Thursday, June 30, 2011

The Kingdom of God is WITHIN

Luke 17

Inspired thots

Many times we seek for this and that not realizing that most of what we desire is right in fron of us... love, acceptance, greatness, beauty, value, fulfillments of all sorts. It is all within us... for we are God's creation.

He has poured out His richest blessings upon His children... even His kingdom! v 21

The kingdom of God is WITHIN me... with that, what else do I need? what do I lack? Nothing! Hallelujah!

Hence, with that completeness within, it is time to work it out to God's glory.
> Increase my Faith
> Giving Thanks
> Preparing self
> Working for God's kingdom

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

God's Word Convicts

Luke 16

Inspired thots

God can speak to me through His word; it is a matter of accepting or not. He convicts me of what is not right in my life... and many times...??? ALL the time.. He is right. God knows. The passage may not be exactly related or seemingly relevant but I know when God directs me to some point.

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Remembering Our Status

Luke 15

Inspired thots

Such a great chapter of LOVE; the Heavenly Father is always loving and waiting for the return of His children to His side. Praise Him that some do come back to their good sense to return to the Heavenly Father. He forgives and embraces.

Others who have been faithfully at the Father's side should not feel left out. EVERYTHING He has is theirs. It is so important to remember who we are in Christ and in God our Heavenly Father; yet, we behave like hired hands; forgetting to 'ask and you shall receive'.  That was why the older son felt angry about celebrating his prodigal brother's return.

Much focus is put on the prodigal son but there is much to learn from the older son too. There is no need for envy because he should have been enjoying all the pleasures being at his father's side.

Monday, June 27, 2011

It's NOT about Me

Luke 14

Inspired thots

All the good that Jesus did was for the people... the individual who had a need.; they came to him and He was compassionate to heal.
Whereas the teachers of the law were concerned about traditions and being self-righteous, acting and behaving pompously. Yet, they dare not address Jesus in His healing on Sabbath; they addressed the people. The Sabbath is a wonderful and momentous time to be healed; it makes healing special and significant.

But life is not about SELF; not about Me; not about being RIGHT by myself but by GOD.

God makes Me RIGHT with Him; He heals because He loves; so that I can be more devoted to Him, remembering what He has done for Me. Healing me (in every way) to focus on Him.

Sunday, June 26, 2011

Grace Upon Grace

Luke 13

Inspired thots

Traditions are of no value to Jesus; what was important was the healing of people's soul and spirit. He set them free no matter what or when; regardless of Sabbath or status. It is up to the person to receive this free grace from God.

If it is received, there is freedom and forgiveness; if not, Satan continues to bind.

Hence, Jesus encouraged all to 'make every effort to enter through the narrow door' v24
~ accept the free grace of God. It is God's heartfelt desire that all men come to Him.

Friday, June 24, 2011

Where Your HEART is, There your TREASURE is Also

Luke 12

Inspired thots

Luke 12:34 The heart stores all kinds of TREASURES... both good and bad.

Good treasures are what God wants of me; bad treasures are what I want for myself.

Therefore, in this earthly life, go about my living doing what GOD wants without thought of self, for He will bless and provide the necessary. Remember the rich fool parable who stores up for himself and is not rich toward God. A recent death of a rich man brought this parable to my mind; now, my devotion is at the same passage.

Guard my heart Lord that I do not store BAD treasures in my heart. Live to serve to be ready for the Lord ~ keep my mind focused on God's things and it will not divert me elsewhere.

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Faith in Boldness

Luke 11

Inspired thots

Jesus taught his disciples to ask anything in boldness to receive. That is true Faith at work when you are SURE to receive what you ask because of the promises of Christ and our standing in Him.

If one is not bold or strong enough, another stronger than him will easily attack and overpower him. It is interesting to note that even with an ARMOUR, you can be displaced. Hence, trusting in your own strength and capabilities is ineffective; only trusting in God will give me the right boldness and strength to resist the wicked.

There is so much of self to clean up so that the WHOLE body becomes light. When I allow the Light of Jesus to shine on me, there is NO darkness.

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Dont Seek Self Justification

Luke 10

Inspired thots

NEVER seek to justify self! You will get more than you bargain for.
The expert of the law wanted to test Jesus; got himself tested; tried to justify himself and received more than he wanted. Jesus has ALL the Answers. He knows it all.

Martha also tried to justify herself concerning Mary; comparing both's workload and attitudes, not realizing that Mary's attitude is more worthy than hers. Hence, self-justification will only bring on true revelation of self than others. It is a form of judgmental spirit on others.

The 72 disciples went and did as Jesus instructed them. They did not justify their actions or authority given. They reaped great results.

What a difference!

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Desire WITH or WithOUT Action

Luke 9

Inspired thots

Jesus was getting more and more famous; many people were going to see Him, hear and be healed.
There was a DESIRE in them and it prompted them to Respond... taking action according to the heart's desire.

Wherelse Herod also desired, but took no action to GO to Jesus. He thought he was of authority and probably expected Jesus to Meet him.

Humans can be so different.

And Jesus said (v23) if anyone would COME AFTER Him, he must Deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Him.

Desire > Response > Consequence (further action)

The crowd only had enough desire to respond for own physical satisfaction.
The disciples went all the way... and received revelation.

Monday, June 20, 2011

Consider Carefully How You Listen

Luke 8

Inspired thots

So true... if I dont listen carefully, I cannot remember...
But when I do, I reap! else the parable of the Sower applies:
a) UNBELIEF because there was no careful listening of God's word on His love & forgiveness

b) FALLING AWAY in time of testing because there was no Root in God's word ~ listened but dont know how to apply for strengthening

c) DISTRACTED with the worldly enticements (worries, riches, pleasures) because there was no maturity in God's word

How important to LISTEN Carefully to God's word to believe, take root and mature.

Then, restoration and healing come to make me whole.
Faith is needed in healing and restoration.

Sunday, June 19, 2011

On behalf of Another

Luke 7

Inspired thots

Llife is about interactions and relationships. One should do something for another...
The elders of the Jews went to appeal to Jesus ON BEHALF of the Centurion; so did his Friends.
John's disciples went ON HIS BEHALF to determine if Jesus was the One.

It is a reminder to me to INTERCEDE for others in PRAYER. Not everyone can pray, especially in times of grief, stress or worry. It is important to stand by others who are weak at that point in time.

Life is not to be lived ALONE but for God and on behalf of others.

Friday, June 17, 2011

How to Live

Luke 6

Inspired thots

It may seem an obvious and easy thing to do... live... but life is more than the physical. Looking at the bigger picture, it concerns the spiritual and the future... eternity, really.

It is easy to get caught up living for Self... but life does not revolve around self...but God. And God involves others blessed by Self. The Good self blesses others; yes, God is Good.

God will provide for my physical... will I provide for others what they need - sharing God's provisions, His blessings?

To be perfect in God, I must be perfect as He is perfect (Matt 5:48)
And that involves living with others in mind, heart, and deed.

Help, Lord, it is not easy.

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Revelation REQUIRES Response

Luke 5

Inspired thots

I would like God to reveal things of Himself to me... but what would I do about it AFTER?
Just like a doctor said, "What are you doing to do with the diagnosis? If nothing, might as well as perform any diagnosis. Ignorance is bliss?"

Yes, it is true... no matter what response is chosen, there should be a response with the revelation ~ especially with the things of God.
When Jesus first called Simon Peter, Simon Peter reacted strongly; he was convicted of his sin and unholiness compared to Jesus, although Jesus said nothing negative about him but just did a miracle.

God can reveal if the heart is willing to listen. Will it respond accordingly too?
The Pharisees and the teachers of the law heard but did not respond rightly. They were curious, analytical and with ulterior motives.
When you respond to the revelation rightly, you will celebrate like Levi, the tax collector. Your heart is lighter with joy.
v31 It is not the healthy who need a doctor but the sick. Jesus had not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.

How do we judge ourselves? Simon Peter, the paralytic, Levi ~ they admitted they were sinners and were forgiven, healed and rejoiced.

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

The Devil's NEVER finished with Us

Luke 4

Inspired thots

This is the same as Matthew 4 where Jesus was tempted by the devil.

Like Jesus, I must remain alert to the devil's roar with the equipping of God's word to counter his attacks.
He is never finished with his ploys on us... even as it was with Jesus.

Jesus was weak and hungry from His fasting. The devil enticed Jesus with the suggestion to SATISFY the physical... 'tell this stone to become bread'
Yes, it can be done but that would be an abuse of power AND a giving in to the devil on his enticement to put SELF first instead of LAST.
The PHYSICAL is of LOWEST priority.

Next, the devil enticed Jesus with the SOUL satisfaction... 'give you all the worldly kingdoms authority and splendor'
But Jesus did not come to RULE the WORLD (John 6:15); He came to SAVE (John 3:16)
Do not be led astray by empty promises. SELF SATISFACTION must be put down for Christ Glorification.
Keep in mind the ETERNAL matters not the TEMPORAL.

Then, the greatest error of all is to TEST God... 'see if He would come through for you'
God always gives the best to His children; there is no need to prove He does. (Luke 11:11)

Yet, the devil is not done with Jesus... He left HIM until an OPPORTUNE time. (John 13:27 Satan entered into Judas to commence the betrayal)
1 Peter 5:8 is true... the devil prowls around like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour...
He roars to see who is shaken and then he devours them with his enticement, false promises and suggestions; all of which may seem very logical and reasonable but there is an ulterior motive in it all.

Stay alert!

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Involvement of Different People in the Plan of God

Luke 3

Inspired thots

It is amazing to note that GOD chose many, many ordinary people to be part of his great plan. He is true to His word and Himself where He is no respecter of persons  and shows no favoritism (Romans 2:11). He can choose the 'foolish to shame the wise' (1 Cor. 1:27)

I can only identify those 'greater' ones who played a more active role in God's plan like John the Baptist, Mary, David, Abraham, Noah, etc... but there are the inbetweens who were righteous and blessed to be chosen like Joseph,  Elizabeth, Simeon. Yes, the latter are at least recognizable but there are many who are not... to me.

Praise God that He chose me ... to be in His kingdom, at least. Being a watchman or gatekeeper at His house is better than outside.. Thank You, Lord.

Monday, June 13, 2011

How Others Live for God

Luke 2

Inspired thots

It is very interesting to note how others live for God. The styles and responses are so diverse.

Joseph and Mary went about their lives so serenely, just like any ordinary couple following the required step by step. When they had to register for the census, they went back to Bethlehem. When they had to circumcise Jesus, they took him to the temple on the eighth day. Every year, they went up to Jerusalem for the Passover Feast, as per custom.

The shepherds were carrying on a routine life of tending their sheep until the angel revealed the birth of Jesus. God chose them to announce the good news; peace to those on whom His favor rests. That is most important; in the world, there will be tribulation but only God can give the peace that calms the heart.

Simeon and Anna who chose to spend time with God more than anything else were blest with their heart's desire to see baby Jesus, the Saviour of the world. God rewards those who seek Him. God honours Simeon for his devoutness and righteousness. Anna spent her time in the temple worshiping night and day, fasting and praying.  And the Holy Spirit moved on them.

The Jews and the teachers of the Law were amazed with Jesus' answers and questions. He must have been very thought provoking. But they lacked understanding. Jesus was so patient with them for those few days.

Yes, Lord; regardless of how others live their life, let me live mine with Your favor.

Sunday, June 12, 2011

From Beginning to the End

Luke 1

Inspired thots

How great is God who has planned everything well from the beginning to the end. It shows His nature of love and detail; being in control of all things.

He says it and it become ~ Elizabeth's & Mary's pregnancies.
When God reveals, ACCEPT ~ Zechariah vs Mary.

God can use anyone who is blameless before Him. Dont know how? Ask Him to teach. He will do it Nothing is impossible with God (v37)

Everyone has a purpose in life by God... what is your calling?

~ God hears prayers
~ God prepares and sets in motion His plans
~ God takes away the reproach of his people

Friday, June 10, 2011

The Lord is Great!

John 21

Inspired thots

The Lord Jesus always gives the BEST to His children.
He looks out for them no matter where they are; that is very reassuring to know that He loves like nobody else.

He veils and reveals; if my heart stays close to Him, He will unveil the necessary in His own time. There is no need to worry or fret about anything. God will provide. He knows all things. He prepares the necessary and best. He is a Miracle working God. There is none other.

He satisfies... till the very end!

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Different Reactions & Responses

John 20

Inspired thots

Whenever a situation happens, different people will react with different responses.

Jesus' death and resurrection:
~ Mary Magdalene was emotional.
~ Peter & John were curious.
~ the disciples were fearful and joyful.
~ Thomas was doubtful

No matter what, the Lord knows our needs and will meet them according to His riches in glory. He is SO good. He gives the heart's desires. Desire well.

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Fear Man or Fear God?

John 19

Inspired thots

Forgive us, Lord for crucifying You for we truly do not know what we did.

Man can be so obnoxious and scary that others are easily intimidated from standing up for what is true.

The Jews in this chapter could influence Pilate into crucifying Jesus when the latter found no wrong with Jesus. Yet, He was flogged and ridiculed and crucified.

Pilate feared... yes, he did fear God when he heard that Jesus was the Son of God; yet, he feared man more. The Jews threatened him with proclamation of Caesar as their only king. People can be so blinded when their hearts have become callous.

What was the cause that turned the tide so suddenly, when all the while they could not lay a finger on Jesus and suddenly they were emboldened to push forth their deepest agenda?
Only the HAND of God... He allowed it. Thus, better to fear God than to fear Man.

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

All in God's Plans

John 18

Inspired thots

How great is my Lord! Nothing and no one could touch Him if it is not part of the Heavenly Father's plans.

They tried to arrest Jesus time and again but His presence is so great that His arresters were usually filled with awe and respect upon hearing or seeing Him. Here, they 'drew back and fell to the ground' (v6).

Nothing can happen if the Heavenly Father has not permitted it. Hence, it is good to be under God's hand for He will protect those in His care.

Even Peter's denial is part of God's plans to build up his faith and increase his boldness for the work ahead. Rashness is not part of God's plans. Waiting upon Him to lead and guide will move me into His plan.
Yes Lord, mold and change me to be more obedient and sensitive to Your Holy Spirit.

Monday, June 6, 2011

KNOW with CERTAINTY

John 17

Inspired thots

Jesus did what His Heavenly Father desired; He was obedient in everything. He did what He had to do exactly as the Heavenly Father wanted it... when a job is executed well, the effects are astounding. The disciples now have come to the FULL knowledge of WHO Christ and the Heavenly Father are.

v8 ... they KNEW with CERTAINTY... there was no more doubt or questions or blurriness.

Knowing with Certainty whom I am Believing will keep me in the Trinity (v11) until Christ comes again.

Knowing with Certainty who My God is will steer me in the Right direction in Life while on earth; I shall not be in doubt over my destination; hence, my direction will be clear.

Knowing with Certainty what my God can do, keeps me secured in His protection at all times for He has the best for me.

Knowing with Certainty why I believe in Christ gives me joy and hope no matter what befalls me on earth as my focus is on Christ.

Knowing with Certainty where I am going finally will bring me into the Heavenly Father's glory as He awaits me for He loves me.

How Wonderful! How great and loving is my God!

Saturday, June 4, 2011

Heavenly Revelation

John 16

Inspired thots

Every tribe has its own language; one must be part of that community to understand the communication. My Heavenly Father, Jesus and the Holy Spirit have one language too. If I want to understand THE TRINITY, I need to belong to them ~ John 15 : remain in the Vine.

Jesus is the Vine - I am one of the branches in Him. I can only understand Jesus when I am part of Him. When He reveals, I shall know His will. Yes, it is true. There are new revelations at each reading and devotion moments spent with God.

God is so good; He gives the best when asked by His children. Those who dont know Him tend to act on their own erroneous accord (v2)

Now, I am in Christ and the Holy Spirit is given to me to be IN me; henceforth, I can understand the things of God as He reveals. (v13)

I can have whatever I ask in Jesus' name; not that He asks our Heavenly Father on my behalf. It is just acknowledging Jesus that the Heavenly Father gives as per the prayer request. God the Father honours His Son. (v26) Hence, there is no need to ask God through another; He will answer and bless if I ask Him personally in Jesus' name, believing Jesus for who He is (v27).

There will be no more questions when God reveals Himself and His truth (v30).

Thursday, June 2, 2011

The Importance of being IN the Vine

John 15

Inspired thots

Yes, every living organsm needs a SOURCE to start and Continue life. Mine is in Christ. He is the Vine and,
if I am to be one of His branches, I must remain in Him.

if I am to BEAR fruit, there will be pruning. Sounds hard... must remember that I am in Christ; protected; loved; He will not let me be pruned beyond my endurability. Hey! why am I SO negative about it?

I AM IN THE SOURCE - Christ! Pruning should not be scary or hard because it is not Bad. It refines me. God does not hurt His own body;  He only blesses. I should not worry or be afraid. That is the devil's lie.
Yes, Lord Jesus. Thank YOU for your revelation.