Matthew 19:26. With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.
So we into the Saturday of this Victoria Day long weekend, what’s up people? Barbecues, planting, cottage openings, beach parties and other summer stuff is the usual action, but for certain, with this pandemic lockdown, some of that stuff will surely be curtailed. The predicted rainy weather for today might even add to that curtailment. But knowing the human’s penchant for fun and excitement, the weekend will not be a lost cause. And believe it or not, the friendly discussions between the duchess and I over the level of the a/c have already begun! (smile) And today is only the first day… looking forward to many more as the weather gets really hot. Some things never change eh!
But let’s get down to our Saturday business nuh, that of checking out the quotes our friend Anselm sent us this past week, as he aspires to inspire us for a better tomorrow. And the first one says: ‘I have accepted fear as part of life — specifically the fear of change… I have gone ahead despite the pounding in the heart that says: turn back.’ What can we say to that powerful statement eh? First off, it’s good to recognize that fear is a part of our lives, it will always be there, and it will only be conquered by faith!
And furthermore, when we become believers in Christ Jesus, then fear becomes one of our lesser worries, even the fear of change, which many of us tremble to even think of. That’s because faith in Jesus overcomes the fear of everything else in our lives. Look at how many times He said to His disciples, ‘Fear not!’ And He also derided them often with the words ‘O ye of little faith!’ And as He gave them the Great Commission, He made them this powerful promise: ‘For I am with you always…even to the end of the world.’ (Matt. 28:20)
But to get that faith, one must first know about Jesus, believe that what He says is true, then surrender your life to Him. And when you fulfill those requirements, the pounding of fear in your heart, re change, or anything at all, is quietened by the peace, LOVE, faith, strength and trust in Jesus! Wow! What a remarkable life one can live by trusting in Jesus!
And that brings us to this next quote: ‘It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change.’ Now, I don’t think that one’s survival as a species is totally dependent on one’s response to change, although it is a part of the story. Please remember that all change is not necessarily for the better, and many a species have become extinct by accepting changes that did not suit or help them.
Species survival, and we talking about mankind here, is more dependent on the species being wise enough to accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour of its life! Just look at the current fiasco that’s our world and human life nuh! If more of us had sincerely accepted Jesus as the answer to our problems, instead of trying to get rid of Him, our world, and consequently our lives would never be in such turmoil.
So, we come to the following quote: ‘Always believe that the impossible is always possible.’ Now what are you basing that belief on eh? You can only truly believe that if you are a follower of Jesus! Remember after Jesus told the disciples about it being easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God, and they were amazed, wondering who then could be saved? Jesus then informed them: ‘With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.’ (Matt. 19:26)
That’s reference to God’s omnipotence! And Christ makes the same statement when He prays in the Garden of Gethsemane the night before His crucifixion. ‘And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt (will).’ (Mark 14:36) Christ knew that if the Father wanted to stop His crucifixion He could, but that was the only just and righteous way for mankind to be saved. So, to believe that all things are truly possibly you must have some solid, foundational basis for believing it, and the only true basis for that is trust in Almighty God!
And as we move on, this interesting quote surfaces: ‘Everyone has a choice. You can choose your own path in life.’ Now that’s the awesome truth! But the first problem here is to determine the possible paths available to you. Then to decide which one best suits you! And I beg to offer that there are only two possible paths in this life; that set forth by the world under the auspices of Satan, and that set forth by Jesus Christ! And I further beg to offer that the one set forth by Jesus Christ is the best one!
Now it might not seem so in the short term, but most certainly in the long run, it is the best path to choose. Granted it’s a narrow and difficult path, but in the end, the rewards of salvation and eternal life with Christ in heaven will definitely outweigh the suffering, the darkness and fires of hell and eternal damnation and separation from God that the broad and easy path provides. Yes friends, it’s your choice, but please remember that the fun and frolic that Satan’s deceitful world offers now, doesn’t last forever, and it eventually turns into a sad minefield of broken dreams, shattered hopes and ruined lives. So please choose wisely.
That brings us to our last quote. ‘You should LOVE and take care of yourself because after all, it’s your own life.’ You can’t dispute that, but in reality some of us overindulge ourselves, even to the point of narcissism, as the world dictates. And then some of us go to the other extreme, and for whatever reason(s) treat ourselves terribly. What we need is a reasonable and sensible middle ground. And that can only be found if we listen to and follow Jesus’ directive.
Remember the second part of His answer to the question of the Great Commandment? ‘And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt LOVE thy neighbour as thyself.’ (Matt. 22:39) That means we need to have a healthy respect for ourselves, because it’s only then are we able to LOVE anyone else properly. If we are narcissistic, we won’t be preoccupied with anyone but ourselves, and if we treat ourselves shabbily, most likely that’s the way we will treat others.
Now, I’m sure you can see from all we’ve spoken above, that Jesus is the only true and real answer to all of our problems! And that’s the sermon for today! (smile) Oh friends, please have a blessed and pleasant day, as you walk with Christ in peace, LOVE and joy. Much LOVE!
…Jesus is the answer…oh yes…Jesus is the answer…
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