John 13
v5 Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him.
Did Jesus washed the feet of Judas?
After washing the disciple feet, Jesus was troubled in the spirit. He even revealed to Peter who would be the betrayer, who would be the one Jesus dipped the morsel, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot.
Immediately Judas went out in the night.
It was in front of the disciples, that Jesus mentioned that one of them would betray Jesus. Before that when he wash their feet, He too mentioned that among them one of them was not clean, v10but not every one of you.He even quote scriptures in v18 I am not speaking of all of you; I know whom I have chosen. But the Scripture will be fulfilled, [4] ‘He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me.’.
When he gave Jusda the bread, he spoke to him saying in v27 Jesus said to him, “What you are going to do, do quickly.”
Why am I so interested in Judas? Not Judas, but the number of obvious times that Jesus knew about the betrayal, but Judas was not repentant.
The passage is about grace. Everyone is not perfect, but where is our heart after the Lord. Are we still living in sin and again and again, despite the obious warning still refuse to come back to our senses?
Judas went out. Good. If he had gone out and cry, good. But unfortunately, he did not turn back.
I am leaving the past behind. It will be a new place, a new opening. Forgive me my Lord for all my wrong doings. No more. Amen.
Today, before I receive the offer, through the song "Days of Elijah", I shall be His labourer in the vineyard, His voice in the desert.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Thursday, July 30, 2009
30 July 2009
I woke up this morning with the story of David and Bethseeba. I do not know what that means, but immediately I understand that a idle mind is dangerous. What's your plan for me Lord?
I am concern about the streams of income and about II. How will the training go?
How long do I have to wonder? I know there are things God wants to deal with me that are not complete, before I can enter the land. Am I prepared for these ...
John 12
Judas commented that Mary should not be using the expensive nard and annointed the feet of Jesus.
Mary on the other hand served Jesus and decided that it was all worth to use the expensive nard on Jesus' feet.
How do we deal with money? Judas see that is is wasteful while Mary found it all worth.
Judas said that these could be use for the poor, while Mary use it for her Lord.
Jesus commented that the poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me.
A spirit of covet and envy is in me when I see that giving is wasteful. Instead like the rest of the world, we should accumulate assest for ourself. People are earning more and doing well than me, why am I so left out?
Ugly feeling and bad sentiment. I am concern about balancing accounts..
How will I react to the blessings on the day the Lord give them to me? There is something to know and learn here.
Jesus have not blessed or give Mary the nard, but Mary use them for the Lord whom she loved.
Judas was in charge of the money bag and yet he used to help himself to what was put it.
What was not bless but given. What was not receive but taken.
I should not be expecting a blessings before I give and even before I receive I should learn to give.
The worse is that I felt that I am so much worse off and I should take and receive more so that I can be better off.
What a person am I?...
I pray that the Lord will provide me with enough that I may not steal. I pray that I will learn to receive blessings and acknowledge it is the Lord who has bless. I have seen that by my own strength, I have failed, failed badly. There is no point accumulating assest for my own ego, so that the day of great rewards, I will not let pride take over me, but know clearly it is the work of my God. I shall eat You eat the fruit of vineyards and olive orchards that you did not plant. I will have the blessings but it is not for my glory. I pray that I will learn when to bless the kingdom of God and when to bless the poor. I pray that I will give to the poor because it is good and the world may know that I have a good heart. All purpose is for God's glory. Amen.
I am concern about the streams of income and about II. How will the training go?
How long do I have to wonder? I know there are things God wants to deal with me that are not complete, before I can enter the land. Am I prepared for these ...
John 12
Judas commented that Mary should not be using the expensive nard and annointed the feet of Jesus.
Mary on the other hand served Jesus and decided that it was all worth to use the expensive nard on Jesus' feet.
How do we deal with money? Judas see that is is wasteful while Mary found it all worth.
Judas said that these could be use for the poor, while Mary use it for her Lord.
Jesus commented that the poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me.
A spirit of covet and envy is in me when I see that giving is wasteful. Instead like the rest of the world, we should accumulate assest for ourself. People are earning more and doing well than me, why am I so left out?
Ugly feeling and bad sentiment. I am concern about balancing accounts..
How will I react to the blessings on the day the Lord give them to me? There is something to know and learn here.
Jesus have not blessed or give Mary the nard, but Mary use them for the Lord whom she loved.
Judas was in charge of the money bag and yet he used to help himself to what was put it.
What was not bless but given. What was not receive but taken.
I should not be expecting a blessings before I give and even before I receive I should learn to give.
The worse is that I felt that I am so much worse off and I should take and receive more so that I can be better off.
What a person am I?...
I pray that the Lord will provide me with enough that I may not steal. I pray that I will learn to receive blessings and acknowledge it is the Lord who has bless. I have seen that by my own strength, I have failed, failed badly. There is no point accumulating assest for my own ego, so that the day of great rewards, I will not let pride take over me, but know clearly it is the work of my God. I shall eat You eat the fruit of vineyards and olive orchards that you did not plant. I will have the blessings but it is not for my glory. I pray that I will learn when to bless the kingdom of God and when to bless the poor. I pray that I will give to the poor because it is good and the world may know that I have a good heart. All purpose is for God's glory. Amen.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
29 July 2009
John 11
Jesus did the miracle of raising Lazarus from the dead.
The Timing
He knew about that Lazrus is going to die, but did not go immediately. v6 Yet when He heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days.
The Failure
Both Martha and Mary who believe that Jesus is the recurrection, the Son of God, failed to see that Jesus can raise Lazarus. v 32 Lord if you had been here, my brother would not have died.
The Fear
v47 What are we accomplishing? This was the questions asked by the Pharisees and the Sanhedrin after Jesus has raised Lazarus.
How much did we put our plans in sync with His purposes?
We go by our own knowledge, our own resources, our own agenda and a lot of time short change the timing of God. I know that any delay is about undealt things in my life. The people has seen the sick cure and believe. Even Mary and Martha believe in that. But the undealt things is that the people does not have the depth of understanding that Jesus is the life and the recurrection.
I know that God has plan for me, plan to prosper us. Numbers 21 gave example of how the new generation has overcome the complaining spirit and become fully obedient. Likewise, as I pray and understand the short fall in myself, I embrace myself to a spirit that is obedience to God - fully, sensitive to His calling.
Healing the sick was no big deal. Jesus did that. v33 Jesus wept. The people believed that Jesus is the Son of God that could does miracles of healing only. Even Martha, Mary believed in that. When Jesus saw the Jews coming, he wept. These people has faith that was surely less than Mary and Martha. Jesus is the life and the resurrection!
Believe that God can do much more. Again the book of Numbers saw God did what was not sensible. How much do I believe God? In His time, in His way, I believe. More of you and less of me.
What was the purpose? For Him or for yourself? When Jesus raised Lazarus, it was not a wow to the Jews, but instead a cause of fear. So are we with God or against God.
Sure I can do a lot with my strength, but I want and choose to glorify God. When the purposes of God is attain, it is glory to God. This I know that the Lord has to deal with me. Not me but you.
Jesus did the miracle of raising Lazarus from the dead.
The Timing
He knew about that Lazrus is going to die, but did not go immediately. v6 Yet when He heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days.
The Failure
Both Martha and Mary who believe that Jesus is the recurrection, the Son of God, failed to see that Jesus can raise Lazarus. v 32 Lord if you had been here, my brother would not have died.
The Fear
v47 What are we accomplishing? This was the questions asked by the Pharisees and the Sanhedrin after Jesus has raised Lazarus.
How much did we put our plans in sync with His purposes?
We go by our own knowledge, our own resources, our own agenda and a lot of time short change the timing of God. I know that any delay is about undealt things in my life. The people has seen the sick cure and believe. Even Mary and Martha believe in that. But the undealt things is that the people does not have the depth of understanding that Jesus is the life and the recurrection.
I know that God has plan for me, plan to prosper us. Numbers 21 gave example of how the new generation has overcome the complaining spirit and become fully obedient. Likewise, as I pray and understand the short fall in myself, I embrace myself to a spirit that is obedience to God - fully, sensitive to His calling.
Healing the sick was no big deal. Jesus did that. v33 Jesus wept. The people believed that Jesus is the Son of God that could does miracles of healing only. Even Martha, Mary believed in that. When Jesus saw the Jews coming, he wept. These people has faith that was surely less than Mary and Martha. Jesus is the life and the resurrection!
Believe that God can do much more. Again the book of Numbers saw God did what was not sensible. How much do I believe God? In His time, in His way, I believe. More of you and less of me.
What was the purpose? For Him or for yourself? When Jesus raised Lazarus, it was not a wow to the Jews, but instead a cause of fear. So are we with God or against God.
Sure I can do a lot with my strength, but I want and choose to glorify God. When the purposes of God is attain, it is glory to God. This I know that the Lord has to deal with me. Not me but you.
Monday, July 27, 2009
27 July 2009
John 10
The sheep of Jesus Christ. The sheep hears my voice and follows me. v4 The sheep follow him, for they know his voice.
Are we the sheep of Christ? During this period, I ask of the Lord to be sensitive to God. God is spirit and the one way to be sensitive to God is to be sensitive in spirit.
How can we be sensitive to the spirit? You can only hear the heartbeat of God by being near to Him. And the only way is that God has permitted you to be near to Him. You cannot hear God's heartbeat if you choose to be far away.
How then can we be near to Him? Through prayers, reading, journal down the events and milestone for your walk and encounter with God, though worship.
It is a choice.
Jesus is the gate, the shepherd. We believed. Good. But how much do we hear his voice and follow him through the gate, how much do we permit Jesus to lead us.
The world has a lot to offer. The wealth, the prestige, the status...
But like what Jesus say, they are hired hand. So long the master is not around, roam as you like sheep and when the wolf, the hired man run away.
The best plan is God's plan. He want to propser us. Jer33. Our choice to choose it.
As for me, I choose His plan for me. I may not be someone the world know, but I am a child of God, a sheep that follow Christ. A lot of things I may not be what the wolrd expect, but I am happy to enter the gate that the Lord lead me. I choose to be in full obedience and sensitive to His calling. But I know that I am not perfect and there are still a lot of things God has to deal with me, but I know His perfect plan for me. Amen.
The sheep of Jesus Christ. The sheep hears my voice and follows me. v4 The sheep follow him, for they know his voice.
Are we the sheep of Christ? During this period, I ask of the Lord to be sensitive to God. God is spirit and the one way to be sensitive to God is to be sensitive in spirit.
How can we be sensitive to the spirit? You can only hear the heartbeat of God by being near to Him. And the only way is that God has permitted you to be near to Him. You cannot hear God's heartbeat if you choose to be far away.
How then can we be near to Him? Through prayers, reading, journal down the events and milestone for your walk and encounter with God, though worship.
It is a choice.
Jesus is the gate, the shepherd. We believed. Good. But how much do we hear his voice and follow him through the gate, how much do we permit Jesus to lead us.
The world has a lot to offer. The wealth, the prestige, the status...
But like what Jesus say, they are hired hand. So long the master is not around, roam as you like sheep and when the wolf, the hired man run away.
The best plan is God's plan. He want to propser us. Jer33. Our choice to choose it.
As for me, I choose His plan for me. I may not be someone the world know, but I am a child of God, a sheep that follow Christ. A lot of things I may not be what the wolrd expect, but I am happy to enter the gate that the Lord lead me. I choose to be in full obedience and sensitive to His calling. But I know that I am not perfect and there are still a lot of things God has to deal with me, but I know His perfect plan for me. Amen.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
22 July 2009
John 9
The story happened on Sabbath.
The man they called Jesus made some mud and put it on my eyes. Jesus told me to go to Silam and wash. So I went and washed and then I could see. v11
What is our current situation? What is our desire? Does the desire translate into actions?
My current desire is for a change in work environment. I need to be energized. I know now I am very free, but I am not energized. I feel that I am rotting there. I know I may have less time for I2, what's then your intent for me. Wait for I2 to kick off and quit? Or just quit? Open the door, for I know that this may not be the best time, but this is the best opportunity. The job description fitted me well. I have the mud in my eyes, if it is your command to go and wash them, I will. I have prepared well for the interview and tomorrow will be the final formal one.
What my situation? Dying to get out, waiting for I2 to kick off but have the responsiblity to provide for the family.
What my desire? To get myself energized again for my passion, for I2. I know when I teach even if it is in forex, I am energized.
What's my action? I have applied, I have prepared
Now leaving the results to God.
The story happened on Sabbath.
The man they called Jesus made some mud and put it on my eyes. Jesus told me to go to Silam and wash. So I went and washed and then I could see. v11
What is our current situation? What is our desire? Does the desire translate into actions?
My current desire is for a change in work environment. I need to be energized. I know now I am very free, but I am not energized. I feel that I am rotting there. I know I may have less time for I2, what's then your intent for me. Wait for I2 to kick off and quit? Or just quit? Open the door, for I know that this may not be the best time, but this is the best opportunity. The job description fitted me well. I have the mud in my eyes, if it is your command to go and wash them, I will. I have prepared well for the interview and tomorrow will be the final formal one.
What my situation? Dying to get out, waiting for I2 to kick off but have the responsiblity to provide for the family.
What my desire? To get myself energized again for my passion, for I2. I know when I teach even if it is in forex, I am energized.
What's my action? I have applied, I have prepared
Now leaving the results to God.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
21 July 2009
John 8
Jesus was arguing with the Jews on who He is.
The first identity crisis was that He is the son of God.
The second identity crisis was He truthful.
The third identity crisis was that He was the descendant of Abraham
The fourth identity crisis was that before Abraham was Jesus.
How to shallow? But why so hard?
The Jews has a living God, but never knew the heartbeat of God and His salvation plan.
The Jews can accept the witness of two person, but cannot accept Jesus claiming that He is speaking the truth. Jesus can simply testify by two of his disciple. They simply follow the rule and the law and failed to know the grace and mercy of God.
The Jews knew Abraham, but cannot identity that Jesus was a Jews (they called him a samaritian in verse 48). They simply knew, but failed to believe.
The Jews knew that God called Abraham, but failed to knew the purpose God has for Abraham.
So what are we defending? In the same way if we are challenged in our believe in God or in Christ, what are we defending? What is the worth?
Do you know God?
Do you know His Son?
Do you know His grace and mercy and His salvation plan?
Do you know what God called you for?
Arguing and debate over the bible is of no purposes. The questions above is all about how much you know about this God and Jesus who love you. He has called you for a purpose and not to prove how much you know about God and how much you believe in the Bible or Jesus.
Likewise, I am the father of my household. I know God and I know Jesus. I know about His grace and His mercy. There are past milestone and witnesses and testimonies for them. So my purpose is simple - lead them and leave them a legacy that they may too know this living God and the truth about the love of Christ. Lead them that they may too live with a purpose for Christ.
Of this I pray. Amen.
Jesus was arguing with the Jews on who He is.
The first identity crisis was that He is the son of God.
The second identity crisis was He truthful.
The third identity crisis was that He was the descendant of Abraham
The fourth identity crisis was that before Abraham was Jesus.
How to shallow? But why so hard?
The Jews has a living God, but never knew the heartbeat of God and His salvation plan.
The Jews can accept the witness of two person, but cannot accept Jesus claiming that He is speaking the truth. Jesus can simply testify by two of his disciple. They simply follow the rule and the law and failed to know the grace and mercy of God.
The Jews knew Abraham, but cannot identity that Jesus was a Jews (they called him a samaritian in verse 48). They simply knew, but failed to believe.
The Jews knew that God called Abraham, but failed to knew the purpose God has for Abraham.
So what are we defending? In the same way if we are challenged in our believe in God or in Christ, what are we defending? What is the worth?
Do you know God?
Do you know His Son?
Do you know His grace and mercy and His salvation plan?
Do you know what God called you for?
Arguing and debate over the bible is of no purposes. The questions above is all about how much you know about this God and Jesus who love you. He has called you for a purpose and not to prove how much you know about God and how much you believe in the Bible or Jesus.
Likewise, I am the father of my household. I know God and I know Jesus. I know about His grace and His mercy. There are past milestone and witnesses and testimonies for them. So my purpose is simple - lead them and leave them a legacy that they may too know this living God and the truth about the love of Christ. Lead them that they may too live with a purpose for Christ.
Of this I pray. Amen.
Monday, July 20, 2009
20 July 2009
John 7
24 Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.”
Judgement comes from God and He will be the one to execute judgement. Evil acts may not be followed by punishment, nor good deeds followed by rewards.
Jesus taught about in this chapter about timing - his time has not come, v6, v8 and v30.
What matter most is doing the will of God. Jesus teach about what is from God, do what is required from God.
Let grace and mercy be from God.
I am preparing for a new chapter. What is past is gone. God decide and He lead. What I have is from Him and what I have not comes from Him. It is about His timing and about doing what is right now.
Lord, as you I enter a new phase, leaving and entering a new working environment, I want to leave the past behind and move on. Let me live a life worthy to be called based on integrity and honesty. I want to live in you will and followed the direction and the timing you have for me. Let me put my focus and priority right. What I seek for is not for building what the world use to think who I am. I am a child of God, a leader to my family. My responsibility is to them, to lead and guide them. My work is for bring out the plan God has for my family. My heartbeat is to be in sync with God, that I may hear His heartbeat and be sensitive to His calling.
24 Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.”
Judgement comes from God and He will be the one to execute judgement. Evil acts may not be followed by punishment, nor good deeds followed by rewards.
Jesus taught about in this chapter about timing - his time has not come, v6, v8 and v30.
What matter most is doing the will of God. Jesus teach about what is from God, do what is required from God.
Let grace and mercy be from God.
I am preparing for a new chapter. What is past is gone. God decide and He lead. What I have is from Him and what I have not comes from Him. It is about His timing and about doing what is right now.
Lord, as you I enter a new phase, leaving and entering a new working environment, I want to leave the past behind and move on. Let me live a life worthy to be called based on integrity and honesty. I want to live in you will and followed the direction and the timing you have for me. Let me put my focus and priority right. What I seek for is not for building what the world use to think who I am. I am a child of God, a leader to my family. My responsibility is to them, to lead and guide them. My work is for bring out the plan God has for my family. My heartbeat is to be in sync with God, that I may hear His heartbeat and be sensitive to His calling.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
16 July 2009
John 6
43 Jesus answered them, “Do not grumble among yourselves. 44 No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day.
Does that means we cannot do anything - unless the Father draws him? If the father don't draw him, he is out.
Jesus gave a difficult message about the bread of life. 51 I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.
How can you eat Jesus?
As a result, 66 After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him.
What is then the balance?
I spend time reading this chapter again and again. Where is the contradictions? Is there contradictions?
The message is simple but to many not so straight forward. It is to believe that Jesus is the son of God, the bread that God supply that we need in order to live. Not physical living but eternal life. In stating so, it is not about eating Jesus, but to receive and believe that Jesus is the eternal life bridge to God.
It is not our works to make someone believe. If God draws them, we are His mouthpiece. If we may excuse ourselves to be that mouthpiece, God will use others.
This was Peter answer to Jesus, when asked whether he would like the rest be going away. 68 Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, 69 and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.”
I have choose to believe in an eternal God, that gave the eternal words, though Jesus. Where shall I go. So it is an answer of what shall we do now. We have believe, so now continue to act for God for what Jesus has done.
Use me, Lord. Amen.
43 Jesus answered them, “Do not grumble among yourselves. 44 No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day.
Does that means we cannot do anything - unless the Father draws him? If the father don't draw him, he is out.
Jesus gave a difficult message about the bread of life. 51 I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.
How can you eat Jesus?
As a result, 66 After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him.
What is then the balance?
I spend time reading this chapter again and again. Where is the contradictions? Is there contradictions?
The message is simple but to many not so straight forward. It is to believe that Jesus is the son of God, the bread that God supply that we need in order to live. Not physical living but eternal life. In stating so, it is not about eating Jesus, but to receive and believe that Jesus is the eternal life bridge to God.
It is not our works to make someone believe. If God draws them, we are His mouthpiece. If we may excuse ourselves to be that mouthpiece, God will use others.
This was Peter answer to Jesus, when asked whether he would like the rest be going away. 68 Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, 69 and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.”
I have choose to believe in an eternal God, that gave the eternal words, though Jesus. Where shall I go. So it is an answer of what shall we do now. We have believe, so now continue to act for God for what Jesus has done.
Use me, Lord. Amen.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
14 July 2009
John 5
5 One man was there who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had already been there a long time, he said to him, “Do you want to be healed?”
Was Jesus asking the obvious? Of course, he wanted to be healed, else the invalid would not have been there for thirty eight years.
On the other story, 16 And this was why the Jews were persecuting Jesus, because he was doing these things on the Sabbath.
The Jews are waiting for their messiah, but when they saw the work of Jesus, the first question was where was Jesus doing the work on Sabbath? Was not an irrelevant question?
What are we waiting for? What is the purpose?
The invalid knew for one thing and the thing for sure - get healed.
The Jews knew what they are waiting for, but in the process lof waiting, lost sight of the waiting.
I am in mid life. I am looking forward towards the day of the Lord tremendous blessings. I am not losing sight, regardless, the best plan is to life in the will of God..
5 One man was there who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had already been there a long time, he said to him, “Do you want to be healed?”
Was Jesus asking the obvious? Of course, he wanted to be healed, else the invalid would not have been there for thirty eight years.
On the other story, 16 And this was why the Jews were persecuting Jesus, because he was doing these things on the Sabbath.
The Jews are waiting for their messiah, but when they saw the work of Jesus, the first question was where was Jesus doing the work on Sabbath? Was not an irrelevant question?
What are we waiting for? What is the purpose?
The invalid knew for one thing and the thing for sure - get healed.
The Jews knew what they are waiting for, but in the process lof waiting, lost sight of the waiting.
I am in mid life. I am looking forward towards the day of the Lord tremendous blessings. I am not losing sight, regardless, the best plan is to life in the will of God..
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
7 Jul 2009
John 4
For the reasons stated in v1 and 2 of John4, Jesus left and departed for Galilee. Jesus passed through Samaria.
Something happened between the Jews and the Samaritans. v9 For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans
Both worship the same God. v10 Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you
Both has the same father Jacob. v12 Are you greater than our father Jacob?
But they have some unstated hostility (v9).
The Samaritan woman has some personal problems.
She draw water at the wried hour. v6 It was about the sixth hour.
She has 5 husbands. v17 ‘I have no husband’; 18 for you have had five husbands
But she desire God. v15 The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water, so that I will not be thirsty or have to come here to draw water.”
The story unfold in such a way is that for years, nobody solve the hostility between the Jews and the Samaritians. As long as we worhsip the same God, who cares about different place. As long as we share the same Jacob well and don't talk to each other, who cares.
The woman has her set of problems. That was why she need to draw water at the sixth hour (noon) where nobody would be doing so. Why, rrobably to shunt away from everyone else.
There are problems. We need a divine insight. Jesus is the answer.
The woman knew about her problem. She did not hide them from Jesus. BUT she saw the Christ in Jesus - spiritual insight.
And because of this spiritual insight came about a radical change.
The woman went back and told the town and the people, whom she want to avoid, about Christ.
Because of her testimony, v41 And many more believed because of his word. There was some healing between the Jews and the Samaritians , v40 they asked him to stay with them.
1) Recognize the problem
2) Desire for a radical change
3) Ask for a spiritual insight
4) Do the radical change.
We must first recognize the problem and have the desire for changes.
The desires to change will come when we gain spiritual insight. Else even Jesus is in front of us, we will not see that He is Christ.
When our spiritual eyes are open, do the radical change. Like the woman who went back to told the town, despite her undesire intend to associate with them.
There are things in me that I need change. Open first my heart for a desire to change, to gain a closeness in you. More of you and less of me. Amen.
For the reasons stated in v1 and 2 of John4, Jesus left and departed for Galilee. Jesus passed through Samaria.
Something happened between the Jews and the Samaritans. v9 For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans
Both worship the same God. v10 Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you
Both has the same father Jacob. v12 Are you greater than our father Jacob?
But they have some unstated hostility (v9).
The Samaritan woman has some personal problems.
She draw water at the wried hour. v6 It was about the sixth hour.
She has 5 husbands. v17 ‘I have no husband’; 18 for you have had five husbands
But she desire God. v15 The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water, so that I will not be thirsty or have to come here to draw water.”
The story unfold in such a way is that for years, nobody solve the hostility between the Jews and the Samaritians. As long as we worhsip the same God, who cares about different place. As long as we share the same Jacob well and don't talk to each other, who cares.
The woman has her set of problems. That was why she need to draw water at the sixth hour (noon) where nobody would be doing so. Why, rrobably to shunt away from everyone else.
There are problems. We need a divine insight. Jesus is the answer.
The woman knew about her problem. She did not hide them from Jesus. BUT she saw the Christ in Jesus - spiritual insight.
And because of this spiritual insight came about a radical change.
The woman went back and told the town and the people, whom she want to avoid, about Christ.
Because of her testimony, v41 And many more believed because of his word. There was some healing between the Jews and the Samaritians , v40 they asked him to stay with them.
1) Recognize the problem
2) Desire for a radical change
3) Ask for a spiritual insight
4) Do the radical change.
We must first recognize the problem and have the desire for changes.
The desires to change will come when we gain spiritual insight. Else even Jesus is in front of us, we will not see that He is Christ.
When our spiritual eyes are open, do the radical change. Like the woman who went back to told the town, despite her undesire intend to associate with them.
There are things in me that I need change. Open first my heart for a desire to change, to gain a closeness in you. More of you and less of me. Amen.
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
1 Jul 2009
John 3
v36 Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.
The deal is simple, believe in Jesus, the son of God and gain eternal life. But what makes so many failed to do so?
Two person to study in John chapter 3, a Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews and John the Baptist.
Nicodemus went to Jesus at night, showed fear of reception not by Christ but by the people. He wanted to know how to be born again.
John was asked about Jesus who was baptizing more and more peole than John. John answered that v30 He must increase, but I must decrease.
In the same way, many will question about Christ. Even Nicodemus, the teacher of Israel could not understand the concept of free gift ofJesus Christ the eternal life. Yet on the other hand, the simple people are flocking to Jesus to be baptized.
Nicodemus knew that Jesus is the Christ, Rabbi, 2 This man came to Jesus [1] by night and said to him, “we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.
John has been proclaiming about Christ as he went about baptizing.
Unless people see God and hear God, there is no way they can know that Jesus is the Christ. Unless we tell them and show them. So how are we going to show them and tell them unless we ourselves know and are convinced. Unless we our taste and see and know that the Lord is good, how can then can we show and tell.
Draw me continuously close to you. Eternal life is not bought using wealth or health, but a free gift from you. Let my heartbeat focus on people rather than what is on my agenda to create wealth and health. Amen.
v36 Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.
The deal is simple, believe in Jesus, the son of God and gain eternal life. But what makes so many failed to do so?
Two person to study in John chapter 3, a Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews and John the Baptist.
Nicodemus went to Jesus at night, showed fear of reception not by Christ but by the people. He wanted to know how to be born again.
John was asked about Jesus who was baptizing more and more peole than John. John answered that v30 He must increase, but I must decrease.
In the same way, many will question about Christ. Even Nicodemus, the teacher of Israel could not understand the concept of free gift ofJesus Christ the eternal life. Yet on the other hand, the simple people are flocking to Jesus to be baptized.
Nicodemus knew that Jesus is the Christ, Rabbi, 2 This man came to Jesus [1] by night and said to him, “we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.
John has been proclaiming about Christ as he went about baptizing.
Unless people see God and hear God, there is no way they can know that Jesus is the Christ. Unless we tell them and show them. So how are we going to show them and tell them unless we ourselves know and are convinced. Unless we our taste and see and know that the Lord is good, how can then can we show and tell.
Draw me continuously close to you. Eternal life is not bought using wealth or health, but a free gift from you. Let my heartbeat focus on people rather than what is on my agenda to create wealth and health. Amen.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)