1 John 5
Inspired thots:
The Word of God is so simple but important that repetition is often necessary which tends to make one dull of hearing because the word is taken so carelessly.
This is how one errs from the way of God - because thinking 'we already know it', our guard is let down and the influence of the world comes rushing in along with deception.
And yet, v3 says 'His commands are not burdensome...' God is really so good to man.
v4 Everyone 'born of God has overcomes the world' - victory is for me! present tense... for the Now!
It is a daily living reminder that...
~ there is daily temptations to lure me away from God
~ there is daily victory to keep me with God
'Familiarity breeds contempt' ~ when we think we already know it, we are careless or disrespectful to continue exercising the point when we hear it again.
v16 ~ A Christian does not live for him/her self alone; s/he lives for the brethren so that God's people are victorious together.
To love God is to love the brethren, for God loves them... I must love those whom God loves.
v21 ~ the last verse: 'keep yourselves from idols'
There are many things that can distract us from God; beware! these may work subtly into our lives. The only way to ward idols off is to stay ALERT against them.
A daily time out with the Lord Jesus, to hear Him speak to ME. I am asking the Lord to share HIS thoughts with ME, to teach me more about Himself, and how I can be drawn closer to Him... for 'His thoughts are not my thoughts and neither are His ways my ways' Isaiah 55:8,9. This blog is not a theological exegesis. This blog is to record down the INSIGHTS & INSPIRATIONS of God's Word to me; speaking LIFE into my life for Abundant life! :)
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Saturday, November 6, 2010
2 Components for Today's Living
1 John 4
Inspired thots:
The Spirit of God within us will guide us into discerning against evil or false spirits,
as well as a heart of LOVE.
Two important factors for today's living.
It is easy to discern evil spirits when I exercise God's word into my life, and not allow the devil a foothold on me. I am glad I chose His way and guard my heart against sinning towards God this weekend. He has proven His word and principles true; and I am better off for the long run.
It is really not the 'I' to be emphasized if I want the eternal blessings God has promised, which are really for my good. (Jer. 29:11-13)
Inspired thots:
The Spirit of God within us will guide us into discerning against evil or false spirits,
as well as a heart of LOVE.
Two important factors for today's living.
It is easy to discern evil spirits when I exercise God's word into my life, and not allow the devil a foothold on me. I am glad I chose His way and guard my heart against sinning towards God this weekend. He has proven His word and principles true; and I am better off for the long run.
It is really not the 'I' to be emphasized if I want the eternal blessings God has promised, which are really for my good. (Jer. 29:11-13)
Friday, November 5, 2010
God as He IS
1 John 3
Inspired thots:
Who is God? That is a BIG Question. Many want the answer... or an answer... or what they want to hear. But no one can really give the answer if the self is not seeking and believing.
God's word says, 'Ask and you shall receive'; 'Seek and you shall find'; 'Knock and the door shall be opened'. (Matt. 7:7)
God is ready to give and open when one is ready to receive, find and knock.
God is... as He is - v2
v3 He is PURE
v7 He is RIGHTEOUS
v8 He is LOVE (chp 4)
Because He is... His children are...
Like begets like
His children will be LIKE Him... that is something exciting to look forward to...
But to look forward to that future, preparation is required now... put off the old nature and put on the new.
As God loves, so must I... yes, slowly but surely as I overcome daily with less struggles to love as Jesus loves. It can happen when I keep focus on Christ; when I remind myself how Christ did it and what does GOD want. It can happen because I want that future as being like God when I see Him. All else on earth now is not as important as that.
That is sufficient motivation to love others. To me, that is part of my preparation.
Inspired thots:
Who is God? That is a BIG Question. Many want the answer... or an answer... or what they want to hear. But no one can really give the answer if the self is not seeking and believing.
God's word says, 'Ask and you shall receive'; 'Seek and you shall find'; 'Knock and the door shall be opened'. (Matt. 7:7)
God is ready to give and open when one is ready to receive, find and knock.
God is... as He is - v2
v3 He is PURE
v7 He is RIGHTEOUS
v8 He is LOVE (chp 4)
Because He is... His children are...
Like begets like
His children will be LIKE Him... that is something exciting to look forward to...
But to look forward to that future, preparation is required now... put off the old nature and put on the new.
As God loves, so must I... yes, slowly but surely as I overcome daily with less struggles to love as Jesus loves. It can happen when I keep focus on Christ; when I remind myself how Christ did it and what does GOD want. It can happen because I want that future as being like God when I see Him. All else on earth now is not as important as that.
That is sufficient motivation to love others. To me, that is part of my preparation.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Anointed to Keep on God's Track
1 John 1,2
Inspired thots:
God does not leave His children as orphans;
He always provide for them in every way so that every need is met to stand in the faith firmly, facing challenges victoriously if one learn to walk according to HIS ways.
It's the blood of Jesus that has cleansed me from all sin to walk with Him in the light, for God is light; hence, I can fellowship with others.
Sin is so prevalent in the world, working against God's people who must stay alert against it. The only way to overcome sin is to walk in God's way. There is no other choice. It is God's way or the world's way.
v9 Love is an important factor in a Christian life; besides loving the unlovable whom we do not know, which is really hard, loving those who differ from us is just as hard, when each holds its own opinion.
v12 If I claim to be 'a child' - then remember my sins have been forgiven by Jesus which makes me know God, the Father
If I claim to be 'a young man' - then I am strong to resist and overcome the evil one.
If I claim to be 'a father' - then I should remember tha I have known my Heavenly Father since the beginning of my faith; I have walked so long with Him - why should I turn back or away now?
Basically, there is no reason for an excuse on my actions / decisions / ill-feelings against another.
I should know better!
Thank God for His anointing to know better! v20
His HS leads and guides as I remain in HIm (John 15)
Remember - the devil is trying hard to de-track!
Inspired thots:
God does not leave His children as orphans;
He always provide for them in every way so that every need is met to stand in the faith firmly, facing challenges victoriously if one learn to walk according to HIS ways.
It's the blood of Jesus that has cleansed me from all sin to walk with Him in the light, for God is light; hence, I can fellowship with others.
Sin is so prevalent in the world, working against God's people who must stay alert against it. The only way to overcome sin is to walk in God's way. There is no other choice. It is God's way or the world's way.
v9 Love is an important factor in a Christian life; besides loving the unlovable whom we do not know, which is really hard, loving those who differ from us is just as hard, when each holds its own opinion.
v12 If I claim to be 'a child' - then remember my sins have been forgiven by Jesus which makes me know God, the Father
If I claim to be 'a young man' - then I am strong to resist and overcome the evil one.
If I claim to be 'a father' - then I should remember tha I have known my Heavenly Father since the beginning of my faith; I have walked so long with Him - why should I turn back or away now?
Basically, there is no reason for an excuse on my actions / decisions / ill-feelings against another.
I should know better!
Thank God for His anointing to know better! v20
His HS leads and guides as I remain in HIm (John 15)
Remember - the devil is trying hard to de-track!
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Love as Christ loves
2 John
Inspired thots:
Again God's word is so powerful and relevant... as it is written in Hebrews 4:12.
Its message comes appropriately in timing and content. Yes, God speaks... to me!
Such a short and simple message by so exacting!
L O V E - love for one another, especially those in the church that no division should be caused in Christ's body.
To love is to obey. To obey is to love. Walk in love. Live with love. A lifestyle.
To love means to forgive; to overlook another's offense at me.
To love means accepting the sister again despite repeated offenses towards me.
To love means being patient and forbearing with another even though our ways differ.
This is not a new commandement.
'Do not lose what you have worked for' v8 but that you will be rewarded fully.
If one is not careful, you can fall into the trap of deception and be ensnared, losing all your possessions. It takes just one seemingly harmless moment to cause the total loss.
One needs to be alert to such deception and traps. 1 Peter 5:8
Inspired thots:
Again God's word is so powerful and relevant... as it is written in Hebrews 4:12.
Its message comes appropriately in timing and content. Yes, God speaks... to me!
Such a short and simple message by so exacting!
L O V E - love for one another, especially those in the church that no division should be caused in Christ's body.
To love is to obey. To obey is to love. Walk in love. Live with love. A lifestyle.
To love means to forgive; to overlook another's offense at me.
To love means accepting the sister again despite repeated offenses towards me.
To love means being patient and forbearing with another even though our ways differ.
This is not a new commandement.
'Do not lose what you have worked for' v8 but that you will be rewarded fully.
If one is not careful, you can fall into the trap of deception and be ensnared, losing all your possessions. It takes just one seemingly harmless moment to cause the total loss.
One needs to be alert to such deception and traps. 1 Peter 5:8
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Play your Role Well
3 John
Inspired thots
Commendation vs Rebuke
When one does good ~ there is commendation by others.
When one does poorly ~ there is rebuke.
Think of consequence before action.
Ways to be commended:
1) Be faithful to the Truth
2) Continue to walk in the Truth (consistency)
3) Be faithful in works
4) Be hospitable to all
5) Exhibit your love
6) Provide for others' needs
7) Be generous in giving
8) Work together for the truth
9) Imitate the good
10) Be true
The cited case of Diotrephes is a source of concern as it hints how the church is being infiltrated with the wrong attitude which can cause divisions. One must be alert to the ill changes in the brethren and to take quick action to nip the problem in the bud before further damage is done.
Leaders need to take time to sort out such issues in the church to keep the church unstained.
Hence, rebukes are necessary.
v8 ~ Others may 'go' for the sake of the gospel; When they arrive, one must offer hospitality to give them the ease and comfort to replenish their strength and encourage them in their task.
Everyone in God's kingdom has a role to play.
Inspired thots
Commendation vs Rebuke
When one does good ~ there is commendation by others.
When one does poorly ~ there is rebuke.
Think of consequence before action.
Ways to be commended:
1) Be faithful to the Truth
2) Continue to walk in the Truth (consistency)
3) Be faithful in works
4) Be hospitable to all
5) Exhibit your love
6) Provide for others' needs
7) Be generous in giving
8) Work together for the truth
9) Imitate the good
10) Be true
The cited case of Diotrephes is a source of concern as it hints how the church is being infiltrated with the wrong attitude which can cause divisions. One must be alert to the ill changes in the brethren and to take quick action to nip the problem in the bud before further damage is done.
Leaders need to take time to sort out such issues in the church to keep the church unstained.
Hence, rebukes are necessary.
v8 ~ Others may 'go' for the sake of the gospel; When they arrive, one must offer hospitality to give them the ease and comfort to replenish their strength and encourage them in their task.
Everyone in God's kingdom has a role to play.
Monday, November 1, 2010
CONTEND and CONTINUE
Jude
Inspired thots:
I am reminded of WHY I believe, WHO I believe and WHAT I must continue on with based on WHAT I believe. It will be challenging times round the corner, if not already here. The hand of God is at work! Mount Merapi! Natural disasters occurring so frequently nowadays.
Watch the Signs.
Never impacted me that Jude was one of Jesus' brother. Though the whole earthly sibling gang was against Jesus, but I suppose by God's grace, they too saw and believed. Praise God!
Yes, loved ones are important for salvation too! Having received, freely give... Jude did that!
CONTEND for the Faith! v3 - Jude spurs me on to continue in the faith I have in Christ; not just to continue only, but to Contend for it! Fight for it, stand up for it, Continue well in it! Now is the time for OFFENSE and not DEFENSE. If I do not CONTEND, it will be harder to CONTINUE in the faith; for there will be more Opposers and Deviators who will detract one from the faith. v7 Yes, Ps has reminded us that others will claim 'it is ok to keep sinning' because one can fall back on the grace of God (Rom. 6:1)
v7-16 list the many examples recorded in the bible how those who are against God have already been marked for judgment, and serve as a reminder to me that it is established by God to judge; and so, all the more I need to CONTINUE and CONTEND for my faith!
As usual, envy and contention will lay snares across my path to detrack me and God's people, and we need to be standing strong in our faith for the Lord.
v19 - How awful to be liken to animals! ~ having natural instincts but no Spirit. John 14 tells of the way of the Spirit for our right living (John 4:24)
v20 - Jude encourages God's people to:
1) 'BUILD yourself UP in your MOST Holy faith' (1 Peter 1:16)
2) 'PRAY in the Holy Spirit' (Romans 8:26)
This is truly encouraging to ME to be reminded HOW to continue in my faith and to Contend for it; yes, I am spurred on to pray in the Spirit more these days! May the Lord grant me understanding with it.
Having stand firm, help others to do the same. v22 It's not all about me - it's about others too, whom God also loves.
Inspired thots:
I am reminded of WHY I believe, WHO I believe and WHAT I must continue on with based on WHAT I believe. It will be challenging times round the corner, if not already here. The hand of God is at work! Mount Merapi! Natural disasters occurring so frequently nowadays.
Watch the Signs.
Never impacted me that Jude was one of Jesus' brother. Though the whole earthly sibling gang was against Jesus, but I suppose by God's grace, they too saw and believed. Praise God!
Yes, loved ones are important for salvation too! Having received, freely give... Jude did that!
CONTEND for the Faith! v3 - Jude spurs me on to continue in the faith I have in Christ; not just to continue only, but to Contend for it! Fight for it, stand up for it, Continue well in it! Now is the time for OFFENSE and not DEFENSE. If I do not CONTEND, it will be harder to CONTINUE in the faith; for there will be more Opposers and Deviators who will detract one from the faith. v7 Yes, Ps has reminded us that others will claim 'it is ok to keep sinning' because one can fall back on the grace of God (Rom. 6:1)
v7-16 list the many examples recorded in the bible how those who are against God have already been marked for judgment, and serve as a reminder to me that it is established by God to judge; and so, all the more I need to CONTINUE and CONTEND for my faith!
As usual, envy and contention will lay snares across my path to detrack me and God's people, and we need to be standing strong in our faith for the Lord.
v19 - How awful to be liken to animals! ~ having natural instincts but no Spirit. John 14 tells of the way of the Spirit for our right living (John 4:24)
v20 - Jude encourages God's people to:
1) 'BUILD yourself UP in your MOST Holy faith' (1 Peter 1:16)
2) 'PRAY in the Holy Spirit' (Romans 8:26)
This is truly encouraging to ME to be reminded HOW to continue in my faith and to Contend for it; yes, I am spurred on to pray in the Spirit more these days! May the Lord grant me understanding with it.
Having stand firm, help others to do the same. v22 It's not all about me - it's about others too, whom God also loves.
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