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!

Monday, May 23, 2011

The RIGHT time ... is God's time

John 7

Inspired thots

God's TIME is the RIGHT time... the Best time for my life in Everything. I must not be presumptuous to think MY DECISION is RIGHT unless the Lord confirms it. Hence, I need to learn to Wait on the Lord for HIS Right time.

That is the MOST Reassuring decision... He is in control; He is to be GIVEN Right of Control so that I am blest. His TIME is the RIGHT time. My logic is not accurate for my wisdom is limited.

I need to learn to speak and do according to the RIGHT Time seeking God's honour, and not mine.
RIGHT Judgements too are important which refer to the Heart condition and not just the Physical condition.
Preconceived notions may block my right decisions; truly, the constant reminder to empty the self for the heavenly infilling. Only God's wisdom applies.
It is truly sad that one can be clouded by one's own wisdom to miss the glory of God.

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Seriously Searching for God

John 6

Inspired thots

Great crowds of people followed Jesus when they saw the miracles He performed: feeding thousands of people and healing the sick. But Jesus wanted true believers and not just followers for physical satisfaction.

People tend to believe what is outrageous or that which is beyond their physical capability - like miracles that satisfy the physical and temporal. They cannot accept miracles pertaining to the soul and heart. They could not accept Jesus as the Bread of Life, the Messiah who died on the cross for their sins: hard teachings or His miraculous birth - the fact that they 'know' Him, background and family. Man is focused on the physical and the temporal. Jesus referred to the spirit.

Jesus died so that the world may have life (v51)

Friday, May 20, 2011

A Personal Encounter

John 4

Inspired thots

Jesus went around touching lives and giving individuals a personal encounter with Him so that they may Believe and have Eternal life.

He purposely went through Samaria to meet with the Samaritan woman, and from her testimony, others are stirred to discover and encounter Christ for themselves. People reaching people is the first SPARK we can do to light up their desire or passion to know Christ. Then each will encounter Christ to know Him fully.

It is quite easy to evangelize from this angle. The Spirit convicts the heart but man prefers to refer with his eyes. Miracles are expected; nevertheless, by God's grace and mercy, the heart will change with a personal encounter.

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Choosing Between LIGHT and Darkness

John 3

Inspired thots

It is so obvious that Darkness is very much a part of my life but I have the option of LIGHT. It is right here and now for me to CHOOSE LIGHT over Darkness.

Jesus taught Nicodemus to Choose LIGHT in order to Understand the things of God.
I must NOT love Darkness; hence, I must not engage in evil deeds. And John the Baptist showed the way...
FOCUS on Jesus.

John the Baptist did not claim to be great or sought to be more renowned than Jesus. He knew his position. He understood the times. He was glad to be a partaker of the great plan of God. He was satisfied to be there and then in his designated role. His focus was rightly on Jesus - the greater / greatest focus!

Coming into the Light exposes the Darkness and cause it to flee. That is the only way to get rid of Darkness - expose it by going to the Light - Jesus.

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

How Great Thou Art

John 2

Inspired thots

Jesus was so gentle with Mary, His earthly mother. Although it was not yet His time to be made known, He did what pleased her heart. Now, it is MY turn to do similarly... to PLEASE Jesus' heart with love and gentleness.

It is a SIMPLE task for Jesus to Bless ... It is Great faith in Him to believe that He can.

I feel that miracles should be viewed and taken as Blessings to deepen my faith in Christ; rather than see it as 'miracles' to prove His greatness. Otherwise, the search for miracles goes on and on, instead of deepening the faith and love for Him.

Jesus is Passionate about Who He is, Where He was from and What is He to do. What He says and does may not strike immediately; understanding comes later... Revelation! That is the Greatness of God!

Monday, May 16, 2011

Blessing Upon Blessing

John 1

Inspired thots

How can one NOT consider Jesus as Lord and Savior?
verse 16 says that "from thse FULLNESS of His Grace, we have ALL received One Blessing After Another.

And it is SO True as I reflect upon MY Own life; how great is my God and Savior - Jesus! Praise Him! He only wants to give the BEST! and it is because of His grace. Such a wonderful attitude which is So different from humans.

Each one has a ROLE to play; John was 'the voice in the wilderness'. Perhaps it is not easy to identify exactly how Jesus is - just as many who searched but did not find. It is truly God's grace and our heart to seek and find God.

And the good news should be shared, not hidden for ourselves. Andrew shared the blessing with his brother Peter and many came to know the Lord. Philip shared the good news blessing with Nathanael whose faith is established with Jesus.

My mind will not be able to fathom all the blessings that Jesus wants to give me... but Lord, I want to be ready to receive it all. Halleluyah!

Sunday, May 15, 2011

A Good and Meaningful Life

Acts 28

Inspired thots

Life is never monotonous; if, like Paul, I walk in the will of God obediently, there is always joy, passion, blessings and full satisfaction with safety and honour.

People will be attracted to me without any effort on my part as I focus on serving God and people for His glory.

Just coming back from another "mission" trip, it is easy to understand how Paul felt as he went preaching from place to place. Worldly possessions and materialism are of no eternal value; the Lord provides as when there is a need. Praise His name! It is wonderful to see how He works in people's lives.

Things happen according to His plan with protection and blessing. But it is indeed physically exhausting although spiritually and emotionally fulfilling.

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Favor with God leads to favor with man

Acts 27

Inspired thots

Christians are a blessings to others; this is to win them to Christ. I have personally witnessed this. When we move to a deserted store, many others also flock there shortly. It is a good attribute but it is a God-given one; not of our own.

When we allow God to be in control of our lives, He takes care of everything for us. Although it may seem to be a tedious wait, as in Paul's long journey, all things work for good to those who love Him
(Rom 8:28).

Hence, no matter what the situation we are in, we are to stay close to God so that He can speak to us. That is the best way to live our life.

Friday, May 6, 2011

Deception of the Leaven

Acts 25

Inspired thots

Felix, the governor did it; Festus, his successor, did the same...King Agrippa and Bernice also did not exercise their authority because of it...
What is it that they have in common?
~ Enjoying the favor of man, instead of man. Each has the power / authority to set Paul free from the clutches of the Jews, but each was more concerned about PLEASING the Jews than God.
Felix passed the buck; Festus consulted King Agrippa who did not exercise his authority. They all acted in fear of angering the Jews who were determined to cause harm to Paul.

Isaiah 55:8,9 comes to mind. Man's ways are CERTAINLY NOT God's ways. Neither are the thoughts.

Although each knew that it was the wrong action, they washed their hands off innocent blood whenever they could.
That is the way of man when he does not know God nor have the fear of God. The Jews were jealously guarding their own turf of traditions. Perhaps they were convicted of the error of their ways, since they were so passionate about getting rid of Paul. They covered their ears to shut off the truth in order to guard their self-made lies.

Hence Romans 1:18- comes to mind. When stubbornness overtakes us, our thinking will be futile and our hearts foolish.

God, have mercy!

Thursday, May 5, 2011

The WORD of God Convicts

Acts 24

Inspired Thots

Paul preached the Good NEWS wherever he was, regardless of man's accusations against him. He was ready to confess his faith, admitting his worship of the true and living God.

Felix, on the other hand, was more interested to hear the Good WORDS of man about himself; he was even waiting for good stuff to be given to him by man, and he does favors to man in order to enjoy favors from them.

Though Felix was 'well acquainted' with the Way, he did not embrace it. A learned man but lacking in heart for the truth; overwhelmed by the temporal, rather than guided by the eternal.

But the WORD of God is powerful, sharper than any double-edged sword, penetrates through soul and spirit, joints and marrow.  (Heb 4:12)
When Paul shared with Felix on topics of Righteousness, Self-control and Judgement to come, Felix was afraid... he was convicted. He knew how he has exercised his own righteousness and self-control while in power and position. Now, he has heard how he shall be judged. He was afraid. Would he change? He left Paul in prison to favor the Jews although he was in position to decide on Paul's case.

He saw the physical and the temporal, and embraced that rather than the spiritual and eternal.

Everyone who is created by God shall know the Truth when he hears it!

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

An Assuring Lord is in Control

Acts 23

Inspired thots

Although it may seem scary to have things happening to one that may be quite out of my own control, but it is VERY Assuring that God is OVERALL in EVERYTHING!

It does not matter what people may plan and plot against you as long as you trust God and He will protect and guide. He assures. He works for good to those who love Him (Rom 8:28).

These are the times when one must walk in faith, and leave the rest to God. As human, it is impossible to fathom what lies ahead; only God knows and is in charge. It is best to leave it to Him. It is quite difficult to explain how to trust Him completely but when I do, there is the peace that transcends all understanding. (Phil 4:7)

Just do what God wants of me!

Monday, May 2, 2011

The Purpose of God is Complete

Acts 22

Inspired thots

It is indeed a privilege to be CHOSEN by God for Salvation. Not every one is privileged to KNOW His will, to SEE the Righteous One and to HEAR His words from His mouth. Paul is so privileged; no wonder his faith is so strong.

Some may Know His will; some may See Him; some can Hear from Him but not many can have it all. God has a special purpose for those who will know, see and hear from Him personally.

As the purpose of God is Complete, there will be Fulfilment for the Soul and Spirit. God enables! God leads! God protects! It is GOOD to be walking and living in God's will.

Make an effort!