John 7:37-53
Jesus Promises Living Water & Division and Unbelief
"If you are thirsty come to me! If you believe in me, come and drink! For the scriptures declare that rivers of living water will flow out from within." (38)
The remainder of this passage shows the division of belief, those who believed in Christ and those who didn't, the Pharisees versus the Commoners. I believe and I am thirsty for Christ! So Father, I thank you for sending your son, Jesus to live among us and die for our sins so that we can have eternal life with you.
Last night I volunteered with World Vision at the Carlos Santana concert. We had several donations and had 6 children sponsored. For a packed stadium, this wasn't a great achievement. I recall one woman coming to ask if we were "religious". When we mentioned we were faith based, the expression on her face immediately changed. She was no longer interested in even being affiliated with us... I was saddened...
1 Timothy 6:1-5
False Teachings and True Riches
Anyone who teaches anything different is both conceited and ignorant. Such a sperson has an unhealthy desire to quibble over the meaning of words. This stirs up arguments ending in jealously, fighting, slander and evil suspicions. These people always cause trouble. Their minds are corrupt, and they don't tell the truth. To them religion is just a way to get rich. (4,5)
Yes, I have met people who are picky about words... they do annoy me... yes, it does lead to arguments and all the other horrible feelings. Perhaps that is why I don't engage with them and find it very uncomfortable being around people who "pretend" to be "knowledgable". I am not a confrontational person, but should I be so others can benefit from the "truth"? Father, I do ask for your direction, guidance and wisdom in this area as this is one of my weaknesses. I tend not to be one who confronts another peer when something inappropriate is being done... Thank you for sharing this passage with me today.
Showing posts with label false teachings. Show all posts
Showing posts with label false teachings. Show all posts
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Be Not Afraid For Christ Is With Me & I Will Welcome Him With Open Arms
John 6: 16-21
Jesus Walks on Water
This is the passage where Jesus walks across the lake towards the boat to meet up with his disciples. Jesus calls out to his terrified disciples reminding them to not be afraid for he is here. Upon his arrival, the boat reaches its destination.
I am reminded that Jesus also tells me to "not be afraid, for he is here" with me always - to lift me up and to encourage me, to give me hope and to wisdom in times of need. When he is near, the end, his light, is not that far away. So I pray Father that you will continue to light this path for me. I know that you love me and will bring me great joy and peace.
1 Timothy 4: 7-11
Warnings Against False Teachers (cont'd)
This passage reads 'Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives' tales.' We are to spend our time in 'spiritual fitness', equipping ourselves for the evil one in this lifetime and ensuring we spend our next one in God's presence. 'We work hard and suffer much in order that people will believe the truth, for our hope is in the living God, who is the Saviour of all people, and particularly of those who believe. Teach these things and insist that everyone learn them. (10,11)'
God is telling me to spend my time wisely. Don't debate and dwell on things that are of no value, especially spiritual value. As God's children, we too will suffer and will need to work hard. This is a part of God's purpose for us. It will be in these moments that God will reveal himself to us. We need to open our "eyes" and let Him in, for He will be knocking. God doesn't force himself into our lives, he wants to be welcomed in...
Satan is ever present. We need to be on the look out for false or "watered-down: versions of the gospel. There will be preachers and pastors out there who are misled. God only forgives those who repent. There is always a consequence for our actions. If you believe in Heaven, there must alse be Hell.
Father, I pray that you will continue to reveal yourself to me and my husband, especially my husband. I pray that he will open the door to his heart wide and welcome you with open arms. At this moment, he hears your knock and he has looked through the peep hole. He has removed the chain link and opened the door a crack, recognizing it is you. Yet he is hesitating for he is scared to endure anymore pain and suffering. So Father I pray for you strength, wisdom and words of encouragement so that he may fully accept you again and be a faithful servant and warrior for your cause, sharing his truth about your compassion and grace with all others. Amen.
Jesus Walks on Water
This is the passage where Jesus walks across the lake towards the boat to meet up with his disciples. Jesus calls out to his terrified disciples reminding them to not be afraid for he is here. Upon his arrival, the boat reaches its destination.
I am reminded that Jesus also tells me to "not be afraid, for he is here" with me always - to lift me up and to encourage me, to give me hope and to wisdom in times of need. When he is near, the end, his light, is not that far away. So I pray Father that you will continue to light this path for me. I know that you love me and will bring me great joy and peace.
1 Timothy 4: 7-11
Warnings Against False Teachers (cont'd)
This passage reads 'Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives' tales.' We are to spend our time in 'spiritual fitness', equipping ourselves for the evil one in this lifetime and ensuring we spend our next one in God's presence. 'We work hard and suffer much in order that people will believe the truth, for our hope is in the living God, who is the Saviour of all people, and particularly of those who believe. Teach these things and insist that everyone learn them. (10,11)'
God is telling me to spend my time wisely. Don't debate and dwell on things that are of no value, especially spiritual value. As God's children, we too will suffer and will need to work hard. This is a part of God's purpose for us. It will be in these moments that God will reveal himself to us. We need to open our "eyes" and let Him in, for He will be knocking. God doesn't force himself into our lives, he wants to be welcomed in...
Satan is ever present. We need to be on the look out for false or "watered-down: versions of the gospel. There will be preachers and pastors out there who are misled. God only forgives those who repent. There is always a consequence for our actions. If you believe in Heaven, there must alse be Hell.
Father, I pray that you will continue to reveal yourself to me and my husband, especially my husband. I pray that he will open the door to his heart wide and welcome you with open arms. At this moment, he hears your knock and he has looked through the peep hole. He has removed the chain link and opened the door a crack, recognizing it is you. Yet he is hesitating for he is scared to endure anymore pain and suffering. So Father I pray for you strength, wisdom and words of encouragement so that he may fully accept you again and be a faithful servant and warrior for your cause, sharing his truth about your compassion and grace with all others. Amen.
Monday, August 22, 2011
John 6: 1-15
Jesus Feeds 5000
In this passage Jesus feeds 5000 people with 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish. Even his disciple, Phillip, was skeptical and commented that it would cost a small fortune to feed these followers. Jesus even collected 12 baskets of leftovers after everyone was full! When the people saw this miracle, they all wanted to crown Jesus king.
God is showing this passage to remind me that all things are possible with God. Miracles happen. 2 nights ago, my husband shared with me a story of a couple who struggled with 2 failed IVF cycles, but is now expecting a baby in December. I am certain that this is your sign of hope for us, a reminder that miracles exist.
Just yesterday, there were baby dedications during our church service too. As such I was pondering over a name for my future daughter, Mirabelle Faith Ngo... Mirabelle in Latin means wonderful, but to me it would signify God's wonderful miracle... and Faith for my trust, hope and belief that God provides and answers prayers. Father, you know what is in my heart and my greatest desire. I pray, if it is in your will, that you will hear my prayer to mother a child and nurture this child to be one who loves and follows your ways. You have asked me to be patient and as such I shall wait, for it is in your time and not mine. You have showed this lesson to me on many occasions in various aspects of my life. In the end, you always do and plan for what is right. So Father, I ask for the fruits of your spirit and grant me patience and ensure that I don't envy what is not mine.
1 Timothy 3:16 - 4:6
Warnings Against False Teachers
False teachers will be hypocrites and liars. They will make up rules about fidelity and sacred foods. As a good servant of Christ, we must share with others the message of Christ, as this feeds our spiritual hunger.
God is reminding me that Satan's warriors are everywhere. Many will be led astray. As warriors of Christ, we must help others see the truth so they can return to the one who truly loves them -God. So God, I thank you for loving me and I pray for strength, wisdom in your words of truth and courage to share your message with others.
Jesus Feeds 5000
In this passage Jesus feeds 5000 people with 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish. Even his disciple, Phillip, was skeptical and commented that it would cost a small fortune to feed these followers. Jesus even collected 12 baskets of leftovers after everyone was full! When the people saw this miracle, they all wanted to crown Jesus king.
God is showing this passage to remind me that all things are possible with God. Miracles happen. 2 nights ago, my husband shared with me a story of a couple who struggled with 2 failed IVF cycles, but is now expecting a baby in December. I am certain that this is your sign of hope for us, a reminder that miracles exist.
Just yesterday, there were baby dedications during our church service too. As such I was pondering over a name for my future daughter, Mirabelle Faith Ngo... Mirabelle in Latin means wonderful, but to me it would signify God's wonderful miracle... and Faith for my trust, hope and belief that God provides and answers prayers. Father, you know what is in my heart and my greatest desire. I pray, if it is in your will, that you will hear my prayer to mother a child and nurture this child to be one who loves and follows your ways. You have asked me to be patient and as such I shall wait, for it is in your time and not mine. You have showed this lesson to me on many occasions in various aspects of my life. In the end, you always do and plan for what is right. So Father, I ask for the fruits of your spirit and grant me patience and ensure that I don't envy what is not mine.
1 Timothy 3:16 - 4:6
Warnings Against False Teachers
False teachers will be hypocrites and liars. They will make up rules about fidelity and sacred foods. As a good servant of Christ, we must share with others the message of Christ, as this feeds our spiritual hunger.
God is reminding me that Satan's warriors are everywhere. Many will be led astray. As warriors of Christ, we must help others see the truth so they can return to the one who truly loves them -God. So God, I thank you for loving me and I pray for strength, wisdom in your words of truth and courage to share your message with others.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Sunbathing in God's Light
John 3:1-21
Jesus and Nicodemus
Nicodemus was a Jewish leader. Jesus tells Nicodemus, "No one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit. Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives new life from Heaven." (5,6)
For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish, but have eternal life. God did not send his Son into the world to condemn it, but to save it. (16, 17)
There is no judgement awaiting those who trust him. But those who do not trust him have already been judged for not believing in the Son of God... The light form heaven came in the world, but they loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil. They hate the light because they want to sin in the darkness... But those who do what is right come to the light gladly, so everyone can see that they are doing what God wants" (18-21)
God is compassionate and loving. He understands the pain of sacrifice. I want to do what is right in the eyes of the Lord. I want the world to see what God wants us to be like. I thank God for giving me the vision of my path to follow Him. I ask for his continued strength and discipline to continue on this path of faith. I also ask that God will continue to watch over my husband for his faith is weak. There are times when I see him stepping into the shadows rather than basking in your light. I pray Father, that you continue to love him and to carry him through this struggle. I pray that he will let you bear this burden on his heart for he alone cannot withstand its weight anymore. It is painful for me to watch him turn away from you... I pray God that you will soften his heart so that he can see and feel you once again.
1 Timothy 1:7-11
Warnings Against False Teachings (cont'd)
Paul warns us, in a letter to Timothy, that there are those who profess to know the 'truth'. They will spend their time arguing and discrediting God's grace and love. They will come across as confident and tell fellow Christians self-professed truths. These false prophets will create laws to make sin "forgivable" or socially acceptable. It is obvious that these laws are "for people who are disobedient, and rebellious, who are ungodly and sinful... (9)".
It is no wonder that my nerves get rattled and I lose my sense of self-control and become easily angered when someone questions my faith... it's like someone hurting me by saying bad things about my family. It's not right. I pray that God shield me with holy armour to withstand these daggers of doubt from Satan and give me the wisdom and strength to be able to use your sword of truth to fend off evil. I pray that God will allow me to keep soaking up his light...
Jesus and Nicodemus
Nicodemus was a Jewish leader. Jesus tells Nicodemus, "No one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit. Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives new life from Heaven." (5,6)
For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish, but have eternal life. God did not send his Son into the world to condemn it, but to save it. (16, 17)
There is no judgement awaiting those who trust him. But those who do not trust him have already been judged for not believing in the Son of God... The light form heaven came in the world, but they loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil. They hate the light because they want to sin in the darkness... But those who do what is right come to the light gladly, so everyone can see that they are doing what God wants" (18-21)
God is compassionate and loving. He understands the pain of sacrifice. I want to do what is right in the eyes of the Lord. I want the world to see what God wants us to be like. I thank God for giving me the vision of my path to follow Him. I ask for his continued strength and discipline to continue on this path of faith. I also ask that God will continue to watch over my husband for his faith is weak. There are times when I see him stepping into the shadows rather than basking in your light. I pray Father, that you continue to love him and to carry him through this struggle. I pray that he will let you bear this burden on his heart for he alone cannot withstand its weight anymore. It is painful for me to watch him turn away from you... I pray God that you will soften his heart so that he can see and feel you once again.
1 Timothy 1:7-11
Warnings Against False Teachings (cont'd)
Paul warns us, in a letter to Timothy, that there are those who profess to know the 'truth'. They will spend their time arguing and discrediting God's grace and love. They will come across as confident and tell fellow Christians self-professed truths. These false prophets will create laws to make sin "forgivable" or socially acceptable. It is obvious that these laws are "for people who are disobedient, and rebellious, who are ungodly and sinful... (9)".
It is no wonder that my nerves get rattled and I lose my sense of self-control and become easily angered when someone questions my faith... it's like someone hurting me by saying bad things about my family. It's not right. I pray that God shield me with holy armour to withstand these daggers of doubt from Satan and give me the wisdom and strength to be able to use your sword of truth to fend off evil. I pray that God will allow me to keep soaking up his light...
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Honouring God... with a pure heart, clear conscience and sincere faith
John 2: 13-25
Jesus Clears the Temple
"Get these things out of here. Don't turn my Father's house into a market place!" (16)
"Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up." (Temple, meaning his body) (19)
But Jesus didn't trust them, because he knew what peole were really like. No one needed to tell him about human nature. (24, 25)
This passage shows me Christ's deep love for God and to always remember that a place of worship is God centred. God knows what is in our hearts and knows how easily we succomb to sin and temptation since Christ walked this earth and died so that we could live. I ask God to keep my thoughts pure and resist falling into temptation.
1Timothy 1: 1-6
Warnings Against False Teachings
Don't let people waste time in endless speculation over myths and spiritual pedigrees. For these things only cause arguments; they don't help people live a life of faith in God. The purpose of my instruction is that all Christians would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and sincere faith. (4, 5)
We will always encounter those who willingly wish dishonour God and those who are genuinely confused. It is important not to get caught up in the negative debate over fact or fiction, but rather to give a testimony of our own experience with how God has worked in our lives. Just writing this has provided an element of relief for me as now I have a plan of how I can honour God at work... have a pure heart, clear conscience and sincere faith... so Father that is my prayer. I ask that you fill my life with events that display your love and faithfullness so that my life can be your testimony.
As I was writing this, my husband called me out complaining of a sharp pain in his back that caused him to collapse outside. Thank God he is seemingly OK now. He suspects it's another kidney stone. Father, please heal him from his pain and let the doctors figure out what is going on.
Jesus Clears the Temple
"Get these things out of here. Don't turn my Father's house into a market place!" (16)
"Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up." (Temple, meaning his body) (19)
But Jesus didn't trust them, because he knew what peole were really like. No one needed to tell him about human nature. (24, 25)
This passage shows me Christ's deep love for God and to always remember that a place of worship is God centred. God knows what is in our hearts and knows how easily we succomb to sin and temptation since Christ walked this earth and died so that we could live. I ask God to keep my thoughts pure and resist falling into temptation.
1Timothy 1: 1-6
Warnings Against False Teachings
Don't let people waste time in endless speculation over myths and spiritual pedigrees. For these things only cause arguments; they don't help people live a life of faith in God. The purpose of my instruction is that all Christians would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and sincere faith. (4, 5)
We will always encounter those who willingly wish dishonour God and those who are genuinely confused. It is important not to get caught up in the negative debate over fact or fiction, but rather to give a testimony of our own experience with how God has worked in our lives. Just writing this has provided an element of relief for me as now I have a plan of how I can honour God at work... have a pure heart, clear conscience and sincere faith... so Father that is my prayer. I ask that you fill my life with events that display your love and faithfullness so that my life can be your testimony.
As I was writing this, my husband called me out complaining of a sharp pain in his back that caused him to collapse outside. Thank God he is seemingly OK now. He suspects it's another kidney stone. Father, please heal him from his pain and let the doctors figure out what is going on.
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