John 2:12-24
Inspired thots:
1) A misuse of the venue is a big issue, especially when it comes to God's temple. Jesus was notably upset at the lack of disrespect man holds in regards to the 'things of God'. It was like a market environment IN THE TEMPLE COURTS (v14). It's not outside, but the inside.
Christians tend to let the 'outside' (world) creep into our 'inside' (self) instead of otherwise; anything for convenience's sake, I suppose.
For when there is misuse, there is abuse. Look at the public amenities as examples.
2) It is strange to ask for a 'miraculous sign' to prove one's authority (v18). Nobody would ask like that today. You dont ask the police for a 'miraculous sign' to prove their authority. Their uniform, badge and identity prove their authority in their country.
3) The disciples recalled and remembered... the things that Jesus mentioned and taught them. How important to be hearing and listening, learning and storing what we are taught for it will be necessary to check and confirm, and to build up our faith. (v17,22)
4) Jesus did not entrust Himself to man, although they flock to Him... more for His miracles than Himself as a Person, for WHO He is. The crowd saw Him more of some 'entertainment'.
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! :)
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Being Observant is a GOOD Virtue
John 2:1-11
Inspired thots:
The first thot to my mind is: that's how ladies are! (with regards to Jesus' mother, Mary) Always minding the trivial or insignificant! Always on the look out at any situation. Is it a blessing or a curse? A musing...
Mary just made a simple statement (v3) "they have no more wine". Did she really expect Jesus to do something about it with that statement? Perhaps so, for she continued with 'Do whatever he tells you.' (v5)
She had such great faith in Jesus; she had been watching and observing him since he was born (Luke 2:19,51 - she treasured up all that happened to Jesus and pondered over them in her heart, whether he was a babe or adolescent; amazing woman!) A mother's instincts are very sharp as blest by the Lord! She quietly observes and ponders (no wonder a woman thinks so much) and treasures all the things that happen, not only in her life but in the lives of her children, her family and even to others around her.
That was why Mary noted that the wine ran out at the wedding! She was observant.
Being observant is a good virtue today so that one does not get complacent or miss the opportunity God brings along our way.
Jesus obliged her request or instructions as an obedient son. Jesus, You are so good! You bless me with my heart's desires more than I reciprocate to bless Your heart.
2) Jesus can turn something that was 'ceremonially' unclean (v6) to something beautiful. Anything is possible with God. (Matthew 19:26)
3) When Jesus does a miracle, it raises the faith of His people (v11)
Inspired thots:
The first thot to my mind is: that's how ladies are! (with regards to Jesus' mother, Mary) Always minding the trivial or insignificant! Always on the look out at any situation. Is it a blessing or a curse? A musing...
Mary just made a simple statement (v3) "they have no more wine". Did she really expect Jesus to do something about it with that statement? Perhaps so, for she continued with 'Do whatever he tells you.' (v5)
She had such great faith in Jesus; she had been watching and observing him since he was born (Luke 2:19,51 - she treasured up all that happened to Jesus and pondered over them in her heart, whether he was a babe or adolescent; amazing woman!) A mother's instincts are very sharp as blest by the Lord! She quietly observes and ponders (no wonder a woman thinks so much) and treasures all the things that happen, not only in her life but in the lives of her children, her family and even to others around her.
That was why Mary noted that the wine ran out at the wedding! She was observant.
Being observant is a good virtue today so that one does not get complacent or miss the opportunity God brings along our way.
Jesus obliged her request or instructions as an obedient son. Jesus, You are so good! You bless me with my heart's desires more than I reciprocate to bless Your heart.
2) Jesus can turn something that was 'ceremonially' unclean (v6) to something beautiful. Anything is possible with God. (Matthew 19:26)
3) When Jesus does a miracle, it raises the faith of His people (v11)
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
No where like Jesus
John 1:29-51
Inspired thots:
1) It seems to me that John the Baptist did not really know Jesus, yet there is an expectation of Him. John may not recognise Jesus physically, but he was 'informed' (v33) to look for the sign of proving who Jesus is. He believed it and kept alert to note it.
Thus, it is important to be informed and keep alert so that I will not 'miss the boat'.
When John the Baptist does the will of God, Jesus appears! (v31)
~> when God's will is performed, things happen. I may not be aware or know for sure what it is I should be looking out for, but at the right time, I will know, as God's spirit leads.
2) Man is curious by nature. (v37) Discovery is important. It impacts life. Be wise then to the Right and Good discoveries in your life.
3) Man is quite judgmental. (v46) I thought there was nothing for me too at Lahad Datu (Nov 08) but God was there to minister to me.
Dont 'write off' God in your own wisdom or knowledge. Man does not know all.
4) Jesus is always SO kind; HE gets jeered and sneered... but He does not reciprocate.
Although Nathanael spoke badly of Jesus, Jesus spoke kindly of him. What a contrast. what a lesson!
Inspired thots:
1) It seems to me that John the Baptist did not really know Jesus, yet there is an expectation of Him. John may not recognise Jesus physically, but he was 'informed' (v33) to look for the sign of proving who Jesus is. He believed it and kept alert to note it.
Thus, it is important to be informed and keep alert so that I will not 'miss the boat'.
When John the Baptist does the will of God, Jesus appears! (v31)
~> when God's will is performed, things happen. I may not be aware or know for sure what it is I should be looking out for, but at the right time, I will know, as God's spirit leads.
2) Man is curious by nature. (v37) Discovery is important. It impacts life. Be wise then to the Right and Good discoveries in your life.
3) Man is quite judgmental. (v46) I thought there was nothing for me too at Lahad Datu (Nov 08) but God was there to minister to me.
Dont 'write off' God in your own wisdom or knowledge. Man does not know all.
4) Jesus is always SO kind; HE gets jeered and sneered... but He does not reciprocate.
Although Nathanael spoke badly of Jesus, Jesus spoke kindly of him. What a contrast. what a lesson!
Monday, September 27, 2010
Doing the RIGHT thing At the Right Place and Time
JOHN 1:1-28
Inspired thots:
I have always like the FIRST chapter of JOHN. It reads SO well... so POETIC, so romantic. I can feel the great wisdom of God from there as it prepares the setting for Jesus' entrance. I can also feel God's love that He has planned everything for my good ~ starting from Salvation.
It is worth memorising the chapter.
1) John the Baptist was truly a GREAT man of God; he knew his position very well, and played his role accurately as designed. He did not claim to be the Christ; he did not take any glory; he did not even let any be implied on himself. He truly PREPARED the WAY for the GREAT ONE ~ Jesus, the Son of God, the Savior of the World.
It puts me to shame that I am otherwise; instead of Preparing the way for my Lord, many times I have asked the Lord to 'prepare the way for ME' .... to 'go BEFORE Me'. That is the wrong type of prayer. It is not I but the Lord who is greater, that I should be PREPARING for HIM!
2) It is MORE important to be HEARD than to be SEEN. John was 'a voice' in the wilderness. He was in an undesirable place BUT he CALLED and he was HEARD.
Verbal communication is far more effective than Physical displays in that it is very direct and very immediate. The recipient receives immediately; the choice to ACCEPT depends on themselves. Physical displays or actions are slower in impact and response of recipients. It takes time for recipient to 'get it'; to understand what the action implies or underlays.
I think, for a vast audience or when immediate receipt is desired, VERBAL COMMUNICATION is the better choice... just SPEAK it out!
For those whom we are more familiar with, or have a relationship with, the Physical Display is more appropriate, for the focus is directed on one another due to familiarity.
3) Be truthful and direct when speaking, as part of your personality. It is what the Bible teaches: let your 'Yes' be yes, and your 'No, no. (Matthew 5:37)
John the Baptist really knew how to handle himself.
Inspired thots:
I have always like the FIRST chapter of JOHN. It reads SO well... so POETIC, so romantic. I can feel the great wisdom of God from there as it prepares the setting for Jesus' entrance. I can also feel God's love that He has planned everything for my good ~ starting from Salvation.
It is worth memorising the chapter.
1) John the Baptist was truly a GREAT man of God; he knew his position very well, and played his role accurately as designed. He did not claim to be the Christ; he did not take any glory; he did not even let any be implied on himself. He truly PREPARED the WAY for the GREAT ONE ~ Jesus, the Son of God, the Savior of the World.
It puts me to shame that I am otherwise; instead of Preparing the way for my Lord, many times I have asked the Lord to 'prepare the way for ME' .... to 'go BEFORE Me'. That is the wrong type of prayer. It is not I but the Lord who is greater, that I should be PREPARING for HIM!
2) It is MORE important to be HEARD than to be SEEN. John was 'a voice' in the wilderness. He was in an undesirable place BUT he CALLED and he was HEARD.
Verbal communication is far more effective than Physical displays in that it is very direct and very immediate. The recipient receives immediately; the choice to ACCEPT depends on themselves. Physical displays or actions are slower in impact and response of recipients. It takes time for recipient to 'get it'; to understand what the action implies or underlays.
I think, for a vast audience or when immediate receipt is desired, VERBAL COMMUNICATION is the better choice... just SPEAK it out!
For those whom we are more familiar with, or have a relationship with, the Physical Display is more appropriate, for the focus is directed on one another due to familiarity.
3) Be truthful and direct when speaking, as part of your personality. It is what the Bible teaches: let your 'Yes' be yes, and your 'No, no. (Matthew 5:37)
John the Baptist really knew how to handle himself.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
The Grand Finale
Matthew 28
Inspired thots:
What a great chapter to end the book of Matthew! ~ the grand finale.
Earthquakes and brightness accompanied the rising of Jesus from the tomb.
An eventful happening can fill one with awe, fear and joy at the same time, which the faithful women at the tomb experienced. Praise the Lord they could recognise Jesus and worshiped Him when He appeared to them.
But when the 11 (guys) disciples met Jesus, sadly, some doubted (v17); and Jesus had called them 'my brothers' (v10)
Meanwhile, those who plot continue to plot... (v12)
And the famous Commandment in v28-30! A great ending! Hallelujah!
Inspired thots:
What a great chapter to end the book of Matthew! ~ the grand finale.
Earthquakes and brightness accompanied the rising of Jesus from the tomb.
An eventful happening can fill one with awe, fear and joy at the same time, which the faithful women at the tomb experienced. Praise the Lord they could recognise Jesus and worshiped Him when He appeared to them.
But when the 11 (guys) disciples met Jesus, sadly, some doubted (v17); and Jesus had called them 'my brothers' (v10)
Meanwhile, those who plot continue to plot... (v12)
And the famous Commandment in v28-30! A great ending! Hallelujah!
Saturday, September 25, 2010
God did It ALL for MAN (Me)
Matthew 27:45-66
Inspired thots:
Eloi, ELoi, lama sabachthani?
Jesus was forsaken by God because He was carrying the sin of Man. So sad!
But Praise God, He doesnt forsake Man; He doesnt forsake Me! It is promised in the Word of God.
~ Once in the OT (Deut. 31:6) and again in the NT (Hebrews 13:5)
~ In the OT: cause - entering the Promised Land
The Promise is all-encompassing ~> fertile peaceful land, protection from the enemy, victory over the enemy, presence of God for fellowship, God's leading (He goes ahead first)
He wants His people to enter into Salvation.
Take heart that God is there for those whom He loves.
~ In the NT: cause - daily living
The Promise is all-encompassing again to live our lives each day ~> relationships, contentment, focused on heavenly things and issues than worldly ($)
After Salvation, living a life worthy of what Jesus did on the cross.
God is a God who is Relevant; He knows every need. He provides and He advises. He reminds. He loves.
God loves His people SO much that He has to forsake His Son just for Man. AMAZING LOVE!
Inspired thots:
Eloi, ELoi, lama sabachthani?
Jesus was forsaken by God because He was carrying the sin of Man. So sad!
But Praise God, He doesnt forsake Man; He doesnt forsake Me! It is promised in the Word of God.
~ Once in the OT (Deut. 31:6) and again in the NT (Hebrews 13:5)
~ In the OT: cause - entering the Promised Land
The Promise is all-encompassing ~> fertile peaceful land, protection from the enemy, victory over the enemy, presence of God for fellowship, God's leading (He goes ahead first)
He wants His people to enter into Salvation.
Take heart that God is there for those whom He loves.
~ In the NT: cause - daily living
The Promise is all-encompassing again to live our lives each day ~> relationships, contentment, focused on heavenly things and issues than worldly ($)
After Salvation, living a life worthy of what Jesus did on the cross.
God is a God who is Relevant; He knows every need. He provides and He advises. He reminds. He loves.
God loves His people SO much that He has to forsake His Son just for Man. AMAZING LOVE!
Friday, September 24, 2010
So Truly Human
Matthew 27:32-44
Inspired thots:
1) Jesus showed the physical side of humanity;
He was beaten and scourged - he felt the pain.
He was tired and weak - he couldn't carry the cross; he had no strength.
He was thirsty and tasted bitter wine (v34) - he couldn't quench his thirst.
Truly, He was as I am - He understands me.
2) Words. False accusations can bring adverse consequences.
Jesus was wrongly accused and paid dearly for it - with His LIFE!
One would think nothing of that simple 8 words on the piece of plank "This is Jesus, the King of the Jews" - more a statement but was taken negatively.
I must be careful with my words; let no form of accusation be formed with them. As the saying goes,"Words - once out, cannot be retracted"
3) Do not add salt to the injury; more jeering and cynism hurled at someone who is already hurting. Such unkindness. Such a bad show of humanity, really. That's where sin has man under its rule.
In a way, the further insults are directed at God too! "... let God rescue him now if he wants him,..." (v34)
a) Disbelief in God
b) Calling God a liar - not believing Jesus is the Son of God
c) Mocking God
4) "He's the King of Israel" - The chief priests declared the truth, but they did not receive it. (v42) Yet, the truth should have set them free (John 8:32)
5) v42 "He saved others...but he can't save himself!" - such is Jesus' nature; such is the greatness of Jesus' love. He will save others; He will think of others before self.
Inspired thots:
1) Jesus showed the physical side of humanity;
He was beaten and scourged - he felt the pain.
He was tired and weak - he couldn't carry the cross; he had no strength.
He was thirsty and tasted bitter wine (v34) - he couldn't quench his thirst.
Truly, He was as I am - He understands me.
2) Words. False accusations can bring adverse consequences.
Jesus was wrongly accused and paid dearly for it - with His LIFE!
One would think nothing of that simple 8 words on the piece of plank "This is Jesus, the King of the Jews" - more a statement but was taken negatively.
I must be careful with my words; let no form of accusation be formed with them. As the saying goes,"Words - once out, cannot be retracted"
3) Do not add salt to the injury; more jeering and cynism hurled at someone who is already hurting. Such unkindness. Such a bad show of humanity, really. That's where sin has man under its rule.
In a way, the further insults are directed at God too! "... let God rescue him now if he wants him,..." (v34)
a) Disbelief in God
b) Calling God a liar - not believing Jesus is the Son of God
c) Mocking God
4) "He's the King of Israel" - The chief priests declared the truth, but they did not receive it. (v42) Yet, the truth should have set them free (John 8:32)
5) v42 "He saved others...but he can't save himself!" - such is Jesus' nature; such is the greatness of Jesus' love. He will save others; He will think of others before self.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)