Progression of Status

John 15

Inspired thots

How wonderful to hear the gospel to have hope from despair! Greater glory when one is elevated from SLAVE to SON; from SERVANT to FRIEND with Jesus who shares His heart and life as well as the will and works of the Heavenly Father.

God purposes His children to stay in the VINE to bear fruit; there would be pruning to bear more fruit which may seem a harsh treatment but greater fruit is expected through pruning. The gardener knows best; there is always a progression from good to better; from better to best. Lets not stay mediocre.

Knowing ME, knowing the Father

John 14

Inspired thots

Jesus continued revealing more of himself and the Heavenly Father to His disciples but sadly, they could not understand him fully. The simple truth was when you know Jesus, you know the Father; when you have seen Jesus, you have seen the Father.

When our hearts are blocked with other things, we are unable to comprehend the wonders of God; hence, the latter becomes a mystery. If only we open up our hearts to God alone and not worldly things, we can be so satisfied and stand amaze at our mighty God.

Heartbreaking Betrayal

John 13

Inspired thots

It must have been very hard for Jesus to note Judas Iscariot's impending betrayal as he was one of His chosen disciples. The love Jesus has for Judas is the same as for His other disciples. Verse 1 mentioned that 'He loved them to the end' and He kept repeating about the betrayal because He was 'troubled in spirit'.

How sad to be betrayed by a loved one; this would be frequent in the end times when the devil brings down our loved ones who are not strong in the Lord. Have mercy, Jesus.

Wrong Focus

John 12

Inspired thots

Man tends to focus on the WRONG things in life. Perhaps it is intentional; perhaps it is a reflection of their heart. Judas Iscariot was focusing on money; every occasion opens an opportunity to gain money for himself. The temptation is very strong but greater strength is needed to put down this temptation. Money is a worldly offering that lures many Christians astray.

The Jewish crowd also had a wrong focus; instead of coming to Jesus for eternal life, they were seeking to see Lazarus who was raised from the dead.How sad! Only the true believers know how to welcome their Lord in their midst; palm branches and shouts of 'Hosanna'. Those who witness Jesus' miracles need to make a solid decision to follow Him.

Modern day Christians have small to big miracles in our daily lives. Are we recognizing these to be focused on Jesus our Savior and be His witnesses? Help us, Lord.

Seeing but Not Understanding

John 11

Inspired thots

Everyone around Jesus, especially the disciples, did not understand Jesus although they are constantly with Him. They watched every miracle and heard every lesson but could not understand the heavenly revelations until Jesus explained it plainly.

Man tends to interpret things according to his own finite mind which is usually wrong regarding the things of God. Again, Isaiah 55:8,9 says it clearly that our ways and thoughts are not like God's. Only by the grace of God can we understand the truth of God and be blessed.

True Sheep Hear & Follow

John 10

Inspired thots

Christianity is an easy faith; it only requires HEARING and FOLLOWING the true source of life - Jesus. True Christians know in themselves the TRUTH which sets them free (8:32). Their spirit bears witness to the Spirit of God on the things of God that they would not follow strangers. 

To hear and follow Christ, we must train ourselves up to recognize His voice alone; this can be achieved through the reading and memorizing of God's word which is all about Jesus. Then we can recognize Him when He comes or speaks. We have the Spirit of God and the mind of Christ to discern the things of God (1 Cor 2)

Astounding Teachings & Works

John 9

Inspired thots

Jesus went about teaching and healing regardless of the day but the Jews and Pharisees persisted in catching His faults and errors in order to arrest Him especially when He performs works of healing on the Sabbath. It can be quite easy to miss the glory of God when we hold on too tightly to the traditions of man or the past. 

God keeps working to win man in many new and astounding manners but self centeredness may form a barrier against us. The unwillingness to budge from the old to accept the new causes one to 'miss the boat' on God's kingdom. Astounding works and words are meant to prompt us to believe in Christ; physically and spiritually.

Revealing the Father

John 8

Inspired thots

Jesus revealed the Heavenly Father so frequently but the Jews did not grasp the truth. They only saw what they wanted to see and heard only what they wanted to hear. Hence, there was no belief. Jesus' words fell everywhere but the good soil that can spring forth a hundred fold. How sad!

Some heavenly revelations may be hard to understand or accept but by God's grace, we can understand, believe and do God's will and work to His glory. Help us, Lord! Now, we have the Bible (God's Word) AND the Holy Spirit to guide us into ALL truth. Hallelujah!

God's RIGHT Timing

John 7

Inspired thots

God and Jesus have the RIGHT timing for everything to their glory. However, man tends to act hastily. There is such an important lesson in getting on board with God in His timing in life. Confusion and lost directions are plentiful when God's timing is not exercised.

Our own wisdom takes us out of God's timing; "anytime is a right time..." as Jesus mentioned is apt in describing man. But our ways and thoughts are not as God's; as Isa. 55:8,9 mentioned.Seeking God and believing in whom He sent brings us into God's own time and season for everything. Perhaps He will reveal more of Himself as we prepare to receive.

Hard Teaching from Jesus?

John 6

Inspired thots

Despite all the miracles Jesus did, the people did not really believe He is the Son of God who came from God doing the will of the Heavenly Father. When Jesus posed a 'hard' teaching, 'eating His flesh' and 'drinking His blood', many fell away. They either disbelieved or could not understand nor accept it.

But remember that Jesus is the WORD who was made FLESH (John 1:14) to dwell among men. Hence, it is Jesus' WORDS that one should receive and believe to gain eternal life. Peter had it spot on when he proclaimed it in v68 "You have the words of eternal life..."

Jesus' teachings are not hard when received with a simple heart. We will get there...

The Godhead Working Hard to Save Sinful Men

John 5

Inspired thots

What a Wonderful God to keep working still to draw men back to Himself! From creation to the sending of His only Son, Jesus, God the Father bestows compassion on man but it is rather disappointing that man is spiritually blind. Many do not see the grace of God upon their lives as they wander in their own spiritual darkness.

Truth came but was ignored. Those who did not believe were seeking to mold Jesus into their preconceived glorious mystical Savior image than to accept Him as He is. This is how we 'miss' Him in life; and we miss life totally. But God is good; He keeps working to win men over. Thank You Lord! Open our eyes and hearts Lord!

Speaking with Sincerity Draws People

John 4

Inspired thots

The Samaritan woman at the well was very open with Jesus; she talked easily with Him and revealed the truth about herself and her beliefs. Jesus was able to draw her into the conversation where she would be instrumental in bringing others to Him.

She was honest about her dark life and accepted her fate. Jesus came to restore honor to her as she returned to her village to spread news about Jesus. No matter how dark our lives are, we can be totally open with God who knows and sees all.  He is the only one who accepts us with warts and blemishes. He forgives when we confess and repent to cleanse us to be His useful instruments of hope to others still in the dark.

Consistent Testimony

John 3

Inspired thots

A true testimony is when it is consistent with every party. Jesus and John had the same testimony of heaven, Jesus and God. John was not envious of Jesus; rather he rejoiced at the bridegroom as a friend. He knew his position well not to grab any honor for himself as Jesus' fame continued to rise.

Jesus gave some hard teachings about the kingdom of God consistently to the Pharisees who found it difficult to absorb and comprehend. The 'smarter' the person, the more difficult to enter the kingdom of God with their 'high IQ' which is a Greek mind over analyzing everything.

Miracles through Belief

John 2

Inspired thots

Jesus' first miracle at Cana came about with his mother believing in Him to do the extraordinary. Mary's faith in Jesus leads her to instruct others to obey Jesus; her quiet confidence in Him rings throughout His ministry without her drawing unnecessary attention.

Jesus' disciples who were with Him believed in Him as they stayed alert to what is happening. They were witnesses of the miracle Jesus did; the first of many. There are many miracles in our lives;  everyday. Are we alert to them all? Let our belief and faith arise in Christ.

Praise God for all the miracles He is working in our lives!

Bearing Witness in Life

John 1

Inspired thots

What a BEAUTIFUL way to start off the Book of John with a lovely excerpt of God and Jesus before emphasis on John; yet, John did not take on any glory for himself. He gave all glory to God and kept alert to Jesus whom the Spirit prompted him to recognize.

John the Baptist was faithful in bearing witness to God as the 'voice in the wilderness.' He was true to himself in his destiny. He revealed the Son of God to all who were willing to receive; and as many as 'received Him, who believed in His name, He (Jesus) gave them power to become children of God; who were born not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of man but of God.'

The Great Love of God revealed...

The Finale... yet, Not quite

Mark 16

Inspired thots

The book of Mark ended beautifully with the resurrection of Jesus and His appearance to many of His disciples as proof while He continued to encourage and instruct them to carry on His work ~ which is the great commission.

Although unbelief still persisted due to hardness of heart, Jesus's reappearance strengthens faith in His disciples to continue in His commission. How glorious to have the grand finale with Jesus now seated at the right hand at the throne of God; but yet.... it is not over...

Jesus will come again to judge mankind. It is up to each person to believe in Him when the gospel is spread. It is up to each believer to do the will of God and be accountable. The END is yet to come.

Humiliation from Unkindness

Mark 15

Inspired thots

Jesus suffered a lot of humiliation through the unkind attitude and behavior of those who were jealous of Him. How easy to humiliate another for self gain! How strong is selfishness in instigating wickedness that roams far beyond reason! 

Lord, keep me focused on YOU alone to stay clear of the worldly attributes that kill the soul and spirit; lest I humiliate another person who is also Your creation. Whatever is done against another human being, it is done against God!

Willing Spirit; Weak Flesh

Mark 14

Inspired thots

The spirit and flesh tend to work in contradiction with the flesh having an upper hand most of the time unless the spirit rises up to subdue the flesh. A lot of human behavior is activated by the flesh through its desires for gain and (self) glory. 

Mary of Bethany anointed Jesus with the expensive perfume through the spirit's prompting but the onlookers were indignant through flesh of her action. Judas Iscariot was motivated by flesh to secure worldly gains in betraying Jesus. Peter was inspired by the spirit to follow and confess Jesus until persecution came; the flesh overpowered him in denying Jesus to save himself.

Hence, Jesus said,"the spirit indeed is willing but the flesh is weak." (v38) The flesh must be disciplined while the spirit must rise up through a focus on God alone.

Staying Alert

Mark 13

Inspired thots

The Great and Awesome Day of the Lord; Judgment and Majesty! No one knows the time or day of its coming. The only way is to be prepared and endure until it comes despite the difficulties that come beforehand.

One resounding instruction from Jesus: WATCH! Be alert! Look out. There will be signs pointing to the Lord's judgment and coming. Christians need to recognize and endure till the end. But God does not leave His children in despair during the trying times. He has all things in His good hands for the sake of His children.

I can trust in Him as I sincerely desire to stay with Him.

The Heavy Price Paid

Mark 12

Inspired thots

The chapter started off with the parable of the Wicked Tenants who mistreated and killed not only the servants but the only son of the vineyard owner. I felt indignant that the tenants should be so covetous over what is not theirs to take away the life of the owner's only son. But this is Exactly how it was with Father God and His Only Son, Jesus. What a heavy price to pay.

Then the chapter reminds me of 'rendering to Caesar (world) the things of Caesar, and to God the things of God'. How true! Be not caught up with worldly treasures or matters; let the world operate as it wants. Stay close to the ways of God and be protected. The price here is to give back the world what belongs to it without coveting; may be difficult for those chasing after wealth and status.

The greatest commandment is to 'Love the Lord your God with ALL your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind and with all your strength. And love your neighbor as yourself.' And GIVE UNTO GOD all that you have; even if it is your whole living. To me, this is a revelation on First Fruits.

Praying with Forgiveness

Mark 11

Inspired thots

How powerful to PRAY in FAITH and RECEIVE whatever we ask of our Heavenly Father! But the condition is that we MUST FORGIVE anyone who has offended us first. Hence, Unforgiveness hinders prayers from being answered.

It is the will of God that all His people live harmoniously with one another as the last chapter mentioned. It is good not to burden self unnecessarily with the things that eat your heart and soul.

The FIRST & the LAST

Mark 10

Inspired thots

How interesting that the First shall be Last and the Last First in the kingdom of God? Is God exercising a FIFO (first in first out) or LIFO (last in first out)? Is it like the parable of hiring the workers where the last hired were paid first and the first hired were paid last? But ALL received the SAME Wages. That is our wonderful God who is no respecter of persons; loving one and all the same. 

So, it suffice for God's children to BE CONTENT with their personal lot as each gets the same from God. The world's view is different; material possessions differentiate one from another in status; so with intelligence and character in interacting with others to get forward.

Have Salt in Yourself

Mark 9

Inspired thots

The last line of the chapter..."have salt in yourselves"... stands out this morning. This is similar to what Jesus taught in Matthew 5:13 "You are the salt of the earth". Mark 9:50 is a prelude. Before we can be the ''salt of the earth", we must "have salt" in ourselves.

Salt is good for seasoning;  hence, those in Christ must be seasoned with the word and ways of God. For the verse ends with "be at peace with one another". When we are well seasoned, we are at peace with everyone as nothing can rattle us with our focus right on God despite all circumstances.

No Signs; only Faith to Prove

Mark 8

Inspired thots

The Pharisees continued their relentless attacks on Jesus asking for signs to prove His Sonship and Kingdom. Jesus would not give any due to the intense unbelief in their hearts; knowing that the Pharisees would probably not turn from their arrogant ways even if a sign is given. Miracles of healing and deliverance of demons were performed and yet, these do not constitute as signs for the Pharisees.

Hence, Jesus demanded that one should 'pick up his cross daily and follow Him' to gain eternal life and be welcomed into God's kingdom. Faith is the only proof of Jesus' kingship; not the ways of the world.

Bound by Tradition

Mark 7

Inspired thots

The Pharisees and Jews were so bound by tradition that they had lost sight of God; they had honored their ancestors more than God with their own way of living that there are so many rules and regulations to keep to prove one's righteousness. 

However, it is not so with God. Honoring Him stands above all others. How simple to life a righteous and fruitful life when it is focused on God. The child of God is set free from all bindings of man when his life is focused on pleasing God who does all things well. Traditions can mask the word and will of God to make it void as hearts become harder and minds dull towards honoring God. Ears no longer hear what God speaks.

No Honor

Mark 6

Inspired thots

One must be careful against 'Familiarity breeds Contempt.' When we are too familiar with someone, we think we know them very well; inside out. But God can call a person to a special ministry with a transformation that no one could thought possible; just like Saul to Paul.

Jesus did not receive honor as the Son of God or prophet when He ministered in His hometown although He was highly revered outside. No wonder the Jews do not accept Him while Gentiles are openly embracing the kingdom of God. Hallelujah for the bud grafting for others to enter the kingdom of God!

Let us allow God to work in each child of God's life to do His will as God is able to change anyone who has a willing heart. 

Healing through Faith

Mark 5

Inspired thots

Jesus went about healing many many people. Demons recognized Him and feared Him; yet He had mercy even on them. He sent the Legion into a herd of swine which drowned in the sea. What happened to the demons? They can torment man but they too fear being tormented by Jesus. Great is my Savior!

Great is the faith of the woman with the blood issue; her faith made her well. I pray that Sharon would be made well too through her faith. We claim her total healing through faith, Lord! Have mercy! Let us not fear; only believe! v34

Even the ruler of the synagogue came to Jesus to appeal for healing of his daughter who was on the brink of death! Desperation for loved ones can drive one to belief and action. Great is the love of the father; and Jesus was willing. Praise the Lord!