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.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Lord Give Me Strength...
2Thessalonians 3: 1-18
Paul's Request for Prayer
Pray first that the Lord's message will spread rapidly and be honoured wherever it goes, just as when it came to you. Pray that we will be saved from wicked and evil people, for not everyone believes in the Lord. The Lord is faithful. He will make you strong and guard you from the evil one.
This is a reminder to spread the message of God all the time... I ask that the Lord make me strong and guard me from the evil one at all times.
An Exhortion to Proper Living
Stay away from any Christian who live in idleness and doesn't follow the tradition of hard work we gave you. We were never lazy when we were with you. We never accepted food without paying for it. We worked hard day and night so that we would not be a burden to any of you. (6-8)
This is a reminder to not let others influence and change me. Do not become lazy and do not resent them, instead help them see the error of their way. God, give me patience and strength to not be pulled into the mix of becoming uncaring or resentful when working with my peers.
Paul's Request for Prayer
Pray first that the Lord's message will spread rapidly and be honoured wherever it goes, just as when it came to you. Pray that we will be saved from wicked and evil people, for not everyone believes in the Lord. The Lord is faithful. He will make you strong and guard you from the evil one.
This is a reminder to spread the message of God all the time... I ask that the Lord make me strong and guard me from the evil one at all times.
An Exhortion to Proper Living
Stay away from any Christian who live in idleness and doesn't follow the tradition of hard work we gave you. We were never lazy when we were with you. We never accepted food without paying for it. We worked hard day and night so that we would not be a burden to any of you. (6-8)
This is a reminder to not let others influence and change me. Do not become lazy and do not resent them, instead help them see the error of their way. God, give me patience and strength to not be pulled into the mix of becoming uncaring or resentful when working with my peers.
Do you believe? Water into Wine...
John 1:35-51 & John 2: 1-12
The First Disciples & the Wedding at Cana
Jesus asked him (Nathaniel), "Do you believe all this just because I told you I had seen you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than this. The truth is, you will all see heaven open up and the angels of God going up and down upon the Son of Man." (50, 51)
At the wedding of Cana, Jesus turns water to wine (upon his mother's request).
Christ reminds us that He can perform "miracles". We just need to have faith, to believe. God is reminding me of his faithfulness to me. My husband was deemed pretty ill about 6 months ago. He was diagnosed with diabetes and high blood pressure. Just 2 weeks ago, the doctor, himself, claimed it was a "miracle" that he is off the diabetic medication and his blood pressure is like that of a 16 year old! Praise God!
Of course, I will not lie, what lies heavy on both my heart and his, is having a child of our own. Now that would require another miracle. Of course God performs miracles, but will this prayer request be a part of God's plan, His will? In Cambodia, God told me to be patient. He loves me and in time, He will provide. And so I wait... not expecting, but accepting His will with a glad heart.
For the past 2 weeks I have been in and out of the hospital, helping my grand aunt and uncle. My grand uncle had heart bypass surgery. He has no children of his own and my grand aunt has no relatives. I knew that God placed it in my heart to do all within my means to be of service to them. He provided me with words of comfort and used me to represent His love for them - used me to remind them that they are not abandoned.
I ask God to continue to open my heart to receive his gift of love and obedience and to help me be more disciplined in my actions to lead a life that will please the Lord.
The First Disciples & the Wedding at Cana
Jesus asked him (Nathaniel), "Do you believe all this just because I told you I had seen you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than this. The truth is, you will all see heaven open up and the angels of God going up and down upon the Son of Man." (50, 51)
At the wedding of Cana, Jesus turns water to wine (upon his mother's request).
Christ reminds us that He can perform "miracles". We just need to have faith, to believe. God is reminding me of his faithfulness to me. My husband was deemed pretty ill about 6 months ago. He was diagnosed with diabetes and high blood pressure. Just 2 weeks ago, the doctor, himself, claimed it was a "miracle" that he is off the diabetic medication and his blood pressure is like that of a 16 year old! Praise God!
Of course, I will not lie, what lies heavy on both my heart and his, is having a child of our own. Now that would require another miracle. Of course God performs miracles, but will this prayer request be a part of God's plan, His will? In Cambodia, God told me to be patient. He loves me and in time, He will provide. And so I wait... not expecting, but accepting His will with a glad heart.
For the past 2 weeks I have been in and out of the hospital, helping my grand aunt and uncle. My grand uncle had heart bypass surgery. He has no children of his own and my grand aunt has no relatives. I knew that God placed it in my heart to do all within my means to be of service to them. He provided me with words of comfort and used me to represent His love for them - used me to remind them that they are not abandoned.
I ask God to continue to open my heart to receive his gift of love and obedience and to help me be more disciplined in my actions to lead a life that will please the Lord.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Standing Behind our Faith
John 1:15-34
The Testimony of John the Baptist and Jesus, the Lamb of God
I am a voice shouting in the wilderness, 'Prepare a straight pathway for the Lord's coming'.
If you aren't the Messiah or Elijah or the Prophet, what right do you have to baptize?
John told them, ' I baptize with water, but right here in the crowd is someone you do now know, who will soon begin his ministry. I am not even worthy to be his slave. (23 - 27)
I saw the Holy Spirit decending like a dove from heaven and resting upon him. I didn't know he was the one, but when God sent me to baptize with water, he told me, 'When you see the Holy Spririt decending and resting up someone, he is the one you are looking for. He is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.'
I saw this happen to Jesus, so I testify that he is the Son of God. (32-34)
Hallelujah! Because of Jesus, our bodies can also house the Holy Spirit! I ask God that you let your spirit shine through me so others can know you.
2 Thessalonians 2:7-17
Events Prior to the Lord's Second Coming (Cont'd)
Believers Should Stand Firm
This evil man will come to do the work of Satan with counterfeit power and signs of miracles. He will use every kind of wicked deception to fool those who are on their way to destruction because they refuse to believe the truth that would save them. (9, 10)
They will be condemned for not believing the truth and for enjoying the evil they do. (12)
With all these things in mind, dear brothers ans sisters, stand firm and keep a strong grip on everything we taught you both in person and by letter. May our Lord Jesus Christ and God our Father, who loved us and in his special favour gave us everlasting comfort and good hope, comfort your hearts and give you strength in every good think you do and say. (15-17)
My husband would refer this evil man as the "anti-christ"... we must hold strong to the truth of Jesus,now more than ever. It is evident that this evil is strong in our world. There are seemingly so many in power who abuse it and do dispicable things. Thus, it is with great importance that we represent Christ in a proud manner.
The Testimony of John the Baptist and Jesus, the Lamb of God
I am a voice shouting in the wilderness, 'Prepare a straight pathway for the Lord's coming'.
If you aren't the Messiah or Elijah or the Prophet, what right do you have to baptize?
John told them, ' I baptize with water, but right here in the crowd is someone you do now know, who will soon begin his ministry. I am not even worthy to be his slave. (23 - 27)
I saw the Holy Spirit decending like a dove from heaven and resting upon him. I didn't know he was the one, but when God sent me to baptize with water, he told me, 'When you see the Holy Spririt decending and resting up someone, he is the one you are looking for. He is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.'
I saw this happen to Jesus, so I testify that he is the Son of God. (32-34)
Hallelujah! Because of Jesus, our bodies can also house the Holy Spirit! I ask God that you let your spirit shine through me so others can know you.
2 Thessalonians 2:7-17
Events Prior to the Lord's Second Coming (Cont'd)
Believers Should Stand Firm
This evil man will come to do the work of Satan with counterfeit power and signs of miracles. He will use every kind of wicked deception to fool those who are on their way to destruction because they refuse to believe the truth that would save them. (9, 10)
They will be condemned for not believing the truth and for enjoying the evil they do. (12)
With all these things in mind, dear brothers ans sisters, stand firm and keep a strong grip on everything we taught you both in person and by letter. May our Lord Jesus Christ and God our Father, who loved us and in his special favour gave us everlasting comfort and good hope, comfort your hearts and give you strength in every good think you do and say. (15-17)
My husband would refer this evil man as the "anti-christ"... we must hold strong to the truth of Jesus,now more than ever. It is evident that this evil is strong in our world. There are seemingly so many in power who abuse it and do dispicable things. Thus, it is with great importance that we represent Christ in a proud manner.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
The Second Coming
John 1:1-14
Christ, the Eternal Word
The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone was going to come into the world.
But although the world was made through him, the world didn't recognize him when he came. Even in his own land and among his own people, he was not accepted. But to all who believed in him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn! This is not a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan - this rebirth comes from God.
So the Word became human and lived here on earth among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the only Son of the Father. (9-14)
God is reminding me that he knows how cruel humans can be for he was shunned by society. He came to this world to understand us and share our pain and take away our sins so that we can be forgiven. Only through him can we be spiritually reborn and claimed a true child of God. God is reminding me to cherish Christ's love and faithfulness.
2 Thessalonians 2:1-6
Events Prior to the Lord's Second Coming
Please don't be so easily shaken and troubled by those who say that the day of the Lord has already begun. Even if they claim to have had a vision, a revelation, or a letter supposedly from us, don't believe them. Don't be fooled by what they say. For that day will not come until there is a great rebellion against God and the man of lawlessness is revealed- the one who brings destruction. He will exalt himself and defy every god there is and tear down every object of adoration and worship. He will position himself in the temple of God, claiming that he himself is God. (2-4)
Wow! With all these recent disasters in the world, we have heard many claim that the end of the world is near. But according to Paul, the Lord will not show up until the "false" god arrives to take over this world. So long as there is a choice for people to believe, to have faith, in Christ or any other god, our Lord will not come. He will come again only when He has lost this world He, himself, created. It's almost as if he would be coming to pick of the pieces of broken artwork... However I can't help but feel that this rebellion against God and the man of lawlessness is happening. Just look at Cambodia and the Khmer Rouge. It was one man's twist on ideology that led to the destruction of religion and love for 3 years!
Christ, the Eternal Word
The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone was going to come into the world.
But although the world was made through him, the world didn't recognize him when he came. Even in his own land and among his own people, he was not accepted. But to all who believed in him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn! This is not a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan - this rebirth comes from God.
So the Word became human and lived here on earth among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the only Son of the Father. (9-14)
God is reminding me that he knows how cruel humans can be for he was shunned by society. He came to this world to understand us and share our pain and take away our sins so that we can be forgiven. Only through him can we be spiritually reborn and claimed a true child of God. God is reminding me to cherish Christ's love and faithfulness.
2 Thessalonians 2:1-6
Events Prior to the Lord's Second Coming
Please don't be so easily shaken and troubled by those who say that the day of the Lord has already begun. Even if they claim to have had a vision, a revelation, or a letter supposedly from us, don't believe them. Don't be fooled by what they say. For that day will not come until there is a great rebellion against God and the man of lawlessness is revealed- the one who brings destruction. He will exalt himself and defy every god there is and tear down every object of adoration and worship. He will position himself in the temple of God, claiming that he himself is God. (2-4)
Wow! With all these recent disasters in the world, we have heard many claim that the end of the world is near. But according to Paul, the Lord will not show up until the "false" god arrives to take over this world. So long as there is a choice for people to believe, to have faith, in Christ or any other god, our Lord will not come. He will come again only when He has lost this world He, himself, created. It's almost as if he would be coming to pick of the pieces of broken artwork... However I can't help but feel that this rebellion against God and the man of lawlessness is happening. Just look at Cambodia and the Khmer Rouge. It was one man's twist on ideology that led to the destruction of religion and love for 3 years!
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Living a God Worthy Life
Luke 24: 35- 53
Jesus Appears to the Disciples
'Why are you frightened? Why do you doubt who I am? Look at my hands. Look at my feet. You can see that it's really me. Touch me and make sure that I am not a ghost, because ghosts don't have bodies, as you see that I do!' (38,39)
'Yes, it was written long ago that the Messiah must suffer and die and rise again from the dead on the third day. There is forgiveness of sins for all who turn to me.' (46,47)
I am reminded that Christ knows we are natural doubters. We always want concrete evidence. Faith does not come easily to most. God is not required to save us all. He loves us so much that He allowed for an opportunity for us to turn back to Him if we so desired. He has given us a great gift, one we really don't deserve. I thank you, Lord, for forgiving my sins and for giving me strength in overcoming my own hurt and pain and for allowing me opportunities to serve you.
2 Thessalonians 1: 1-12
Greetings from Paul - Encouragement During Persecution
But God will use this persecution to show his justice. For he will make you worthy of his Kingdom, for which you are suffering, and in his justice he will punish those who persecute you...He will come with his mighty angels, in flaming fire, bringing judgement on those who don't know God and on those who refuse to obey the Good News of our Lord Jesus. They will be punished with everlasting destruction, forever separated from the Lord and from his glorious power when he comes to receive glory and praise from his holy people. You will be among those praising him that day, for you believe what we testified about him.
And so we keep on praying for you, that our God will make you worthy of the life to which he called you. And we pray that God by his power, will fulfill all your good intentions and faithful deeds. Then everyone will give honour to the name of our Lord Jesus because of you. (5 - 12)
This is a powerful passage. Paul is telling us that our pain and suffering will not go unrecognized. God will use this as an instrument of change. It is in our hurt and faithfulness that we will be able to bring others to Him. I pray that God will make me worthy of this life that he has called me to. I pray that through God's will and power, he will fill me with good intentions. I pray that he will also lift up my dear sisters and brothers in Christ (e.g. Alice, who is leaving for a medical mission in Guatamale and Wilson, who has taken a step to rekindle his relationship with the Lord) and fill them up with faithful deeds and lead lives that praise God.
Song: Fill us up and send us out... Fill us up and send us out, Lord...
Jesus Appears to the Disciples
'Why are you frightened? Why do you doubt who I am? Look at my hands. Look at my feet. You can see that it's really me. Touch me and make sure that I am not a ghost, because ghosts don't have bodies, as you see that I do!' (38,39)
'Yes, it was written long ago that the Messiah must suffer and die and rise again from the dead on the third day. There is forgiveness of sins for all who turn to me.' (46,47)
I am reminded that Christ knows we are natural doubters. We always want concrete evidence. Faith does not come easily to most. God is not required to save us all. He loves us so much that He allowed for an opportunity for us to turn back to Him if we so desired. He has given us a great gift, one we really don't deserve. I thank you, Lord, for forgiving my sins and for giving me strength in overcoming my own hurt and pain and for allowing me opportunities to serve you.
2 Thessalonians 1: 1-12
Greetings from Paul - Encouragement During Persecution
But God will use this persecution to show his justice. For he will make you worthy of his Kingdom, for which you are suffering, and in his justice he will punish those who persecute you...He will come with his mighty angels, in flaming fire, bringing judgement on those who don't know God and on those who refuse to obey the Good News of our Lord Jesus. They will be punished with everlasting destruction, forever separated from the Lord and from his glorious power when he comes to receive glory and praise from his holy people. You will be among those praising him that day, for you believe what we testified about him.
And so we keep on praying for you, that our God will make you worthy of the life to which he called you. And we pray that God by his power, will fulfill all your good intentions and faithful deeds. Then everyone will give honour to the name of our Lord Jesus because of you. (5 - 12)
This is a powerful passage. Paul is telling us that our pain and suffering will not go unrecognized. God will use this as an instrument of change. It is in our hurt and faithfulness that we will be able to bring others to Him. I pray that God will make me worthy of this life that he has called me to. I pray that through God's will and power, he will fill me with good intentions. I pray that he will also lift up my dear sisters and brothers in Christ (e.g. Alice, who is leaving for a medical mission in Guatamale and Wilson, who has taken a step to rekindle his relationship with the Lord) and fill them up with faithful deeds and lead lives that praise God.
Song: Fill us up and send us out... Fill us up and send us out, Lord...
Monday, August 8, 2011
How to Best Represent Christ
Luke 24:13-34
The Walk to Emmaus
1 Thessalonians 5:23-28
Pauls's Final Greetings
Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until that day when our Lord Jesus Christ comes again. God, who calls you, is faithful; he will do this. (23, 24)
I love this passage. Repeating this passage brings me peace. What would be the action piece in this. As I read the aside/commentary portion that goes with this Book of 1 Thessalonians, it offers suggestions on how we can encourage, praise and build up others. Here are the 3 suggestions:
The Walk to Emmaus
Jesus said to them, ' You are such foolish people! You find it so hard to believe all that the prophets written in the Scriptures. Wasn't is clearly predicted by the prophets that the Messiah would have to suffer all these things before entering his time of glory! (25,26)
The Lord has really risen! He appeared to Peter. (34)
I am but a foolish person, for I would have been the doubter. God is revealing this to me today, to remind me of my new promise to Him - to be His warrior in this battle to come. I ask the Lord for forgiveness and for courage and strength to be a believer, especially when up against non-believers.
1 Thessalonians 5:23-28
Pauls's Final Greetings
Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until that day when our Lord Jesus Christ comes again. God, who calls you, is faithful; he will do this. (23, 24)
I love this passage. Repeating this passage brings me peace. What would be the action piece in this. As I read the aside/commentary portion that goes with this Book of 1 Thessalonians, it offers suggestions on how we can encourage, praise and build up others. Here are the 3 suggestions:
- Use positive, uplifting language. Crude, vulgar, "downward" language and swearing does not bring peace to anyone's ear. Such speech will only draw attention away from Christ and does nothing to encourage others. This makes sense now... more recently, I have been rather annoyed and repulsed by others who use foul language. It is all because it makes me feel like I am not loved, deflated and discouraged... why would I want to make someone else feel like that?
- Listen intently, before formulating an opinion and speaking aloud. Take a genuine interest to listen to others. God will give us wisdom and words to say to uplift another person - we are the body of Christ, we are connected to "God's" ears, heart and mind. Even James instructs us to be quick to listen and slow to speak (James 1:19)... I actually think I do a good of job of this. I am also very atuned to what others do and find myself wanting to make others "listen" before they speak. By allowing someone to share their story without being interrupted not only demonstrates respect, but more importantly it brings a sense of peace and allows for one to hear the Holy Spirit. I find that our minds are so BUSY, that we neglect to hear the spirit speak.
- Strive to honour Christ in what you say. Hmmm... bless or encourage others by pointing them to Christ. We should use "words suitable for the occasion, which God can use to help others". This is more of a challenge for me. But this is where I can become an effective witness and warrior for Christ. If a friend opens up about pain and hurt in their life, I should show compassion and tell them about my pain and how Christ cushioned my hurt. As a follower of Christ, I should go that "extra mile" to make our conversations more meaningful. This will only lead to develop stronger deeper friendships and we would be effective witnesses for the Lord.
These are great steps that I can take to become a better encourager and witness. I ask God to give me the courage to step up to this challenge of refraining from saying things that don't bring glory to God and to say things that would draw them closer to Christ.
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