27 Aug 2014; Mat 19:13-30
Two stories in this verses. One is about Jesus and the little children and Jesus and the rich young man.
Who will enter the kingdom of heaven? The little children. It is not the wise, it is not the rich and it is not the one with stature.
This comes at no surprises - it is not by work nor by wealth, not by power nor by might. By grace.
Then is it by doing - of course not. It is ok then not to work? No.
Like little children - the desire is about just spending play time with the father. It is a trust that when lunch and meal time - there is food on the table.
It is not rusting on one wisdom to make wealth and in order to survive.
As such the work is about growing in intimacy with God, it is just about the wanting to keep close to God. To play and yet at the same time obey what God ask the little children to do. Like the way I ask Mat to keep the clothes and sit down to eat his meal.
The young man obey the commandments of God, but the wealth hindered him. It became a choice - serving God or money.
As I reflect, yes enjoy the wealth, but if the wealth hindered me to God - it is something for me to consider....
It is not the amount of wisdom and wealth that gets us to God. But it is God who gives us the ability to make wealth through wisdom for the sake of His name and glory.
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
Thursday, August 21, 2014
21 Aug 2014; Mat 19:1-12
21 Aug 2014; Mat 19:1-12
The passage is about marriage. The fundamental unit of a family - a God-fearing couple (man and woman).
I always remember asking God for a blessed family and am blessed with one. But having one is easy (for some) but to maintain one needs effort.
Leaving the next generation knowing God needs further effort.
I have been seeking God for first anchoring myself in God and then anchoring my family in God.
Besides knowing God, how then my children fear God and how my children know who are they in God.
The younger ones needs to know who God is and as they get older they learn to fear God and gain the wisdom of God.
How to know God - that is theology? Bible reading - know the existence of God, His power and who Jesus, His intent and purpose for humanity.
Grow - and grow takes time. As such the fundamental of a family unit sets the example for the children to know and learn God. A good marriage sets the example for the children. As such a strong bond between the husband and the wife sets the family going.
The passage is about marriage. The fundamental unit of a family - a God-fearing couple (man and woman).
I always remember asking God for a blessed family and am blessed with one. But having one is easy (for some) but to maintain one needs effort.
Leaving the next generation knowing God needs further effort.
I have been seeking God for first anchoring myself in God and then anchoring my family in God.
Besides knowing God, how then my children fear God and how my children know who are they in God.
The younger ones needs to know who God is and as they get older they learn to fear God and gain the wisdom of God.
How to know God - that is theology? Bible reading - know the existence of God, His power and who Jesus, His intent and purpose for humanity.
Grow - and grow takes time. As such the fundamental of a family unit sets the example for the children to know and learn God. A good marriage sets the example for the children. As such a strong bond between the husband and the wife sets the family going.
Wednesday, August 20, 2014
20 Aug 2014; Mat 18
20 Aug 2014; Mat 18
The parable of the lost sheep.
Kingdom living requires us to be like children. God the father protects the children. If one sheep is missing, the shepherd looks for it.
But on the other hand, the world lures us away. Therefore we were told not to be part of this temptation. Remove the source if we are the ones that cause others to fall into temptation.
Like a child, the child likeness is that which draws near to God. The world split our focus and allow us to divide our hearts away on what God intent.
As I seek God for a purpose, let my heart be focus on God like a child wants to be near and be present at the daddy feet.
The parable of the lost sheep.
Kingdom living requires us to be like children. God the father protects the children. If one sheep is missing, the shepherd looks for it.
But on the other hand, the world lures us away. Therefore we were told not to be part of this temptation. Remove the source if we are the ones that cause others to fall into temptation.
Like a child, the child likeness is that which draws near to God. The world split our focus and allow us to divide our hearts away on what God intent.
As I seek God for a purpose, let my heart be focus on God like a child wants to be near and be present at the daddy feet.
Tuesday, August 19, 2014
19 Aug 2014; Mat 17
19 Aug 2014; Mat 17
The disciples knew that Elijah must come before the Messiah. So when they see Elijah with Jesus, they were confuse. So Jesus explained that John the baptist was the Elijah. But John was beheaded and that did not make sense either.
He answered, “Elijah does come, and he will restore all things. But I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but did to him whatever they pleased. So also the Son of Man will certainly suffer at their hands.” (Matthew 17:11-12 ESV)
What is that that we should see?
Jesus went on to heal the demon processed boy. Jesus foretold his death. He died and gave the sign of Jonah in Mat 16 when the scribes asked for a sign.
So like Peter - who do you think Jesus is?
The next question is so what then?
Believed in Him because He restored all the broken relationship for us with God. The law keep us right with God, but failed to keep us righteous. Jesus blood did the job.
I place the time, the talents and the treasures I have and ask God for a purpose for the next 20 years. I have still an active 20 years to work. What then is the purpose? I studied, graduated and worked for 20 years. What is this last lap and how can it be well spent for God.
I seek for an anchor in His word and how to anchor my family in Him. I too seek what God for other else.
The disciples knew that Elijah must come before the Messiah. So when they see Elijah with Jesus, they were confuse. So Jesus explained that John the baptist was the Elijah. But John was beheaded and that did not make sense either.
He answered, “Elijah does come, and he will restore all things. But I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but did to him whatever they pleased. So also the Son of Man will certainly suffer at their hands.” (Matthew 17:11-12 ESV)
What is that that we should see?
Jesus went on to heal the demon processed boy. Jesus foretold his death. He died and gave the sign of Jonah in Mat 16 when the scribes asked for a sign.
So like Peter - who do you think Jesus is?
The next question is so what then?
Believed in Him because He restored all the broken relationship for us with God. The law keep us right with God, but failed to keep us righteous. Jesus blood did the job.
I place the time, the talents and the treasures I have and ask God for a purpose for the next 20 years. I have still an active 20 years to work. What then is the purpose? I studied, graduated and worked for 20 years. What is this last lap and how can it be well spent for God.
I seek for an anchor in His word and how to anchor my family in Him. I too seek what God for other else.
Monday, August 18, 2014
18 Aug 2014: Mat 16-17
18 Aug 2014: Mat 16-17
I ask God for a purpose - the purpose for the current phase of my life.
In Mat 16 - the scribes and the pharisee asked for a sign. I ask God for a intent.
In Mat 17 - that you may know God. The more we behold, the more we know God - His glory, His power and His victory.
In Mat 17 - the transfiguration, all those who were presence with God behold his glory. How then we behold His glory? Moses, Elijah and Jesus spent time with God.
His power. When the disciples failed to cast the demons out in Mat 17:14-21, with also reference to Mark, the demon can only be cast out by prayer. What Jesus meant was not by method or by mechanical knowledge. But by faith. Faith comes from putting your faith in God.
His victory - He has the victory. The cross comes before the crown. There is nothing much you should do. Just be with Christ.
Therefore anchor in His words and His worth.
As I continue to seek God - anchor in His word and His worth is primary. Anchor my family in God is secondary. The victory - the work is thirdly.
I ask God for a purpose - the purpose for the current phase of my life.
In Mat 16 - the scribes and the pharisee asked for a sign. I ask God for a intent.
In Mat 17 - that you may know God. The more we behold, the more we know God - His glory, His power and His victory.
In Mat 17 - the transfiguration, all those who were presence with God behold his glory. How then we behold His glory? Moses, Elijah and Jesus spent time with God.
His power. When the disciples failed to cast the demons out in Mat 17:14-21, with also reference to Mark, the demon can only be cast out by prayer. What Jesus meant was not by method or by mechanical knowledge. But by faith. Faith comes from putting your faith in God.
His victory - He has the victory. The cross comes before the crown. There is nothing much you should do. Just be with Christ.
Therefore anchor in His words and His worth.
As I continue to seek God - anchor in His word and His worth is primary. Anchor my family in God is secondary. The victory - the work is thirdly.
Saturday, August 16, 2014
16 Aug 2014; Mat 15
16 Aug 2014; Mat 15
I picked up a interesting verse in Mat 15:12
What Defiles a Person And he called the people to him and said to them, “Hear and understand: it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth; this defiles a person.” Then the disciples came and said to him, “Do you know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this saying?” (Matthew 15:10-12 ESV)
There are some teachings in additional to the teaching of God - the bible.
God do not need another set of teaching, another denomination. Neither we want to take the word and twist it and interpret as God sayings.
It is then about reading the word, praying and waiting upon God. It is about spending time with God.
I have the time. But in the contrary I do not have much time left. Mat 16:26
For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul.
What defiles a person is what comes from the heart and the heart needs to be cultivate with the word of God and knowing Jesus.
I picked up a interesting verse in Mat 15:12
What Defiles a Person And he called the people to him and said to them, “Hear and understand: it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth; this defiles a person.” Then the disciples came and said to him, “Do you know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this saying?” (Matthew 15:10-12 ESV)
There are some teachings in additional to the teaching of God - the bible.
God do not need another set of teaching, another denomination. Neither we want to take the word and twist it and interpret as God sayings.
It is then about reading the word, praying and waiting upon God. It is about spending time with God.
I have the time. But in the contrary I do not have much time left. Mat 16:26
For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul.
What defiles a person is what comes from the heart and the heart needs to be cultivate with the word of God and knowing Jesus.
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
13 Aug 2014; Mat 15
13 Aug 2014; Mat 15
Mat 15:1-20 Jesus spoke against the Pharisee and the scribes on the issue of washing hands before eating. Whose rules was that?
The washing of hands is required before eating a meal at which bread is served. One reason for hand washing is purely mundane: to clean them before eating. The origin of this law, however, is biblical (Exodus 30:17-21). Moses was commanded to make a copper laver and to place it at the entrance to the alter area so that Aaron and his sons could wash their hands before approaching the alter to offer sacrifices. Verse 20 concludes, ". . .and it shall be for them a statute forever." The washing of hands makes them ritually pure. (Reference from http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/Judaism/Hand_Washing.html)
Jesus questioned the intention of washing hand - it is to make them ritually pure. But to be pure is not about ritually pure, it is not about physically clean, it is also not about traditionally we are religious enough to follow rules.
I was reading the on going trial of misusing church building funds and the argument by the netizens- christian and non-christian.The argument are pit Christian against non-Christian and between church member and non church member, between different school of biblical teachings against each other as well as other school of morals.
What is Jesus saying here in Mat 15:19-20
For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander. These are what defile a person. But to eat with unwashed hands does not defile anyone.” (Matthew 15:19-20 ESV)
It is first to look at oneself. What goes into me and what is the outcomes? Why then am I so dejected o soul? What has gone inside me and my heart that out came unhappiness and dejection?
I lift up my eyes to the hill, from where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, the creator of heaven and earth.
What do you want O man and soul? What is the gain my life and why is there no rest - rest and be statisfied in the Lord - the one who provides, the one who give rest and the Eternal God of heaven and earth....
Mat 15:1-20 Jesus spoke against the Pharisee and the scribes on the issue of washing hands before eating. Whose rules was that?
The washing of hands is required before eating a meal at which bread is served. One reason for hand washing is purely mundane: to clean them before eating. The origin of this law, however, is biblical (Exodus 30:17-21). Moses was commanded to make a copper laver and to place it at the entrance to the alter area so that Aaron and his sons could wash their hands before approaching the alter to offer sacrifices. Verse 20 concludes, ". . .and it shall be for them a statute forever." The washing of hands makes them ritually pure. (Reference from http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/Judaism/Hand_Washing.html)
Jesus questioned the intention of washing hand - it is to make them ritually pure. But to be pure is not about ritually pure, it is not about physically clean, it is also not about traditionally we are religious enough to follow rules.
I was reading the on going trial of misusing church building funds and the argument by the netizens- christian and non-christian.The argument are pit Christian against non-Christian and between church member and non church member, between different school of biblical teachings against each other as well as other school of morals.
What is Jesus saying here in Mat 15:19-20
For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander. These are what defile a person. But to eat with unwashed hands does not defile anyone.” (Matthew 15:19-20 ESV)
It is first to look at oneself. What goes into me and what is the outcomes? Why then am I so dejected o soul? What has gone inside me and my heart that out came unhappiness and dejection?
I lift up my eyes to the hill, from where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, the creator of heaven and earth.
What do you want O man and soul? What is the gain my life and why is there no rest - rest and be statisfied in the Lord - the one who provides, the one who give rest and the Eternal God of heaven and earth....
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
12 Aug 2014; Mat 14
12 Aug 2014; Mat 14
Mat 13:53-58 is about Jesus at His hometown Nazareth. There he showed miracles and the wisdom of God. But the people question His wisdom and rejected Him.
Mat 14 opened with the beheading of John the baptist. Herod which represent the people reject John and the person John was preparing to come.
The 2 spoke about unbelief.
The next 2 stories is also about unbelief - but unbelief of the believers - Jesus disciple.
The first story is about feeding the 5000, where the disciples failed to exercise faith on using the limited resources to feed the people. The second is about Peter who walked on water, and Jesus has to ask him why do you doubt.
Rewinding - Jesus spoke about the parables of the sower, The 4 kinds of heart. The harden heart (on the path eaten by birds), the superficial heart (rocky ground), the divided heart (choke by weeds) and lastly the fruitful heart.
Jesus warn about the hearts - but in particular the superficial heart and the divided heart. The disciples ask Jesus to send the crowd away and save the problem on feeding them. But Jesus heart is about compassion for the lost but just a get past and over with the superficial heart. Peter sank because he doubt, a undivided heart.
As such, it is easier to harden our heart and be not a believer of Christ. But as disciples of Christ, it is a request for a heart that is totally for God and moved for God. To have that heart beat for the lost and the intent of God.
Of this I pray - a heart that follow after God in a fruitful way. Amen.
Mat 13:53-58 is about Jesus at His hometown Nazareth. There he showed miracles and the wisdom of God. But the people question His wisdom and rejected Him.
Mat 14 opened with the beheading of John the baptist. Herod which represent the people reject John and the person John was preparing to come.
The 2 spoke about unbelief.
The next 2 stories is also about unbelief - but unbelief of the believers - Jesus disciple.
The first story is about feeding the 5000, where the disciples failed to exercise faith on using the limited resources to feed the people. The second is about Peter who walked on water, and Jesus has to ask him why do you doubt.
Rewinding - Jesus spoke about the parables of the sower, The 4 kinds of heart. The harden heart (on the path eaten by birds), the superficial heart (rocky ground), the divided heart (choke by weeds) and lastly the fruitful heart.
Jesus warn about the hearts - but in particular the superficial heart and the divided heart. The disciples ask Jesus to send the crowd away and save the problem on feeding them. But Jesus heart is about compassion for the lost but just a get past and over with the superficial heart. Peter sank because he doubt, a undivided heart.
As such, it is easier to harden our heart and be not a believer of Christ. But as disciples of Christ, it is a request for a heart that is totally for God and moved for God. To have that heart beat for the lost and the intent of God.
Of this I pray - a heart that follow after God in a fruitful way. Amen.
Friday, August 08, 2014
8 Aug 2014; Mat 13
8 Aug 2014; Mat 13
Mat 13 is on the parable of the sower. The well know parable that Jesus told the crowd as well as the disciple (His target audience), and to this parable Jesus also explained.
The crowd is made up mainly of farmers and fisherman. They understood the meaning of sowing and reaping. They knew the effort versus the intended return. Yet they knew too that it was not always the return from the field.
In the same way, we (the laborers, the worker, the farmers), are to sow. Sow the seed of the gospel. We do did at the best to reap the return, but the results at times are beyond our control.
We are called to sow the seed for the kingdom of God. What is this kingdom of God?
The kingdom of God is like the pearls and the great treasure - something that once it was found - we give all time, talents and other treasures in exchange of this great pearls.
If we know that we have found these great treasures, that joy is for us to share.
Mat 13 is on the parable of the sower. The well know parable that Jesus told the crowd as well as the disciple (His target audience), and to this parable Jesus also explained.
The crowd is made up mainly of farmers and fisherman. They understood the meaning of sowing and reaping. They knew the effort versus the intended return. Yet they knew too that it was not always the return from the field.
In the same way, we (the laborers, the worker, the farmers), are to sow. Sow the seed of the gospel. We do did at the best to reap the return, but the results at times are beyond our control.
We are called to sow the seed for the kingdom of God. What is this kingdom of God?
The kingdom of God is like the pearls and the great treasure - something that once it was found - we give all time, talents and other treasures in exchange of this great pearls.
If we know that we have found these great treasures, that joy is for us to share.
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