Your faith spurring you on

 Your faith spurring you on

The apostle John writes,

"If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?  

Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth." 1John 3:17,18.

Loving and helping someone in need shows the world we are Christians.

Jesus said,

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.  

By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." John 13:34,35.

In the book of James we read,

"In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. 

But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds." Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do."  James 2:17,18. 

James makes it clear that faith without deeds is dead.

So the question I would ask is, If you consider yourself a true Christian. A true follower of Christ Jesus. Is you faith spurring you on to good works?

Please think about it.

Asking God

 Asking God

In the book of James we read,

"When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures." James 4:3.

I’ve met many who claim to be Christians who ask God for everything and anything they can think about. They ask God for a big house, fancy car, money. The list goes on and on.

There are even evangelist, Pastors, and others claiming to be Christians who say give to God (quite often meaning their ministry) and He will give you much more than you ever give to Him. 

Sadly many are mislead to give more than they can afford. Resulting in financial hardship for the giver.

The apostle Paul states, 

“And my God shall supply all your need 

according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus”

                                                             Philippians:4:19

The key words here being “...your needs”.

You may want a huge multimillion dollar home with a Rolls Royce in the driveway and a huge bank account. But do you really need it?

Take a look at what James writes again,

"When you ask, you do not receive, 

because you ask with wrong motives, 

that you may spend what you get on your pleasures." James 4:3

When you ask God for something is it what you need?

Please think about it.

Necessary or Unnecessary

  Necessary or Unnecessary 

Jesus said,

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.  

For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.” Matthew 7:7,8.

Here I believe Jesus is talking about spiritual things. He is saying that anyone who is truly seeking answers about God, God will provide them with answers. If they knock (pray earnestly) the door of knowledge will open to Gods throne room.

        Sadly many do not get answers to their prayers because they ask amiss. They ask for material things money etc.

In the book of James we read,

“When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.” James 4:3.

As believers in Christ Jesus we should always look to what is motivating our prayers. While there are times when we need to ask God for our material needs. We should always question our motives. Looking to see if what we are asking for lines up with what we truly need.

When you ask God for things do you ask Him for necessary or unnecessary things?

Please think about it.

Ask Jesus

 Ask Jesus

Jesus said,

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  

For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30.

I think whether or not they want to admit, it people in this world whether they live in the poorest or the richest nations on earth, are looking for something. They are longing for something that seems to elude them. Just what that is they may not know.

Many especially here in the rich western counties try to fill that longing with material things, fancy cars, luxurious houses, money, the list goes on and on. Ultimately they find that these things may for a moment fill the void they have in their life but when that moment is passed the need more. Rather like a person addicted to drugs who needs to get another fix.

To these people Jesus calls,

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  

For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30.

This is the message Christians around the world proclaim to those around them. Irrespective of the situation people find themselves in Jesus can give them rest for their soul. 

Are you in need of that rest today? Why not take time to ask Jesus to give you that rest. 

Take time to read the New Testament. Pray and ask Jesus to come into your life.

Please think about it.

What are you doing?

 What are you doing?

The Apostle John writes,

“If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?  

Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.” 1John 3:17,18.

Here is something that if you claim to be a follower of Christ Jesus you cannot refuse to do. Help others in need.

I firmly believe that all Christians no matter their station in life, if they can help someone even with a cup of cold water we must do it.

Jesus said,

“And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward.” Matthew 10:42.

I firmly believe that the more blessed we are materially the more we are obligated as followers of Christ Jesus to help others. This especially is true for politicians who have the power to help those in need the most.

As Christians we cannot stand by and let people suffer. We must help those in need.

Question: What are you doing to help those in need around your city, town or village?

Please think about it.