Prayer-Soldier Newbie
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Posted: Sun Apr 24, 2016 8:15 pm Post subject: What is Revealed by What We Say and What We Do |
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What is Revealed by What We Say and What We Do
Scripture:
And when they had preached the gospel to that city and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch: Confirming the souls of the disciples and exhorting them to continue in the faith: and that through many tribulations we must enter into the kingdom of God. And when they had ordained to them priests in every church and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, in whom they believed. And passing through Pisidia, they came into Pamphylia. And having spoken the word of the Lord in Perge, they went down into Attalia. And thence they sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been delivered to the grace of God, unto the work which they accomplished. And when they were come and had assembled the church, they related what great things God had done with them and how he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.
(Acts 14:21-27)
I saw a new heaven and a new earth. For the first heaven and the first earth was gone: and the sea is now no more. And I, John, saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice from the throne, saying: Behold the tabernacle of God with men: and he will dwell with them. And they shall be his people: and God himself with them shall be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes: and death shall be no more. Nor mourning, nor crying, nor sorrow shall be any more, for the former things are passed away. And he that sat on the throne, said: Behold, I make all things new. And he said to me: Write. For these words are most faithful and true. (Revelation 21:1-5)
When he therefore was gone out, Jesus said: Now is the Son of man glorified; and God is glorified in him. If God be glorified in him, God also will glorify him in himself: and immediately will he glorify him. Little children, yet a little while I am with you. You shall seek me. And as I said to the Jews: Whither I go you cannot come; so I say to you now. A new commandment I give unto you: That you love one another, as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love one for another. (John 13:31-35)
Reflection:
The ones Jesus taught were sent out into the world to spread the news the world needed to hear. It was a world where the evil one lurked to blind, confuse and sow divisions among the peoples. It was a world with hearts similar to the hearts of the world today. It was a world where those filled with the Holy Spirit would need to work with courage and dedication to spread from heart to heart the Light sent to save all who believe in Him as their redeemer. They sought to spread His light in the same fashion one candle lights another; a light, ever growing, ever expanding, ever spreading to extinguish the darkness.
The efforts of God to communicate with the children of His creation are woven through the generations. Some hear clearly, some hear in confusion, some refuse to hear and some hear, instead, the one who seeks to deceive and keep them in the darkness. From what they hear, some profess Him unconditionally, some profess how they choose to know Him, some profess He cannot be, some profess falsehoods of which they are misled to believe as truth.
He sees the struggles of all as they face the darkness. He sees the tribulations and strife of those He created. He desires that they remain with Him, but it must be by their choice, for if it is not, the choice has no meaning. Blessed are those who turn to Him, for He will receive them and care for them where love reigns and evil cannot follow. It is in this place there shall be no more worry or fear, for the tribulations and sorrows of the world shall remain within the world as God embraces, cleanses and brings the faithful to His kingdom.
This is the good news He desires the generations to hear, that He waits, not to condemn, but to forgive. And so Jesus sent forth those He taught so that the path to His kingdom might be revealed. It is the path which may only be found through Him. It is the path He taught and commanded all should follow. It is the path found through the commandments of love.
We might wonder, how is it that so many view love as a burden rather than a blessing? How is it that so many are convinced they should rebel against His commandments? How is it that so many ignore His call to love? How is it so many are driven to fan the flames of selfishness, pride, anger, judgment, envy and hate?
Jesus taught that it is the love within and freely shared which reveals His followers. The question, then, is what comes forth from us? Many will profess to follow Him, but by their words and actions, the truth of what is within is eventually revealed. If love is not within the heart, then, what flows out will only reveal the fruits of darkness.
As we reflect upon what we say and what we do, we should ask ourselves, what do we reveal about what is within us? What do we reveal by what crosses our lips? What do we reveal by how we treat others? Do we condemn and judge or do we encourage the blessings of faith? Do we turn away those less fortunate or offer of our time and talents in charity? What do others receive from us, blessings or harshness? In this examination of our hearts, we shall learn of ourselves and whom we truly follow. Blessed are the hearts who follow His commandments of love, for they shall live as an example of the greatest strength He brought to the world, the strength of love.
May the peace and blessings of the Lord be with you always,
Prayer Soldier
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