Tuesday, May 31, 2011

A Triangular Relationship

John 14

Inspired thots

It is an important 3-way relationship. God the Heavenly Father - Jesus His Son - Me! The Holy Spirit is a gift after salvation. When I believe in Jesus, I believe in the Heavenly Father. When I please Jesus, I please the Heavenly Father. It is like the Malay proverb, "Bapa borek, anak rintik" or "Like Father, like Son".

When I know the Son, I know the Father because the Son is like the Father. As a parent, that is easy to understand. The child reflects the parent in many ways eventhough the child is his own individual with his own identity.

Relationships are important; whether in this life or in eternal life because it is WHO I am connected with determines my values, beliefs, trust, priorities and lifestyle. Yes, I know WHOM I have believed and am persuaded that He is MOST able.

Good relationships are hard to find; when you find one, work on it to keep it strong and healthy.
> Relationship with God
> Marriage - relationship with spouse
> Family - relationship with loved ones
> Best friends - relationship with those who click with you

Monday, May 30, 2011

The FULL extent of LOVE

John 13

Inspired thots

Love is not Love until it is sacrificed; Jesus proved it with His death on the cross - willingly. His show of the full extent of His love was through HUMILITY and Willing Sacrifice. It is true that the full extent of Love is never realized or appreciated until AFTER;

It is not easy to do as Jesus did. Peter tried and failed the first time; Praise God he came back on strong. Learning from Peter, rash speaking and judgement can cause problems. Be quick to HEAR (to OBEY) and slow to SPEAK & slow to ANGER (Judgement) - James 1:19

Lord, take me Step by Step in Your ways...give me the RIGHT understanding of Your word as I hear and obey, being Slow to Speak and to Anger. Let me not judge anymore according to my standards but just live my life according to Your words and ways. Amen!

Sunday, May 29, 2011

An EXEMPLARY Example

John 12

Inspired thots

Jesus may be the Son of God but He obeys His Heavenly Father so well. It would be hard to find a son or daughter who does exactly what the parent wants; unless the parent is really good. That would cause the child to WANT to obey. Hmmm... since God the Father is good (Matt 19:17) yet... I am not obedient all the time.

A lacking in relationship would be a major cause; not developing the bond to understand Him and recognizing His voice (John 10) would not compel my heart to obey Him fully. This must be learned and developed. Yes, then the things of this world will grow smaller and less important.
Belief takes more prominence than unbelief unless the heart is still with the world - seeking the favor of man.

Saturday, May 28, 2011

Dead but ALIVE!!!

John 11

Inspired thots

It is very reassuring that there is nothing to fear when I put my trust in Jesus alone! His ways and His timing are right and best! To avoid misunderstandings like the disciple did, it is best to wait on Him. He leads and guides. All things will turn out for the best.

Raise the faith! Declare the Words of Promises and Truth!

Like Lazarus, there must be a "death" to the world so that "life" in Christ is experienced.
God will use anyone who is led by Him.

Friday, May 27, 2011

To HEAR & to RECOGNIZE God's Voice

John 10

Inspired thots

Yes, Praise God for my hearing, which can be taken for granted. Many blessings tend to be taken for granted... that is, until they are lost. Just like 'Bunny'; she was a 'perfect' pet.... white, red glassy eyes, good size, doesnt make noise, eats whatever she was fed, knew her way home (without being trained), not a bother to anyone, rests quietly in the garden... yes, she was taken for granted; then she died. Now, I wished I had been more diligent with her safety. Sigh! It is too late.

Bunny was very cuddly and she was the first one we called when we reached home. She could respond to our voice and touches after being familiar with us, though her previous home was just doors away. She was amazing!

Humans do not respond so well; did God make animals more responsive instinctively? The only animal instinct in man does not augur well.. Make me like sheep Lord; recognising YOUR VOICE.

It is ONE thing to HEAR; ANOTHER to RECOGNISE.

It is also ONE thing to ASK the RIGHT Questions; and ANOTHER to ACCEPT the ANSWERS.

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Stand Up for the Truth

John 9

Inspired thots

It is not easy to stand up for the truth when the situation is threatening but I must really try. It is so intimidating and hence, so easy to succumb to fear and ill consequences.

But the story of the healed blind man should give comfort and encouragement that when a great blessing has been received. nothing else surpasses it that should hold our testimony back. That is the truth; that is the facts. Why not speak it as it is?

Even the closest relations will not be of help or will help due to fear and ill consequences. Everyone is on his own in bad situations. How true! Just like when you fall sick, no one else can take it up for you. Only you experience the pain and suffering. Yeah, in times of ill health, I can only depend on God's healing grace and wisdom to be healed.

Arrogance will not get me anywhere... it is a deception.

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

The Grace of God

John 8

Inspired thots

There are always different groups of people who respond to Jesus; those who believe easily and those who dont, querying and confronting with questions; not that more info is to be determined for belief but for accusations.

But God is ALWAYS gracious. He always gives the Best; always wants our hearts to be turned towards Him. Spiritual stuff is to be received with the Heart, not the Mind.

v43 Any language spoken or used will convey the message accurately if the Heart is ready to hear. Else, nothing will be received or accepted when the heart is blocked by the mind's strong opposition.

The Flesh and the Spirit cannot be exalted together. All things will work for good when the Flesh is subdued to the Spirit; for God is Spirit - John 4:23,24

God is very gracious by being patient with us. Lets respond before its too late!