Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” (John 8: 12)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

Jesus Christ is the light of the world. He came to show everyone the pathway to a renewed relationship with God. His life, teachings, and Spirit have eliminated any confusion between what is good and evil. Now, every believer can know God’s will and avoid the stumbling blocks of sin.

In the Old Testament, a prophet named Hilkiah once discovered a lost copy of the written law of God inside of the old temple. He gave these scriptures to King Josiah, who upon reading them, was horrified at how terribly disobedient the entire nation of Israel had become; he even tore his own clothing in despair. In response, he chose to read the law out loud for everyone to hear; he also initiated a sweeping spiritual reformation designed to bring the nation of Israel back into compliance with God’s commandments. He journeyed throughout Israel, tearing down all of the pagan altars and destroying their idols. The light of God’s word gave Josiah discernment.

In much the same way, those who call Jesus their Lord are given the light of life; the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. As this light burns in our hearts, it illuminates the darkness; allowing us to discern the differences between good and evil. Thus, knowing what is right becomes a simple choice for those who desire to follow Christ.

“Lord Heavenly Father, we yearn to know Your will. Fill our hearts and minds with Your Holy Spirit, that we may comprehend what path is pleasing to You. Give us the strength and courage to choose what is right and to remain obedient, even in the hardest of times. 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 name we pray. Amen.” God bless all of You!

The Greatest

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JESUS SPEAKING

So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down again, He said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. If then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.” (John 3: 12 – 17)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

During the first century, sandals were the most common type of footwear worn in Israel. Over the course of a day, dirt and grime would build up around the feet; thus necessitating the practice of foot washing before entering a home. This filthy task was usually relegated to the lowest ranking servants in a household. When Jesus washed the disciples feet, He gave us all an example of how lowliness and humility equates to greatness in God’s kingdom.

Throughout history, countless missionaries have gone into the dirtiest, most impoverished places to selflessly serve others in obedience to God’s will. As the story goes, one prominent missionary once wrote, “In encouraging young men to come out as missionaries, do use the greatest caution. One wrong-minded, obstinate man would ruin us. Humble…persevering men of sound, sterling character, with good accomplishment and some natural aptitude to acquire a language; men of amiable, yielding temper, willing to take the lowest place; men who live close to God, and who are willing to suffer all things for Christ sake without being proud of it—these are the kind of men we need.”

Like many missionaries, and like the Lord Jesus Christ, the greatest Christians among us will be those who are the greatest servants. If we desire to follow Christ we too must embrace a life of selflessness and humility; denying our own flesh so that others may see the works of God and experience His love. May we all commit to this undertaking.

“Lord Heavenly Father, provide us with opportunities throughout the day to serve others with great affection. May we seek to be the greatest servants; offering our lives as a sacrifice for the furtherance of Your gospel message. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit, and may we walk with You always. 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!

Worshiping God

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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!