"But Jesus told him,'Anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God.'" Luke 9:62
As I was driving down the road, a squirrel ran out in front of my car. I was far enough from him that I started braking, trying to miss him. He went one way, then he turned and ran back, then he turned and went back the other way again. I managed to miss him, but he was the most indecisive squirrel I've ever seen!
Indecision is a dangerous thing. As Christians, if we don't know what we believe and why we believe it, people will see through us. If we say we are a Christian but don't act like one at home or at work, people won't respect us. In our faith, we can't be like the squirrel in the middle of the road. We have to make a decision about which way we are going and then follow through.
By Teresa Bell Kindred
Thursday, 5 August 2010
Wednesday, 4 August 2010
Living With The Enemy
In John Chapter 13, we study the betrayal by Judas. I will consider him to be an enemy. Just imagine living with someone you dislike - life must be intolerable. Or try living with someone who at every opportunity takes advantage of me. But did Jesus treat Judas as His enemy? NO. He loves Judas and treats him the same as the other disciples - those who are closest in His inner circle. In fact, Jesus even let Judas be in charge of the money purse! WHY? Because Jesus wants to give Judas ample chances to see his mistakes and sins so that he could repent, and then Judas could be with Jesus in heaven forever. Such amazing grace and love! That's why Jesus parting words to his disciples is to love others as Jesus loves. Do away with the old teaching "Love others as yourselves"
Reflections:Lord, teach me how to love others the way You love - even my enemy.
Reflections:Lord, teach me how to love others the way You love - even my enemy.
John 14:2-3
Jesus is going away to prepare a place for us in heaven!
When I read this verse again, I was awed by what He said. I believe that Heaven already exists, so why does Jesus has to leave us so to get us a place?
Reflections:1) Jesus could have said." Let there be...." But here it seems He is preparing something wonderful for us!
2) Jesus is taking quite a while to prepare this place for us..... I just wonder this must be such a beautiful place that Jesus is there to 'supervise' the project.
3)The more I think about it, the more I cannot imagine with my human and earthly perception how this place is like. There is just no words in this world to describe it!
When I read this verse again, I was awed by what He said. I believe that Heaven already exists, so why does Jesus has to leave us so to get us a place?
Reflections:1) Jesus could have said." Let there be...." But here it seems He is preparing something wonderful for us!
2) Jesus is taking quite a while to prepare this place for us..... I just wonder this must be such a beautiful place that Jesus is there to 'supervise' the project.
3)The more I think about it, the more I cannot imagine with my human and earthly perception how this place is like. There is just no words in this world to describe it!
Monday, 2 August 2010
ACTION SPEAKS THE TRUTH (1 JOHN 3:18)
There is an adage that says, "actions speak louder than words."
You can tell people that you love them, but without showing them, the message of love won't be received. Giving a hand to your spouse, offering your service to the community, being generous to the needy, being willing to listen attentively, hugging someone in grief, patting somebody on the back who did a good job, and smiling at all times are actions and gestures of love. Love should be incorporated with action. And of course, when you say something pleasant, be it a greeting or compliment, be truthful and be sincere. Put your love into action with gestures that are clear.
By Esther B. Jimenez
You can tell people that you love them, but without showing them, the message of love won't be received. Giving a hand to your spouse, offering your service to the community, being generous to the needy, being willing to listen attentively, hugging someone in grief, patting somebody on the back who did a good job, and smiling at all times are actions and gestures of love. Love should be incorporated with action. And of course, when you say something pleasant, be it a greeting or compliment, be truthful and be sincere. Put your love into action with gestures that are clear.
By Esther B. Jimenez
Lies Which We Believe In
Right from the start in the garden of Eden, ever since Eve has been deceived by Satan, we have all been believing in lies.
1) Eve must have believed that she is a failure.
2) Adam must have believed that he is not able to rise up to his position as the man of the house.
3) Adam must have believed that he will have to hide behind his woman every time something wrong or bad props up.
4) Both of them must have believed that a lie will covers up the mistake made.
Etc Etc. the list goes on
All lies can only be broken when we believe in the Truth as the Truth will set us free.
1) Eve must have believed that she is a failure.
2) Adam must have believed that he is not able to rise up to his position as the man of the house.
3) Adam must have believed that he will have to hide behind his woman every time something wrong or bad props up.
4) Both of them must have believed that a lie will covers up the mistake made.
Etc Etc. the list goes on
All lies can only be broken when we believe in the Truth as the Truth will set us free.
Sunday, 1 August 2010
Does Jesus have favourites?
Last Friday I went for lunch with two good friends. One of them asked:"Do you think Jesus have favourites? Though He has 12 disciples, He has singled out Peter, James and John (the disciple whom Jesus loved) to be with Him in the Garden and at the Transfiguration.
Reflections: In Mark 3:31-35, Luke 8:19-21 and Matthew 12:48-50, Jesus said:"Who is my mother and brothers?....whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother, and sister and mother" Also in Luke 5:8-11 and Mark 1:14-20, we read about Jesus' first disciples - the 4 fishermen. So, do you think Jesus has favourites?
Reflections: In Mark 3:31-35, Luke 8:19-21 and Matthew 12:48-50, Jesus said:"Who is my mother and brothers?....whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother, and sister and mother" Also in Luke 5:8-11 and Mark 1:14-20, we read about Jesus' first disciples - the 4 fishermen. So, do you think Jesus has favourites?
Jesus Heals A Paralytic (Matthew 9:1-8)
The speaker today in church told us that her pastor once asked his church members to identify themselves in the story of the paralytic. If you are in the story, who do you think you will be?
Interestingly, many (even doctors in the parish) identify themselves with the sick man. Few identified themselves as the friends. Few identified themselves as the chief priests, Pharisees etc. But no one (not even one) identify himself as Jesus. The pastor said that we as God's children should identify ourselves with Jesus - we should be like him, healing people with compassion, with healing power, with love.
Reflections: I find this very soul searching. Indeed, why so many identify themselves with the sick man and no one with Jesus? What are about you?
Interestingly, many (even doctors in the parish) identify themselves with the sick man. Few identified themselves as the friends. Few identified themselves as the chief priests, Pharisees etc. But no one (not even one) identify himself as Jesus. The pastor said that we as God's children should identify ourselves with Jesus - we should be like him, healing people with compassion, with healing power, with love.
Reflections: I find this very soul searching. Indeed, why so many identify themselves with the sick man and no one with Jesus? What are about you?
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