What did Jesus say ? - About Seeking Revenge And Getting Even?

 
Thought For Today - April 11, 2025
 What did Jesus say ? -  About Seeking Revenge And Getting Even?
By: Robert A. Searles

    The sinful human nature in mankind seeks revenge and wants to "get even". as it were, for every little wrong done unto us. The law of the old testament declared that for every wrong deed done to someone, the wrong doer was to receive the same thing done to him: an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth. If you slap my face, I will slap yours, if you kill my dog, I will kill yours, etc.. The attitude was that if I can't have something, I don't want you to have it either, thus: Envy, strife, and contention.

    Unfortunately, this same attitude prevails in the world today, even among some Christians, I am ashamed to report. We are always complaining like school children about what is fair, and that which seems to be unfair to us.

    When Jesus came, he taught a whole new set of rules and standards  to which God's redeemed children ought to adhere . Instead of revenge and getting even, we ought to be more ready to forgive and pardon one another, even as God does for us through our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. We ought to have pity and feel sorry for the one who does us wrong, and if possible bring him into the fold of the redeemed of God.

Jesus said:"Ye have heard that it hath been said, an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: But I say unto you, that ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if a man will sue thee at the law and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also, and whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. Give to him that asketh of thee, and from him that would borrow of thee, turn not thou away." Matthew 5: 38-42.

Why not go the extra mile, and show mercy?

    The apostle Paul, speaking to Christians said: "Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another, why do ye not rather take wrong? Why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded?" 1 Corinthians 6:7

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                                   Psalm 26:7

What did Jesus say about making vows and swearing oaths?

Thought For Today - April 10, 2025

What did Jesus say about making vows and swearing oaths?
By: Robert A. Searles

    We need to be very careful not to make promises that we do not intend to keep or have no power to perform. Deliberately breaking a promise or breaking a vow is sin. We must not make vows to God and then renege on our promise. God will not hold us guiltless if we do. If we find that we are guilty of making vows to man or God and forswearing ourselves, we need to go to God and confess, make restitution if that is possible, so that we might be forgiven.

    We really have no right to swear to anything, nor make any promises beyond the point in time in which we now exist because we have very little or no control over the future. It is best just to say yes, yes, or no, no, all according to the will of God.

    Jesus said: "Again ye have heard that it hath been said of them of old time, thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shall perform unto the Lord thine oaths. But I say unto you, swear not at all, neither by heaven: for it is God's throne. Nor by the earth, for it is his footstool; neither by Jerusalem: for it is the city of the great king. Neither shall thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white of black. But let your communication be yea, yea, nay, nay,: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil." Matthew 5: 33-37.

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                                        Psalm26:7 

What did Jesus say about adultery?

 
 Thought For Today - April 9, 2025
 What did Jesus say about adultery?
By: Robert A. Searles

    One man, one woman, joined together in marriage for life: This is God's perfect plan for the home, and the propagation of children. The marriage relationship between man and wife here on earth is a picture of a child of God's relationship with Christ. The redeemed church is considered to be the bride of Christ.

    If a man or woman strays from the one to whom he or she has pledged themselves for life, and has intercourse with another, this is considered adultery in the mind of God. One of the ten commandments says: "Thou shalt not commit adultery."

    Jesus taught his hearers that not only was it possible that one might commit physical adultery, but more importantly, one is in danger of committing adultery in one's mind as well. 

    How many of us can feast our eyes on sexually explicit videos and movies without committing adultery in our minds? That which the mind conceives, the flesh achieves. We are all guilty and need to confess so that we might be forgiven.

    Is there a redeemed child of God anywhere who has never looked upon the things of the world in his mind and lusted after them, and been tempted to fall away from the things of Christ and follow after them? We have all been guilty at times and need to confess so that we might be forgiven.

    The actions of the flesh begin with the thoughts of the mind. We need to keep our mind on Christ and his word so that we will not be tempted to commit physical or spiritual adultery. That which the world sees in our marital relationship with our spouse, is a reflection of our relationship and marriage to Christ. We need to be careful what kind of a picture we present.

    Jesus said: "Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, that whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart." Matthew 5: 27,28.

 "And I say unto you, whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, commiteth adultery, and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery." Matthew 19: 9.

    It is indeed sad to behold so many broken homes and families who have strayed from their marriage vows, and because of the lust of the flesh, have committed adultery. It is equally sad to behold one who has been redeemed by the blood of Christ, and has become part of the bride of Christ, to fall back into the sins of the world and be guilty of committing adultery with the world.

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                                       Psalm 26:7

What Did Jesus Say ? - Concerning the Law?

Thought For Today - April 8, 2025
What Did Jesus Say ? -  Concerning the Law?
By: Robert  A. Searles

When almighty God created the universe and all things therein, he established certain laws by which it would function and continue. He established all the laws of physics, mathematics, and astronomy, which he has by grace revealed to mankind; likewise, he established spiritual laws by which mankind was to relate to him and enjoy his fellowship. He delivered to Moses the ten commandments and other instructions that were required to be obeyed if one was to have fellowship with him and inherit his eternal glory.

No one can see God and inherit his glory unless they kept the whole law. If they failed in one point of the law, all was lost. God knew from the very beginning, because of the nature of man, what was in man, and the frailty of man, so he made provision for mankind by sending Jesus Christ into the world, the one and only person and member of the human race who is one hundred percent man and at the same time one hundred percent God, who alone was able to obey the whole law in its' entirety.

God stills holds all mankind responsible for obeying his laws, but warns us that no one is capable of obeying the law perfectly, therefore unless someone else who is capable does for us that which we cannot do for ourselves, we are without hope and lost. But the good news is that Christ Jesus came into the world to save us from the curse of the law and set us free and place us under the grace or unmerited favor of God.

Jesus said: "Think not that I am come to destroy the law or the prophets. I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. for verily I say unto you, till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittles shall in no wise pass from the law till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these commandments and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven; but whosoever shall do and teach them shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I say unto you that except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 5: 17-20.

Some people may think that because Christians are under grace and not under law, that the laws and commandments of God no longer apply, but this is not so. Jesus taught otherwise. The requirements of the law are in effect today as much as they ever were, but none of us can meet those requirements no matter how hard we try. Our only hope is to flee to Jesus for forgiveness and ask him to impute his righteousness to us. Then sin no longer abounds but grace does much more abound, and we are set free from the curse of breaking God's laws.
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                                     Psalm 26: 7

What Did Jesus Say? - About the Christian's Influence in the World?

Thought For Today - April 7, 2025
What Did Jesus Say? - About the Christian's Influence in the World?
By: Robert A Searles

What is the role of the Christian in the midst of an ungodly world culture? Jesus likened the Christian's influence to that of salt. 

Salt is an important substance which adds flavor to our food, and acts as a preservative and an antiseptic healer of wounds. If salt looses its' saltiness, it no longer adds flavor, and no longer preserves, and no longer heals. It is no better than the earth on which we walk.

Jesus said: "Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savor, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out and to be trodden under foot of men." Matthew 5: 13.

When a Christian comes in contact with those around him who have no knowledge or relationship with God, and know little or nothing of God's saving grace, the ungodly person ought to be able to taste the difference between the holy and unholy lifestyle. The Christian should be a living testimony to the saving grace of God, and the ungodly should taste and see what may be missing in their lives. The Christian ought to act as a preserver of righteousness and right living in his own family circle, his community, and his nation. The tragedy is that many so called Christians have lost their saltiness, so to speak, and though they may be saved and retain a form of godliness, yet, they are no longer the salty influence in their family, community, and nation as they ought to be. Therefore their influence is at a minimum, and the world disregards them, and pays little attention to what they say they believe.
How can this ungodly world system be seasoned so as to have a flavor of godliness and righteousness?

"Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltiness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another." Mark 9:50.

How does one maintain his saltiness? The answer is: by abiding in Christ; By having his words constantly flowing through our mind; and by keeping short accounts with God, confessing our sins daily so that we maintain a continuous walk in the spirit; and by prayer and meditation.

Let us pray as Christians that we do not loose our spiritual saltiness and continue to make a difference in the world.

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                                     Psalm 26:7

What did Jesus say? - About Persecution?

 
Thought For Today - April 6, 2025
What did Jesus say? - About Persecution?

By: Robert A. Searles

Many people, down through the centuries, have suffered persecutions for the cause of Christ, and for the preaching of his gospel. Jesus warned his disciples, and us, that to follow him would mean persecution and suffering.
The bible says that Satan is a liar, and cannot tolerate truth, so wherever truth is lived and preached, Satan will be at work to stop it.
We live in a relatively free country here in America. We have not yet known religious persecution as some in other countries have; but there are many today in our country who would suppress any mention of God in public places, particularly, the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Bible reading and prayer is being banned from the public school system and sporting events. If we remain steadfast and remain true to the teaching of the word of God, we stand in line for persecution from the ungodly world. Who knows to where it might lead? It might lead perhaps to martyrdom and death.
Only as we derive our strength from a one on one personal relationship with Jesus Christ can we find the grace and strength to endure such persecution.
Jesus said: "Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 5: 10.
If we are being persecuted for the cause of Christ and his righteousness, and bear it patiently to the end, Jesus said we would be blessed and inherit the kingdom of heaven.
We must, however, be sure that if we are persecuted, it is not for any misdeeds of our own, for then we would deserve persecution; but for the cause of Christ, let us be steadfast and unmovable, trusting him to bring us through trials and difficulties for his name's sake.

What did Jesus say? - How should we react to persecution?

No one can out give God.
Jesus said: :Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you." Matthew 5: 11,12.
If, for the cause of Christ we make ourselves vulnerable to be reviled, ridiculed, spit upon, abused, neglected, and abandoned by even our own familiar family and friends - even if we suffer physical pain and death, even as the martyrs of old have done, we should count it all joy because God has great rewards for all those who endure such things.
If we must face persecution for Christ, we should never be ashamed of him, for we will be more than conquerors with him in the end. Consider the suffering and persecution that he suffered for our salvation, and see how God has rewarded him for his obedience by giving him a name above every name to whom every knee shall eventually bow.
When we are being persecuted for righteousness sake, we are in good company with all the prophets which went before us.

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                                 Psalm 26: 7

 
 Thought For Today - April 5, 2025
What did Jesus say? - About mercy?
By: Robert A. Searles

    The definition of mercy is: a quality of compassion, clemency, a refraining from the infliction of suffering by one who has the right or power to inflict.

    One of the attributes of God is his mercy. God has compassion on all of his creatures, and is not willing that any should perish. He certainly has the right and power to inflict suffering to punish evil doers, but God is long suffering and withholds his wrath from falling upon those of us who deserve it. Instead he pours out his grace, unmerited favor, favor that we have not earned, and do not deserve.

Jesus said: "Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy." Matthew 5:7

    In the likeness of God, as his dear children, he expects us also to be like him in showing mercy. We ought to be concerned for the eternal welfare of those around us. We ought to love and show mercy to the unlovable. We ought to be more ready to forgive and pardon than to seek revenge.

    God looks upon us as we are merciful to others, and pours out his mercy upon us accordingly. "Blessed are the merciful for they shalt receive mercy." Math 5:7

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Psalm 26: 7

What Did Jesus Say? - About Hunger?

Thought for Today - April 4, 2025 

What Did Jesus Say? - About Hunger?

By: Robert A. Searles

Jesus said; “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.” Matthew 5: 6.

Those of us who have been “born again” into the family of God by the grace of God, through the sacrifice of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, still live in a heathen world full of sin and corruption. We are in the world, but not of the world. The banqueting table of this sinful world no longer nourishes us and we suffer from spiritual malnutrition, because the substance of the world cannot meet our spiritual need. Once we have tasted and seen that the Lord is good, the sweetmeats of the world become bitter to us, and does not satisfy. We hunger, and long, and desire for something better than that which the world has to offer. We hunger and thirst for the table that God has promised to spread for us in the wilderness.

Jesus told us that when we truly desire and hunger for the things of God and thirst for his righteousness we will be blessed and he will fill us. God our Father will not allow his children to suffer spiritual famine if we truly desire to be fed by him.

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                               Psalm 26:7

                

What did Jesus say? - About meekness?

Thought For Today - April 3,2025
 What did Jesus say? - About meekness?

By: Robert A. Searles

    What did Jesus say about meekness? Jesus said: "Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth." Matthew 5: 5.
    What does it mean to be meek? To be meek means to be submissive; to be humble; gentle, easily entreated.
    In our sin cursed world culture, meekness is sometimes considered weakness, where the world's philosophy is the survival of the fittest and strongest, and most aggressive; but Jesus taught otherwise. Jesus taught that meekness is strength and power, and will result in blessing from God.
    Meekness ought to be an outstanding attribute of a true child of God as he follows the example of Jesus.
    "He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth." Isaiah 53.7 Jesus said: "Take my yoke upon you and lean of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest for your souls." Matthew 21:5
    An example of meekness is found in Moses who led the children of Israel out of the bondage of Egypt, of whom it was said that he was the meekest man on earth. "(Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men that were upon the face of the earth)" Numbers 12:3. Another example of meekness is Jesus who exhibited extreme meekness at his trial and crucifixion, yet he conquered the most formidable enemy of all, death itself, and is now seated at the right hand of God the Father, waiting for the signal to come and reclaim the earth and its' inhabitants for the glory of God as king of kings and Lord of Lords.
Let us pray that we can be more like Jesus because he has told us that the meek will eventually inherit the earth.

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                                   Psalm 26:7

What did Jesus say? - About Mourning?

 Thought For Today - April 2, 2025
What did Jesus say? - About Mourning?

By: Robert A. Searles

To mourn means to feel sorry for..; to grieve for something or someone.
"It is better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting: for that is the end of all men, and the living will lay it to his heart." Ecclesiastes 7:2.
    We can never be truly happy and blessed while we are feasting with the world in the pleasures of sin. There is pleasure in sin for a season. The temporary pleasures of sin come and go and in the end we are left empty and desolate, but when we come to the place in our life where we realize the consequences of being forever lost and separated from God, because "The wages of sin is death", we enter into the house of mourning, as it were, and when we truly feel sorry and grieve over our sinful condition and separation from God, and ask God's forgiveness, then we are blessed and comforted.
    When we mourn because of our sin, then God is there to lift us up, forgive us, and comfort us.
Jesus said: "Blessed are they that mourn for they shall be comforted." Matthew 5:4.

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                                 Psalm 26:7