They Said to God, “Keep Away”
1. “I revealed myself to those who did not ask for me; I was found by those who did not seek me. To a nation that did not call on my name, I said, ‘Here am I, here am I.’
2. All day long I have held out my hands to an obstinate people, who walk in ways not good, pursuing their own imaginations?
3. a people who continually provoke me to my very face, offering sacrifices in gardens and burning incense on altars of brick;
4. who sit among the graves and spend their nights keeping secret vigil; who eat the flesh of pigs, and whose pots hold broth of unclean meat;
5. who say, ‘Keep away; don’t come near me, for I am too sacred for you!’ Such people are smoke in my nostrils, a fire that keeps burning all day.
6.“See, it stands written before me: I will not keep silent but will pay back in full; I will pay it back into their laps?
7. both your sins and the sins of your fathers,” says the LORD. “Because they burned sacrifices on the mountains and defied me on the hills, I will measure into their laps the full payment for their former deeds.”
The Remnant
8. This is what the LORD says: “As when juice is still found in a cluster of grapes and men say, ‘Don’t destroy it, there is yet some good in it,’ so will I do in behalf of my servants; I will not destroy them all.
9. I will bring forth descendants from Jacob, and from Judah those who will possess my mountains; my chosen people will inherit them, and there will my servants live.
10. Sharon will become a pasture for flocks, and the Valley of Achor a resting place for herds, for my people who seek me.
11.“But as for you who forsake the LORD and forget my holy mountain, who spread a table for Fortune and fill bowls of mixed wine for Destiny,
12. I will destine you for the sword, and you will all bend down for the slaughter; for I called but you did not answer, I spoke but you did not listen. You did evil in my sight and chose what displeases me.”
Thank you for your mercy and patience Lord.. it was interesting to read this passage because it had my name in verse 10! also the fact that God rewards those that stay faithful in Him..
Friday, April 24, 2009
April 23, 2009 - Isaiah 64:1 - 64:12
Prayer and Confession
1. Oh, that you would rend the heavens and come down, that the mountains would tremble before you!
2. As when fire sets twigs ablaze and causes water to boil, come down to make your name known to your enemies and cause the nations to quake before you!
3. For when you did awesome things that we did not expect, you came down, and the mountains trembled before you.
4. Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him.
5. You come to the help of those who gladly do right, who remember your ways. But when we continued to sin against them, you were angry. How then can we be saved?
6. All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away.
7. No one calls on your name or strives to lay hold of you; for you have hidden your face from us and made us waste away because of our sins.
Petition
8. Yet, O LORD, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.
9. Do not be angry beyond measure, O LORD; do not remember our sins forever. Oh, look upon us, we pray, for we are all your people.
10. Your sacred cities have become a desert; even Zion is a desert, Jerusalem a desolation.
11. Our holy and glorious temple, where our fathers praised you, has been burned with fire, and all that we treasured lies in ruins.
12. After all this, O LORD, will you hold yourself back? Will you keep silent and punish us beyond measure?
1. Oh, that you would rend the heavens and come down, that the mountains would tremble before you!
2. As when fire sets twigs ablaze and causes water to boil, come down to make your name known to your enemies and cause the nations to quake before you!
3. For when you did awesome things that we did not expect, you came down, and the mountains trembled before you.
4. Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him.
5. You come to the help of those who gladly do right, who remember your ways. But when we continued to sin against them, you were angry. How then can we be saved?
6. All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away.
7. No one calls on your name or strives to lay hold of you; for you have hidden your face from us and made us waste away because of our sins.
Petition
8. Yet, O LORD, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.
9. Do not be angry beyond measure, O LORD; do not remember our sins forever. Oh, look upon us, we pray, for we are all your people.
10. Your sacred cities have become a desert; even Zion is a desert, Jerusalem a desolation.
11. Our holy and glorious temple, where our fathers praised you, has been burned with fire, and all that we treasured lies in ruins.
12. After all this, O LORD, will you hold yourself back? Will you keep silent and punish us beyond measure?
Monday, April 20, 2009
April 20, 2009 - Isaiah 62:10 - 63:6
Salvation . . . for All Peoples
10. Pass through, pass through the gates! Prepare the way for the people. Build up, build up the highway! Remove the stones. Raise a banner for the nations.
11. The LORD has made proclamation to the ends of the earth: “Say to the Daughter of Zion, ‘See, your Savior comes! See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him.’”
12. They will be called the Holy People, the Redeemed of the LORD; and you will be called Sought After, the City No Longer Deserted.
Terrifying Wrath
1. Who is this coming from Edom, from Bozrah, with his garments stained crimson? Who is this, robed in splendor, striding forward in the greatness of his strength? “It is I, speaking in righteousness, mighty to save.”
2. Why are your garments red, like those of one treading the winepress?
3.“I have trodden the winepress alone; from the nations no one was with me. I trampled them in my anger and trod them down in my wrath; their blood spattered my garments, and I stained all my clothing.
4. For the day of vengeance was in my heart, and the year of my redemption has come.
5. I looked, but there was no one to help, I was appalled that no one gave support; so my own arm worked salvation for me, and my own wrath sustained me.
6. I trampled the nations in my anger; in my wrath I made them drunk and poured their blood on the ground.
10. Pass through, pass through the gates! Prepare the way for the people. Build up, build up the highway! Remove the stones. Raise a banner for the nations.
11. The LORD has made proclamation to the ends of the earth: “Say to the Daughter of Zion, ‘See, your Savior comes! See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him.’”
12. They will be called the Holy People, the Redeemed of the LORD; and you will be called Sought After, the City No Longer Deserted.
Terrifying Wrath
1. Who is this coming from Edom, from Bozrah, with his garments stained crimson? Who is this, robed in splendor, striding forward in the greatness of his strength? “It is I, speaking in righteousness, mighty to save.”
2. Why are your garments red, like those of one treading the winepress?
3.“I have trodden the winepress alone; from the nations no one was with me. I trampled them in my anger and trod them down in my wrath; their blood spattered my garments, and I stained all my clothing.
4. For the day of vengeance was in my heart, and the year of my redemption has come.
5. I looked, but there was no one to help, I was appalled that no one gave support; so my own arm worked salvation for me, and my own wrath sustained me.
6. I trampled the nations in my anger; in my wrath I made them drunk and poured their blood on the ground.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
April 19, 2009 - 오직 예수
오직 예수
나의 일정은 너무 빡빡하고
짊어져야 할 의무와 책임이
감당할 수 없을 만큼 무거워 보인다.
하지만 나는 휴가를 원치 않는다.
나는 절대 포기하고 싶지 않다.
내가 원하는 것은 동정도, 물질도,
명예도, 도피처도,
심지어는 기적도 아니다.
나는 오직 예수님을 원한다.
-앤 그레이엄 로츠의
‘그 무엇과도 바꿀 수 없는 예수’ 중에서-
삶의 과중한 책임과 각종 업무로
피곤하고 지친 당신에게도,
모든 것을 가졌지만
때때로 찾아오는 공허함에
즐거움을 쫓아가는 당신에게도,
성공의 그림자를 따라 바쁘게 달리는 당신에게도,
그리고 주님의 이름을 부르면서도
때때로 그분의 선하심을 의심하는 당신에게도
필요한 것은 오직 주님, 한 분 뿐입니다.
다른 것을 찾지 마십시오.
다른 것으로 채우려 하지 마십시오.
주님을 구하십시오.
오직 주님만을 바라십시오.
생각이 아닌, 지식이 아닌
살아계신 주님을 만날 때,
당신은 이 땅에서 천국을 소유하게 될 것입니다.
오직 주님만.. 원합니다.. 저같은 죄인.. 용서하십시요.. 주님만 원해야하는데.. 그게 왜 이렇게 힘들까요.. 주님! 주님품안에 있기 원합니다. .
나의 일정은 너무 빡빡하고
짊어져야 할 의무와 책임이
감당할 수 없을 만큼 무거워 보인다.
하지만 나는 휴가를 원치 않는다.
나는 절대 포기하고 싶지 않다.
내가 원하는 것은 동정도, 물질도,
명예도, 도피처도,
심지어는 기적도 아니다.
나는 오직 예수님을 원한다.
-앤 그레이엄 로츠의
‘그 무엇과도 바꿀 수 없는 예수’ 중에서-
삶의 과중한 책임과 각종 업무로
피곤하고 지친 당신에게도,
모든 것을 가졌지만
때때로 찾아오는 공허함에
즐거움을 쫓아가는 당신에게도,
성공의 그림자를 따라 바쁘게 달리는 당신에게도,
그리고 주님의 이름을 부르면서도
때때로 그분의 선하심을 의심하는 당신에게도
필요한 것은 오직 주님, 한 분 뿐입니다.
다른 것을 찾지 마십시오.
다른 것으로 채우려 하지 마십시오.
주님을 구하십시오.
오직 주님만을 바라십시오.
생각이 아닌, 지식이 아닌
살아계신 주님을 만날 때,
당신은 이 땅에서 천국을 소유하게 될 것입니다.
오직 주님만.. 원합니다.. 저같은 죄인.. 용서하십시요.. 주님만 원해야하는데.. 그게 왜 이렇게 힘들까요.. 주님! 주님품안에 있기 원합니다. .
Thursday, April 16, 2009
April 16, 2009 - Isaiah 59:9 - 59:21
Lost in Darkness
9. So justice is far from us, and righteousness does not reach us. We look for light, but all is darkness; for brightness, but we walk in deep shadows.
10. Like the blind we grope along the wall, feeling our way like men without eyes. At midday we stumble as if it were twilight; among the strong, we are like the dead.
11. We all growl like bears; we moan mournfully like doves. We look for justice, but find none; for deliverance, but it is far away.
12. For our offenses are many in your sight, and our sins testify against us. Our offenses are ever with us, and we acknowledge our iniquities:
13. rebellion and treachery against the Lord, turning our backs on our God, fomenting oppression and revolt, uttering lies our hearts have conceived.
14. So justice is driven back, and righteousness stands at a distance; truth has stumbled in the streets, honesty cannot enter.
15. Truth is nowhere to be found, and whoever shuns evil becomes a prey. The LORD looked and was displeased that there was no justice.
Setting Things Straight
16. He saw that there was no one, he was appalled that there was no one to intervene; so his own arm worked salvation for him, and his own righteousness sustained him.
17. He put on righteousness as his breastplate, and the helmet of salvation on his head; he put on the garments of vengeance and wrapped himself in zeal as in a cloak.
18. According to what they have done, so will he repay wrath to his enemies and retribution to his foes; he will repay the islands their due.
19. From the west, men will fear the name of the Lord, and from the rising of the sun, they will revere his glory. For he will come like a pent-up flood that the breath of the LORD drives along.
20. “The Redeemer will come to Zion, to those in Jacob who repent of their sins,” declares the Lord.
21. “As for me, this is my covenant with them,” says the Lord. “My Spirit, who is on you, and my words that I have put in your mouth will not depart from your mouth, or from the mouths of your children, or from the mouths of their descendants from this time on and forever,” says the Lord.
9. So justice is far from us, and righteousness does not reach us. We look for light, but all is darkness; for brightness, but we walk in deep shadows.
10. Like the blind we grope along the wall, feeling our way like men without eyes. At midday we stumble as if it were twilight; among the strong, we are like the dead.
11. We all growl like bears; we moan mournfully like doves. We look for justice, but find none; for deliverance, but it is far away.
12. For our offenses are many in your sight, and our sins testify against us. Our offenses are ever with us, and we acknowledge our iniquities:
13. rebellion and treachery against the Lord, turning our backs on our God, fomenting oppression and revolt, uttering lies our hearts have conceived.
14. So justice is driven back, and righteousness stands at a distance; truth has stumbled in the streets, honesty cannot enter.
15. Truth is nowhere to be found, and whoever shuns evil becomes a prey. The LORD looked and was displeased that there was no justice.
Setting Things Straight
16. He saw that there was no one, he was appalled that there was no one to intervene; so his own arm worked salvation for him, and his own righteousness sustained him.
17. He put on righteousness as his breastplate, and the helmet of salvation on his head; he put on the garments of vengeance and wrapped himself in zeal as in a cloak.
18. According to what they have done, so will he repay wrath to his enemies and retribution to his foes; he will repay the islands their due.
19. From the west, men will fear the name of the Lord, and from the rising of the sun, they will revere his glory. For he will come like a pent-up flood that the breath of the LORD drives along.
20. “The Redeemer will come to Zion, to those in Jacob who repent of their sins,” declares the Lord.
21. “As for me, this is my covenant with them,” says the Lord. “My Spirit, who is on you, and my words that I have put in your mouth will not depart from your mouth, or from the mouths of your children, or from the mouths of their descendants from this time on and forever,” says the Lord.
April 15, 2009 - Isaiah 58:13 - 59:8
Keeping the Lord’s Day
13.“If you keep your feet from breaking the Sabbath and from doing as you please on my holy day, if you call the Sabbath a delight and the Lord’s holy day honorable, and if you honor it by not going your own way and not doing as you please or speaking idle words,
14. then you will find your joy in the Lord, and I will cause you to ride on the heights of the land and to feast on the inheritance of your father Jacob.” The mouth of the Lord has spoken.
God Isn’t in a Hurry
1. Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear.
2. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear.
3. For your hands are stained with blood, your fingers with guilt. Your lips have spoken lies, and your tongue mutters wicked things.
4. No one calls for justice; no one pleads his case with integrity. They rely on empty arguments and speak lies; they conceive trouble and give birth to evil.
5. They hatch the eggs of vipers and spin a spider’s web. Whoever eats their eggs will die, and when one is broken, an adder is hatched.
6. Their cobwebs are useless for clothing; they cannot cover themselves with what they make. Their deeds are evil deeds, and acts of violence are in their hands.
7. Their feet rush into sin; they are swift to shed innocent blood. Their thoughts are evil thoughts; ruin and destruction mark their ways.
8. The way of peace they do not know; there is no justice in their paths. They have turned them into crooked roads; no one who walks in them will know peace.
From my QT book.. it says our greatest consequence of sin is losing fellowship with God.. I think this is really true cuz once I started to walk away from God.. whether it may be from just being lazy or whatever, it was easier to somewhat 'forget' the relationship I had with God. Just like praying.. the more often and longer I prayed.. it was easier for me to pray to God.. but when I stopped.. getting back to where I was.. took more effort.. This is why we need fellowship with fellow Christans too.. so we keep accountable for each other for we are ONE body of Christ!
13.“If you keep your feet from breaking the Sabbath and from doing as you please on my holy day, if you call the Sabbath a delight and the Lord’s holy day honorable, and if you honor it by not going your own way and not doing as you please or speaking idle words,
14. then you will find your joy in the Lord, and I will cause you to ride on the heights of the land and to feast on the inheritance of your father Jacob.” The mouth of the Lord has spoken.
God Isn’t in a Hurry
1. Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear.
2. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear.
3. For your hands are stained with blood, your fingers with guilt. Your lips have spoken lies, and your tongue mutters wicked things.
4. No one calls for justice; no one pleads his case with integrity. They rely on empty arguments and speak lies; they conceive trouble and give birth to evil.
5. They hatch the eggs of vipers and spin a spider’s web. Whoever eats their eggs will die, and when one is broken, an adder is hatched.
6. Their cobwebs are useless for clothing; they cannot cover themselves with what they make. Their deeds are evil deeds, and acts of violence are in their hands.
7. Their feet rush into sin; they are swift to shed innocent blood. Their thoughts are evil thoughts; ruin and destruction mark their ways.
8. The way of peace they do not know; there is no justice in their paths. They have turned them into crooked roads; no one who walks in them will know peace.
From my QT book.. it says our greatest consequence of sin is losing fellowship with God.. I think this is really true cuz once I started to walk away from God.. whether it may be from just being lazy or whatever, it was easier to somewhat 'forget' the relationship I had with God. Just like praying.. the more often and longer I prayed.. it was easier for me to pray to God.. but when I stopped.. getting back to where I was.. took more effort.. This is why we need fellowship with fellow Christans too.. so we keep accountable for each other for we are ONE body of Christ!
April 14, 2009 - Isaiah 57:11 - 57:21
Where Do You Put Your Trust?
11.“Whom have you so dreaded and feared that you have been false to me, and have neither remembered me nor pondered this in your hearts? Is it not because I have long been silent that you do not fear me?
12. I will expose your righteousness and your works, and they will not benefit you.
13. When you cry out for help, let your collection of idols save you! The wind will carry all of them off, a mere breath will blow them away. But the man who makes me his refuge will inherit the land and possess my holy mountain.”
Grace to the Repentant
14. And it will be said: “Build up, build up, prepare the road! Remove the obstacles out of the way of my people.”
15. For this is what the high and lofty One says?he who lives forever, whose name is holy: “I live in a high and holy place, but also with him who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.
16. I will not accuse forever, nor will I always be angry, for then the spirit of man would grow faint before me?the breath of man that I have created.
17. I was enraged by his sinful greed; I punished him, and hid my face in anger, yet he kept on in his willful ways.
18. I have seen his ways, but I will heal him; I will guide him and restore comfort to him,
19. creating praise on the lips of the mourners in Israel. Peace, peace, to those far and near,” says the Lord. “And I will heal them.”
20. But the wicked are like the tossing sea, which cannot rest, whose waves cast up mire and mud.
21. “There is no peace,” says my God, “for the wicked.”
I know I should place my trust in God.. however I find myself trying to figure out things on my own.. but in reality i know that it is Christ who makes impossible possible! I need to pray more.. so I place it all down unto Him.. 주님만 보고 달리겠습니다..
11.“Whom have you so dreaded and feared that you have been false to me, and have neither remembered me nor pondered this in your hearts? Is it not because I have long been silent that you do not fear me?
12. I will expose your righteousness and your works, and they will not benefit you.
13. When you cry out for help, let your collection of idols save you! The wind will carry all of them off, a mere breath will blow them away. But the man who makes me his refuge will inherit the land and possess my holy mountain.”
Grace to the Repentant
14. And it will be said: “Build up, build up, prepare the road! Remove the obstacles out of the way of my people.”
15. For this is what the high and lofty One says?he who lives forever, whose name is holy: “I live in a high and holy place, but also with him who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.
16. I will not accuse forever, nor will I always be angry, for then the spirit of man would grow faint before me?the breath of man that I have created.
17. I was enraged by his sinful greed; I punished him, and hid my face in anger, yet he kept on in his willful ways.
18. I have seen his ways, but I will heal him; I will guide him and restore comfort to him,
19. creating praise on the lips of the mourners in Israel. Peace, peace, to those far and near,” says the Lord. “And I will heal them.”
20. But the wicked are like the tossing sea, which cannot rest, whose waves cast up mire and mud.
21. “There is no peace,” says my God, “for the wicked.”
I know I should place my trust in God.. however I find myself trying to figure out things on my own.. but in reality i know that it is Christ who makes impossible possible! I need to pray more.. so I place it all down unto Him.. 주님만 보고 달리겠습니다..
April 12, 2009 - Resurrection & Wonderment
Resurrection of the Lord Jesus
1. On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb.
2. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb,
3. but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.
4. While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them.
5. In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead?
6. He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee:
7.‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’”
8. Then they remembered his words.
Wondering Disciples
9. When they came back from the tomb, they told all these things to the Eleven and to all the others.
10. It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with them who told this to the apostles.
11. But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense.
12. Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. Bending over, he saw the strips of linen lying by themselves, and he went away, wondering to himself what had happened.
Today is THE day Chris has risen from the dead! Because of Christ we are able to come to God... by His blood we are saved. If I was the first to found out that Christ has risen... I probably run around shouting in joy.. probably don't feel tired from running around so much lol THANK YOU LORD
1. On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb.
2. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb,
3. but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.
4. While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them.
5. In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead?
6. He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee:
7.‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’”
8. Then they remembered his words.
Wondering Disciples
9. When they came back from the tomb, they told all these things to the Eleven and to all the others.
10. It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with them who told this to the apostles.
11. But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense.
12. Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. Bending over, he saw the strips of linen lying by themselves, and he went away, wondering to himself what had happened.
Today is THE day Chris has risen from the dead! Because of Christ we are able to come to God... by His blood we are saved. If I was the first to found out that Christ has risen... I probably run around shouting in joy.. probably don't feel tired from running around so much lol THANK YOU LORD
April 11, 2009 - Matthew 27:57 - 27:66
Burying and Exposing
57. As evening approached, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who had himself become a disciple of Jesus.
58. Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus’ body, and Pilate ordered that it be given to him.
59. Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth,
60. and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut out of the rock. He rolled a big stone in front of the entrance to the tomb and went away.
61. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting there opposite the tomb.
Sealing of the Tomb
62. The next day, the one after Preparation Day, the chief priests and the Pharisees went to Pilate.
63.“Sir,” they said, “we remember that while he was still alive that deceiver said, ‘After three days I will rise again.’
64. So give the order for the tomb to be made secure until the third day. Otherwise, his disciples may come and steal the body and tell the people that he has been raised from the dead. This last deception will be worse than the first.”
65.“Take a guard,” Pilate answered. “Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how.”
66. So they went and made the tomb secure by putting a seal on the stone and posting the guard.
'After three days I will rise again.. ' I love how Pharisees + others wanted Christ to be 'dead' and they refused to believe anything Jesus said.. however after He was dead they remembered Chris saying that and ordered guards to secure the tomb untill the third day! Doesn't this show that they actually do believe!
57. As evening approached, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who had himself become a disciple of Jesus.
58. Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus’ body, and Pilate ordered that it be given to him.
59. Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth,
60. and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut out of the rock. He rolled a big stone in front of the entrance to the tomb and went away.
61. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting there opposite the tomb.
Sealing of the Tomb
62. The next day, the one after Preparation Day, the chief priests and the Pharisees went to Pilate.
63.“Sir,” they said, “we remember that while he was still alive that deceiver said, ‘After three days I will rise again.’
64. So give the order for the tomb to be made secure until the third day. Otherwise, his disciples may come and steal the body and tell the people that he has been raised from the dead. This last deception will be worse than the first.”
65.“Take a guard,” Pilate answered. “Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how.”
66. So they went and made the tomb secure by putting a seal on the stone and posting the guard.
'After three days I will rise again.. ' I love how Pharisees + others wanted Christ to be 'dead' and they refused to believe anything Jesus said.. however after He was dead they remembered Chris saying that and ordered guards to secure the tomb untill the third day! Doesn't this show that they actually do believe!
Friday, April 10, 2009
April 10 - Matthew 27:35 - 27:50
Darkened Minds
35. When they had crucified him, they divided up his clothes by casting lots.
36. And sitting down, they kept watch over him there.
37. Above his head they placed the written charge against him: THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS.
38. Two robbers were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left.
39. Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads
40. and saying, “You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! Come down from the cross, if you are the Son of God!”
41. In the same way the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders mocked him.
42.“He saved others,” they said, “but he can’t save himself! He’s the King of Israel! Let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him.
43. He trusts in God. Let God rescue him now if he wants him, for he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’ ”
44. In the same way the robbers who were crucified with him also heaped insults on him.
Deepest Darkest Hour
45. From the sixth hour until the ninth hour darkness came over all the land.
46. About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?”?which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
47. When some of those standing there heard this, they said, “He’s calling Elijah.”
48. Immediately one of them ran and got a sponge. He filled it with wine vinegar, put it on a stick, and offered it to Jesus to drink.
49. The rest said, “Now leave him alone. Let’s see if Elijah comes to save him.”
God.. was on the cross.. for our sins.. for he knew no sin.. people mocked him and insulted him and said things like if you really are king of the jews.. come down from the cross. I can tell Jesus went though this not in some exceptional way but bore all the pain as human.. "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabchtani?"..
Today is good Friday.. the day that Christ died on the cross to cleanse our sins.. there is nothing but the blood of Christ.. Thank you Lord.. and I love you Lord.
50. And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit.
35. When they had crucified him, they divided up his clothes by casting lots.
36. And sitting down, they kept watch over him there.
37. Above his head they placed the written charge against him: THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS.
38. Two robbers were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left.
39. Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads
40. and saying, “You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! Come down from the cross, if you are the Son of God!”
41. In the same way the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders mocked him.
42.“He saved others,” they said, “but he can’t save himself! He’s the King of Israel! Let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him.
43. He trusts in God. Let God rescue him now if he wants him, for he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’ ”
44. In the same way the robbers who were crucified with him also heaped insults on him.
Deepest Darkest Hour
45. From the sixth hour until the ninth hour darkness came over all the land.
46. About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?”?which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
47. When some of those standing there heard this, they said, “He’s calling Elijah.”
48. Immediately one of them ran and got a sponge. He filled it with wine vinegar, put it on a stick, and offered it to Jesus to drink.
49. The rest said, “Now leave him alone. Let’s see if Elijah comes to save him.”
God.. was on the cross.. for our sins.. for he knew no sin.. people mocked him and insulted him and said things like if you really are king of the jews.. come down from the cross. I can tell Jesus went though this not in some exceptional way but bore all the pain as human.. "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabchtani?"..
Today is good Friday.. the day that Christ died on the cross to cleanse our sins.. there is nothing but the blood of Christ.. Thank you Lord.. and I love you Lord.
50. And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
April 9 - John 19:5 - 19:16
Power from Above
5. When Jesus came out wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe, Pilate said to them, “Here is the man!”
6. As soon as the chief priests and their officials saw him, they shouted, “Crucify! Crucify!” But Pilate answered, “You take him and crucify him. As for me, I find no basis for a charge against him.”
7. The Jews insisted, “We have a law, and according to that law he must die, because he claimed to be the Son of God.”
8. When Pilate heard this, he was even more afraid,
9. and he went back inside the palace. “Where do you come from?” he asked Jesus, but Jesus gave him no answer.
10.“Do you refuse to speak to me?” Pilate said. “Don’t you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?”
11. Jesus answered, “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin.”
Power Failure
12. From then on, Pilate tried to set Jesus free, but the Jews kept shouting, “If you let this man go, you are no friend of Caesar. Anyone who claims to be a king opposes Caesar.”
13. When Pilate heard this, he brought Jesus out and sat down on the judge’s seat at a place known as the Stone Pavement (which in Aramaic is Gabbatha).
14. It was the day of Preparation of Passover Week, about the sixth hour. “Here is your king,” Pilate said to the Jews.
15. But they shouted, “Take him away! Take him away! Crucify him!” “Shall I crucify your king?” Pilate asked. “We have no king but Caesar,” the chief priests answered.
16. Finally Pilate handed him over to them to be crucified.
Jesus is finally told to be crucified.. even when Pilate knew that Jesus had no reason to be. Tomorrow is Good friday.. These passages helped me reflect on myself.. how sinful I am.. I wonder if I was there during this time.. would i have also shouted out to have Christ crucified? He is our King.. no matter what the world view him as..
5. When Jesus came out wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe, Pilate said to them, “Here is the man!”
6. As soon as the chief priests and their officials saw him, they shouted, “Crucify! Crucify!” But Pilate answered, “You take him and crucify him. As for me, I find no basis for a charge against him.”
7. The Jews insisted, “We have a law, and according to that law he must die, because he claimed to be the Son of God.”
8. When Pilate heard this, he was even more afraid,
9. and he went back inside the palace. “Where do you come from?” he asked Jesus, but Jesus gave him no answer.
10.“Do you refuse to speak to me?” Pilate said. “Don’t you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?”
11. Jesus answered, “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin.”
Power Failure
12. From then on, Pilate tried to set Jesus free, but the Jews kept shouting, “If you let this man go, you are no friend of Caesar. Anyone who claims to be a king opposes Caesar.”
13. When Pilate heard this, he brought Jesus out and sat down on the judge’s seat at a place known as the Stone Pavement (which in Aramaic is Gabbatha).
14. It was the day of Preparation of Passover Week, about the sixth hour. “Here is your king,” Pilate said to the Jews.
15. But they shouted, “Take him away! Take him away! Crucify him!” “Shall I crucify your king?” Pilate asked. “We have no king but Caesar,” the chief priests answered.
16. Finally Pilate handed him over to them to be crucified.
Jesus is finally told to be crucified.. even when Pilate knew that Jesus had no reason to be. Tomorrow is Good friday.. These passages helped me reflect on myself.. how sinful I am.. I wonder if I was there during this time.. would i have also shouted out to have Christ crucified? He is our King.. no matter what the world view him as..
April 8 - John 18:28 - 18:40
he Kind of Death
28. Then the Jews led Jesus from Caiaphas to the palace of the Roman governor. By now it was early morning, and to avoid ceremonial uncleanness the Jews did not enter the palace; they wanted to be able to eat the Passover.
29. So Pilate came out to them and asked, “What charges are you bringing against this man?”
30.“If he were not a criminal,” they replied, “we would not have handed him over to you.”
31. Pilate said, “Take him yourselves and judge him by your own law.” “But we have no right to execute anyone,” the Jews objected.
32. This happened so that the words Jesus had spoken indicating the kind of death he was going to die would be fulfilled.
King from Another Place
33. Pilate then went back inside the palace, summoned Jesus and asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?”
34.“Is that your own idea,” Jesus asked, “or did others talk to you about me?”
35.“Am I a Jew?” Pilate replied. “It was your people and your chief priests who handed you over to me. What is it you have done?”
36. Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my kingdom is from another place.”
37.“You are a king, then!” said Pilate. Jesus answered, “You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.”
38.“What is truth?” Pilate asked. With this he went out again to the Jews and said, “I find no basis for a charge against him.
39. But it is your custom for me to release to you one prisoner at the time of the Passover. Do you want me to release ‘the king of the Jews’?”
40. They shouted back, “No, not him! Give us Barabbas!” Now Barabbas had taken part in a rebellion.
I can see that the death of Christ is coming up.. I wonder how he felt when the jews were demanding him to give Barabbas instead of him. Christ has no reason for these kinda of treatments.. but Christ stilled endured all these hatred and pain and suffering..
28. Then the Jews led Jesus from Caiaphas to the palace of the Roman governor. By now it was early morning, and to avoid ceremonial uncleanness the Jews did not enter the palace; they wanted to be able to eat the Passover.
29. So Pilate came out to them and asked, “What charges are you bringing against this man?”
30.“If he were not a criminal,” they replied, “we would not have handed him over to you.”
31. Pilate said, “Take him yourselves and judge him by your own law.” “But we have no right to execute anyone,” the Jews objected.
32. This happened so that the words Jesus had spoken indicating the kind of death he was going to die would be fulfilled.
King from Another Place
33. Pilate then went back inside the palace, summoned Jesus and asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?”
34.“Is that your own idea,” Jesus asked, “or did others talk to you about me?”
35.“Am I a Jew?” Pilate replied. “It was your people and your chief priests who handed you over to me. What is it you have done?”
36. Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my kingdom is from another place.”
37.“You are a king, then!” said Pilate. Jesus answered, “You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.”
38.“What is truth?” Pilate asked. With this he went out again to the Jews and said, “I find no basis for a charge against him.
39. But it is your custom for me to release to you one prisoner at the time of the Passover. Do you want me to release ‘the king of the Jews’?”
40. They shouted back, “No, not him! Give us Barabbas!” Now Barabbas had taken part in a rebellion.
I can see that the death of Christ is coming up.. I wonder how he felt when the jews were demanding him to give Barabbas instead of him. Christ has no reason for these kinda of treatments.. but Christ stilled endured all these hatred and pain and suffering..
April 7 John 18:15 - 18:27
Many Questions
15. Simon Peter and another disciple were following Jesus. Because this disciple was known to the high priest, he went with Jesus into the high priest’s courtyard,
16. but Peter had to wait outside at the door. The other disciple, who was known to the high priest, came back, spoke to the girl on duty there and brought Peter in.
17.“You are not one of his disciples, are you?” the girl at the door asked Peter. He replied, “I am not.”
18. It was cold, and the servants and officials stood around a fire they had made to keep warm. Peter also was standing with them, warming himself.
19. Meanwhile, the high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching.
20.“I have spoken openly to the world,” Jesus replied. “I always taught in synagogues or at the temple, where all the Jews come together. I said nothing in secret.
21. Why question me? Ask those who heard me. Surely they know what I said.”
22. When Jesus said this, one of the officials nearby struck him in the face. “Is this the way you answer the high priest?” he demanded.
23.“If I said something wrong,” Jesus replied, “testify as to what is wrong. But if I spoke the truth, why did you strike me?”
24. Then Annas sent him, still bound, to Caiaphas the high priest.
So Few Answers
25. As Simon Peter stood warming himself, he was asked, “You are not one of his disciples, are you?” He denied it, saying, “I am not.”
26. One of the high priest’s servants, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, challenged him, “Didn’t I see you with him in the olive grove?”
27. Again Peter denied it, and at that moment a rooster began to crow.
I think I will be like Peter.. or more like I have been Peter at times.. there are times where I was ashamed to be a Christian back in the days.. but back then I was young and now I am proud to be one. It 'll be challenging but through faith I'll overcome it. Even though I don't have a rooster crowing but I have my own guilts that tells me I have denied Christ by doing or saying things that Christ won't be happy to see me doing..
15. Simon Peter and another disciple were following Jesus. Because this disciple was known to the high priest, he went with Jesus into the high priest’s courtyard,
16. but Peter had to wait outside at the door. The other disciple, who was known to the high priest, came back, spoke to the girl on duty there and brought Peter in.
17.“You are not one of his disciples, are you?” the girl at the door asked Peter. He replied, “I am not.”
18. It was cold, and the servants and officials stood around a fire they had made to keep warm. Peter also was standing with them, warming himself.
19. Meanwhile, the high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching.
20.“I have spoken openly to the world,” Jesus replied. “I always taught in synagogues or at the temple, where all the Jews come together. I said nothing in secret.
21. Why question me? Ask those who heard me. Surely they know what I said.”
22. When Jesus said this, one of the officials nearby struck him in the face. “Is this the way you answer the high priest?” he demanded.
23.“If I said something wrong,” Jesus replied, “testify as to what is wrong. But if I spoke the truth, why did you strike me?”
24. Then Annas sent him, still bound, to Caiaphas the high priest.
So Few Answers
25. As Simon Peter stood warming himself, he was asked, “You are not one of his disciples, are you?” He denied it, saying, “I am not.”
26. One of the high priest’s servants, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, challenged him, “Didn’t I see you with him in the olive grove?”
27. Again Peter denied it, and at that moment a rooster began to crow.
I think I will be like Peter.. or more like I have been Peter at times.. there are times where I was ashamed to be a Christian back in the days.. but back then I was young and now I am proud to be one. It 'll be challenging but through faith I'll overcome it. Even though I don't have a rooster crowing but I have my own guilts that tells me I have denied Christ by doing or saying things that Christ won't be happy to see me doing..
April 6 - John 18:1 - 18:14
Knowing His Own
1. When he had finished praying, Jesus left with his disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley. On the other side there was an olive grove, and he and his disciples went into it.
2. Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples.
3. So Judas came to the grove, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons.
4. Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, “Who is it you want?”
5.“Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “I am he,” Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.)
6. When Jesus said, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground.
7. Again he asked them, “Who is it you want?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.”
8.“I told you that I am he,” Jesus answered. “If you are looking for me, then let these men go.”
9. This happened so that the words he had spoken would be fulfilled: “I have not lost one of those you gave me.”
Knowing the Cup
10. Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus.)
11. Jesus commanded Peter, “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?”
12. Then the detachment of soldiers with its commander and the Jewish officials arrested Jesus. They bound him
13. and brought him first to Annas, who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year.
14. Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jews that it would be good if one man died for the people.
Jesus knows all even when we try to hide it away from him.. but we still try to hide from Him and try to somehow get rid of our sins.. but Jesus knows it all!
1. When he had finished praying, Jesus left with his disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley. On the other side there was an olive grove, and he and his disciples went into it.
2. Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples.
3. So Judas came to the grove, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons.
4. Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, “Who is it you want?”
5.“Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “I am he,” Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.)
6. When Jesus said, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground.
7. Again he asked them, “Who is it you want?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.”
8.“I told you that I am he,” Jesus answered. “If you are looking for me, then let these men go.”
9. This happened so that the words he had spoken would be fulfilled: “I have not lost one of those you gave me.”
Knowing the Cup
10. Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus.)
11. Jesus commanded Peter, “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?”
12. Then the detachment of soldiers with its commander and the Jewish officials arrested Jesus. They bound him
13. and brought him first to Annas, who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year.
14. Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jews that it would be good if one man died for the people.
Jesus knows all even when we try to hide it away from him.. but we still try to hide from Him and try to somehow get rid of our sins.. but Jesus knows it all!
April 5 - Isaiah 57:1 - 57:10
To Die is to Gain
1. The righteous perish, and no one ponders it in his heart; devout men are taken away, and no one understands that the righteous are taken away to be spared from evil.
2. Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest as they lie in death.
Spiritual Solicitation
3.“But you?come here, you sons of a sorceress, you offspring of adulterers and prostitutes!
4. Whom are you mocking? At whom do you sneer and stick out your tongue? Are you not a brood of rebels, the offspring of liars?
5. You burn with lust among the oaks and under every spreading tree; you sacrifice your children in the ravines and under the overhanging crags.
6. The idols among the smooth stones of the ravines are your portion; they, they are your lot. Yes, to them you have poured out drink offerings and offered grain offerings. In the light of these things, should I relent?
7. You have made your bed on a high and lofty hill; there you went up to offer your sacrifices.
8. Behind your doors and your doorposts you have put your pagan symbols. Forsaking me, you uncovered your bed, you climbed into it and opened it wide; you made a pact with those whose beds you love, and you looked on their nakedness.
9. You went to Molech with olive oil and increased your perfumes. You sent your ambassadors far away; you descended to the grave itself!
10. You were wearied by all your ways, but you would not say, ‘It is hopeless.’ You found renewal of your strength, and so you did not faint.
Many blame God for early death due to whatever reason whether it may be of a sickness or by an accident.. but in the Bible it says Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest as they lie in death.. I guess death is not the bad thing for christians but an opportunity for us to see God and rest in peace
1. The righteous perish, and no one ponders it in his heart; devout men are taken away, and no one understands that the righteous are taken away to be spared from evil.
2. Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest as they lie in death.
Spiritual Solicitation
3.“But you?come here, you sons of a sorceress, you offspring of adulterers and prostitutes!
4. Whom are you mocking? At whom do you sneer and stick out your tongue? Are you not a brood of rebels, the offspring of liars?
5. You burn with lust among the oaks and under every spreading tree; you sacrifice your children in the ravines and under the overhanging crags.
6. The idols among the smooth stones of the ravines are your portion; they, they are your lot. Yes, to them you have poured out drink offerings and offered grain offerings. In the light of these things, should I relent?
7. You have made your bed on a high and lofty hill; there you went up to offer your sacrifices.
8. Behind your doors and your doorposts you have put your pagan symbols. Forsaking me, you uncovered your bed, you climbed into it and opened it wide; you made a pact with those whose beds you love, and you looked on their nakedness.
9. You went to Molech with olive oil and increased your perfumes. You sent your ambassadors far away; you descended to the grave itself!
10. You were wearied by all your ways, but you would not say, ‘It is hopeless.’ You found renewal of your strength, and so you did not faint.
Many blame God for early death due to whatever reason whether it may be of a sickness or by an accident.. but in the Bible it says Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest as they lie in death.. I guess death is not the bad thing for christians but an opportunity for us to see God and rest in peace
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
March 31, John 17:20 -26
I am surprised of how Jesus prayed for him then the disciples then for all of us! I loved it when Christ said I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be ONE, father just as you are in me and I am in you. may they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me..
those verses just touched my heart for Christ is asking sincerely to God for us, believers, to be come one and know of You.. and it definitely have worked we know of God thousands of years later. I think this is why it is important to share gospel to all over the world!
those verses just touched my heart for Christ is asking sincerely to God for us, believers, to be come one and know of You.. and it definitely have worked we know of God thousands of years later. I think this is why it is important to share gospel to all over the world!
Monday, March 30, 2009
March 30 - John 17: 6 - 18
14I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. 15My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. 16They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. 17Sanctify[b] them by the truth; your word is truth. 18As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. 19For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.
I can see that Jesus really cared for us while he was here on earth.. His prayer to God is so sincere and heartbroken for the world has hated the Word that Christ came to share. I need to think more seriously of this matter for I take it for granted.. I didn't not deserve any of this but Christ came.. for me.. for us.. so we believe that the Word is the truth.. the only truth!
I can see that Jesus really cared for us while he was here on earth.. His prayer to God is so sincere and heartbroken for the world has hated the Word that Christ came to share. I need to think more seriously of this matter for I take it for granted.. I didn't not deserve any of this but Christ came.. for me.. for us.. so we believe that the Word is the truth.. the only truth!
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
March 11, John 17:1-5
1After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: "Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. 2For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. 3Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. 4I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. 5And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.
When I read this my first thought is, even Jesus Christ prays to God.. and some of us don't even give a minute a day to get down on our knees to pray to God.. Jesus's prayer just shows His true purpose of coming down to this fallen world. I cannot thank Christ enough for coming here to bring God's glory.. so we may have eternal life through Him.. THANK YOU LORD
When I read this my first thought is, even Jesus Christ prays to God.. and some of us don't even give a minute a day to get down on our knees to pray to God.. Jesus's prayer just shows His true purpose of coming down to this fallen world. I cannot thank Christ enough for coming here to bring God's glory.. so we may have eternal life through Him.. THANK YOU LORD
March 10, John 16:17-33
17Some of his disciples said to one another, "What does he mean by saying, 'In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me,' and 'Because I am going to the Father'?" 18They kept asking, "What does he mean by 'a little while'? We don't understand what he is saying."
19Jesus saw that they wanted to ask him about this, so he said to them, "Are you asking one another what I meant when I said, 'In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me'? 20I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. 21A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world. 22So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy. 23In that day you will no longer ask me anything. I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. 24Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete. 25"Though I have been speaking figuratively, a time is coming when I will no longer use this kind of language but will tell you plainly about my Father. 26In that day you will ask in my name. I am not saying that I will ask the Father on your behalf. 27No, the Father himself loves you because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. 28I came from the Father and entered the world; now I am leaving the world and going back to the Father." 29Then Jesus' disciples said, "Now you are speaking clearly and without figures of speech. 30Now we can see that you know all things and that you do not even need to have anyone ask you questions. This makes us believe that you came from God." 31"You believe at last!"[e] Jesus answered. 32"But a time is coming, and has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me. 33"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
Things may seem hard or overwhelming at the moment but as time go by.. peace will come. For as Jesus said, I have overcome the world!
"I came from the Father and entered the world; now I am leaving the world and going back to the Father."
19Jesus saw that they wanted to ask him about this, so he said to them, "Are you asking one another what I meant when I said, 'In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me'? 20I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. 21A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world. 22So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy. 23In that day you will no longer ask me anything. I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. 24Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete. 25"Though I have been speaking figuratively, a time is coming when I will no longer use this kind of language but will tell you plainly about my Father. 26In that day you will ask in my name. I am not saying that I will ask the Father on your behalf. 27No, the Father himself loves you because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. 28I came from the Father and entered the world; now I am leaving the world and going back to the Father." 29Then Jesus' disciples said, "Now you are speaking clearly and without figures of speech. 30Now we can see that you know all things and that you do not even need to have anyone ask you questions. This makes us believe that you came from God." 31"You believe at last!"[e] Jesus answered. 32"But a time is coming, and has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me. 33"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
Things may seem hard or overwhelming at the moment but as time go by.. peace will come. For as Jesus said, I have overcome the world!
"I came from the Father and entered the world; now I am leaving the world and going back to the Father."
Monday, March 9, 2009
March 9, John 16:1-16
5"Now I am going to him who sent me, yet none of you asks me, 'Where are you going?' 6Because I have said these things, you are filled with grief. 7But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. 8When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt[a] in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment: 9in regard to sin, because men do not believe in me; 10in regard to righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; 11and in regard to judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned. 12"I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. 13But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. 14He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you. 15All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will take from what is mine and make it known to you.
Jesus is now warning his disciples about how he will be leaving this earth but he will send the holy spirit to watch over us. I pray that every time I commit a sin, as Jesus said, the holy spirit will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment..
16"In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me."
And finally.. his resurrection is made known to the disciples..
Jesus is now warning his disciples about how he will be leaving this earth but he will send the holy spirit to watch over us. I pray that every time I commit a sin, as Jesus said, the holy spirit will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment..
16"In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me."
And finally.. his resurrection is made known to the disciples..
March 8- John 15: 18-27
18"If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. 19If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. 20Remember the words I spoke to you: 'No servant is greater than his master.'b]" style="font-size: 0.75em; line-height: 0.5em; ">[b] If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. 21They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the One who sent me. 22If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin. Now, however, they have no excuse for their sin. 23He who hates me hates my Father as well. 24If I had not done among them what no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin. But now they have seen these miracles, and yet they have hated both me and my Father. 25But this is to fulfill what is written in their Law: 'They hated me without reason.'c]" style="font-size: 0.75em; line-height: 0.5em; ">[c]
One thing I struggle a lot these days is.. persecution. In my soc class we have been discussing Christianity a lot and I am always surprised how people view Christians as and what they believe that it is. I should stand up for what I believe but I usually chicken out and just let it go. Life is full of temptations and the world will hate me for being a Christian.. as Jesus even mentioned in the bible.. I believe that God is breaking my heart for what breaks His.. for we will be rewarded in heaven.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
March 7 - John 15:1-17
"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.7If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. 8This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
We are God's branches.. without the vine branches cannot survive for it receives nutrients from the vine. God continues to tell us that we should remain in Him.. and remain in His love.. for we will become His friends...
Friday, March 6, 2009
March 6 - 1 Cor. 12
I read over the passage about being one body in Christ again after steak n shake.. it is so true about how one part of the body aches and the whole body aches.. because.. my church in Kentucky went though a split. I was a senior in high school and I can say that it hurt a lot seeing my friends hating each for no reason just because the church was split into half. I did go through a bitter stage of refusing to go to any koreans churches.. etc.. After a while I decided to think of like cell division.. it's not total split but a seperation to grow bigger.. both divisions are now stable in terms of new pastors, church building, etc.. and now starting to have joint worships and stuff.. we are indeed ONE BODY.. and we should be united as a whole even though cultures, backgrounds may seem awkward at first because heaven will not be into little cliques but everyone will be worshipping God
Thursday, March 5, 2009
March 5, John 14:5-14
"I am the way, and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really knew me, you would know my father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him."
"Believe me when I say that I am in the Father, and the Father is in me.."
"You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.."
Father.. help me take these verses to heart. I believe that you are the way, truth and the life.. for you are the only way to the Father. Honestly, I'm not sure if I really know you.. but I ask that you show yourself to me daily for I want to be made in your image.. Thank you for all you have provided.. and I believe that even if things look like it is impossible to overcome, you are with me every move I make..
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
March 4
Blessed are the pure in heart for they will see God..
As the day passed, I am so thankful of what God has provided me with.
Just able to attend school to pursue a career, having a place to sleep, study, eat, etc, having warm clothes in this cold weather, having friends that I can lean on.. and ultimately having Jesus as my saviour.. I realize I have to prepare myself for consistent battles for I am an ambassador for Christ. I pray that I continue to seek for a pure heart during the lows and highs..
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
March 3, John 14:1-4
1"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. 2In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you.3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4You know the way to the place where I am going."
My heart was comforted when I read the passage above.. I am going there to prepare a place for you.. Jesus's crucifiction is coming up soon as I read John and.. I am realizing more and more how sinful being I am. I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.. I can't wait till that day.. meeting Christ in heaven.. or maybe He will return during my lifetime.. but all I can say is I am in awe of Him <3
Monday, March 2, 2009
March 2, You Never Let Go
You Never Let Go
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death
Your perfect love is casting out fear
And even when I'm caught in the middle of the storms of this life
I won't turn back
I know you are near
And I will fear no evil
For my God is with me
And if my God is with me
Whom then shall I fear?
Whom then shall I fear?
(Chorus:)
Oh no, You never let go
Through the calm and through the storm
Oh no, You never let go
In every high and every low
Oh no, You never let go
Lord, You never let go of me
And I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on
A glorious light beyond all compare
And there will be an end to these troubles
But until that day comes
We'll live to know You here on the earth
(Chorus)
Yes, I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on
And there will be an end to these troubles
But until that day comes
Still I will praise You, still I will praise You
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death
Your perfect love is casting out fear
And even when I'm caught in the middle of the storms of this life
I won't turn back
I know you are near
And I will fear no evil
For my God is with me
And if my God is with me
Whom then shall I fear?
Whom then shall I fear?
(Chorus:)
Oh no, You never let go
Through the calm and through the storm
Oh no, You never let go
In every high and every low
Oh no, You never let go
Lord, You never let go of me
And I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on
A glorious light beyond all compare
And there will be an end to these troubles
But until that day comes
We'll live to know You here on the earth
(Chorus)
Yes, I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on
And there will be an end to these troubles
But until that day comes
Still I will praise You, still I will praise You
I was praying today and this song just popped into my head.. Past few days have been sort of tough for me and I kept losing the focus for God. I started worrying, complaining.. etc however yes God never let go of me for there will be an end to these troubles! One thing I will not give up is praising God.. Even in midst of storms, I will not be scared for God is always by my side.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
March 1 - John 13:31-38
"Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.."
It's a sad thing to say but I think we all fail at doing this. Loving people you get along well and stuff is easy but when it gets to loving those that hate you or talk bad things about you behind your backs.. then it gets challenging! Honestly.. there are people that I just can't get along but as Jesus commands me to do.. I need to love all for I am one of Jesus's disciples..
"Will you reallly lay down your life for me? I tell you the truth, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times!"
I pray to God that I will lay my life for Him and I will do whatever He wants me to do.. but I like worry a lot and complain if things don't go the way I want it to. It's so bad but it just shows that I don't trust that God will provide and will do things in His time. This is something I have been struggling with and I pray that I really lay down my life for Him not with just words but in action!
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Feb 28, 2009 - John 13:18-30
I tell you the truth, whoever accepts anyone I send accepts me; and whoever accepts me accepts the one who sent me"..
I had re-read this verse a couple of times because I was just like hmm.. "anyone I send" I was trying to think who Jesus sends.. maybe it's those non-believers that Jesus sends or just friends that are struggling with their personal lives.. but many times I don't accept them with open hearts. I have a bad habit of judging people by their looks or actions without knowing them in person and I think this is something I have to really work on for those that I just can't get along might be those the Christ sent on purpose.
Finally Jesus predicts his death by giving a piece of bread to Judas Iscariot.. I wonder what Jesus felt like prediciting this and even 11 other disciples. Jesus was betrayed by his own disciples.. not by some random person on the street. it must have been heartbreaking to see his own loving disciple to betray him for some money..
Feb 27, 2009 - John 13: 1-17
Back in those days.. since people didn't have shoes or sandles or whatever, they were in barefeet a lot.. so basically people's feet were the diriest part of their body. And from the scriptures, we can see that Jesus washed the disciples' feet. I remember doing it for my small group back when I volunteered for this retreat in Korea. It was so show my kids.. how much Christ loves them and that I love them.. it was something I can never forget. Some kids were crying.. some were just goofing off but it was a memorable time for all who attend the retreat.
"I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.."
This is what I want to be able to do.. not just washing people's feet but for other things Christ did during his journey.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Feb 26, 2009 - John 12:37-50
In today's passage, I can see that some jews including the Pharisees are still doubting Jesus even after the miracles that He performed. I can tell that Christ cries out in distress that there is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; that very word which I spoke will condemn him at the last day. He also said that whatever He says is just what the Father has told Him to say.
In a fallen world like these days, I feel like it is getting harder to stay strong in Christ. There are so many distractions, temptations, etc. I feel like our world is just like the verse 42 and 43 of how some love praise from men more than praise from God and they claim themselves servants of God! I've experienced this myself before.. i realize that i was serving not to glorify God but for my 'pride and selfish desires'.. we are such sinful human beings.. that's why all we need is God.. nothing else!
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Feb 25, 2009 - John 12:20-36
Unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and die, it remains only a single seed.. but if it dies, it produces MANY seeds..When I read this, it just hit me hard.. about how Christ died on the cross for all of us here on earth.. And because of Him, I'm able to know about Christ and go to heaven. If He didn't sacrifice himself for us.. then.. we all would have ended up in hell. This is something I knew since I was young but.. the parable He used just was kinda like wow..
"whoever serves me must follow me and where I am, my servant also will be. My father will honor the one who serves me." God honors those that serves Christ.. this is why I need to serve Him.. to glorify His name.. and "Put your trust in the light while you have it, so that you may become songs of light.." AMEN!
"whoever serves me must follow me and where I am, my servant also will be. My father will honor the one who serves me." God honors those that serves Christ.. this is why I need to serve Him.. to glorify His name.. and "Put your trust in the light while you have it, so that you may become songs of light.." AMEN!
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Feb 24, 2009 - John 11:45 - 12:19
After Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, I can see that the Pharisees were furious and now planning to kill Jesus. I wonder how Jesus felt at that time.. as He knew that He will soon be betrayed by not some other person but one of His disciples.. and to that cross. This just shows how humble and awesome our Lord is.. He bares all the pain for our sins even though we did not deserve to receive any of these and belong in hell.
Martha broke her expensive perfume on Jesus's feet and wiped his feet with her hair... and as we all know.. it was years' worth wages! These it's been hard for me.. trying to find a job and getting stressed out because of money and etc. But really.. God will provide and like Martha I shouldn't be all uptight about the money but just give it all to God..
Martha broke her expensive perfume on Jesus's feet and wiped his feet with her hair... and as we all know.. it was years' worth wages! These it's been hard for me.. trying to find a job and getting stressed out because of money and etc. But really.. God will provide and like Martha I shouldn't be all uptight about the money but just give it all to God..
Monday, February 23, 2009
Feb 23 ,2009 - John 11:1-43
I knew about the story of Lazarus since I was young and I didn't know Jesus went to Judea where he was about to be stoned by Jews earlier in His journey. And it also says in verse 35 that Jesus wept which I can tell that Jesus really loved Lazarus and his sisters, Mary and Martha. And as we all know Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead! I admire Martha's strong trust in Jesus. She keeps saying that if you (Jesus) was here earlier, Lazarus would not have been dead. Because I were in her position, I probably would have been blaming Jesus for not being here on time or what not and obviously would have expected Jesus to raise Lazarus from the dead. I think that's one thing I really have to learn from Martha. Being able to trust God even if things don't workout the way I want things to.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Feb 22, 2009 - John 10:22-42
As pastor Kim said during the sermon today.. the world hates Christians.. God is trying to bring light into this world but we, humans, are too comfortable in the darkness..
While I was reading today's scripture.. I kept getting angry at those that mocked and tried to stone Christ. I thought to myself... the many things I say and do.. aren't really christian-like things. I have such a hard time laying everything down to God for He will provide and He will have a plan for me... but worries triumph over me.. it has been my prayer request to be able to trust without doubts and concerns and to do my best in all that I do to glorify His name.. It is definitely hard and I feel guilty of failing at it but I pray that God gives me strength, wisdom, and patience to continue..
While I was reading today's scripture.. I kept getting angry at those that mocked and tried to stone Christ. I thought to myself... the many things I say and do.. aren't really christian-like things. I have such a hard time laying everything down to God for He will provide and He will have a plan for me... but worries triumph over me.. it has been my prayer request to be able to trust without doubts and concerns and to do my best in all that I do to glorify His name.. It is definitely hard and I feel guilty of failing at it but I pray that God gives me strength, wisdom, and patience to continue..
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Feb 21, 2009 - John 10:1-21
The shepherd and the sheep.. it is soo true that the sheep will be frightened and will run away when a stranger tries lead the sheep however when the shepherd does.. they follow him and will eat grass peacefully. And we are His sheep and He is our shepherd. As Jesus says "I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. all who ever came before me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved."
Reading today's passage reminded me of David when he used to be sheperd. Sheep can't really fight for its life so without a shepherd leading it and saving them from wolves and stuff, they are helpless. And we are the sheep, and without Christ, we are weak... but we are strong for He is my good shepherd..
Reading today's passage reminded me of David when he used to be sheperd. Sheep can't really fight for its life so without a shepherd leading it and saving them from wolves and stuff, they are helpless. And we are the sheep, and without Christ, we are weak... but we are strong for He is my good shepherd..
Friday, February 20, 2009
Feb 20, 2009 - John 9
Jesus performed a miracle on a blind man by spitting on the ground to make some mud and placing it on the blind man! If I were there watching Jesus perform this.. I would have been.. woah.. what is that guy doing?!? because... first he is spitting on the ground and also in the verses it says he mixed some saliva with the mud from the ground.. that just sounds dirty lol
However, the blind man followed Jesus's directions and was able to see after several years of bagging on the streets. But of course.. the pharisees couldn't just let that go! They make a fuss about how Jesus performed a miracle on a Sabbath day.. and it's just ridiculous reading about how pharisees bring the blind man's parents to make sure that he was blind before! It sounds very childish that they are trying so hard to not-believe Christ is God's son.. BUT HE IS!
However, the blind man followed Jesus's directions and was able to see after several years of bagging on the streets. But of course.. the pharisees couldn't just let that go! They make a fuss about how Jesus performed a miracle on a Sabbath day.. and it's just ridiculous reading about how pharisees bring the blind man's parents to make sure that he was blind before! It sounds very childish that they are trying so hard to not-believe Christ is God's son.. BUT HE IS!
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Feb 19, 2009 - John 8:42-59
If anyone keeps my word, he will never see death....
It's kinda funny when the Jews react to Jesus when they heard this. They claim that Jesus is demon-possessed and their father Abraham died therefore.. Jesus is crazy? It's just such a stupid answer! The truth is that Jesus was there even before creation.. But it's sad just to hear their words and actions.. especially when they were going to stone Jesus..
I can't stop thinking about if I would have been one of the Jews. It's sad to say but.. I might have been.. probably blinded by my sins.. I think this is why it's important to have small groups, large groups, discipleship, accountability partners.. etc.. just to have others keep accountable for each other.. making sure we all run the race together.
It's kinda funny when the Jews react to Jesus when they heard this. They claim that Jesus is demon-possessed and their father Abraham died therefore.. Jesus is crazy? It's just such a stupid answer! The truth is that Jesus was there even before creation.. But it's sad just to hear their words and actions.. especially when they were going to stone Jesus..
I can't stop thinking about if I would have been one of the Jews. It's sad to say but.. I might have been.. probably blinded by my sins.. I think this is why it's important to have small groups, large groups, discipleship, accountability partners.. etc.. just to have others keep accountable for each other.. making sure we all run the race together.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Feb 18, 2009 - John 8:31-41
Today's scripture made me realize how blind I am. The Jews didn't understand what Jesus said but they were blinded in their sins. What it made me realize is that, when I am in my comfort zone, I get loose with my quiet times, I don't pray as much, and etc. Even though it should be like this, I continue to find myself doing that. It's like me buried under my own sins.
I want to be able to living according to Jesus's teachings for He said "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
Honestly.. there are so many things that Jesus teaches us but when I go to heaven, I wanna be able to say without shame that I did my best..
I want to be able to living according to Jesus's teachings for He said "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
Honestly.. there are so many things that Jesus teaches us but when I go to heaven, I wanna be able to say without shame that I did my best..
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Feb 17, 2009 - John 8:12-30
Verse 12: "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life"
Verse 15 and 16: You judge by human standards; I pass judgment on no one. But if I do judge, my decisions are right, because I am not alone. I stand with the Father, Who sent me.
Verse 19: "If you knew me, you would know my Father also."
Verse 23: "You are of this world; I am not of this world."
---
Jesus talks to the people in firm belief and many people put their faith in him by what He spoke about like the verses above. I can just feel Jesus charisma by just reading these verses. Also I realize John continues to say that no one seized him, because his time had not yet come.. which I know that John is leading the reader to the cross later in the chapters. I admire Jesus for being able to overcome all the ridicules that Pharisees and many others gave him for speaking the truth. I know I will never be like Jesus but I want to be able to stay strong in Jesus Christ even if the biggest and the scariest storms come!
Verse 15 and 16: You judge by human standards; I pass judgment on no one. But if I do judge, my decisions are right, because I am not alone. I stand with the Father, Who sent me.
Verse 19: "If you knew me, you would know my Father also."
Verse 23: "You are of this world; I am not of this world."
---
Jesus talks to the people in firm belief and many people put their faith in him by what He spoke about like the verses above. I can just feel Jesus charisma by just reading these verses. Also I realize John continues to say that no one seized him, because his time had not yet come.. which I know that John is leading the reader to the cross later in the chapters. I admire Jesus for being able to overcome all the ridicules that Pharisees and many others gave him for speaking the truth. I know I will never be like Jesus but I want to be able to stay strong in Jesus Christ even if the biggest and the scariest storms come!
Monday, February 16, 2009
Feb 16, 2009 - John 7:45 - 8:11
As I continue to read John.. I am daily aware of how sinful I am. In today's readings, the woman caught in adultery was the main theme. The Pharisees wanted the woman to be stoned and they falsely used the laws that Moses received from God said that the rightful punishment is to be stoned. I think our life is like this at times. I make up excuses so that it doesn't make me feel bad as much or ashamed for what I did as much. I also like how Jesus forgives the woman and gives her a second chance. God is a God of second chances.. He always forgives us when we repent.. He is a gracious and merciful God.. AMEN!
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Feb 15, 2009 - John 7: 24-43
"If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him."
I believe in Jesus Christ and I hope that Streams of living water flow from within me.. but i fail many times and sin a lot. The things I say or do sometimes makes me thing wow.. I need to glorify God but in stead I am ruining God's name! I ask for repentance and I pray that.. God convicts me for I might fall again.. or more like I will fall..
I believe in Jesus Christ and I hope that Streams of living water flow from within me.. but i fail many times and sin a lot. The things I say or do sometimes makes me thing wow.. I need to glorify God but in stead I am ruining God's name! I ask for repentance and I pray that.. God convicts me for I might fall again.. or more like I will fall..
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Feb. 14, 2009 - John 7:14-24
When I read these verses.. one thing struck me hard. It was verse 18.: "He who speaks on his own does so to gain honor for himself, but he who works for the honor of the one who sent him is a man of truth" Even though I always pray to God to take all of me and that I will be a living sacrifice but I still have things I hold on to. And I've been trying to find the best major for me and for my future and.. it was mostly for my own good and my selfish needs. So, like the verse said to gain honor for myself.. But I want to me the woman of truth! And yes.. I need to work for God's honor and glory. In stead of my just saying in words.. I will do it out of my heart.. and out of joy.. for deserves all of me and much more!
Friday, February 13, 2009
Feb. 13, 2009 - Hosanna
Hosanna
I see the king of glory
Coming on the clouds with fire
The whole earth shakes
The whole earth shakes
I see his love and mercy
Washing over all our sin
The people sing
The people sing
Hosanna
Hosanna
Hosanna in the highest
I see a generation
Rising up to take their place
With selfless faith
With selfless faith
I see a near revival
Stirring as we pray and seek
We're on our knees
We're on our knees
Heal my heart and make it clean
Open up my eyes to the things unseen
Show me how to love like you have loved me
Break my heart from what breaks yours
Everything I am for your kingdoms cause
As I go from nothing to
Eternity
Hosanna in the highest
Hosanna in the highest.. what does that really mean? It's the cry of our heart for salvation and praising God with all our heart, our mind!! The lyrics are sooooo good in that.. It is my prayer.. I extra love the bridge part. I want God to make my hear pure and clean.. wanna be able to love ilke he loved me and others.. I want him to break my heart.. and I want to do everything for His kingdom! For I am unworthy and nothing.. but because of His grace and through faith I have been saved. THANK YOU LORD... =]]
I see the king of glory
Coming on the clouds with fire
The whole earth shakes
The whole earth shakes
I see his love and mercy
Washing over all our sin
The people sing
The people sing
Hosanna
Hosanna
Hosanna in the highest
I see a generation
Rising up to take their place
With selfless faith
With selfless faith
I see a near revival
Stirring as we pray and seek
We're on our knees
We're on our knees
Heal my heart and make it clean
Open up my eyes to the things unseen
Show me how to love like you have loved me
Break my heart from what breaks yours
Everything I am for your kingdoms cause
As I go from nothing to
Eternity
Hosanna in the highest
Hosanna in the highest.. what does that really mean? It's the cry of our heart for salvation and praising God with all our heart, our mind!! The lyrics are sooooo good in that.. It is my prayer.. I extra love the bridge part. I want God to make my hear pure and clean.. wanna be able to love ilke he loved me and others.. I want him to break my heart.. and I want to do everything for His kingdom! For I am unworthy and nothing.. but because of His grace and through faith I have been saved. THANK YOU LORD... =]]
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Feb. 12, 2009 - John 7: 1-13
I wonder what it would Jesus would have felt. He stayed away from Judea because the Jews there were waiting to kill him. So, he went around in Galilee. I bet if I were in his positions, I would have regretted doing this and would have blamed God for all this. But, obviously Jesus didn't think this way. I love when he say that " The right time for me has not yet come; for you any times is right." I've been praying about God's timing. This might be slightly off track, but I get very impatient with things. Whether it's about choosing my future career or just waiting in line. I think it's important for us to think about His timing. As of right now it might seem like this or that is the right thing but in the long run God might have a different plan for us. And.. I really know what my purpose here on earth.. I believe God would reveal it to me in His timing but it's so hard.. but I will continue to pray about it and be patient..
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Feb 11, 2009 - John 6
I love how when the group of people went to go see Jesus, Jesus says that you are looking for me because I fed the five thousand but you should actually be looking for the food of eternal life. I think it's so easy for us to get caught up with the things that are happening around us but in reality we should look at the core whether when we are struggling or happy or whatever. Finally toward the end Jesus says "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty. 36But as I told you, you have seen me and still you do not believe. 37All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. 38For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me. 39And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all that he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. 40For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day." Once again this just encourages me to go on for I have this wonderful eternal life and this is open to all who come to Him.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Feb 10, 2009 - John 5
After Jesus healed the man by the pool, he said stop sinning or something worse may happen to you.. This is such a powerful verse. I was shocked of just reading it. I am such a sinful person and.. I sin so many times a day without even knowing I am..
At the next set of verses Jesus says 24"I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life. 25I tell you the truth, a time is coming and has now come when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who hear will live. 26For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son to have life in himself. 27And he has given him authority to judge because he is the Son of Man.. These verses just make me feel so thankful of Christ. a sinful being like me can have this amazing eternal life and won't be condemned because of Christ. THANK YOU LORD..!
At the next set of verses Jesus says 24"I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life. 25I tell you the truth, a time is coming and has now come when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who hear will live. 26For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son to have life in himself. 27And he has given him authority to judge because he is the Son of Man.. These verses just make me feel so thankful of Christ. a sinful being like me can have this amazing eternal life and won't be condemned because of Christ. THANK YOU LORD..!
Monday, February 9, 2009
Feb 9, 2009 - John 4:27-54
It was heartwarming to hear Jesus say that His food is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work. I think it's true for us too. Our food is not the earthly food we eat for hunger but to do things such as sharing the gospel or serving at a local church or just even praying for one another is the food we need to eat. But, nowadays it's so easy to look for food in other things that God doesn't want us to do.
Finally Jesus does his second miracle by healing this son of the official. The official came to ask Jesus to heal his son and all Jesus said was you may go, your son will live! And the official didn't say are you serious? what? that's impossible! instead he just simply believed and trusted Jesus's words and went home. I think I need to learn this type of trust. These days I'm so used to questioning everything and have a hard time trusting people and I doubt God even at times. I pray that I will learn to obey God's commends whatever the situation may be.
Finally Jesus does his second miracle by healing this son of the official. The official came to ask Jesus to heal his son and all Jesus said was you may go, your son will live! And the official didn't say are you serious? what? that's impossible! instead he just simply believed and trusted Jesus's words and went home. I think I need to learn this type of trust. These days I'm so used to questioning everything and have a hard time trusting people and I doubt God even at times. I pray that I will learn to obey God's commends whatever the situation may be.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Feb 8, 2009 - John 4: 1-26
Jesus was in Samaria when he met this Samaritan woman. He asks for a drink to her and she tells him about how he is a Jew and he shouldn't ask her for a drink. I feel like I might have had the same reaction. I have a hard time going 'against the flow'. Our last SG bible study was about how we need to be the salt and light of the world. And this is what I need to work on; being able to live counter-culturally for this world is so fallen. Jesus later discusses her about this living water and in verse 13 he says "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." This is one of my favorite verses and It's such an awesome verse. How we will have eternal life through Jesus Christ! Lastly, when the Samaritan woman says that I know the Messiah is coming.. and Jesus answers her that I who speak to you am he! I think if I were her, I would first be so surprised but would be in such joy and probably would share with everyone around me of how the Messiah is here! I can't wait till when Christ returns and when He does.. I pray that I won't be ashamed of all the sins I've commited but be proud to have been a faith servant of God.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Feb 7, 2009 - Reign In Us
Reign In Us
You thought of us before the world began to breathe
You knew our names before we came to be
You saw the very day we fall away from you
And how desperately we need to be redeemed
Lord jesus
Come lead us
We're desperate for your touch
Oh great and mighty one
With one desire we come
That you would reign that you would reign in us
We're offering up our lives
A living sacrifice
That you would reign that you would reign in us
Spirit of the living God fall fresh again
Come search our hearts and puify our lives
We need your perfect love we need your discipline
We're lost unless you guide us with your light
Lord jesus
Come lead us
We're desperate for your touch
Oh great and mighty one
With one desire we come
That you would reign that you would reign in us
We're offering up our lives
A living sacrifice
That you would reign that you would reign in us
We cry out for your life to revive us cry out
For your love to define us cry out
For your mercy to keep us
Blameless until you return
Oh great and mighty one
With one desire we come
That you would reign that you would reign in us
We're offering up our lives
A living sacrifice
That you would reign that you would reign in us
So reign please reign in us
Come purify our hearts
We need your touch
Come cleanse us like a flood
And set us out
So the world may know you reign you reign in us
You thought of us before the world began to breathe
You knew our names before we came to be
You saw the very day we fall away from you
And how desperately we need to be redeemed
Lord jesus
Come lead us
We're desperate for your touch
Oh great and mighty one
With one desire we come
That you would reign that you would reign in us
We're offering up our lives
A living sacrifice
That you would reign that you would reign in us
Spirit of the living God fall fresh again
Come search our hearts and puify our lives
We need your perfect love we need your discipline
We're lost unless you guide us with your light
Lord jesus
Come lead us
We're desperate for your touch
Oh great and mighty one
With one desire we come
That you would reign that you would reign in us
We're offering up our lives
A living sacrifice
That you would reign that you would reign in us
We cry out for your life to revive us cry out
For your love to define us cry out
For your mercy to keep us
Blameless until you return
Oh great and mighty one
With one desire we come
That you would reign that you would reign in us
We're offering up our lives
A living sacrifice
That you would reign that you would reign in us
So reign please reign in us
Come purify our hearts
We need your touch
Come cleanse us like a flood
And set us out
So the world may know you reign you reign in us
I first learned about this song at J-Gen over the summer. I wanted to look deeper what it meant to have God reign in us. So I looked the definition reign and webster said that it is royal authority and the dominion, sway, or influence of one resembling a monarch. I struggle with this a lot. Having God as my top priority. Because when I'm busy or tired, I put my quiet times aside and either sleep or hang out with others instead of spending more time with Him. I love the first verse of how God new our names before we were born and of how He thought of us before even the world was created. It just shows how we all have a purpose here on this earth.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Feb 6, 2009 - One Desire
One Desire
You gave it all for me
My soul desire, my everything
And all I am is devoted to You
How could I fail to see
You are the love that rescued me
And all I am is devoted to You
And oh, how could I not be moved
Lord here with You
So have Your way in me
Cause Lord, there is just one thing
That I will seek
This is my cry
My one desire
Is to be where You are, Lord
Now and forever
Its more than a song
My one desire
Is to be with You
Is to be with You, Jesus
You gave it all for me
My soul desire, my everything
And all I am is devoted to You
How could I fail to see
You are the love that rescued me
And all I am is devoted to You
And oh, how could I not be moved
Lord here with You
So have Your way in me
Cause Lord, there is just one thing
That I will seek
This is my cry
My one desire
Is to be where You are, Lord
Now and forever
Its more than a song
My one desire
Is to be with You
Is to be with You, Jesus
This song really touched my heart today during LG. It is so true that my one and only desire is to be with Jesus. And I also want Him to have it His way.. even though there will be times were I won't understand why God puts me through these trials. I can never say enough how thankful I am to have Lord as my savior.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Feb 5, 2009 - John 3
Being born again in Christ by water and the Spirit..
I had to think a lot about what it meant to be born again.
I know that once you admit that Christ is our Lord and Savior, believe that Christ died for our sins, and confess that we are sinners, we are essential born again in Christ for there's a versus about how the old has gone and the new has come!
However I think it more important to be born again daily through prayer and scripture reading. In a fallen world like ours, I think it's so easy to fall or slip away from God. I do admit that doing quiet times every day is hard for me at times but it does keep focused on God and also help me to continue the journey even thought there are temptations here and there.
I had to think a lot about what it meant to be born again.
I know that once you admit that Christ is our Lord and Savior, believe that Christ died for our sins, and confess that we are sinners, we are essential born again in Christ for there's a versus about how the old has gone and the new has come!
However I think it more important to be born again daily through prayer and scripture reading. In a fallen world like ours, I think it's so easy to fall or slip away from God. I do admit that doing quiet times every day is hard for me at times but it does keep focused on God and also help me to continue the journey even thought there are temptations here and there.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Feb 4, 2009 - John 2
The story of turning water into wine is such a famous miracle that everyone knows. I was reading the bible and was just like.. so the same old.. But one thing caught my attention when Jesus's mother told him about how there's no more wine, Jesus said that Dear woman, why do you involve me?" My time has not yet come." I kinda thought about what he meant by that. Because he performed the miracle anyways.. but it seemed like it wasn't the right time for him to start his ministry or something. I still don't get why he said that..
Next story was about what Jesus did at the temple. Jesus said that He will destroy this temple and he will raise it again in three days! At first I thought that those three days didn't really symbolize anything but now I think He said that to portray Himself dying on the Cross and rising from the dead in three days.
I need to trust more in God and be patient for things will be done His timing not mine. Just like how the servants at the banquet just simply followed the direction by drawing up water without knowing that it'll be wine, I want to be able to just simply follow whatever God tells me to do.
Next story was about what Jesus did at the temple. Jesus said that He will destroy this temple and he will raise it again in three days! At first I thought that those three days didn't really symbolize anything but now I think He said that to portray Himself dying on the Cross and rising from the dead in three days.
I need to trust more in God and be patient for things will be done His timing not mine. Just like how the servants at the banquet just simply followed the direction by drawing up water without knowing that it'll be wine, I want to be able to just simply follow whatever God tells me to do.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Feb. 2, 2009 - John 1
The famous verse "In beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." is so commonly said these days. However, it does portray that God is THE WORD and there are no other gods but Him. I had read the first chapter over and over again because I couldn't concentrate! But while I tried to read over and over again I wondered if Jesus came up to me and said "come follow me", what my reactions would have been. Honestly, I feel like I might have hesitated like Nathanael which is a sad thing to say. However, I love when Nathanael was surprised of Christ knowing his existence, and Jesus said "You shall see greater things than that. I tell you the truth, you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man" .. it is such a powerful verse.. it makes me wanna know Christ more and more daily till the day I see heaven and ultimately God.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Jan 29, 2009 - Comic Dissonance
Mark 9:30 - 9:37
30. They left that place and passed through Galilee. Jesus did not want anyone to know where they were, 31. because he was teaching his disciples. He said to them, “The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after three days he will rise.” 32. But they did not understand what he meant and were afraid to ask him about it. 33. They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the road?” 34. But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest. 35. Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all.” 36. He took a little child and had him stand among them. Taking him in his arms, he said to them, 37. “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.”
When I read this passage, the verse "If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last and the servant of all" caught my attention. It just kind of made me feel guilty because I want to be first and the greatest due to my pride but as Jesus says to be first, I must be the very last and the SERVANT of ALL.. sigh.. it's hard to do but it is so true..
30. They left that place and passed through Galilee. Jesus did not want anyone to know where they were, 31. because he was teaching his disciples. He said to them, “The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after three days he will rise.” 32. But they did not understand what he meant and were afraid to ask him about it. 33. They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the road?” 34. But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest. 35. Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all.” 36. He took a little child and had him stand among them. Taking him in his arms, he said to them, 37. “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.”
When I read this passage, the verse "If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last and the servant of all" caught my attention. It just kind of made me feel guilty because I want to be first and the greatest due to my pride but as Jesus says to be first, I must be the very last and the SERVANT of ALL.. sigh.. it's hard to do but it is so true..
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Jan 28, 2009 - We Can't .. but He Does
Mark 9:14 - 9:29
14. When they came to the other disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and the teachers of the law arguing with them. 15. As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet him. 16. “What are you arguing with them about?” he asked. 17. A man in the crowd answered, “Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech. 18. Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not.” 19. “O unbelieving generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.”
20. So they brought him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth. 21. Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?” “From childhood,” he answered. 22. “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” 23. “ ‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for him who believes.” 24 Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” 25. When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the evil spirit. “You deaf and mute spirit,” he said, “I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.” 26. The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, “He’s dead.” 27. But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up. 28. After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?” 29. He replied, “This kind can come out only by prayer.”
There are times where I try to do things my way and during the 'good times' I cruise along without quiet times or not much prayer in my life but when hard times come I pray and sometimes blame God for this time. This is kind of what's going on in this passage. The father tries to do all these things to get the evil spirit out but it doesn't work but when God does it, the boy is alive again! It is interesting when the father asks " why couldn't we drive it out", it just sounds like he wants to be Jesus. The interesting thing is we sometimes do that too like I mentioned before. I love Jesus's response and it is so true that this kind can come out ONLY by prayer.. I realize I should pray more and more.
14. When they came to the other disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and the teachers of the law arguing with them. 15. As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet him. 16. “What are you arguing with them about?” he asked. 17. A man in the crowd answered, “Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech. 18. Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not.” 19. “O unbelieving generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.”
20. So they brought him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth. 21. Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?” “From childhood,” he answered. 22. “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” 23. “ ‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for him who believes.” 24 Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” 25. When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the evil spirit. “You deaf and mute spirit,” he said, “I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.” 26. The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, “He’s dead.” 27. But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up. 28. After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?” 29. He replied, “This kind can come out only by prayer.”
There are times where I try to do things my way and during the 'good times' I cruise along without quiet times or not much prayer in my life but when hard times come I pray and sometimes blame God for this time. This is kind of what's going on in this passage. The father tries to do all these things to get the evil spirit out but it doesn't work but when God does it, the boy is alive again! It is interesting when the father asks " why couldn't we drive it out", it just sounds like he wants to be Jesus. The interesting thing is we sometimes do that too like I mentioned before. I love Jesus's response and it is so true that this kind can come out ONLY by prayer.. I realize I should pray more and more.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Jan 27, 2009 - Future Glory
Mark 9:1 - 9:13
1. And he said to them, “I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God come with power.”2. After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them. 3. His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them. 4. And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus. 5. Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” 6. (He did not know what to say, they were so frightened.) 7. Then a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!” 8. Suddenly, when they looked around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus. 9. As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus gave them orders not to tell anyone what they had seen until the Son of Man had risen from the dead. 10. They kept the matter to themselves, discussing what “rising from the dead” meant. 11. And they asked him, “Why do the teachers of the law say that Elijah must come first?” 12. Jesus replied, “To be sure, Elijah does come first, and restores all things. Why then is it written that the Son of Man must suffer much and be rejected? 13. But I tell you, Elijah has come, and they have done to him everything they wished, just as it is written about him.”
Peter sort of jokes around with Jesus when he talks about the putting up shelter for Jesus, Moses and Elijah and I think we all at one point sort of do that too. I read the Gospel or any other passages and try to fit it where it is 'comfortable' for me but obviously it shouldn't be like this!
Jesus knows his future death is coming and that He will rise from the death even before any of the disciples. The disciples agrees to keep it a secret but doesn't know what 'rise from the dead' means yet. This shows that Christ purposefully came down to earth for our sins and was crucified because of us again..
1. And he said to them, “I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God come with power.”2. After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them. 3. His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them. 4. And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus. 5. Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” 6. (He did not know what to say, they were so frightened.) 7. Then a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!” 8. Suddenly, when they looked around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus. 9. As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus gave them orders not to tell anyone what they had seen until the Son of Man had risen from the dead. 10. They kept the matter to themselves, discussing what “rising from the dead” meant. 11. And they asked him, “Why do the teachers of the law say that Elijah must come first?” 12. Jesus replied, “To be sure, Elijah does come first, and restores all things. Why then is it written that the Son of Man must suffer much and be rejected? 13. But I tell you, Elijah has come, and they have done to him everything they wished, just as it is written about him.”
Peter sort of jokes around with Jesus when he talks about the putting up shelter for Jesus, Moses and Elijah and I think we all at one point sort of do that too. I read the Gospel or any other passages and try to fit it where it is 'comfortable' for me but obviously it shouldn't be like this!
Jesus knows his future death is coming and that He will rise from the death even before any of the disciples. The disciples agrees to keep it a secret but doesn't know what 'rise from the dead' means yet. This shows that Christ purposefully came down to earth for our sins and was crucified because of us again..
Monday, January 26, 2009
Jan 26, 2009 - Christ, the Life Giver
Mark 8:27 - 8:38
27. Jesus and his disciples went on to the villages around Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked them, “Who do people say I am?” 28. They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.” 29. “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Peter answered, “You are the Christ.” 30. Jesus warned them not to tell anyone about him. 31. He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again. 32. He spoke plainly about this, and Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. 33. But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. “Get behind me, Satan!” he said. “You do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.”
34. Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 35. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it. 36. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? 37. Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? 38. If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.”
Peter knew that Jesus was the Messiah and he rightfully said so. But I wish Christ didn't keep his death a secret. I wish people knew that he knew he would die on the cross! It's kind of sad to see people thinking him as John the Baptist or the Elijah. But we counter a lot of people like that today and it is my job and other Christians to share the gospel. And I can't wait till Christ to come back.. I want to see all nations down on their knees praising for who He is.
27. Jesus and his disciples went on to the villages around Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked them, “Who do people say I am?” 28. They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.” 29. “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Peter answered, “You are the Christ.” 30. Jesus warned them not to tell anyone about him. 31. He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again. 32. He spoke plainly about this, and Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. 33. But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. “Get behind me, Satan!” he said. “You do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.”
34. Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 35. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it. 36. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? 37. Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? 38. If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.”
Peter knew that Jesus was the Messiah and he rightfully said so. But I wish Christ didn't keep his death a secret. I wish people knew that he knew he would die on the cross! It's kind of sad to see people thinking him as John the Baptist or the Elijah. But we counter a lot of people like that today and it is my job and other Christians to share the gospel. And I can't wait till Christ to come back.. I want to see all nations down on their knees praising for who He is.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Jan. 25, 2009 - No Yeast On Sight
Mark 8:11 - 8:26
11. The Pharisees came and began to question Jesus. To test him, they asked him for a sign from heaven. 12. He sighed deeply and said, “Why does this generation ask for a miraculous sign? I tell you the truth, no sign will be given to it.” 13. Then he left them, got back into the boat and crossed to the other side.14. The disciples had forgotten to bring bread, except for one loaf they had with them in the boat. 15. “Be careful,” Jesus warned them. “Watch out for the yeast of the Pharisees and that of Herod.”16. They discussed this with one another and said, “It is because we have no bread.”17. Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked them: “Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not see or understand? Are your hearts hardened? 18. Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear? And don’t you remember? 19. When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?” “Twelve,” they replied. 20. “And when I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?” They answered, “Seven.”21. He said to them, “Do you still not understand?”22. They came to Bethsaida, and some people brought a blind man and begged Jesus to touch him. 23. He took the blind man by the hand and led him outside the village. When he had spit on the man’s eyes and put his hands on him, Jesus asked, “Do you see anything?” 24. He looked up and said, “I see people; they look like trees walking around.”25. Once more Jesus put his hands on the man’s eyes. Then his eyes were opened, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly. 26. Jesus sent him home, saying, “Don’t go into the village.”
I was sort of confused at first reading these passages. But I do understand Christ's feelings in the first half of this passage. The Pharisees weren't satisfied with Christ's miracles in the past. They wanted more and more like a sign from heaven and so forth. It seems like they were sort of testing Christ and treating him like a magician. Even some of the disciples didn't trust him all the way in terms of food even after the miracle of feeding the five thousand. I can see myself in these disciples. I say that I believe that Christ died for me and forgave my sins, but I still doubt him when troubles come. Then at the second half of the passage Jesus heals the blind in two stages. I'm not sure why but it seems like it would make the blind appreciate his sight more due to that stage. I also like the fact that Jesus never brags about his miracles like us do in our world.
11. The Pharisees came and began to question Jesus. To test him, they asked him for a sign from heaven. 12. He sighed deeply and said, “Why does this generation ask for a miraculous sign? I tell you the truth, no sign will be given to it.” 13. Then he left them, got back into the boat and crossed to the other side.14. The disciples had forgotten to bring bread, except for one loaf they had with them in the boat. 15. “Be careful,” Jesus warned them. “Watch out for the yeast of the Pharisees and that of Herod.”16. They discussed this with one another and said, “It is because we have no bread.”17. Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked them: “Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not see or understand? Are your hearts hardened? 18. Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear? And don’t you remember? 19. When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?” “Twelve,” they replied. 20. “And when I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?” They answered, “Seven.”21. He said to them, “Do you still not understand?”22. They came to Bethsaida, and some people brought a blind man and begged Jesus to touch him. 23. He took the blind man by the hand and led him outside the village. When he had spit on the man’s eyes and put his hands on him, Jesus asked, “Do you see anything?” 24. He looked up and said, “I see people; they look like trees walking around.”25. Once more Jesus put his hands on the man’s eyes. Then his eyes were opened, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly. 26. Jesus sent him home, saying, “Don’t go into the village.”
I was sort of confused at first reading these passages. But I do understand Christ's feelings in the first half of this passage. The Pharisees weren't satisfied with Christ's miracles in the past. They wanted more and more like a sign from heaven and so forth. It seems like they were sort of testing Christ and treating him like a magician. Even some of the disciples didn't trust him all the way in terms of food even after the miracle of feeding the five thousand. I can see myself in these disciples. I say that I believe that Christ died for me and forgave my sins, but I still doubt him when troubles come. Then at the second half of the passage Jesus heals the blind in two stages. I'm not sure why but it seems like it would make the blind appreciate his sight more due to that stage. I also like the fact that Jesus never brags about his miracles like us do in our world.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Jan 24, 2009 - A Tale of Two Miracles
Mark 7:31 - 8:10
31. Then Jesus left the vicinity of Tyre and went through Sidon, down to the Sea of Galilee and into the region of the Decapolis. 32. There some people brought to him a man who was deaf and could hardly talk, and they begged him to place his hand on the man. 33. After he took him aside, away from the crowd, Jesus put his fingers into the man’s ears. Then he spit and touched the man’s tongue. 34. He looked up to heaven and with a deep sigh said to him, “Ephphatha!” (which means, “Be opened!”). 35. At this, the man’s ears were opened, his tongue was loosened and he began to speak plainly. 36. Jesus commanded them not to tell anyone. But the more he did so, the more they kept talking about it. 37. People were overwhelmed with amazement. “He has done everything well,” they said. “He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.”1. During those days another large crowd gathered. Since they had nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples to him and said, 2. “I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. 3. If I send them home hungry, they will collapse on the way, because some of them have come a long distance.” 4. His disciples answered, “But where in this remote place can anyone get enough bread to feed them?” 5. “How many loaves do you have?” Jesus asked. “Seven,” they replied. 6. He told the crowd to sit down on the ground. When he had taken the seven loaves and given thanks, he broke them and gave them to his disciples to set before the people, and they did so. 7. They had a few small fish as well; he gave thanks for them also and told the disciples to distribute them. 8. The people ate and were satisfied. Afterward the disciples picked up seven basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. 9. About four thousand men were present. And having sent them away, 10. he got into the boat with his disciples and went to the region of Dalmanutha.
Even though I can perform miracles, I want to be able to have the impact like Christ had by just letting a deaf man hear and a mute man talk again. Because of this miracle, a lot of people came to Christ and I want to be able just live out my life by that people can see Christ in me. I once heard that a pastor would come into a barber shop and get his hair cut and once he left someone in that barber shop saw God's presence around the pastor and for that he met Christ. I wish to be someone like that in the future.
31. Then Jesus left the vicinity of Tyre and went through Sidon, down to the Sea of Galilee and into the region of the Decapolis. 32. There some people brought to him a man who was deaf and could hardly talk, and they begged him to place his hand on the man. 33. After he took him aside, away from the crowd, Jesus put his fingers into the man’s ears. Then he spit and touched the man’s tongue. 34. He looked up to heaven and with a deep sigh said to him, “Ephphatha!” (which means, “Be opened!”). 35. At this, the man’s ears were opened, his tongue was loosened and he began to speak plainly. 36. Jesus commanded them not to tell anyone. But the more he did so, the more they kept talking about it. 37. People were overwhelmed with amazement. “He has done everything well,” they said. “He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.”1. During those days another large crowd gathered. Since they had nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples to him and said, 2. “I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. 3. If I send them home hungry, they will collapse on the way, because some of them have come a long distance.” 4. His disciples answered, “But where in this remote place can anyone get enough bread to feed them?” 5. “How many loaves do you have?” Jesus asked. “Seven,” they replied. 6. He told the crowd to sit down on the ground. When he had taken the seven loaves and given thanks, he broke them and gave them to his disciples to set before the people, and they did so. 7. They had a few small fish as well; he gave thanks for them also and told the disciples to distribute them. 8. The people ate and were satisfied. Afterward the disciples picked up seven basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. 9. About four thousand men were present. And having sent them away, 10. he got into the boat with his disciples and went to the region of Dalmanutha.
Even though I can perform miracles, I want to be able to have the impact like Christ had by just letting a deaf man hear and a mute man talk again. Because of this miracle, a lot of people came to Christ and I want to be able just live out my life by that people can see Christ in me. I once heard that a pastor would come into a barber shop and get his hair cut and once he left someone in that barber shop saw God's presence around the pastor and for that he met Christ. I wish to be someone like that in the future.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Jan 22, 2009 - What is the God like way?
Mark 6:45 - 6:56
45. Immediately Jesus made his disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of Him to Bethsaida, while He dismissed the crowd. After leaving them, He went up on a mountainside to pray. When evening came, the boat was in the middle of the lake, and He was alone on land. He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. About the fourth watch of the night He went out to them, walking on the lake. He was about to pass by them, but when they saw Him walking on the lake, they thought He was a ghost. They cried out, because they all saw Him and were terrified. Immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” Then He climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down. They were completely amazed, for they had not understood about the loaves; their hearts were hardened. When they had crossed over, they landed at Gennesaret and anchored there. As soon as they got out of the boat, people recognized Jesus. They ran throughout that whole region and carried the sick on mats to wherever they heard He was. And wherever He went—into villages, towns or countryside—they placed the sick in the marketplaces. They begged Him to let them touch even the edge of His cloak, and all who touched Him were healed.
I think I fall short like the disciples on the boat. I sometimes doubt too much about God. When something small goes wrong I start with "Why this and why that?". I need to learn how to be patient and just wait for God's timing in a lot of things. Also, I wonder if I would have been like those people that just ran in joy in being able to see Jesus because I really loved Jesus or because of the flow or I guess peer pressure could fall in this category too. But, I really want to just love Jesus for who he is not because of his miracles and his works!
45. Immediately Jesus made his disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of Him to Bethsaida, while He dismissed the crowd. After leaving them, He went up on a mountainside to pray. When evening came, the boat was in the middle of the lake, and He was alone on land. He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. About the fourth watch of the night He went out to them, walking on the lake. He was about to pass by them, but when they saw Him walking on the lake, they thought He was a ghost. They cried out, because they all saw Him and were terrified. Immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” Then He climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down. They were completely amazed, for they had not understood about the loaves; their hearts were hardened. When they had crossed over, they landed at Gennesaret and anchored there. As soon as they got out of the boat, people recognized Jesus. They ran throughout that whole region and carried the sick on mats to wherever they heard He was. And wherever He went—into villages, towns or countryside—they placed the sick in the marketplaces. They begged Him to let them touch even the edge of His cloak, and all who touched Him were healed.
I think I fall short like the disciples on the boat. I sometimes doubt too much about God. When something small goes wrong I start with "Why this and why that?". I need to learn how to be patient and just wait for God's timing in a lot of things. Also, I wonder if I would have been like those people that just ran in joy in being able to see Jesus because I really loved Jesus or because of the flow or I guess peer pressure could fall in this category too. But, I really want to just love Jesus for who he is not because of his miracles and his works!
Monday, January 19, 2009
Jan 19, 2009 - Compassion Is Love in Action
Mark 6:30 - 6:44
30. The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to Him all they had done and taught. 31. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, He said to them, “Come with Me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” 32. So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place. 33. But many who saw them leaving recognized them and ran on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them. 34. When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, He had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So He began teaching them many things. 35. By this time it was late in the day, so his disciples came to Him. “This is a remote place,” they said, “and it’s already very late. 36. Send the people away so they can go to the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” 37. But He answered, “You give them something to eat.” They said to Him, “That would take eight months of a man’s wages! Are we to go and spend that much on bread and give it to them to eat?” 38. “How many loaves do you have?” He asked. “Go and see.” When they found out, they said, “Five—and two fish.” 39. Then Jesus directed them to have all the people sit down in groups on the green grass. 40. So they sat down in groups of hundreds and fifties. 41. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, He gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then He gave them to his disciples to set before the people. He also divided the two fish among them all. 42. They all ate and were satisfied, 43. and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces of bread and fish. 44. The number of the men who had eaten was five thousand.
As described in the scripture, Jesus and the disciples were so tired and were resting however people started gather around their resting area and it says that Jesus felt compassion for them for they were sheep with a shepherd. It kind of makes me feel bad that I don't help out or whatever when I am tired. I would put myself first before others but Jesus taught the people many things despite of his conditions. I want to experience that life changing experience by God's word. Many people at that time experienced it and so many more people looked for Jesus.
And the five loaves and two fish story is famous but still amazing. Feeding the five thousand men that were there and ending up with twelve basketful of bread and fish. It is just amazing to see God's power.
30. The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to Him all they had done and taught. 31. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, He said to them, “Come with Me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” 32. So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place. 33. But many who saw them leaving recognized them and ran on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them. 34. When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, He had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So He began teaching them many things. 35. By this time it was late in the day, so his disciples came to Him. “This is a remote place,” they said, “and it’s already very late. 36. Send the people away so they can go to the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” 37. But He answered, “You give them something to eat.” They said to Him, “That would take eight months of a man’s wages! Are we to go and spend that much on bread and give it to them to eat?” 38. “How many loaves do you have?” He asked. “Go and see.” When they found out, they said, “Five—and two fish.” 39. Then Jesus directed them to have all the people sit down in groups on the green grass. 40. So they sat down in groups of hundreds and fifties. 41. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, He gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then He gave them to his disciples to set before the people. He also divided the two fish among them all. 42. They all ate and were satisfied, 43. and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces of bread and fish. 44. The number of the men who had eaten was five thousand.
As described in the scripture, Jesus and the disciples were so tired and were resting however people started gather around their resting area and it says that Jesus felt compassion for them for they were sheep with a shepherd. It kind of makes me feel bad that I don't help out or whatever when I am tired. I would put myself first before others but Jesus taught the people many things despite of his conditions. I want to experience that life changing experience by God's word. Many people at that time experienced it and so many more people looked for Jesus.
And the five loaves and two fish story is famous but still amazing. Feeding the five thousand men that were there and ending up with twelve basketful of bread and fish. It is just amazing to see God's power.
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