Time to Fast

Matthew 9:14-17

Inspired thots:

Never thought much about fasting. Seems so difficult to fast. Getting into prayer but yet to break through into fasting...

1. The one time I remember clearly about fasting is for the salvation of my mom... praise the LORD, for His mercy...and that was like 25 years ago (?)
2. There were other times which I did fast a bit... now and there... about this and that. It's just that fasting has not been prominent or regular in my life.
3. And yet, as CBC ventures into fasting and praying for God's leading next weekend, this passage comes on for today. Amazing! I do believe God is leading me to consider fasting seriously.
4. v15: the days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.

a) Jesus has been gone for some time now. It should be the right time to consider some real serious fasting. What should I fast about?

b) I believe John the Baptist (& his disciples) might have fasted for the Messiah to come (and Jesus did!)

• I should fast for Jesus to come again (to return), ... and He will!
• Sensing God's heart for Man, I should fast for Man's salvation. Let me start with Malaysia!

HE thought about us

Matthew 9:9-13


Inspired thots:

1) Jesus doesnt stop calling on people to be His disciples.

i) Though he started calling His FIRST disciples in Chp 4 (Simon Peter and Andrew, James and John), He is always looking for people who will be His disciples.

ii) Even after all the many people who come to Him for healing from chp 4-8, Jesus calls Matthew to 'follow Him' (v9). And Praise God, Matthew was quick to respond.

iii) Blessings follow those who follow Jesus (supping with Jesus) though persecution may also be close by (Pharisees sneering and criticising)

2) v12 "It is NOT the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick" ~ so true.

i) Health is not just the 'physical' but the 'spiritual' too. The Pharisees did not realise they were 'spiritually' unhealthy. They did not want to acknowledge WHO Jesus was, yet they want to 'see' WHAT He was doing. And ... critic Jesus on the good He did! What spiritual rottenness of the soul.

3) v13 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice'.

i) Jesus recalls the OT teaching to help the Pharisees and people understand His purpose on earth. Jesus uses familiar words and references to His hearers that they may understand and acknowledge Him.

ii) After all, To God (& Jesus), its all about MAN! (John 3:16)

4) v13 'For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners'

i) Jesus knows MAN is a sinner; no one is righteous (Rom 3:10,11; Ps 14) except that which Man declares himself.

ii) Jesus came in the flesh because God knows no MAN can be righteous except through Jesus. Praise the LORD!

iii) Yet, man tends to think of himself... ~ self-righteous, conceited, foolish in God's eyes (Romans 1:21)

It's not about You (or I)

Matthew 9:1-8

Inspired thots:

1) Whenever Jesus performed a miracle, there are always 2 reactions:
i) unbelief
ii) awe

2) That is man's responses to Jesus: either BELIEVE or DOUBT; ACCEPT or REJECT;
i) it really takes the 'simple minded' to believe and accept who Jesus is, and what He does.

3) Doubt or Unbelief is ~> evil. It is 'entertained' in our hearts. v4... only if we have been 'trained' up by it; ie it has become a habit or way of life.
i) we can criticise or think negatively on anything or anyone impulsively.
ii) it is 'pride' or 'self righteousness' at work within. No one can be better than 'I'.

4) Praise God that Jesus forgives our sins... what a burden relieved! v5
i) if it's for our benefit, why not accept it with grace and thankfulness?
Some of the crowd was able to, while the self-righteous and 'knoweth more' couldnt; probably the latter thought,"if I cant, how can anyone else?"

This world is not His home

Matthew 8:18-34

Inspired thots:

1) v20: This world is not His home... that is the simple truth; and Jesus demonstrated it by sleeping in the boat (v24) . Sigh! My 'poor' Saviour... always thinking of others and not Himself.

• Jesus was in the flesh... and He would have physical needs, such as rest... sigh!
• We all love a sound sleep every night, but I dont think Jesus would have gotten much of it with His demanding schedule of healing and compassion for the people.

2) v22: "let the dead bury its dead". Again, to reiterate... this world has its own structure.

• a) The world is a 'dead' place... Jesus lives! His people live!
• b) The world has its own traditions and processes. Let those in Christ follow His way and not the world's.
• c) As the saying goes,"Birds of the same feather flock together".

3) Nevertheless, Jesus is the one in control... He is the one with the Authority for all to obey ~ the winds, the waves and the demons! (v27,29)

a) How sad then that only man could not recognise Jesus' authority nor want to accept it (v34)

b) How intriguing the thot that man prefers to 'acclimatise' himself to the harsh conditions (evil) around him rather than to embrace change for his benefit...
hmmm...

Believe in the Word

Matthew 8:1-17

Inspired thots:

1) Jesus is always willing to heal & to make His people whole. Hallelujah!

2) Faith is needed to be healed; (v8)

a) just as John 20:29 says 'blessed are those who have not seen and yet believed',
faith is the belief in Christ that things will be as we so desire, because Jesus is willing to do that which we ask of Him.

b) Hebrews 11:1 ~ Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Faith is understanding our position in Christ and submitting to Him our total self for His glory.
i) The centurion was not presumptuous of Jesus personally going to his house to heal his servant but had the belief that his servant can be healed with just a word from Jesus.

ii) Truly God's word is TRUTH, and the TRUTH sets us free (and healed). John 8:32

iii) The centurion understood Authority. He knew that as one with authority, someone under his charge would obey his word... The centurion figured out that Jesus is one with authority... but who are Jesus' charges to carry out His word? Did the centurion understand the things of the kingdom as well? Amazing faith!

c) Jesus drove out the demons with a word. He is the Word of God (John 1:1)
i) There is certainly power in the Word.

ii) It is certainly beneficial to know the Word.. and to embrace it with Faith!

Miracles follow...

God is in Charge

July 26th 2010

Such an eventful week! and a challenging one too... but praise the LORD! He is good and sees me through just like what the psalmist says in Psalm 23 "though I walk through the valley of shadow of death, I shall fear NO evil, for thou art with me"

You see, my pc broke down 2 sundays ago, and my files were all gone as the harddisk was irrepairable. sigh! All my devotion materials from Matthew 8 to 16 were GONE! sigh! My teaching and training notes were 'ffizzz' and I had not backed up into my thumbdrive!!! sigh! sigh! sigh!

But God is SO good... "in all things GOD works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purposes" (Romans 8:28). Yes, I love the Lord and TRUSTS Him on every situation; HE KNOWS BEST. Hallelujah! Glory to GOD! He did help me re-create my training and teaching notes, which blest the participants. It is like Job's situation... the Lord giveth, and the Lord taketh away... then He gives even more abundantly! Beautiful! Awesome! The latter is better than the former! Hallelujah!

Proverbs 3:5,6 ~ Trust in the Lord with ALL your heart; lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him and He will make straight your paths.

Yes Lord, have your way, for it is the BEST for You and me! Jeremiah 29:11

Good or Bad Fruit

June 23, 2010
Matthew 7:13-29

Inspired thots:

1) Deception… that is the word that comes to me. Look carefully, and choose the right path to God’s kingdom. Don’t be taken in by the ‘herd mentality’ or the easy choices. There is a price/cost associated with every choice we make.

2) Stay Alert! (v15) This is hard… what am I to look out for? How do I recognize and decide that the fruit is good or bad? It is the natural self which wants the easy portion, the convenience, the quick pleasures, the low fruits. Get deep on God’s word that I may recognize the ‘true’ and the ‘false’ to avoid deception. Lord, lead me one step at a time. Let me learn without being judgmental. Holy Spirit, only You can prompt me to avoid the roadblocks and pits of deception and falseness.

3) V28 the crowd was amazed at Jesus’ teaching because they did not recognize Him for who He is…though they recognize the authority Jesus had as He taught. A preacher said, "Authority is what compels others to obey (willingly), while Power threatens others to obey (punitive)". The teachers of the law may be ‘appointed’ into ‘authority’ but they did not exude the true authority through their teaching… perhaps it was because they did not practice what they taught ~ there is no deep conviction nor change of life. Perhaps that is the ‘fruit’ I need to learn to recognize.

Work in Progress

June 21, 2010

Matthew 7:1-6

Inspired thots:

1) Judgment is a SURETY in a Christian’s life. Just as sure as the hope I have in Christ, judgment looms as big.

2) I am still working on my own attitude, not to judge and not to be condescending. I know what I need to do and yet, I do not do it at times; exactly how Paul lamented in Romans 7:14-20. I am still struggling within to be what “God wants me to be and do”. Thank God for starting His redemptive work in me.

3) Now, I strive to be “quick to listen and slow to anger” to help myself not be judgmental. I need to stay alert to my feelings so that I do not allow ‘anger, frustration and dissatisfaction’ to arise within. I need to check my feelings before the Lord to keep them in proper perspective and compartment, so that I do not fall prey to being judgmental, for I am NOT better than any other. I know that it true. I am just a sinner forgiven by God, who has lots to be transformed. And God is not finished with me yet.

4) One man’s meat is another man’s poison. Isa 55:8,9…let God deal with the actual situation or person instead of me. Not to my benefit to be riled up by anything or anyone!

Wholesomeness ~ God provides, we respond

June 19, 2010

Matthew 6:25-34

Inspired thots:

1) Thank you Lord that I now do not ‘worry’ about clothes or food so much; but it is more of ‘caring’ what to wear or eat, though I have not bought anything new for some time since I left work.

2) (V26) I love your word of truth, promise and assurance… that I am MORE valuable than the birds of the air or the lilies of the field. It brings a smile to my face and peace in my heart, that I am good with You, Lord.

3) My life on earth is brief… just like the grass of the field, and anybody else. There is no exception. Once again, the ram caught in the bushes in Gen 22:13. How would I choose to make my life count?

4) My God is all-knowing… He knows my EVERY need… and want. He provides as is His name ~ Jehovah Jireh. But what would I give HIM? He reveals His heart’s desire in verse 33… Just ‘seek first His kingdom and His righteousness” Again… righteousness… from chp5 till now… it rings so loudly… to me, at least. And as a recap, righteousness, the heartbeat of God’s character, invites persecution…yeah… ok…

5) But what great assurance…”and all these things will be given to you as well”. .King Solomon… he asked humbly for wisdom, and God declared “and all these things will be given to you as well…” 1 Kings 3:6-13

God rewards

June 18, 2010
Matthew 6:5-24

Inspired thots:

1) v8 ..your Father knows what you need before you ask Him. Truly God is God. He knows all things. Yeah, I don’t need to ask of Him for He knows what I need, or the desires of my heart. It is my impatience or insecurity or the need to be ‘doing’ that causes me to ‘pray’ or ‘babble’ in prayer.. mmm…I need to acknowledge God for His greatness without asking of Him. Mmmm… more praise and awesomeness than focus on self~> Let the spirit lead in tongues instead of the mind, clamouring and cluttering with self and worldliness. I may not know what I am ‘praying’ for in tongues but You know, You direct.

2) The less I speak, the less I ask of self and world. Hmmm.. no wonder the passage ‘treasures on earth’ comes on (v19-24). It is a ‘progression’… I ask for things of the world for self, then I am concentrated in expecting its fulfillment and I wind myself tighter in the things of the world. Better let go and let the spirit direct in the things of God.

3) The word that stands out is REWARD… again. God really wants humility from me… not seeking favour with man. Reminder, when we have favour with God, we shall have favour with man; even if not, we are under His protective hands of mercy and grace. Earthly things are rewards or pleasures of the world; they are temporal; not long lasting… seek God’ reward instead.

4) My eldest sister just called to update me on her trip to Switzerland. God was with her all the way… Envious? …not anymore… I know I cannot and do not want to drink her cup… I believe God rewarded her for the major operation she went through. Yes, God rewards! That portion was for her… God has the right portions for each of His children. Let us not covet… Thank you, Jesus, for I know You care for me too and will provide as You see fit, just like I do with my gals.

I can understand this concept and will submit to You. Praise the Lord.

My God is Most Generous!

June 17, 2010
Matthew 6:1-4

Inspired thots:

1) My God is SO generous… He always GIVES… He frequently gives me my heart’s desires. He rewards in ways that bring me joy.

2) So, who should I choose to get my ‘reward’ from? Man or God? Praises and approval … they are the best reward. They last forever. They satisfy the soul. They build up my emotional tank. Hmmm.. every soul seeks acceptance and approval. But one can only have it once… from which source? God or man? Which source is more worthy? Think of eternity…

3) Col 3:17 Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it ALL in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. The best thing about God is when it is approved by Him, He can cause man to approve too; if not, it is sufficient to be approved by Him alone! Hallelujah! I am secure in His hands.

4) Help me Lord to ‘give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and to God what belongs to God’ Matt 22:21. Make earthly treasures of no value in my eyes and heart, Lord, so that I may have more room for You.

Being & Doing MORE

June 16, 2010

Matthew 5:38-48

Inspired thots:

1) (v38,43) God’s teaching is SO different… from the world’s. It is a lot of UNLEARNING to RELEARN to be more like my Heavenly Father. Must remember Isa 55:8,9 ~ His ways are not my ways, neither are His thoughts my thoughts…

2) It is not easy, Lord, to let others ‘climb over’ me… but it is possible to do what YOU want me to do ONLY BY YOUR GRACE and STRENGTH, Lord!

3) God created ALL things (John 1:3); how can I despise anything or anyone He created? It would be mocking God. To be a daughter of God, I must be like my Heavenly Father… and just as I have received HIS grace and blessings, I need to exercise grace and blessing to others too (love and pray v44)

4) As a child of God, I must do MORE than the norm; more than the minimum. Sigh, that would mean getting out of my ‘comfort’ zone. Yup, that’s me… if it is inconvenient, I would not consider.

Only by Your grace and strength to enable me, Lord. Please… Thank you.

God ALMIGHTY!

June 15, 2010
Matthew 5:33-37

Inspired thots:
1) God is all encompassing.. covering the heavens and the earth. Everything belongs to God.

2) Swearing by anything is trying making a guarantee based on someone’s belonging but man is so finite and lacking. How can man presume a mystery? Only God can.

3) If I need to speak the truth, I just speak the truth. Let life be simple. There is no need to ‘convince’ anyone through swearing, unless my reputation is questionable. As the word of God says in v37,”anything more comes from the evil one”. And especially swearing to God, what can I guarantee Him when HE is ALL-KNOWING and ALL-ENCOMPASSING?

4) Making oaths or promises to God is so… CONDITIONAL; a form of ‘arm twisting’ on the Lord. And beware, God may just make you ‘eat your words’. It is like humans making a bet. You may just need to fulfill the condition you never really wanted. Hmm. That’s a thot… why does one make a ‘conditional offer’? Usually when we hope it would not really implicate us or we’ll reap some benefit on the side. Either way, not good.

5) Help me Lord be ‘slow to speak’ but ‘quick to hear’ You that I may not put myself in a rut. Thank you Lord.

Jesus ~ Lover of my soul

June 14, 2010
Matthew 5:27-32

Inspired thots:

1) God is more concerned about the sanctity of the SOUL than the BODY… probably we’ll get a NEW body… but the soul… must be the only one we have. Yea, God looks at our hearts and judges our thoughts which prompt our words and actions. Hmmm.. the heart > the mind > words > actions. Check the ‘control center’ (heart)

2) But Lord, I want ‘all’. I want to keep my physical… so working backwards, I must ensure my Soul is aligned with God’s word FIRST.

3) God is faithful always (2 Tim 2:13)… No wonder He wants the same of His people; not to be sexually desirous of more than one. Whether adultery or divorce, God intends us to be content or satisfied (?) with just ONE.

4) It’s a RELATIONSHIP issue. A deep, intense, tightly bonded relationship between 2 persons. Can there not be more than one, minus the sexual aspect, among man?

Humility ~ Character of Jesus

June 13, 2010

Matthew 5:21-26


Inspired thots:


1) It’s like the Beattitudes jumping out of the book to me… Now I seem to note the ‘relationship’ or continuity from the Beattitudes.


2) This passage reveals how serious God is about PEACE. Blessed are the PEACEMAKERS… God is a God of Peace. Yeah, even when Satan went against Him, He lovingly (?) throws him out of heaven instead of annihilation,; so unlike King Herod when he was threatened by the birth of Jesus (the coming King!)


3) All man are created by God… so we are kin to one another; there should be no discord in the family. Let us forgive and love all ~ the Peacemaker. Peacemakers are called ‘sons of God” ~ remember God’s intention…


4) It is up to ME to get the ball rolling… to put RIGHT what is WRONG… Take the initiative… to say “SORRY”, “I was WRONG”, “You are RIGHT”. Put away all that sows discord.


5) That is a sure way to remove Stress, to kill Discord, to douse Anger, to restore Unity and Peace, to have Joy!


6) Verse 26.. the onus is on us.. we owe it… we need to pay off. Restitution ~ God’s original intention; if we are to be ..perfect … like Him (Matt 5:48) How appropriate! That is the last verse of this chapter.

Sigh! I flunked the test… Let my pompous spirit get the better of me. It was a shocking revelation… Truly as James said, in 1:22-24, I read God’s word in the morning… and then, barely an hour later, I did the very thing I was cautioned against!!! Wretched lady I am… Utterly disgusting… Perhaps this was how Peter was like in betraying Jesus… just after Jesus cautioned him. Sigh, sigh, sigh. Sorry Lord. I am truly weak. Please forgive me. Thank you for 1 John 1:9. Thank you for Romans 8:1. Bless the brother who was merely doing his job. It is so easy for me to feel ‘mistreated’ or not given my desires. Remove the pompous spirit within that I be truly righteous like You. Amen.

Jesus ~ my Righteousness

June 12, 2010
Matthew 5:17-20

Such a ‘scary’ passage on first reading… Like, can anyone ever be RIGHTEOUS before God… even the Pharisees and teachers of the law did not qualify. Then, God shared His thots…

Inspired thots:

1) Certainly God’s word will be fulfilled. Nothing is written for nothing in God’s word. JESUS is the Fulfillment of God’s word! The LAW is all about HIM. But He was not recognized…John 1:10,11. How sad.

2) How can one ‘surpass’ the righteousness of the Pharisees and teachers of the law before they can enter the kingdom of heaven? Is it so difficult for anyone? But certainly God will not write down something He does not expect us (me) to achieve… I believe it!

3) How does one get into the kingdom of God? Do I qualify to get into the kingdom of God? Yes, I believe so; I know so… because I have confessed Jesus as my Lord and Saviour ~

John 3:16 shows us the way. So, the ‘righteousness of the Pharisees and teachers of the law’ is like… so mechanical.. religious, yeah.. not by faith through belief. Actually it is simple but they ‘missed the boat’ because they were expecting THEIR OWN EXPECTATIONS to be fulfilled. Hmmm… good thot… I must keep that in mind. Yup, Isaiah 55:8,9 comes to mine. If it is NOT of God, nothing good happens.

4) Again today, RIGHTEOUSNESS…it is an easy achievement. Stay with Jesus… and I will get it.

5) But remember the Beatitudes, persecution may follow righteousness as I hunger and thirst for it, as Jesus did, because others do not embrace Him.

Unbelief… it can close one’s mind and heart, hardening it against the truth… wow.

Being COMPLETE ~ Wholesome

June 11, 2010
Matthew 5:10-16
Beatitude #8
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Inspired thots:
1) I see the promise “for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” repeated as in the FIRST beatitude. Hmmm. . is there a connection, Lord? And ‘persecuted because of righteousness…” wasn’t it in Beatitude #4 that one should ‘hunger and thirst after righteousness’?

2) So, logically, if one ‘hungers and thirsts after RIGHTEOUSNESS’, they will be ‘PERSECUTED’? but their reward is ‘the KINGDOM of GOD”?

3) Why would people be persecuted for RIGHTeousness? Don’t people desire to be right and do right? Are we to hold the RIGHTEOUS in high esteem? This is a strange world. But Jesus says, ”They will hate you because they hated me first” .. and Jesus did all things RIGHT! (John 15:18-25)

4) So, whatever I lack, I can look to my Heavenly Father who will supply my need, and I should be hunger and thirsting after (Jesus’) righteousness, to fill my life which will open myself to (man’s) persecution, which I must be prepared with the right (be)attitudes!

5) Such a mouthful! Such depressing or scary news! But God is great! I am reminded of my purpose on planet earth in verses 13 and 14. I am the SALT of the earth… I am the LIGHT of the world….

6) I am of use… (salt and light). God is true to His word when the psalmist proclaimed His works are wonderful ~ Psalm 139:14. BUT if I am not put into the proper use, I lose my ‘functionality’ and is good for nothing! I must choose :- to be useful as I have been created for the purpose OR to be good for nothing! And if the LATTER, I do not fare well either; I will be ‘thrown out and trampled’ on anyways.

7) Reminds me of the ram caught in the bushes… it will die anyway. Will it be a glorifying death as a sacrifice to God by Abraham or a pain and slow death if left in the bushes, since it can't save itself? This Sunday School story of Jehovah Jireh has changed my perspective ever since I heard of this version ~ a sacrificial lamb (ram) to the glory of God! Hallelujah! May God enable me…

Be Attitudes ~ MY attitude

Inspired thots:

Matthew 5:5 ~ Beatitude #3
Blessed are the meek for they will inherit the earth.

a) John 17:14,16 says we are ‘not of the world’; so what in the world do we want of it? I don’t understand Lord. Share your thots with me.

b) Psalm 73:25 says ‘and earth has nothing I desire besides you’. Before that, the verse starts with “Whom have I in heaven but you?”

c) Ohh…I get it now. God is all encompassing…He is in heaven and on earth. When I seek Him (meek), He shall be found of me (there is only ONE thing precious on earth.. that is God, and God alone!).(Jeremiah 29:13,14)

d) And when I have God, I have EVERYTHING! Thank you Lord!

e) Ps 23:1 ~ ‘the Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want’. When I have Jesus, I have no needs ~ thus, no wants since Jesus supplies all.


Matthew 5:6 ~ Beatitude #4
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

1) When I am hungry or thirsty, I eat or drink to keep my body nourished to maintain my wellness; for as I grow old, I value good health more and more.

• a) Similarly, that’s how I should maintain my spiritual wellness ~ to desire righteousness, like God is, for that was His original plan.
• b) Of course, all parents want the best for their children. God wants us to be like Him. Only sin came in the way.

2) How can I seek or learn righteousness? Only from the Father who is righteous. Just as the saying goes, “Anak rintek, bapa borek”, we can pick up righteousness from our Heavenly Father. God’s word shows us how.


Matthew 5:7 ~ Beatitude #5
Blessed are the merciful for they will be shown mercy.

1) compatible to my Life Principle (Matt 7:12) “Do to others what you want others to do to you”; as well as “give and it will be given to you” (Luke 6:38)

2) Mercy in every aspect for a life of wellness, just as our Heavenly Father is merciful to me, in every part of my life. If not, I stand condemned. Praise God for Romans 8:1

3) Therefore, let me exercise mercy on people without bias regard of them in any way but rather, look upon others with love (at least God’s love) for “love covers a multitude of sins” (1 Pet 4:8). I am learning that it is better for me and others that I exercise love and mercy (or compassion) on others than self-gratification or justification. Thank you Lord!


Matthew 5:8 ~ Beatitude #6
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

Awesome Promise… but do I qualify? No small or laughing matter… to see God. One must be holy or be ‘zap’? Who am I to see God, less stand humbled in His presence?

Inspired thots:
1) It is not impossible… to see God. (Luke 1:37) And if God’s word says so, “it is so” (Isa 55:6,7)

2) But You are a holy God; how can sinful I come into Your presence, except through the blood of Jesus? Praise God! With Jesus, there is always a way… when there seems to be no way.

3) So much to unlearn and take off from my heart, spirit and soul. Body can be de-toxed; how about the spirit and heart? Such a challenge.. step by step, here a little, there a little… and I shall get there. Thank you God for a willing heart, to take the first step.

Matthew 5:9 ~ Beatitude #7
Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called sons of God.

Inspired thots
1) ‘Peacemaker’ – one who makes peace. Not quarrelsome nor creates disharmony… hm.. one who does that is called ‘son of God’; Wow! Such an honour, so simple to qualify. God must really be serious about ‘peace’ amongst man.

2) ‘In mathematics terms’, inversely, the son of God is then a peacemaker. How appropriate a reminder during this time when riots are rampant and protests ring at every nation.

3) As a child of God, I must also be a peacemaker. To be a peacemaker, I must want the good of others above self, just like Jesus. Hmmm… ok…lets do it.

• a) Turn the other cheek
• b) Be humble
• c) No need to have the last say/word
• d) Think the good in others, not the bad.
• e) The list can go on, but to be realistic, I will start with the above.
  
  Thank you Lord, the this daily ‘bread’ of revelation~

A Grieving God...

June 7, 2010
Matthew 5:4 Beatitude #2
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

Inspired Thots:

Mourning is quite a strong word for sadness… it is grief.

a) What in my life can be so great a sadness? It is usually used for the loss of a loved one. The only loved one I have lost so far in my life is my grandmother, whom I was very close to. Indeed TIME has eased the grief; I don’t mourn for her so much though I am reminded of her.

b) 2 Cor 2:17 calls for us to comfort those who mourn, (in grief) that they may not be overwhelmed by grief. God is good… He always wants to restore us to wellness.

c) What grieves me now? Not so much the loss of MY loved ones.. it is God’s loved ones ~ those who are lost without Jesus. I need to pray for their salvation. Jeremiah 8:21 shares how God’s heart is crushed because His people are crushed. He, the Comforter, is in sorrow.

d) When I am in sorrow, God is my Comforter. But when God is in sorrow, who is HIS comforter? Help me Lord to minister to you…

Where is my Supply Source?

June 5, 2010
Matthew 5:1-12
The Beattitudes

Such a well read and loved passage. What is there new for me Lord? What speaks to my heart?

Inspired thots:
1) v3 Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven

• a. when one is poor, it is an indication of a ‘lack’ or a need
  
• b. Hallelujah! As I stared at the word ‘poor’… The Lord reveals; He points me to the word ‘heaven’. Yes, whatever I lack, my supply of it is in heaven! ~ meaning, as a child of God, I can have my supply from God.
• c. Just ask the Heavenly Father… He will supply all my needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus (Phil 4:19)
  

2) Thank You, Lord for Your revelation… for I was getting discouraged at this passage, knowing that I lack the FULL portion of all the Beatitudes and my spirit was about to mourn as in John 6:60 “This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?

• a. Yet You point out again in John 6:63 “the Spirit gives life; the flesh accounts for nothing”. It is my spirit that gives me my life. It is not the flesh… not what I eat or wear but my spirit. I need to take care of my spirit.
• b. I need to learn and do it ~ tune my spirit to the Word of God; to ‘feed’ and ‘nourish’ it from the supply of heaven! I must be careful with what I ‘feed’ or expose my spirit to… hmmm… stay alert!

3) And if God has said it (which is His word), it CAN be DONE! Yes, Lord, I believe it! You wont give me something too hard for me. Just like the disciples being able to ‘drink the cup’ You drank.

4) I am overwhelmed with this one inspiration… I cannot move on to the next 'BE' attitude at this point in time, for my spirit longs to linger on in this wonderful revelation. Let me have my moment. Praise the Lord!

• a. The Lord gave me a song during my moment… Wish I could play the piano to capture the tune.

Blessed is the poor… in spi…rit… for theirs… is the king…dom of God (2x)

Chorus (2x)

Your Spirit lifts me high,
When my cup is naught and… dry
Your Spirit fills me up
Your Spirit lifts me nigh
Fantastic Lord!

Jesus ~ the BEST Example

June 4, 2010
Matthew 4: 12-25

Inspired thots:
1) Jesus is obedient to God’s word and will. He knows God’s plan and actively does it… knowing the right time for His actions. Moving from Nazareth to Capernaum, Jesus set off to minister to those who were in darkness. Interestingly, Capernaum is in the ‘land of the shadow of death’ (v16).
a. Reminds of me Ps 23:4 ~ there is no need to fear evil as I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, for Jesus is with me. My God is SO great!
b. People are living in the ‘shadow of death’… so close to danger; oblivious or without choice, I wonder? The world is in turmoil today; with the uproar of unrest in many countries, and the wrath of God through destructive typhoons and earthquakes, people are living in difficulty. Will we heed the signs and turn back to God quickly?
c. I must pray more for these people … they need to ‘see’ God in their circumstances. People suffering through natural disasters circumstance, disrupted peaceful living caused by fellow humans (riots and protests) and worldwide health issues (H1N1). God, we need You.

2) It amazes me, every time I read this passage on the response of the calling of the first disciples, (v18-22) how immediate the disciples’ response was to Jesus’ calling. Wow, why am I not like them? Yeah, pride and self-centeredness again. It is too inconvenient for me to move out of my comfort zone. I need to make ‘changes my comfort zone’ as the saying goes, ‘the only thing constant in life is change’

3) Jesus is really focused. He gives and gives tirelessly as He does the will of God. Thank you Lord.