"Who is among you that feareth the LORD, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the LORD, and stay upon his God" (Isaiah 50:10). In the spiritual sense, walking in darkness usually means walking in sin (Proverbs 4:19). However, according to the context of Isaiah 50:10, those who walk in darkness and have no light are those who fear the LORD and obey His voice! God's children were going through a period of darkness and suffered afflictions, trials, chastisement and testings.
When we are in our great trial, affliction, or testing. e.g. serious illness, family breakdown, bankruptcy, job losses, accidents or disasters, bereavement, oppressive opposition from the adversaries, etc, and it seems that we have no light, no strength, no hope, no directions, etc., we are encouraged to "trust in the name of the LORD, and stay upon" our God, who is our Light and Salvation (Psalm 27:1)
In all situations, we are encouraged to trust in the name of the LORD. Do we know His name? The name LORD (all letters in capital), in Hebrew, is the Tetragrammaton YHWH. The LORD or Jehovah is the covenant name of the covenant God to His covenant people. God appeared to Moses and said, "I AM THAT I AM" (EXODUS 3:14). Isaiah 42:8 says "I am the LORD:that is my name."
Reflection:I can trust in my almighty LORD even in my days of darkness. Extracted from READ PRAY GROW (april - june 2010) issue.
Monday 26 April 2010
Saturday 24 April 2010
Becoming Humble
Hi dear friends, at present I am reading a book entitled "THE GIFT OF PROPHECY" by Jack Deere. In this book, he touches on the topic of humility which I would like to share with you on some insights.Humility is almost always acquired in the desert. Moses, David, John the Baptist and Jesus all had significant training in the desert. The desert is necessary because no human being has the character to bear perpetual success. Jesus had the character, but His Father did not except Him from the rule. We need failure, pain and dryness to break the power of our pride. In this life, there is no cure for our pride. We are offered a daily reprieve based on the quality of our daily walk with Jesus. The desert represents that time in our lives when we seem unproductive and God seems far away. And if that weren't enough, a major test or temptation is thrown at us in the desert. The pain of the desert is where we learn that apart from Christ we can do nothing.
A second thing that helps us to grow in humility is being with humble people. It is a law of human nature that we will become like our friends (Proverbs 13:20). All of us need one to three people of the same sex who are so close to us that they know all our secrets. Why? Because if you can't talk about it, it owns you. When I share a dark secret with a close friend, 50% of the power of that darkness over me is immediately broken. James said that if we want to be healed, it is necessary to confess our sins to one another. You can only do this consistently with the closest of friends, people who would never use your secrets to betray you.
Truly deep friendships are formed without ulterior motives. Best friends are best friends for one reason: They enjoy each other. And this brings us back to our ultimate purpose in life, to love God and one another (Matthew 22:37-40)
KNOW THE TRUTH
"Give your burdens to the LORD, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.: Psalm 55:22
"God helps those who help themselves" is an oft-heard "biblical" phrase you will have trouble finding in Scripture because it isn't there. It's just a common saying.
What does the Bible say? "Give your burdens to the LORD, and he will take care of you."
The myth that God helps those who help themselves drives us to try to do God's job. We pray, pray for change. Change in anything. Changes in our lives, our career, our children, our spouse, those nasty neighbours down the street. The list goes on and on. But nothing changes since we're the ones applying all the "fixed."
As long as we are trying to do God's job, He won't. God will stand back and wait until we stop trying to do what we've asked Him to do. Yielding to God brings marvelous results!
God will sustain you when you lean on Him. By Nancy F. Revie
"God helps those who help themselves" is an oft-heard "biblical" phrase you will have trouble finding in Scripture because it isn't there. It's just a common saying.
What does the Bible say? "Give your burdens to the LORD, and he will take care of you."
The myth that God helps those who help themselves drives us to try to do God's job. We pray, pray for change. Change in anything. Changes in our lives, our career, our children, our spouse, those nasty neighbours down the street. The list goes on and on. But nothing changes since we're the ones applying all the "fixed."
As long as we are trying to do God's job, He won't. God will stand back and wait until we stop trying to do what we've asked Him to do. Yielding to God brings marvelous results!
God will sustain you when you lean on Him. By Nancy F. Revie
Friday 23 April 2010
Hebrews 11:1
Genuine faith puts its letter in the mailbox and lets go. Distrust, however, holds on to a corner of the envelope and then wonders why the answers never arrives. There are some letters on my desk that I wrote weeks ago, but I have yet to mail them because of my uncertainty over the address or the contents. Those letters have not done any good for me or anyone else at this point. And they never will accomplish anything until I let go of them, trusting them to the postal service.
Dr. Payson, while still a young man, once wrote to an elderly mother who was extremely worried and burdened over the condition of her son. He wrote,
You are worrying too much about him. Once you have prayed for him, as you have done, and committed him to God, you should not continue to be anxious. God's command, "Do not be anxious about anything" is unlimited, and so is the verse, "Cast all your anxiety on him". If we truly have cast our burdens upon another, can they continue to pressure us? If we carry them with us from the throne of grace, it is obvious we have not left them there. In my own life I test my prayers in this way:after committing something to God, if I can come away, like Hannah did, with no more sadness, pain, or anxiety in my heart, I see it as proof that I have prayed the prayer of faith. But if I pray and then still carry my burden, I conclude my faith was not exercised.
When we nailed our concerns, anxieties and worries upon the old rugged Cross, have we left them there or still carry them with us? Extracted from Streams of the Desert
Dr. Payson, while still a young man, once wrote to an elderly mother who was extremely worried and burdened over the condition of her son. He wrote,
You are worrying too much about him. Once you have prayed for him, as you have done, and committed him to God, you should not continue to be anxious. God's command, "Do not be anxious about anything" is unlimited, and so is the verse, "Cast all your anxiety on him". If we truly have cast our burdens upon another, can they continue to pressure us? If we carry them with us from the throne of grace, it is obvious we have not left them there. In my own life I test my prayers in this way:after committing something to God, if I can come away, like Hannah did, with no more sadness, pain, or anxiety in my heart, I see it as proof that I have prayed the prayer of faith. But if I pray and then still carry my burden, I conclude my faith was not exercised.
When we nailed our concerns, anxieties and worries upon the old rugged Cross, have we left them there or still carry them with us? Extracted from Streams of the Desert
What Are You Worth?
Mark 10:45
"For even I, the Son of Man, came here not to be served but to serve others and to give my life as a ransom for many."
My husband and I collect antiques and often argue about their value. He'll say, "This is worth five hundred dollars." And I'll reply, "It's not worth anything unless someone is willing to buy it!" Worth, just like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder.
An appraiser may place high value on an item, and a dealer may ask any price he or she chooses, but if nobody buys it, the antique is virtually worthless to the seller. Nothing is worth more than what someone's willing to pay for it.
Even your worth and mine are determined by how much someone would pay for us. There is someone who values us enough that He paid an outlandish price for our purchase. Jesus paid the ultimate price by giving His own life for ours. God values us so much that He gave up His own Son to redeem us. The Creator of the universe was willing to give His life in exchange for your. By Marsha Jordan
"For even I, the Son of Man, came here not to be served but to serve others and to give my life as a ransom for many."
My husband and I collect antiques and often argue about their value. He'll say, "This is worth five hundred dollars." And I'll reply, "It's not worth anything unless someone is willing to buy it!" Worth, just like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder.
An appraiser may place high value on an item, and a dealer may ask any price he or she chooses, but if nobody buys it, the antique is virtually worthless to the seller. Nothing is worth more than what someone's willing to pay for it.
Even your worth and mine are determined by how much someone would pay for us. There is someone who values us enough that He paid an outlandish price for our purchase. Jesus paid the ultimate price by giving His own life for ours. God values us so much that He gave up His own Son to redeem us. The Creator of the universe was willing to give His life in exchange for your. By Marsha Jordan
Wednesday 21 April 2010
HE KNOWS THE WAY THAT I TAKE (Job 23:10)
O believer, what a glorious assurance this verse is! What confidence I have because "the way that I take" - this way of trials and tears, however winding, hidden, or tangled - "He knows"! When the "furnace is heated seven times hotter than usual" (Daniel 3:19), I can know He still lights my way. There is an almighty Guide who knows and directs my steps, whether they lead to the bitter water at the well of Marah or to the joy and refreshment of the oasis at Elim. (Exodus 15:23-27).
The way is dark to the Egyptians yet has its own pillar of cloud and fire for God's Israel. The furnace may be hot, but not only can I trust the hand that lights the fire, I can also have the assurance the fire will not consume but only refine. And when the refining process is complete, not a moment too soon or too late, "I will come forth as gold" (Job 23:10)
When I feel God is the farthest away, He is often the nearest to me. "When my spirit grows faint within me, it is you who know my way" (Psalm 142:3). Do we know of another who shines brighter than the most radiant sunlight, who meets us in our room with the first waking light, who has an infinitely tender and compassionate watchfulness over us throughout our day, and who "knows the way that we take"?
The way is dark to the Egyptians yet has its own pillar of cloud and fire for God's Israel. The furnace may be hot, but not only can I trust the hand that lights the fire, I can also have the assurance the fire will not consume but only refine. And when the refining process is complete, not a moment too soon or too late, "I will come forth as gold" (Job 23:10)
When I feel God is the farthest away, He is often the nearest to me. "When my spirit grows faint within me, it is you who know my way" (Psalm 142:3). Do we know of another who shines brighter than the most radiant sunlight, who meets us in our room with the first waking light, who has an infinitely tender and compassionate watchfulness over us throughout our day, and who "knows the way that we take"?
JESUS FEEDS THE FIVE THOUSAND
Mark 6:45
"Immediately he made his disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side."
When someone says,"She made me do it!", he means that he did what he did not on his own accord, maybe even unwillingly, but he did it anyway against his will. If given a choice, he would prefer to do it another way or maybe not do anything at all.
So from Mark 6:45 and Matthew 14:22, when Jesus made his disciples to go away, it means that the disciples actually prefer not to go!
Imagine the scene. Their master just performed a miracle! They must be so excited about the miracle and greatly affected by Jesus' power and wanted to go along with the crowd and hail Jesus as King.
But Jesus knew what was going on inside the peoples' mind and subtly forestalled it. Therefore, He immediately (before the disciples let the wrong perception sank into their heads) commanded them to get onto the boat and row to the other side of the lake.
Reflections:1. Every word in the Bible is important as it tells us something.
2. When God make us do something, it's far better to obey immediately!
"Immediately he made his disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side."
When someone says,"She made me do it!", he means that he did what he did not on his own accord, maybe even unwillingly, but he did it anyway against his will. If given a choice, he would prefer to do it another way or maybe not do anything at all.
So from Mark 6:45 and Matthew 14:22, when Jesus made his disciples to go away, it means that the disciples actually prefer not to go!
Imagine the scene. Their master just performed a miracle! They must be so excited about the miracle and greatly affected by Jesus' power and wanted to go along with the crowd and hail Jesus as King.
But Jesus knew what was going on inside the peoples' mind and subtly forestalled it. Therefore, He immediately (before the disciples let the wrong perception sank into their heads) commanded them to get onto the boat and row to the other side of the lake.
Reflections:1. Every word in the Bible is important as it tells us something.
2. When God make us do something, it's far better to obey immediately!
Monday 19 April 2010
Pussy Willows and Pinecones
"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever." Hebrews 13:8
When I was small, my sister told me that umbrellas grew in the rain - that they bloomed into large, fully grown umbrellas. The closed-up ones had to get wet before they got bigger. It made sense to a five-year-old who also believed that pinecones turned into porcupines when watered, pussy willows grew to be cats, and lightning was God taking a picture of me. I used to look up at the sky and grin from ear to ear so He could get a good shot of me!
My perception of the world had an innocent patina that faded as I grew older, except for one belief that remained steadfast:My Aunt told me stories about Jesus - a man who came to save the world and loved me so much He died for me so that we could spend eternity together. He walked on water, healed the sick, and rose from the grave -these truths have never lost their luster. Perceptions change but God's faithfullness is steadfast. By Shae Cookie
When I was small, my sister told me that umbrellas grew in the rain - that they bloomed into large, fully grown umbrellas. The closed-up ones had to get wet before they got bigger. It made sense to a five-year-old who also believed that pinecones turned into porcupines when watered, pussy willows grew to be cats, and lightning was God taking a picture of me. I used to look up at the sky and grin from ear to ear so He could get a good shot of me!
My perception of the world had an innocent patina that faded as I grew older, except for one belief that remained steadfast:My Aunt told me stories about Jesus - a man who came to save the world and loved me so much He died for me so that we could spend eternity together. He walked on water, healed the sick, and rose from the grave -these truths have never lost their luster. Perceptions change but God's faithfullness is steadfast. By Shae Cookie
Zechariah 4:6
"Not by might not by power, but by my Spirit," says the Lord Almighty.
Once as I walked along the road on a steep hill, I caught sight of a boy on a bicycle near the bottom. He was pedaling uphill against the wind and was obviously working tremendously hard. Just as he was exerting the greatest effort and painfully doing the best he could do, a streetcar, also going up the hill, approached him. It was not traveling too fast for the boy to grab hold of a rail at the rear, and I am sure you can guess the result. He went up the hill as effortlessly as a bird gliding through the sky.
This thought then flashed through my mind. "I am like that boy on the bicycle in my weariness and weakness, I am pedaling uphill against all kinds of opposition and am almost worn out with the task. But nearby there is great power available - the strength of the Lord Jesus. All I must do is get in touch with Him and maintain communication with Him. And even if I grab hold with only one little finger of faith, it will be enough to make His power mine to accomplish the act of service that now overwhelms me."
Seeing this boy on his bicycle helped me to set aside my weariness and to recognize this great truth. From "The Life of Fuller Purpose."
Once as I walked along the road on a steep hill, I caught sight of a boy on a bicycle near the bottom. He was pedaling uphill against the wind and was obviously working tremendously hard. Just as he was exerting the greatest effort and painfully doing the best he could do, a streetcar, also going up the hill, approached him. It was not traveling too fast for the boy to grab hold of a rail at the rear, and I am sure you can guess the result. He went up the hill as effortlessly as a bird gliding through the sky.
This thought then flashed through my mind. "I am like that boy on the bicycle in my weariness and weakness, I am pedaling uphill against all kinds of opposition and am almost worn out with the task. But nearby there is great power available - the strength of the Lord Jesus. All I must do is get in touch with Him and maintain communication with Him. And even if I grab hold with only one little finger of faith, it will be enough to make His power mine to accomplish the act of service that now overwhelms me."
Seeing this boy on his bicycle helped me to set aside my weariness and to recognize this great truth. From "The Life of Fuller Purpose."
Exodus 14:13 Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today
Be quiet! Why this anxious heed
About your tangled ways?
God know them all. He gives you speed
And He allows delays
It's good for you to walk by faith
And not by sight
Take it on trust a little while
Soon will you read the mystery aright
In the full sunshine of His smile.
In times on uncertainty - wait. If you have any doubt - wait, never forcing yourself into action. If you sense any restraint in your spirit, do not go against it - wait until the way is clear.
Taken from Streams in the Desert.
About your tangled ways?
God know them all. He gives you speed
And He allows delays
It's good for you to walk by faith
And not by sight
Take it on trust a little while
Soon will you read the mystery aright
In the full sunshine of His smile.
In times on uncertainty - wait. If you have any doubt - wait, never forcing yourself into action. If you sense any restraint in your spirit, do not go against it - wait until the way is clear.
Taken from Streams in the Desert.
NO TV DAY
Psalm 101:2-3
"I will be careful to ive a blameless life-when will you come to my aid? I will lead a life of integrity in my own home. I will refuse to took at anything vile and vulgar. I hate all crooked dealings; I will have nothing to do with them."
I decided to conduct my own experience-no TV, no secular books, no secular magazines for thirty days. The first week was tough, almost like withdrawal. I would twiddle my thumbs wondering what I could do with all my extra time. I hadn't even considered myself an avid TV fan.
Before I knew it, projects that I had procrastinated on were completed. I wrote letters and sent cards. I read my Bible and really enjoyed it. I mediated and enjoyed the silence. I exercised more and met with friends. I sang in the car and danced to praise songs in the living room. My anxiety level went down. My thoughts were pleasant.
One day I chanced to pass a TV in a store. It was showing one of those crime programs I had watched for years. It was stunning to see what had once entertained me. My thirty-day experiment became forever.
Purity and integrity lead to peaceful and productive lives in your own home. By Shanon Rule
"I will be careful to ive a blameless life-when will you come to my aid? I will lead a life of integrity in my own home. I will refuse to took at anything vile and vulgar. I hate all crooked dealings; I will have nothing to do with them."
I decided to conduct my own experience-no TV, no secular books, no secular magazines for thirty days. The first week was tough, almost like withdrawal. I would twiddle my thumbs wondering what I could do with all my extra time. I hadn't even considered myself an avid TV fan.
Before I knew it, projects that I had procrastinated on were completed. I wrote letters and sent cards. I read my Bible and really enjoyed it. I mediated and enjoyed the silence. I exercised more and met with friends. I sang in the car and danced to praise songs in the living room. My anxiety level went down. My thoughts were pleasant.
One day I chanced to pass a TV in a store. It was showing one of those crime programs I had watched for years. It was stunning to see what had once entertained me. My thirty-day experiment became forever.
Purity and integrity lead to peaceful and productive lives in your own home. By Shanon Rule
Friday 16 April 2010
COPING WITH STRESS
Psalm 37:7
"Be still in the presence of the LORD, and wait patiently for him to act. Don't worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes."
An office can be a noisy place. The shrill ringing of the telephone, the beeping of the fax machine, the dinging of the computer's e-mail program, the shrieking of the paper shredder, and the demanding voice of one's boss all contribute to on-the-job tension. Some days the administrative assistant, be it secretary, receptionist, loan processor, title researcher, or clerk, becomes the recipient of criticism and complaints from customers and supervisors alike. These days, one needs a break.
A few moments with God are a wonderful stress reliever. Whether one takes a walk, hides in the lunchroom, or rests one's head on a cluttered desk, a quick, quiet prayer puts everything back into perspective. The knowledge that God is always there soothes like a deep. refreshing breath. A hundred years from now, it won't matter how many folders were filed today. But God will still be there.
The stress of modern-day life is no match for quiet faith. By Robin Bayne
"Be still in the presence of the LORD, and wait patiently for him to act. Don't worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes."
An office can be a noisy place. The shrill ringing of the telephone, the beeping of the fax machine, the dinging of the computer's e-mail program, the shrieking of the paper shredder, and the demanding voice of one's boss all contribute to on-the-job tension. Some days the administrative assistant, be it secretary, receptionist, loan processor, title researcher, or clerk, becomes the recipient of criticism and complaints from customers and supervisors alike. These days, one needs a break.
A few moments with God are a wonderful stress reliever. Whether one takes a walk, hides in the lunchroom, or rests one's head on a cluttered desk, a quick, quiet prayer puts everything back into perspective. The knowledge that God is always there soothes like a deep. refreshing breath. A hundred years from now, it won't matter how many folders were filed today. But God will still be there.
The stress of modern-day life is no match for quiet faith. By Robin Bayne
Thursday 15 April 2010
Jesus Feeds The Five Thousand
The story of Jesus feeding the 5 thousand appears in the Gospels of John and Mark.
I love this story very much because it tells us many lessons - how Jesus has compassion on the people, how the people chased after Jesus, how Jesus taught the disciples faith and many more.
As I read this story in Mark, I imagine myself to be one of the disciples. In verse Mark6:38, Jesus asked "How many loaves do you have?" "Go and see."
Me, as disciple, say to myself "Wow, so many people, 5k you know. And no gramophone and mobile phone etc, how to ask ALL of them? Let's divide the job, my brothers. So, each one of us may have to ask 500 (5k plus women and children may come up to 6k). " So I went to the first one,"Did you bring any food?" NO! So I went to ask the second, third, fourth etc. As I go asking, my faith drops each time the answer is NO. But I must obey my Master, so I kept on asking, just keep on asking, just keep on asking. Until one boy says, "I have some bread and fish". "Thank you Lord, eventually some thoughtful mother has packed a lunch box for her child, Praise the Lord."My faith returns, knowing that God can provide.
Yes, even when we are faced with many trials and tribulations, never give up. Keep faith and just trust the Lord!
I love this story very much because it tells us many lessons - how Jesus has compassion on the people, how the people chased after Jesus, how Jesus taught the disciples faith and many more.
As I read this story in Mark, I imagine myself to be one of the disciples. In verse Mark6:38, Jesus asked "How many loaves do you have?" "Go and see."
Me, as disciple, say to myself "Wow, so many people, 5k you know. And no gramophone and mobile phone etc, how to ask ALL of them? Let's divide the job, my brothers. So, each one of us may have to ask 500 (5k plus women and children may come up to 6k). " So I went to the first one,"Did you bring any food?" NO! So I went to ask the second, third, fourth etc. As I go asking, my faith drops each time the answer is NO. But I must obey my Master, so I kept on asking, just keep on asking, just keep on asking. Until one boy says, "I have some bread and fish". "Thank you Lord, eventually some thoughtful mother has packed a lunch box for her child, Praise the Lord."My faith returns, knowing that God can provide.
Yes, even when we are faced with many trials and tribulations, never give up. Keep faith and just trust the Lord!
Wednesday 14 April 2010
"Why?"
John 13:7
Jesus replied,"You don't understand now why I am doing it; someday you will."
"Why, Mudder, why?" My daughter's anguished question broke my heart. Her three-year-old tongue couldn't quite wrap around "Mother," but the emotions was genuine.
She was terrified of needles and our pediatrician had prescribed an injection every day for a month. Her worsening allergies had twice led to pneumonia that threatened her life. So, I wept with her, and helped the nurse hold her down for the shots. There was no way to explain immunization to a toddler.
Today she is tall and strong, the mother of a teenager. Recently our family experienced painful times and my heart's cry to the Father reminded me of her long-ago wail:"Why, Mudder, why?" There are things God cannot explain to human hearts. But surely we can trust the One who sent His only Son to die for us. You can trust in Jesus even if you don't understand all the whys.
By Kathryn Thompson Presley
Jesus replied,"You don't understand now why I am doing it; someday you will."
"Why, Mudder, why?" My daughter's anguished question broke my heart. Her three-year-old tongue couldn't quite wrap around "Mother," but the emotions was genuine.
She was terrified of needles and our pediatrician had prescribed an injection every day for a month. Her worsening allergies had twice led to pneumonia that threatened her life. So, I wept with her, and helped the nurse hold her down for the shots. There was no way to explain immunization to a toddler.
Today she is tall and strong, the mother of a teenager. Recently our family experienced painful times and my heart's cry to the Father reminded me of her long-ago wail:"Why, Mudder, why?" There are things God cannot explain to human hearts. But surely we can trust the One who sent His only Son to die for us. You can trust in Jesus even if you don't understand all the whys.
By Kathryn Thompson Presley
Don't Be Spiritually Blind and Deaf
John 1:19-28 and John 5:10
John the Baptist in the beginning of his ministry always pointed Jesus as the Messiah. The Pharisees sent a team to inquire of him if he is the Christ, the Prophet or some Elijah, but he always pointed them that there is one greater than he is coming. The interesting thing to note is that none of them was interested in finding out who is Person is, but only wanted to find fault with John!
In Chapter 5, Jesus had just healed an invalid of 38 years. Jesus told him to just stand up, pick up his mat and walk. The man just did that and was healed. But the Pharisees only saw a man carrying a mat on the Sabbath and not a healed man, a miracle. They just missed the point!
In our lives, we are also sometimes like these Pharisees. We see the problems but not the blessings. We grumble about the trials and tribulations but did not rejoice in the Lord. Let's learn these precious lessons from the Pharisees.
John the Baptist in the beginning of his ministry always pointed Jesus as the Messiah. The Pharisees sent a team to inquire of him if he is the Christ, the Prophet or some Elijah, but he always pointed them that there is one greater than he is coming. The interesting thing to note is that none of them was interested in finding out who is Person is, but only wanted to find fault with John!
In Chapter 5, Jesus had just healed an invalid of 38 years. Jesus told him to just stand up, pick up his mat and walk. The man just did that and was healed. But the Pharisees only saw a man carrying a mat on the Sabbath and not a healed man, a miracle. They just missed the point!
In our lives, we are also sometimes like these Pharisees. We see the problems but not the blessings. We grumble about the trials and tribulations but did not rejoice in the Lord. Let's learn these precious lessons from the Pharisees.
Tuesday 13 April 2010
John 5:15
The man went away and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well.
Whenever I read this verse, my own interpretation of 'self righteous' made me angry with this man whom Jesus had just made well; physically, emotionally and spiritually. Instead of being eternally grateful, he went and told the Jews that Jesus was the man who healed him. I felt I had the right to be angry. It was because of him, the Jews hated Jesus even more.
But the Lord taught me a great lesson today. The Lord taught me to look at this verse in another perspective. This man could be witnessing for Jesus! He was healed and was very happy, so he went around everywhere to tell people that Jesus healed him.
The lesson is: Look at any situation from God's perspective!
Whenever I read this verse, my own interpretation of 'self righteous' made me angry with this man whom Jesus had just made well; physically, emotionally and spiritually. Instead of being eternally grateful, he went and told the Jews that Jesus was the man who healed him. I felt I had the right to be angry. It was because of him, the Jews hated Jesus even more.
But the Lord taught me a great lesson today. The Lord taught me to look at this verse in another perspective. This man could be witnessing for Jesus! He was healed and was very happy, so he went around everywhere to tell people that Jesus healed him.
The lesson is: Look at any situation from God's perspective!
Monday 12 April 2010
Ezekiel 3:22
I laid it down in silence,
This work of mine,
And took what had been sent me -
A resting time.
The Master's voice had called me
To rest apart;
"Apart with Jesus only,"
Echoed my heart.
I took the rest and stillness
From His own hand,
And felt this present illness
Was what He planned.
How often we choose labour,
When He says "Rest" -
Our ways are blind and crooked;
His way is best.
Work He Himself has given,
He will complete.
There may be other errands
For tired feet,
There may be other duties
For tired hands,
The present, is obedience
To His commands.
There is a blessed resting
In lying still,
In letting His hand mold us,
Just as He will.
His work must be completed.
His lessons set;
He is the Master Workman;
Do not forget!
It is not only "working"
We must be trained;
And Jesus "learned" obedience
Through suffering gained.
For us, His yoke is easy
His burden light.
His discipline most needful,
And all is right.
We are to be His servants;
We never choose
If this tool or if that one
Our hands will use.
In working or in waiting
May we fulfill
Not ours at all, but only
The Master's will!
God provides resting places as well as working places. So rest and be thankful when He brings you, tired and weary, to streams along the way. Taken from Streams In The Desert
This work of mine,
And took what had been sent me -
A resting time.
The Master's voice had called me
To rest apart;
"Apart with Jesus only,"
Echoed my heart.
I took the rest and stillness
From His own hand,
And felt this present illness
Was what He planned.
How often we choose labour,
When He says "Rest" -
Our ways are blind and crooked;
His way is best.
Work He Himself has given,
He will complete.
There may be other errands
For tired feet,
There may be other duties
For tired hands,
The present, is obedience
To His commands.
There is a blessed resting
In lying still,
In letting His hand mold us,
Just as He will.
His work must be completed.
His lessons set;
He is the Master Workman;
Do not forget!
It is not only "working"
We must be trained;
And Jesus "learned" obedience
Through suffering gained.
For us, His yoke is easy
His burden light.
His discipline most needful,
And all is right.
We are to be His servants;
We never choose
If this tool or if that one
Our hands will use.
In working or in waiting
May we fulfill
Not ours at all, but only
The Master's will!
God provides resting places as well as working places. So rest and be thankful when He brings you, tired and weary, to streams along the way. Taken from Streams In The Desert
Sunday 11 April 2010
IT TAKES A LIFETIME TO LEARN ABOUT PRAYER AND TO DISCOVER ITS SECRETS
Prayer:From Technique to Loving Relationship byRobert M Solomon
In the childhood phase of prayer, we discover that prayer is powerful. When we pray, things happen.We therefore buy plaques declaring confidently that "Prayer changes things" and display them prominently in our homes. The danger arises when prayer is treated as a powerful tool, and praying is seen as an efficient technique to make things happen. Prayer, then, is like a remote control in our human hands. We press some buttons to move God and mobilise heaven.
In the teenage phase of prayer, we begin to slowly realise that the remote control does not work as we think it should. Now we learn that God is powerful. We cannot dictate to Him what we want. He alone determines what to do and when to do it. Sometimes, He answers our prayers and at other times He seems to ignore our pleas. He is in total control. Disappointments set in and we throw away our remote controls.
Then we discover the wonderful truth that God is love. We enter the adult stage of prayer. Neither the maxim "prayer is powerful' nor the one that "God is powerful" are, on their own, sufficient in teaching us about prayer. Somewhere along the way, we realise that God is loving and He longs to speak to us and hear us speak the language of love. Prayer is the language of love, a language of intimacy. So let us turn our attention to God in true prayer. As we pray, things may change - sometimes. But one thing is sure. As we pray, we will be changed. For Love changes us.
In the childhood phase of prayer, we discover that prayer is powerful. When we pray, things happen.We therefore buy plaques declaring confidently that "Prayer changes things" and display them prominently in our homes. The danger arises when prayer is treated as a powerful tool, and praying is seen as an efficient technique to make things happen. Prayer, then, is like a remote control in our human hands. We press some buttons to move God and mobilise heaven.
In the teenage phase of prayer, we begin to slowly realise that the remote control does not work as we think it should. Now we learn that God is powerful. We cannot dictate to Him what we want. He alone determines what to do and when to do it. Sometimes, He answers our prayers and at other times He seems to ignore our pleas. He is in total control. Disappointments set in and we throw away our remote controls.
Then we discover the wonderful truth that God is love. We enter the adult stage of prayer. Neither the maxim "prayer is powerful' nor the one that "God is powerful" are, on their own, sufficient in teaching us about prayer. Somewhere along the way, we realise that God is loving and He longs to speak to us and hear us speak the language of love. Prayer is the language of love, a language of intimacy. So let us turn our attention to God in true prayer. As we pray, things may change - sometimes. But one thing is sure. As we pray, we will be changed. For Love changes us.
Friday 9 April 2010
God's Daily Planner (Proverbs 3>27)
"Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it's in your power to help them."
Frail and terminally ill, he lifted his bandaged hand and caressed my cheek. I hadn't expected to be visiting Henry. I'd come to the hospital to wait with a friend while her daughter had surgery, but rules prevented me from going with her. Alone in the waiting room, all I could think was, "What a waste of time."
To my surprise, my dad showed up. He told me he was there to visit our longtime neighbour, Henry, who was dying. After dad left I decided to visit Henry, too. I wasn't even sure if he'd remember who I was. As I chatted with Henry, I talked to him about how much Jesus loved him. He listened intently and tearfully whispered "Thank you' as I left. Three days later, he died.
My time wasn't wasted that day. I was keeping a divine appointment to be there for Henry.
Divine appointments are all around you every day. All you need are eyes to see and ears to hear. By Linda Knight
Frail and terminally ill, he lifted his bandaged hand and caressed my cheek. I hadn't expected to be visiting Henry. I'd come to the hospital to wait with a friend while her daughter had surgery, but rules prevented me from going with her. Alone in the waiting room, all I could think was, "What a waste of time."
To my surprise, my dad showed up. He told me he was there to visit our longtime neighbour, Henry, who was dying. After dad left I decided to visit Henry, too. I wasn't even sure if he'd remember who I was. As I chatted with Henry, I talked to him about how much Jesus loved him. He listened intently and tearfully whispered "Thank you' as I left. Three days later, he died.
My time wasn't wasted that day. I was keeping a divine appointment to be there for Henry.
Divine appointments are all around you every day. All you need are eyes to see and ears to hear. By Linda Knight
WHY ME, LORD?
Philippians 2:8
"And in human form he obediently humbled himself even further by dying a criminal's death on a cross."
After six years of full-time caregiving to my parents, raising two preschoolers, and enduring menopause, I wondered how much more I could take. One morning I awoke and groaned,"Lord, what did I do to deserve this?'
To my surprise, the Lord answered,"What did I do to deserve the cross?" After a brief silence, I heard more."Will you lay down your life for your family?'
It's so easy to say yes in the prayer closet. But the same Lord of the prayer closet walks with me through my difficult days-and He's only a prayer away. Giving service to others was His will for my life, and the lives of all His children.
Jesus wants you to be a servant. - Mary Roberts Clark
"And in human form he obediently humbled himself even further by dying a criminal's death on a cross."
After six years of full-time caregiving to my parents, raising two preschoolers, and enduring menopause, I wondered how much more I could take. One morning I awoke and groaned,"Lord, what did I do to deserve this?'
To my surprise, the Lord answered,"What did I do to deserve the cross?" After a brief silence, I heard more."Will you lay down your life for your family?'
It's so easy to say yes in the prayer closet. But the same Lord of the prayer closet walks with me through my difficult days-and He's only a prayer away. Giving service to others was His will for my life, and the lives of all His children.
Jesus wants you to be a servant. - Mary Roberts Clark
Thursday 8 April 2010
THE HEALING AT THE POOL (JOHN 5:1-15)
Every word in the Bible is important!
In this amazing story full of grace, Jesus said to the man "See, you are well again" in verse 14.
Again? It means that a long time ago, this man was well and could walk. Later he became an invalid. And now he is well again.
Then Jesus said something very interesting, "Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you."
These words implied that the man became an invalid due to his sins. Jesus gave him a stern warning - something worse may happen if he sins again. It was not mentioned what sin he committed but that sin caused him his freedom.
Read verse 15. Did he sin again?
In this amazing story full of grace, Jesus said to the man "See, you are well again" in verse 14.
Again? It means that a long time ago, this man was well and could walk. Later he became an invalid. And now he is well again.
Then Jesus said something very interesting, "Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you."
These words implied that the man became an invalid due to his sins. Jesus gave him a stern warning - something worse may happen if he sins again. It was not mentioned what sin he committed but that sin caused him his freedom.
Read verse 15. Did he sin again?
Wednesday 7 April 2010
Cana and Capernaum (John 4:45-54)
It's really interesting to note that every word in the Bible speaks about something. While reading this story of Jesus healing the official's son, I noticed that Jesus was in Cana while the sick boy was in Capernaum. The distance between these 2 places was about 20 miles - a one day's journey.
After Jesus said "Go your way; your son lives" I would expect this man to be so happy that he would quicken his steps to see his beloved child. But in verse 52 John said the boy was healed yesterday. So why did the man took so long to reach home?
I remember during a storm late last year, rain came pouring into my flat. My furniture, books etc near the windows were wet, and the water kept coming in. My son and me were kept busy trying to stop the water from gushing in and keeping the place dry. Fortunately nothing was damaged. Several days later, another heavy storm came. But this time no one was at home! So I knew the only thing I could do was pray, asking Papa God to take care of all that were in the house. After work I did not rush home to check on my furniture and belongings for I knew that God had answered my prayer! So I believe this is the same way this official reacted.
God is indeed good and faithful. He knows our every need and there is just no need to worry!
After Jesus said "Go your way; your son lives" I would expect this man to be so happy that he would quicken his steps to see his beloved child. But in verse 52 John said the boy was healed yesterday. So why did the man took so long to reach home?
I remember during a storm late last year, rain came pouring into my flat. My furniture, books etc near the windows were wet, and the water kept coming in. My son and me were kept busy trying to stop the water from gushing in and keeping the place dry. Fortunately nothing was damaged. Several days later, another heavy storm came. But this time no one was at home! So I knew the only thing I could do was pray, asking Papa God to take care of all that were in the house. After work I did not rush home to check on my furniture and belongings for I knew that God had answered my prayer! So I believe this is the same way this official reacted.
God is indeed good and faithful. He knows our every need and there is just no need to worry!
Monday 5 April 2010
WOMEN OF THE BIBLE:RIZPAH
Psalm 55:22
Cast your burden on the LORD, and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.
Two of Rizpah's sons had been taken from her and put to death. Because they were of the lineage of Saul, their blood and that of their half brothers had been required to break the famine in the land spawned from God's judgment against Saul's actions. With no warning, her sons were handed over to the Gibeonites who "killed and exposed them on a hill before the LORD" (2nd Samuel 21:9. While this act was necessary to reverse the curse over the land spiritually, it did nothing to assuage the heartache and loss of a mother for her sons.
Whether due to accident, sickness, or violence, the death of a child prior to the parents' passing can wreak devastation upon those left behind if they remain in the 'land of the dead' , so to speak.
Rizpah was so overcome with grief that she remained beside the bodies of her sons to prevent their inevitable destruction from the birds and wild animals. She chose to remain with the dead.
Compare her actions with those of King David. "His response to the loss of his illegitimate son with Bathsheba is contrary to human nature, but comes from a heart that in grief could trust in the God of all comfort.
Immediately after the child's death David took four steps.
1 He got up and washed himself.
2 He worship the Lord.
3 He ate, resuming typical daily activities.
4. He comforted Bathsheba, the child's mother.
David recognized the important truth that to remain in the land of the dead could achieve no purpose other than further destruction. Did he grieve? Absolutely. But he understood that healing comes in the presence of the Lord.
He also understood that at the loss of their child, Bathsheba was grieving as well. Instead of isolation, David chose consolation, that as parents they could join together in the difficult healing process ahead.
Cast your burden on the LORD, and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.
Two of Rizpah's sons had been taken from her and put to death. Because they were of the lineage of Saul, their blood and that of their half brothers had been required to break the famine in the land spawned from God's judgment against Saul's actions. With no warning, her sons were handed over to the Gibeonites who "killed and exposed them on a hill before the LORD" (2nd Samuel 21:9. While this act was necessary to reverse the curse over the land spiritually, it did nothing to assuage the heartache and loss of a mother for her sons.
Whether due to accident, sickness, or violence, the death of a child prior to the parents' passing can wreak devastation upon those left behind if they remain in the 'land of the dead' , so to speak.
Rizpah was so overcome with grief that she remained beside the bodies of her sons to prevent their inevitable destruction from the birds and wild animals. She chose to remain with the dead.
Compare her actions with those of King David. "His response to the loss of his illegitimate son with Bathsheba is contrary to human nature, but comes from a heart that in grief could trust in the God of all comfort.
Immediately after the child's death David took four steps.
1 He got up and washed himself.
2 He worship the Lord.
3 He ate, resuming typical daily activities.
4. He comforted Bathsheba, the child's mother.
David recognized the important truth that to remain in the land of the dead could achieve no purpose other than further destruction. Did he grieve? Absolutely. But he understood that healing comes in the presence of the Lord.
He also understood that at the loss of their child, Bathsheba was grieving as well. Instead of isolation, David chose consolation, that as parents they could join together in the difficult healing process ahead.
BUT CAN I UNDERSTAND ALL OF IT?
God has not breathed inspiration into any portion of His book to bore us. All of it has truth which can guide us, and further reveal the nature of God to us.
But can I understand all of it?
Yes, you can! H. A. Zimmerman is a classic example of how even an uneducated person can grow from the study of scripture. Raised on a Pennsylvania Dutch farm, he was apprenticed to a Jewish jeweler while in his teens. Early in his life, he began to read the Bible every day. At age 22, he and his bride left the countryside and moved to Shamokin, where they opened a small jewelry store. He made a small stool which would fit under their bed and placed a Bible on it. Each morning he would awaken about 4 A.M. , turn on his side and quietly turn on a light near the floor. He spent much time reading his Bible in this way.
His jewelry store prospered as he and his wife worked six days a week, 12-15 hours a day. He became known as the best 'watch fixer' in the region. Beside his workbench, always spread with tiny watch parts, was another Bible!. As he worked into the night on a broken clock, he would meditate on scripture portions. He learned how to remember the locations of passages by ingenious memory devices he created for himself.
For him, the Bible was a living thing! This poorly educated watchman became a friend of preachers and Bible scholars, who frequented his workroom on a daily basis. Doctrinal discussions raged in the back of "Zimmie's" jewelry store as travelling evangelists and pastors met with the watchmaker.
He put all the truths he learned into his lifestyle. Literally hundreds of persons accepted Christ because of his loving, caring witness to them in his store.
But can I understand all of it?
Yes, you can! H. A. Zimmerman is a classic example of how even an uneducated person can grow from the study of scripture. Raised on a Pennsylvania Dutch farm, he was apprenticed to a Jewish jeweler while in his teens. Early in his life, he began to read the Bible every day. At age 22, he and his bride left the countryside and moved to Shamokin, where they opened a small jewelry store. He made a small stool which would fit under their bed and placed a Bible on it. Each morning he would awaken about 4 A.M. , turn on his side and quietly turn on a light near the floor. He spent much time reading his Bible in this way.
His jewelry store prospered as he and his wife worked six days a week, 12-15 hours a day. He became known as the best 'watch fixer' in the region. Beside his workbench, always spread with tiny watch parts, was another Bible!. As he worked into the night on a broken clock, he would meditate on scripture portions. He learned how to remember the locations of passages by ingenious memory devices he created for himself.
For him, the Bible was a living thing! This poorly educated watchman became a friend of preachers and Bible scholars, who frequented his workroom on a daily basis. Doctrinal discussions raged in the back of "Zimmie's" jewelry store as travelling evangelists and pastors met with the watchmaker.
He put all the truths he learned into his lifestyle. Literally hundreds of persons accepted Christ because of his loving, caring witness to them in his store.
PRAISE IS POWERFUL
Recently I am led to minister to a sister-in-Christ. She is very stressed by things that are happening at her home front. So I prepared a list of things that she may do to de-stress. On the exam. pad page, I number the things she can do and the list comes up to 30. Strangely there is still space for one more! No matter how hard I think, I could not fill up that space.
But God is awesome. Normally the first thing I do in the office is to read 'Our Daily Bread', but on this day, as the need is urgent, I instead type the de-stress list . And for this particular day, the message God gives me is "Praise is powerful. Singing psalms of praises will lift up the veil of heaviness, and replace it with the garment of praise. Isn't God great? So I fill that up at the bottom of the list - number 31. I believe this is the most powerful and effective way to de-stress for this comes direct from God!
But God is awesome. Normally the first thing I do in the office is to read 'Our Daily Bread', but on this day, as the need is urgent, I instead type the de-stress list . And for this particular day, the message God gives me is "Praise is powerful. Singing psalms of praises will lift up the veil of heaviness, and replace it with the garment of praise. Isn't God great? So I fill that up at the bottom of the list - number 31. I believe this is the most powerful and effective way to de-stress for this comes direct from God!
Sunday 4 April 2010
JESUS HEALS THE OFFICIAL'S SON
John 4:43 - 54
As I study this story by myself, I found certain points interesting and puzzling.
In verse 48, Jesus said to the official,"Unless you people see miraculous signs and wonders, you will never believe."
My first question is 'Why is Jesus first response to an anxious father who had come all the way to seek Him out so harsh?'
My second question is 'Who do the 'you people' really refer to - the Jews, Galileans,the Gentiles or to those whom Jesus referred to in John 2:24-25? for he knew what was in a man?'
My third question is 'believe in what or who'? If this official is not full of faith and believing in Jesus, he would not have come all the way to seek healing for his son. So why did Jesus seemed
to question his motive or faith?
I really hope to seek answers to these questions and I believe as I pursue them in my BSF, the author of the Bible, the Holy Spirit will reveal all truth to those who seek Him earnestly. Amen
All glory to God.
As I study this story by myself, I found certain points interesting and puzzling.
In verse 48, Jesus said to the official,"Unless you people see miraculous signs and wonders, you will never believe."
My first question is 'Why is Jesus first response to an anxious father who had come all the way to seek Him out so harsh?'
My second question is 'Who do the 'you people' really refer to - the Jews, Galileans,the Gentiles or to those whom Jesus referred to in John 2:24-25? for he knew what was in a man?'
My third question is 'believe in what or who'? If this official is not full of faith and believing in Jesus, he would not have come all the way to seek healing for his son. So why did Jesus seemed
to question his motive or faith?
I really hope to seek answers to these questions and I believe as I pursue them in my BSF, the author of the Bible, the Holy Spirit will reveal all truth to those who seek Him earnestly. Amen
All glory to God.
Saturday 3 April 2010
JESUS FIRST MIRACLE
Jesus Changes Water to Wine : John 2:1-11
I love this story! It's about Jesus caring for our little needs - at home! It's also a powerful story of faith.
Jesus, a man who loves and enjoys fellowship, is invited to a wedding feast. But, oh no, the wine ran out! What a disgrace and how the host will be seen as inhospitable, maybe even petty and ungracious! Mary came to the rescue, or shall I say, Jesus did the miracle.
Mary, full of faith (because she must have seen the many things that Jesus had been able to solve or help out in her family life), told Jesus of this problem.
There were six stone water jars (very ordinary - for washing of hands and feet) nearby. Jesus told the servants to fill them with water and take them to the master of the banquet. Here is another great show of faith. Based on Jesus' command, they went with this 'mysterious' new wine and let the banquet master taste it! The Bible did not say how Jesus did the miracle - whether he prayer over it, or snapped his fingers or waved his hands, he just say "Fill the jars and bring them to the master".
Imagine you are one of the servants, would you believe in Jesus?(remember, Jesus has not done any miracle yet). They did not see with their own eyes how the water turned to wine, and yet they just did as they were told. And they were greatly rewarded! They were told that this is the best wine!
For me, the miracle is that Jesus turns the ordinary (you and me) into something wonderful! The plain Jane(or Jean) can turn into a beautiful swan. God can transform us into something beautiful - into the likeness of Jesus. Amen.
I love this story! It's about Jesus caring for our little needs - at home! It's also a powerful story of faith.
Jesus, a man who loves and enjoys fellowship, is invited to a wedding feast. But, oh no, the wine ran out! What a disgrace and how the host will be seen as inhospitable, maybe even petty and ungracious! Mary came to the rescue, or shall I say, Jesus did the miracle.
Mary, full of faith (because she must have seen the many things that Jesus had been able to solve or help out in her family life), told Jesus of this problem.
There were six stone water jars (very ordinary - for washing of hands and feet) nearby. Jesus told the servants to fill them with water and take them to the master of the banquet. Here is another great show of faith. Based on Jesus' command, they went with this 'mysterious' new wine and let the banquet master taste it! The Bible did not say how Jesus did the miracle - whether he prayer over it, or snapped his fingers or waved his hands, he just say "Fill the jars and bring them to the master".
Imagine you are one of the servants, would you believe in Jesus?(remember, Jesus has not done any miracle yet). They did not see with their own eyes how the water turned to wine, and yet they just did as they were told. And they were greatly rewarded! They were told that this is the best wine!
For me, the miracle is that Jesus turns the ordinary (you and me) into something wonderful! The plain Jane(or Jean) can turn into a beautiful swan. God can transform us into something beautiful - into the likeness of Jesus. Amen.
JESUS TEACHES NICODEMUS and me!
John 3 : 1 - 21
I find this story very interesting and humbling too! Jesus taught me humility in this beautiful story.
Nicodemus is an old man, a highly respected teacher of the law, a member of the Sanhedrin. Yet he came to Jesus to find out more - Jesus - not schooled and with no training and qualifications. What did Nicodemus call Jesus? He called Him Rabbi - teacher. Imagine an old recognised teacher calling a young unrecognised man Rabbi. This is a lesson on humility and respect. Many people chose to think Nicodemus is a coward, coming to Jesus only at night. I chose to believe that he came at this hour so that he can ask all the questions that are bothering him without interference or interruptions. He desired to know Jesus intimately, and Jesus gave him the desire of his heart.
In verse 4, it's interesting to note that Nicodemus asked Jesus how could an old man enter into the mother's womb again. I used to think that Nicodemus is not asking an intelligent question. But how wrong I was - and now how humilating it was for me. Of course Nicodemus, being a wise old man knew that he cannot be born again physically! So what does he means? Nicodemus knew Jesus is talking in parables to him, so he is also asking questions in parables! Nicodemus is in fact confessing to Jesus that he is too deep in his old, wrong and sinful habits that it would be impossible for him to turn over a new leaf.
Thank God for being so gracious. With God, nothing is impossible! Therefore, in John 3:16, Jesus said "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him will never perish, but have eternal life"
Jesus comes to offer Himself to us - not to condemn us - no matter how sinful we think we are!
Hallulujah! PRAISE THE LORD!
I find this story very interesting and humbling too! Jesus taught me humility in this beautiful story.
Nicodemus is an old man, a highly respected teacher of the law, a member of the Sanhedrin. Yet he came to Jesus to find out more - Jesus - not schooled and with no training and qualifications. What did Nicodemus call Jesus? He called Him Rabbi - teacher. Imagine an old recognised teacher calling a young unrecognised man Rabbi. This is a lesson on humility and respect. Many people chose to think Nicodemus is a coward, coming to Jesus only at night. I chose to believe that he came at this hour so that he can ask all the questions that are bothering him without interference or interruptions. He desired to know Jesus intimately, and Jesus gave him the desire of his heart.
In verse 4, it's interesting to note that Nicodemus asked Jesus how could an old man enter into the mother's womb again. I used to think that Nicodemus is not asking an intelligent question. But how wrong I was - and now how humilating it was for me. Of course Nicodemus, being a wise old man knew that he cannot be born again physically! So what does he means? Nicodemus knew Jesus is talking in parables to him, so he is also asking questions in parables! Nicodemus is in fact confessing to Jesus that he is too deep in his old, wrong and sinful habits that it would be impossible for him to turn over a new leaf.
Thank God for being so gracious. With God, nothing is impossible! Therefore, in John 3:16, Jesus said "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him will never perish, but have eternal life"
Jesus comes to offer Himself to us - not to condemn us - no matter how sinful we think we are!
Hallulujah! PRAISE THE LORD!
JESUS AND THE SAMARITAN WOMAN AT THE WELL
John 4:1 - 26
This passage is very interesting because one can see God's love in this beautiful story.
In verse 4, it says Now he (Jesus) had to go through Samaria. For Jesus to go to Galilee from Judea, Jesus need not go through Samaria. So why does He had to go through Samaria? It's because of God's great love for these people! It's God's divine appointment - for Jesus to speak to a despised Samaritan woman, so that many Samaritans would be saved.
In verse 7, Jesus asked the woman for water. Normally this time (noon) is too hot for women to come out to draw water. But because Jesus knew this particular woman only comes out at this time, He specially make the trip to meet her! This is His love for her. And in verse 10, Jesus offered her living water, i.e. Jesus himself!
In verses 16 - 17, Jesus highlighted to her about the men in her life. I used to think that Jesus wanted her to repent of her immoral sins. How wrong I was! Now I see it that Jesus actually wanted her to think for herself why she needed so many men. It is because her very basic and fundamental need of love is not fulfilled! Jesus is telling her,"I am your bridegroom and you are my bride!" When we have Jesus, all our basic need of love is fulfilled. Jesus not only extend this love to this woman but invited all the Samaritans to come to Him too! Jesus revealed to her that He is the Messiah and they need not wait any longer.
Jesus loves her, Jesus did not condemn her, Jesus revealed Himself to her, Jesus offers her Living water! How great, how deep, how high is our God's love for us.
This passage is very interesting because one can see God's love in this beautiful story.
In verse 4, it says Now he (Jesus) had to go through Samaria. For Jesus to go to Galilee from Judea, Jesus need not go through Samaria. So why does He had to go through Samaria? It's because of God's great love for these people! It's God's divine appointment - for Jesus to speak to a despised Samaritan woman, so that many Samaritans would be saved.
In verse 7, Jesus asked the woman for water. Normally this time (noon) is too hot for women to come out to draw water. But because Jesus knew this particular woman only comes out at this time, He specially make the trip to meet her! This is His love for her. And in verse 10, Jesus offered her living water, i.e. Jesus himself!
In verses 16 - 17, Jesus highlighted to her about the men in her life. I used to think that Jesus wanted her to repent of her immoral sins. How wrong I was! Now I see it that Jesus actually wanted her to think for herself why she needed so many men. It is because her very basic and fundamental need of love is not fulfilled! Jesus is telling her,"I am your bridegroom and you are my bride!" When we have Jesus, all our basic need of love is fulfilled. Jesus not only extend this love to this woman but invited all the Samaritans to come to Him too! Jesus revealed to her that He is the Messiah and they need not wait any longer.
Jesus loves her, Jesus did not condemn her, Jesus revealed Himself to her, Jesus offers her Living water! How great, how deep, how high is our God's love for us.
Thursday 1 April 2010
Exodus 16:10
They looked ..... and there was the glory of the Lord appearing in the cloud.
One should get into the habit of looking for the silver lining of storm clouds. And once you have found it, continue to focus on it rather than the dark gray of the center. Do not yield to discouragement no matter how severely stressed or surrounded by problems you may be. A discouraged soul is in a helpless state, being neither able to 'stand against the devil's schemes' himself nor able to prevail in prayer for others. Flee every symptom of the deadly foe of discouragement as you would run from a snake. Never be slow to turn your back on it, unless you desire to eat at the dust of bitter defeat.
Keep looking up -
The waves that roar around your feet,
Jehovah-Jireh will defeat
When looking up.
Keep looking up -
Though darkness seems to wrap your soul;
The Light of Light will fill your soul
When looking up.
Keep looking up -
When worn, distracted with the fight;
Your Captain gives you conquering might
When you look up.
One should get into the habit of looking for the silver lining of storm clouds. And once you have found it, continue to focus on it rather than the dark gray of the center. Do not yield to discouragement no matter how severely stressed or surrounded by problems you may be. A discouraged soul is in a helpless state, being neither able to 'stand against the devil's schemes' himself nor able to prevail in prayer for others. Flee every symptom of the deadly foe of discouragement as you would run from a snake. Never be slow to turn your back on it, unless you desire to eat at the dust of bitter defeat.
Keep looking up -
The waves that roar around your feet,
Jehovah-Jireh will defeat
When looking up.
Keep looking up -
Though darkness seems to wrap your soul;
The Light of Light will fill your soul
When looking up.
Keep looking up -
When worn, distracted with the fight;
Your Captain gives you conquering might
When you look up.
Psalm 40:11
"LORD, don't hold back your tender mercies from me. My only hope is in your unfailing love and faithfulness."
"Please, Mom, can I keep reading?" my son, begged. His reading lamp cast shadows across his face as he clutched a book to his chest.
Keeping his best interest at heart, I said, "no"
"Why?"
"You've school tomorrow and need sleep. Besides, you've already read for an hour. Now, lights out."
I knew that although he neither liked nor agreed with my decision, he'd appreciate getting a good night's sleep. Saying no to him showed my love, though he certainly didn't see it that way.
Many times we respond like my son when God says no to our requests. We grumble, fret, and plead for our way. Sometimes, later reflections reveal what grace and love we were shown by that no. Sometimes, we don't understand. In those cases, we must trust God has our best interests at heart, for His way is always better than our way. By Lori Z Scott
"Please, Mom, can I keep reading?" my son, begged. His reading lamp cast shadows across his face as he clutched a book to his chest.
Keeping his best interest at heart, I said, "no"
"Why?"
"You've school tomorrow and need sleep. Besides, you've already read for an hour. Now, lights out."
I knew that although he neither liked nor agreed with my decision, he'd appreciate getting a good night's sleep. Saying no to him showed my love, though he certainly didn't see it that way.
Many times we respond like my son when God says no to our requests. We grumble, fret, and plead for our way. Sometimes, later reflections reveal what grace and love we were shown by that no. Sometimes, we don't understand. In those cases, we must trust God has our best interests at heart, for His way is always better than our way. By Lori Z Scott
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