Friday, February 28, 2014

Inspirations through Parables

Mark 4

Inspired thots

Jesus taught in parables to the people but it is difficult to understand His teachings without clear explanation although most parables were life related and should be simple enough to relate and grasp. Why would Jesus do that? v12 gives the answer; there are goats among the sheep. Only the sheep would hear Jesus' teaching and understand; others only want to catch Him slip up.

The heart of man is vile and hard. Let us be like the parable of the growing grain where much is not understood but we live by faith to receive the reward and blessing. We do not know how the small seed grows after being sowed into the ground; the farmer does his part faithfully with watering and waits for results to reap. Simple life.

Thursday, February 27, 2014

Not Easy Being the Son of God

Mark 3

Inspired thots

As Jesus went about healing and preaching about the kingdom of God, there was always opposition and great demand from all quarters. Pharisees and priests wanted to put Him away while commoners want healing of their diseases without realizing who Jesus really is. Only the demons cast out knew and feared but they were not allowed to speak out. What would happen if they did? Would people really believe the demons? 

Man is selfish and hardened in heart; he would not believe what he does not want to believe. Perhaps man would demand more of Jesus if they had really believed who He is. It is hard to be the Son of God in such a generation. But not much has changed today with the gospel.

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Understanding Jesus

Mark 2

Inspired thots

The many miracles of healing by Jesus were witnessed by many people; commoners, priests and Pharisees. Different people have different takes on Jesus but no one really understood Him. Many came to satisfy their own wants while others seek to incriminate Jesus for fear of losing their social status.

The differently recorded events require one to ponder over Jesus and their response towards Him. What a privilege to be able to read the events with a better understanding of Jesus to increase the faith. 

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Helping OR Hindering

Mark 1

Inspired thots

Jesus kick started His ministry in Galilee to preach the kingdom of God with healing and casting out of demons. He did not permit the demons to speak for they knew Him. He did not want personal fame and glory as He went about the work of God in proclaiming the gospel of repentance and salvation.

Man reacts differently; he boasts and tries to help God but ends up hindering God's will. The leper pleaded with Jesus for healing; he received it when Jesus showed compassion towards him but the leper disobeyed Jesus' instruction to keep quiet. The healed leper spread the word that attracted many to Jesus; did it help or hinder Jesus in His ministry?

Monday, February 24, 2014

A NEW Era

Matthew 28

Inspired thots

After all the 'hoo-ha' on Jesus, the dust seemed to be settling down. The priests thought they had won with the crucifixion of Jesus and His death behind the tomb. But a new era is just dawning with the disciples waiting for something more powerful. Their mourning shall be turned to joy and they would be equipped with power and boldness.

How marvelous is God to take away to give more in place! It is impossible to outwit or out give God in any way.

The BEST is yet to come.

Sunday, February 23, 2014

The BIGGER Picture

Matthew 27

Inspired thots

Man is generally myopic in attitude where the bigger picture is not seen nor understood. Evil happens within God's control for His purposes to be fulfilled. God's people must remain patient and faithful to wait for the finale that would benefit them.

Taking matters into one's own hands would bring about regretful consequences for we are not as wise as God. Hence, let God be God. Pray only for His mercy and grace in every situation to keep our hearts steadfast in Him alone. The things of the world fade.

Difficult Moments for Eternal Life

Matthew 26

Inspired thots

This chapter contains poignant moments from different characters to reflect the different responses of faith in God.

1) The chief priests continued to plot against Jesus' downfall through false accusations and betrayal.

2) Mary of Bethany anointed Jesus for burial with an alabaster flask of expensive perfume as moved by the HS although others viewed her action as 'wasting resources'. But a sincere heart prompting a simple action is never wasted or jeered in God's eyes.

3) Judas Iscariot chose the worldly ways of quick rich scheme when the moving gets slow for his pocket. Perhaps his eyes and heart opened to wider greed on seeing Jesus' approval of Mary's anointing rather than passing the buck to his safekeeping and laundering.

4) Jesus struggled too with the will of God but submitted eventually to God's glory.

5) The disciples, Peter, James and John, struggled with the physical in earnest praying at the Garden of Gethsemane.

6) Peter disowned Jesus when He was arrested for fear of arrest and ridicule by association.

7) The disciples forsook Jesus and fled when He was arrested.

May God forgive us for our weakness in faith but let 2 Cor 12:9 come true.

Friday, February 21, 2014

Provoking Thoughts for Self Preparation

Matthew 25

Inspired thots

Every Christian MUST prepare for the day of judgment; the TIME IS NOW! 

The parable of the 5 wise and 5 foolish virgins waiting for the bridegroom's coming teaches us to be well prepared in case of delay. Know who you are waiting for and be prepared for all situations; then you would not be caught short.

The parable of the talents speaks of using our God-given talents wisely to earn God's pleasure; to be called "good and faithful servant" who did their best for their Lord instead of reacting out of fear and discontent.

The final parable of the sheep and goats reminds us which category we can fall into if we do not execute the Lord's ministry well as called. How lightly do we take the ministry we are called into? Are we serving the Lord through serving others? 

Thursday, February 20, 2014

Preparing for Tribulation

Matthew 24

Inspired thots

While the disciples admired the temple buildings, Jesus cautioned them on setting their hearts on temporal beauty and worth. Eternal treasures are more important to grasp but come with a price. Tribulation will come to those belonging to Jesus for the world does not accept His Lordship.

Signs of the times will show His forthcoming; let us be prepared to meet our King. Know His word and even the great King personally to identify the TRUE from the false as the latter will try to deceive many. Be watchful; stay alert.

The King is coming!

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Avoiding Falsehood

Matthew 23

Inspired thots

Knowing what is right and doing it are two different matters. One can KNOW WHAT is RIGHT but not do it; just like the parable of the two sons (Matt 28:21). How important to be OBEDIENT to God's command and be blessed.

Falsehood is hypocrisy. There would be many such occasions in life where one acts falsely to protect self; only God is merciful to enable strength to live rightly for His name's sake. Otherwise, one can end up as a Pharisee.

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

God Has ALL the Answers

Matthew 22

Inspired thots

The Pharisees, Sadducees and teachers of the Law came constantly to Jesus with trick questions; but Jesus is Lord! He has all the right answers to silence them. Better to seek God with a sincere heart than to try to outwit God. We cant!

And only God can give revelations and inspirations to His word and Self. Be humble to seek the will of God and He may reveal Himself.

Monday, February 17, 2014

Repent & Be Saved

Matthew 21

Inspired thots

Listen to your heart for it will point you to the right path of fruitful life. The Pharisees hardened their hearts towards Jesus; following Him only to find fault with Him while the crowds responded to salvation and healing.

There would always be two types of responders; one who says 'No' but repent and the other who says 'Yes' but not obey. Repentance is required to do the will of God and enjoy His blessings. Let us not miss out on the goodness of God while we can.

Sunday, February 16, 2014

God's Generosity

Matthew 20

Inspired thots

God is liken to the householder who hires workers throughout the day and pays them fairly; well, at least in His own judgment. The earlier hired workers may not be happy to receive the same wages as the later hired workers but God is fair AND generous; He owes no one. He pays the workers the same because He loves each one.

He honors His word to the earlier workers with the agreed wage but He is compassionate to the later hired workers who are obedient and willing to work for Him. We should not begrudge God's generosity on others or covet more blessings from Him when He treats us well and fair. There is no need to be better than others or be more blessed than others. Do not covet or want to be like the Joneses.

Friday, February 14, 2014

Eternal Treasures

Matthew 19

Inspired thots

Jesus taught about many things during His ministry; the significant teachings help His disciples focus on what is eternal and what is temporal. The wrong focus gets one ended up at the wrong places while many may get side tracked or tired without staying focused. Hence, "the first shall be last and the last first."

Thursday, February 13, 2014

Godly Relationships

Matthew 18

Inspired thots

It is not surprising to have God desiring good relations among men; for He has created all mankind. How can there be dispute in the family of God? 

A childlike attitude of innocence and humility is desired to keep the peace and harmony in life. There should not be a striving of self at the expense of others.

Then one would experience the power of God in life to glorify God. Peter heard Jesus' teaching on forgiveness. His heart responded to the call of forgiving his brothers. How important to forgive others regardless of size of hurt or sin just as Christ has forgiven us. 

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Walking the Journey Till the End

Matthew 17

Inspired thots

Jesus is nearing the end of His ministry on earth; yet, he stays on course to do the perfect will of God. He continues to do what is needed with compassion for others and obedience to God. He knows all things and lives His earthly life according to the will of His Heavenly Father.

How important to live like Jesus lived to enjoy God's blessings! God provides all that is required and how good to hear Him say, "This is my Beloved Son with whom I am well pleased."

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

The GRAND Finale

Matthew 16

Inspired thots

God has planned all things well. No one on earth can thwart His plans. Jesus was obedient and patient to God's plans regardless of how man responded. Only the humble would gain understanding of God's perfect plan with revelation of Jesus as declared by Peter; "He is the Christ; the Son of the Living God"

A humble and contrite heart pleases God; this would mean a taking up of the cross and following Jesus. This calls for a separation from the world resulting in its jeers and snares to humiliate those who love and trust God in total obedience. Then the END shall come with the full grandeur of Jesus' return. Maranatha, JESUS!

Monday, February 10, 2014

Different Agendas

Matthew 15

Inspired thots

Different people came to Jesus with different agendas; even Jesus has His own agenda as He ministered.

Jesus: had compassion on the people; give them HOPE and WHOLENESS through healing. I wonder if they understood. Perhaps not; as Jesus always mentioned that they 'see but not perceive; hear but not understand.'

Pharisees: came to critique Jesus; looking for reason to accuse Him as He was drawing attention away from them. They felt offended and guilty when Jesus spoke of their unbecoming attitude and behavior for Jesus saw through their hypocrisy.

Israelites: curious about Jesus; desire to receive but do not know how to give. Shallow understanding of the spiritual. Care about the physical more.

Gentiles: receptive; willing to believe and plead; not to miss out on blessings even though not the key target audience to receive. Persistency and humility pays off.

Sunday, February 9, 2014

Faith vs Doubt

Matthew 14

Inspired thots

Faith must ARISE to overcome Doubt as a child of God. The wicked one will always try to challenge God's people causing fear and anxiety which can cripple the faith with physical infirmities.

Peter started off well to want to be like Jesus but the enemy can cause a distraction to bring in doubt. How important to keep our eyes on Jesus all the time to keep our faith intact and growing.

Friday, February 7, 2014

Getting Ready for the End

Matthew 13

Inspired thots

A Favorite chapter on Parables. As I read this passage again, albeit hundreds of times, it is interesting to note that the parable serves as a mirror to me to reflect my inner self.

Yes, it is true. The Word of God has been sowed into me but at times, I do not understand it; hence, it is lost as the devil snatches it away. My blessings are lost (seeds sown along the path).

The next scenario has yet to be revealed as times of persecution and trials are not very prominent at this moment. Yes, the Word of God helped me through difficult times during my working days before I resigned. But I sense deeper trials coming.

The seeds that fell among the thorns; ah... so relevant. Yes, indeed the cares of this world and the delight in riches have tempted me and I fell so hard. The worldly cares bring on fear, worry, anxiety that caused me to be bound in arthritis until 6 Feb when I confessed with understanding. Hallelujah! Read my testimony in God@Work. How surreal!

Yes, I am waiting to  bear fruit not just 100-fold but more if possible to God's glory. Self glory and self righteousness must go.

Then, the Word of God tells how the Kingdom of God is like; for us to identify and treasure it till the end.

Thursday, February 6, 2014

Self Righteousness Leads to Unbelief

Matthew 12

Inspired thots

Envy, Doubt, Self Righteousness all leads to unbelief about who Jesus is. The Pharisees could not accept Him with the miracles He performed on the sick; they didn't like His breaking away from the norm; they didn't want changes which they could not accept. Hence, they didn't accept Him as the Son of God.

Jesus knew their evil thoughts and exposed them subtly but 'siapa makan cili, dia akan berasa pedas.' They knew He was referring to them in His rebukes but they were not humbled to repent. Instead, they went away to seek ways to trap Him. All the wrong reasons to get close to Jesus and missing the blessings which the humble enjoyed. What a Difference in Attitude and Outcome!

Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Choosing the Ways of God

Matthew 11

Inspired thots

It is interesting to note that God's ways are so different from the world's. There is PEACE in God's words and ways although it is sometimes difficult to tear oneself away from the deception of the world; the false promises tend to hold us back from walking forward towards God.

How important to choose God's ways over the world's or self although the ways of God seem vague and far. But FAITH must arise to overcome the world by accepting the Word of God as TRUE to be blessed.


Tuesday, February 4, 2014

Enduring Till the End

Matthew 10

Inspired thots

It won't be easy to stay RIGHT with the Lord especially in the last days. However, the bible is clear that those who endures to the end would enjoy eternal life and rich blessings from the Lord.

We must continue to walk right before the Lord, heeding His call although the reception may be hostile. Alertness to each different situation is required to stay in step with the Spirit as loved ones will rise against each other in the last days. How sad! Let us motivate the whole family to stay close to the Lord until the very end.

Monday, February 3, 2014

Arise in Faith and Ministry

Matthew 9

Inspired thots

Jesus continued His ministry of healing with a call to RISE UP to those He met. Those who receive healing AROSE from their infirmities. At the end of the chapter, a CALL to RAISE up more workers into the harvest field is made.

Rise up to serve after one rises up from infirmities.

Sunday, February 2, 2014

Miracles and Power with Jesus

Matthew 8

Inspired thots

Once Jesus started His ministry, His power is revealed through miracles. There will always be two reactions; acceptance and rejection. Some would be so awed by the extraordinary power of Jesus that they would draw close to Him while others would shy away for fear of personal weakness exposure or a drastic change in lifestyle. It is the same even today.

How do we understand Jesus personally to impact our choice of living? Even demons recognize Him from afar. What is our heart's content with Jesus?

Saturday, February 1, 2014

Godly Life BLUEPRINT

Matthew 7

Inspired thots

Getting on the RIGHT Path of a Godly Life is stated clearly in this chapter. So much treasures; so overwhelming.
The first is NOT to judge others so that I will not be judged by God. (v1) I am no better than another next to me. Treasure what I have as treasures (v6) instead of insisting upon others who do not appreciate the same. God will provide and bless with the best. Do to others what you want others to do to you (v12) for harmony and goodwill.

Recognize and choose the narrow way of life however difficult it may seem (v13) Bear GOOD Fruits (v18) with the Words of God and stand firm in faith in God alone. (v24)