John 21: 1-14
Jesus Appears to 7 Disciples
In Christ's 3rd encounter after his resurrection, Jesus helps his disciples gather fish and meets them for breakfast. The disciples do not ask if he is Jesus, they know he is.
Please help me to be more like Jesus' disciples, especially Simon Peter, who upon hearing your name, jumped into the lake to swim to you. Help me to be as trusting as Simon Peter.
Hebrews 4:7-13
Promised Rest for God's People (cont'd)
"Nothing in all creation can hide from him. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes. This is the God to whom we must explain all that we have done." (13)
There will come a day when we will have to face God and explain our choices. I want to be able to stand before him, proud. I want God to be proud of me - proud of the fact that he was able to use me to help others. I want to be a blessing to others.
Just yesterday, we went to PCRM. I know that this will be our last bridge to "natural child birth", at least as natural as we can have a baby. This time the endevour will be IUI with Clomid, a drug to stimulate superovulation. I do have my doubts. I believe it's because I don't want to put my trust in Science, but rather in God. God, I know that if this is your will, I will be pregnant. However, I will not overstress or even think much about it. This is a worry I will pass on to you.
My heart is very much entrenched in adopting overseas. Even if I were to be pregnant naturally, I still want to adopt another child. I can't help, but feel this is coming from you. This trip to Cambodia and Wilson's trip to Vietnam... all of our experiences, though separate, are meaningful insights to your bigger picture for us. I know you hear my cries and my prayers. I know they will be answered in your time, not mine. I have been impatient most of my life, working as fast as I possible can. I equate myself to being crazy rabbit - a true task master.
Someone once told me that my child is out there, I just have to call his/her name, but at the same token, this child must want to also be mine. So "Child of mine," hear my voice, "It is time to come into this world. Do not be afraid. We will love you as much as Christ loves us."
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Heaven, A Place of Rest
John 20:19-31
Jesus Appears to His Disciples
In his appearance to them, Christ gave his disciples the power to forgive others, "If you forgive anyone's sins, they are forgiven. If you refuse to forgive anyone's sins, they are unforgiven"(23)
Because Thomas was not with the other disciples when Christ appeared, he refused to believe that Christ showed up. He said," I won't believe it unless I see the nail wounds in his hands, put my fingers into them and place my hand into the wound in his side... Jesus appears 8 days later and says," You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who haven't seen me and believe anyways."
I can imagine how ashamed Thomas must have felt. He had no faith... there are many of us like that. The passage goes on to tell us that Christ did more things than is written. These words were written so that we would come to know and believe in Christ so that we could receive life in Him. What a beautiful thing!
Hebrews 4:1-6
Promised Rest for God's People
This passage is a reminder that God created Heaven on the seventh day so He had a place to rest. We, too, are invited to this place if we believe in Him.
So Father, thank you. Thank you for this place of rest, for it is in this life that we will work tirelessly for you and with you.
Jesus Appears to His Disciples
In his appearance to them, Christ gave his disciples the power to forgive others, "If you forgive anyone's sins, they are forgiven. If you refuse to forgive anyone's sins, they are unforgiven"(23)
Because Thomas was not with the other disciples when Christ appeared, he refused to believe that Christ showed up. He said," I won't believe it unless I see the nail wounds in his hands, put my fingers into them and place my hand into the wound in his side... Jesus appears 8 days later and says," You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who haven't seen me and believe anyways."
I can imagine how ashamed Thomas must have felt. He had no faith... there are many of us like that. The passage goes on to tell us that Christ did more things than is written. These words were written so that we would come to know and believe in Christ so that we could receive life in Him. What a beautiful thing!
Hebrews 4:1-6
Promised Rest for God's People
This passage is a reminder that God created Heaven on the seventh day so He had a place to rest. We, too, are invited to this place if we believe in Him.
So Father, thank you. Thank you for this place of rest, for it is in this life that we will work tirelessly for you and with you.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Encouragement Needed
John 20: 1-18
The Resurrection & Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene
I can't even imagine what it would be like to witness Jesus after his resurrection. I can imagine myself being Mary, bewildered by the loss of Jesus' body.
Hebrews 3:15-19
Those who disobey God will not be allowed to enter Heaven because of their unbelief.
Father, I pray for your encouragement and strength to be the one you need me to be. I am tired and I ask for renewal, physical and spiritual. I went to a Small Group info night and ended up joining a small group today - not sure if it will work, but I have committed 8 Tuesdays starting next Tuesday.
The Resurrection & Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene
I can't even imagine what it would be like to witness Jesus after his resurrection. I can imagine myself being Mary, bewildered by the loss of Jesus' body.
Hebrews 3:15-19
Those who disobey God will not be allowed to enter Heaven because of their unbelief.
Father, I pray for your encouragement and strength to be the one you need me to be. I am tired and I ask for renewal, physical and spiritual. I went to a Small Group info night and ended up joining a small group today - not sure if it will work, but I have committed 8 Tuesdays starting next Tuesday.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Being a Window to God
John 19:31-42
The Burial of Jesus
Because of Passover, the priests wanted the accused to die quickly asking that their legs be broken. Jesus was already dead, so they pierced his side watching blood and water flow from his body. Joseph of Arimathea (secret follower of Christ) took down Christ's body and prepared it for burial with Nicodemus. They buried him in a tomb close to the crucifixion site.
It's amazing how it was prophesized that not a single bone would be broken upon His death...
Hebrews 3:7-14
Jesus is Greater than Moses
This is a passage that reminds us to trust in our Father and to not harden our hearts, but to listen to his voice.
Father you have placed something on my mind and in my heart... gendercide in China. I cannot believe what I am seeing before my eyes. You put me on this "fortunate" side of the world for a reason. You gave me "more" so that I could find pleasure in giving to others through you. Father, what you have placed in my heart, I have shared with my students today. Unimaginable crimes... crimes of humanity... am I more sensitive because I don't have a child of my own. Father, I can't help but feel that you are calling me to serve in this capacity and in this ministry. So Father, I pray for your guidance and you wisdom to fight this battle and to see where you want me positioned.
I love the analogy Father Moe shared in his sermon with us yesterday. We are windows to you - to your greatness. So when we perform acts, they are in your name, not ours. We ask others not to look at our accomplishments, but to look through us to see you. We are windows. People don't necessarily admire the glass, but the view beyond.
The Burial of Jesus
Because of Passover, the priests wanted the accused to die quickly asking that their legs be broken. Jesus was already dead, so they pierced his side watching blood and water flow from his body. Joseph of Arimathea (secret follower of Christ) took down Christ's body and prepared it for burial with Nicodemus. They buried him in a tomb close to the crucifixion site.
It's amazing how it was prophesized that not a single bone would be broken upon His death...
Hebrews 3:7-14
Jesus is Greater than Moses
This is a passage that reminds us to trust in our Father and to not harden our hearts, but to listen to his voice.
Father you have placed something on my mind and in my heart... gendercide in China. I cannot believe what I am seeing before my eyes. You put me on this "fortunate" side of the world for a reason. You gave me "more" so that I could find pleasure in giving to others through you. Father, what you have placed in my heart, I have shared with my students today. Unimaginable crimes... crimes of humanity... am I more sensitive because I don't have a child of my own. Father, I can't help but feel that you are calling me to serve in this capacity and in this ministry. So Father, I pray for your guidance and you wisdom to fight this battle and to see where you want me positioned.
I love the analogy Father Moe shared in his sermon with us yesterday. We are windows to you - to your greatness. So when we perform acts, they are in your name, not ours. We ask others not to look at our accomplishments, but to look through us to see you. We are windows. People don't necessarily admire the glass, but the view beyond.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
The Crucifixion
John 19:16-30
The Crucifixion
Pilate had written a sign over Jesus head - Jesus of Nazarethm, King of the Jews. The priests wanted it to read, "He said, I am King of the Jews" to which Pilate refused. Jesus made sure his mother was taken care of after his death and cried out, "It is finished" when he was ready to give up his spirit.
Thank you Lord for your Son, Jesus Christ.
Hebrews 2:16 - 3:6
Jesus is Greater than Moses
This passage tells us clearly that Moses was a faithful servant of God, but Christ was and is God's faithful son.
The Crucifixion
Pilate had written a sign over Jesus head - Jesus of Nazarethm, King of the Jews. The priests wanted it to read, "He said, I am King of the Jews" to which Pilate refused. Jesus made sure his mother was taken care of after his death and cried out, "It is finished" when he was ready to give up his spirit.
Thank you Lord for your Son, Jesus Christ.
Hebrews 2:16 - 3:6
Jesus is Greater than Moses
This passage tells us clearly that Moses was a faithful servant of God, but Christ was and is God's faithful son.
Saturday, September 24, 2011
John 19: 1-15
Jesus Sentenced to Death
Brutal... to be crucified by the ones you love, to be beaten by the ones you came to save. Pilate tried 3 times to release Jesus, but failed. His death was inevitable. It was needed to fulfill his purpose, to ensure we had a chance to be with God after this earthly life.
Hebrews 2:11-15
Jesus, the Man (cont'd)
"Only in this way (death in human form) could he deliver those who have lived all their lives as slaves to the fear of dying" (15)
Thank you, Jesus. Thank you is definitely not enough. You have blessed us so abundantly. Without you, this life would be meaningless for we'd be in Hell. Thank you for your death on the Cross to rectify our wrongs, our sins, our shame.
Jesus Sentenced to Death
Brutal... to be crucified by the ones you love, to be beaten by the ones you came to save. Pilate tried 3 times to release Jesus, but failed. His death was inevitable. It was needed to fulfill his purpose, to ensure we had a chance to be with God after this earthly life.
Hebrews 2:11-15
Jesus, the Man (cont'd)
"Only in this way (death in human form) could he deliver those who have lived all their lives as slaves to the fear of dying" (15)
Thank you, Jesus. Thank you is definitely not enough. You have blessed us so abundantly. Without you, this life would be meaningless for we'd be in Hell. Thank you for your death on the Cross to rectify our wrongs, our sins, our shame.
Friday, September 23, 2011
Jesus Dies for You and for Me
John 18:28-40
Jesus' Trial Before Pilate
Jesus was brought before the Roman govenor so he could be executed since the Jewish had no authority to sentence anyone to death. Pilate, after questioning Jesus, realized he was no criminal. He asked the Jewish people if they wanted to have him released on Passover. To this, they said they would rather Pilate release Barabbas, a known criminal over Jesus.
How sad... very sad...
Hebrews 2:5-10
Jesus, the Man
By God's grace, Jesus tasted death for everyone in all the world. (9)
I am reminded that it is by God's grace I am as blessed as I am. Father thank you for your continued outpouring of love for me. I ask that you give me the will power needed to glorify you in all aspects of my life. Please purge the negative energy from my life, allow me to transform it into something positive... like shedding some much needed weight.
Jesus' Trial Before Pilate
Jesus was brought before the Roman govenor so he could be executed since the Jewish had no authority to sentence anyone to death. Pilate, after questioning Jesus, realized he was no criminal. He asked the Jewish people if they wanted to have him released on Passover. To this, they said they would rather Pilate release Barabbas, a known criminal over Jesus.
How sad... very sad...
Hebrews 2:5-10
Jesus, the Man
By God's grace, Jesus tasted death for everyone in all the world. (9)
I am reminded that it is by God's grace I am as blessed as I am. Father thank you for your continued outpouring of love for me. I ask that you give me the will power needed to glorify you in all aspects of my life. Please purge the negative energy from my life, allow me to transform it into something positive... like shedding some much needed weight.
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