tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15845927883805296232024-02-20T16:16:31.077-06:00DAYouth Lent DevotionalsPearlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00466774449940425178noreply@blogger.comBlogger40125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1584592788380529623.post-33794241433915296862015-04-01T06:00:00.000-05:002015-04-01T06:00:06.438-05:00Day 46: The Rugged Cross and Empty Tomb<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Read <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+19-21&version=ESV" target="_blank">John 19-21</a></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /> For today's devotional we focus on John chapters 19-21; the crucifixion, death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Today I want to dig deeper into the story to find the true meaning of the cross and empty tombstone and really understand what we should take away from it all.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /> Many years ago years ago, crucifixion was the worst possible punishment anyone could receive. It was seen as something so ugly, atrocious, dreadful; it was seen with so much disgust back then. Also the empty tomb, the tomb where you expect should’ve been the final resting place, symbolizes the sadness, loss of hope and grieving that it brought upon everyone. People connected the cross and tomb to a state of devastation and the end. But now look - today, the cross is seen in every church around the world and the empty tomb is talked about every Easter... but do we really know what they mean?<br /> <br /> The cross means that we can look at the past and be thankful; the empty tomb means that we can look to the future and be hopeful. The cross was something that brought disgust, but today it is a symbol that brings us joy and fills us with gratitude. The cross symbolizes victory and the empty tomb is the victory of righteousness. On the cross Jesus said, “It is finished,” and the empty tomb says, “I am alive forevermore.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /> The story of Jesus Christ’s resurrection opens our eyes to see a new perspective like Roy Lessin wrote, "We must look up, look forward and look ahead."</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When we look up we see Jesus seated at the right hand of God</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When we look forward we see Him guiding our steps daily</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When we look ahead we see Him coming again for His bride</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> His resurrection calms our fears just as he calmed Mary Magdalene as she cried near the tomb. It confirms His word, “it is finished,” that we have no more burdens, no more baggage to carry with us through our lives. That we have been set free! Finally it uplifts our faith just like when he appears to his disciples and says "Peace be with you," and when He showed them his hands they become overjoyed to know their Father Almighty is living. We are able to believe there is a one true living God, not based on sight but based on our faith.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /> So this Easter let us take just a few minutes not just to hear the Easter story one more time but to really understand what we can take from it. What the cross and empty grave symbolizes. Above all realize how blessed we are to be able to serve and to be called children of a Lord who is alive, who is above all things and a Lord who showers us with everlasting love. <br /><br />Let us pray that the old rugged cross and empty tomb will help us to look up, look forward and look ahead.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>- Sydni Philip</i></span></div>
Benny2168http://www.blogger.com/profile/05399605986189747181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1584592788380529623.post-40830598787868833952015-03-31T06:00:00.000-05:002015-03-31T06:00:09.506-05:00Day 45: Profound Mysteries<div>
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Read <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+16-18&version=ESV" target="_blank">John 16-18</a></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As we are approaching the final days of lent, and as Good
Friday is quickly approaching, let us dig in and try to gain a deeper
understanding of the radical love that the Father has for us. Often times we
read the Passion story and it has no effect on us; we become numb to what
happened almost 2000 years ago. The
story of the death and resurrection of Jesus has no impact on our lives. I pray
that as we enter into this final stretch of lent, that God renew our hearts and
minds and allow us to feel the love that was displayed on that cross. If you
are reading this, please take a moment to pray that God never lets the story of
His love become a trivial fact in our lives, but rather embolden us to action
and to remain in awe of His crazy love.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As we read John 16-18, things seem to get a bit confusing,
especially John 17 for me. But there are three profound mysteries that are
contained within these chapters that will help us understand the love of Jesus
even further. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1) The first mystery can be found in John 16:33, as Jesus
states, </span></b></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the
world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”</span></i></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Did you catch that? What looks like a beautiful statement
seems to have a contradiction. How can Jesus say that in Him we have peace, but
then RIGHT after that state that we will have tribulation? Jesus seems to
indicate that in the midst of tribulation we have a peace, as Paul states in
Philippians 4:7 that “surpasses all understanding” and “will guard [our] hearts
and [our] minds in Christ Jesus." The only caveat for this verse is that, in
order for us to have this peace, our Father had to send down His only Son, to
be tortured and brutally executed and lose His peace on the cross. The Son of
Man had to be broken into pieces in order for us to obtain true peace in this
world. This is the same Son who had all the riches and glories in Heaven. The
same Son who was being worshipped in heaven by the angels and lacked nothing.
As all of John 17 states, Jesus and the Father were one, and He gave up the
comfort of all his glory to come down in order to give us eternal life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>2) What exactly is this eternal life?</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As John 17:3 states, “And this is eternal life, that they
know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The second mystery is revealed in this! Often we believe
that eternal life begins when our lives on this earth ends. But Jesus seems to
indicate something particular here, that eternal life begins when we enter into
a relationship with Him. How could this be? Until we accept Jesus into our
lives, we are spiritually dead. We are basically, as a retreat speaker Brad
Cauley put it, walking zombies on this earth. But just as God spoke words and
gave the world life, it is the Word (who became flesh) that gives us life. Even
though God knows all of our sins of our past and all the sins that we will
engage in the future, He offers us a chance to actually experience life for the
first time. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3) Though Jesus knows our sins, He still loves us
unconditionally. This leads us to the third and final mystery that is contained
in John 18.</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I always wondered one thing, how could Jesus love Judas,
especially when He knew that Judas was going to betray Him? One of the 12
disciples, one of His best friends is going to betray Him, yet Jesus allowed
Him Judas to be so close to Him, even though He knew that Judas was going to
lead Him to death. I often think about if I had a close friend, and if I knew
that they were going to shoot me. How would I react? I know that I would avoid
them because I knew my life would be in danger. But Jesus knew that in order
for the Scriptures to be fulfilled, He had to endure that pain; the pain of His
own disciple betraying Him. Often times, I also ask how Judas could betray
Jesus for just a couple of silver coins. How could anyone betray the Son of Man
so quickly? Then one day I heard something that really convicted me. The radio
said something along the lines of, “I am sorry Lord. Judas chose 30 pieces of
silver over you, while traded you in for far less.” I was instantly convicted
of all the times I chose to indulge in my sin rather than choosing Jesus. How
could God love me if I am much worse than Judas? And it is in that moment, I
stood in awe of the love of our God. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My brothers and sisters, the journey of our faith is not an
easy one. But when I look on the cross and see what the Son of God had to
endure, it makes our burden so much lighter. Let us continue to press forward
and remain in awe of the One who is awesome. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Jijo Jacob</span></i></div>
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Benny2168http://www.blogger.com/profile/05399605986189747181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1584592788380529623.post-2519872510060100962015-03-30T06:00:00.000-05:002015-03-30T06:00:01.830-05:00Day 44: You Were There<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Read <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+13-15&version=ESV" target="_blank">John 13-15</a></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/qg08x9mTg2g/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/qg08x9mTg2g?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hi everyone. It's surprising how we're already at the end of March... time sure does fly by. Today's bible passage is taken from the Gospel according to John ch. 13-15. I highly recommend you read each of these chapters and really soak them in. Here's just a rundown over what each chapter is about:</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chapter 13 talks about how Jesus is washing His disciples' feet, how Jesus predicts His betrayal, and also how Jesus predicts Peter's denial (awkward!). </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chapter 14 is something I want to dive in with y'all, so... we'll get into it towards the end of the video. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chapter 15 talks about how Christ is the vine and we are His branches, how the world hates the disciples, and also the work of the Holy Spirit. </span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Like I said, please take the time to read each of these chapters thoroughly because they will only strengthen you, increase your awareness of the Gospel, and it proclaims who Christ is if you have any doubts. Anyways, let's dive into chapter 14.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The three short topics I will be covering: </span><br />
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How Jesus comforts His disciples</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jesus is the way to the Father, and </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How Jesus promises the Holy Spirit</span></li>
</ol>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>1. The first topic is how Christ gives an assurance to His disciples. </b> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jesus tells them that the Father's house, which is the Kingdom of Heaven, has space for anyone and everyone. He also tells them wherever He goes, He will have a spot saved for them. He reminds them not to lose heart, and not to let their hearts be troubled, and basically have a strong faith in Him. Its a reminder for us to not lose faith. Christ is telling us this world is temporary, and when we get to the Kingdom of Heaven there will be a spot for each and every one of us - all we have to do is have faith.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>2. The next topic I want to focus in on is how Christ is the only way to the Father. </b> </span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jesus answered, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the father except through me." -John 14:6</span></i></blockquote>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am the way. I am, and none besides me, the way. Chris is telling us that he and he alone is the only way to approach the Father. Paul says,</span></li>
</ul>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>For there is only one God and one Mediator, also between God and Man, the man Christ Jesus who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper time. 1 Timothy 2:5-6</i> </span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To reach internal happiness, Christ is the key to opening the floodgates of Heaven. We must have a strong faith that Christ will lead us to the Father one day. </span></blockquote>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The truth and the life. Jesus is the truth... not some of the truth, the entire truth. He's God's definitive and perfect Word expressing who God is, what He's like, who we are, and what we need to do to be saved from misery and futility. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jesus is the life. We are blessed with a book to follow in every way, from learning how to lead a family to how many times we have to forgive others. Not only did God give us the bible, but also the power to live them out and become new people by setting an example. </span></li>
</ul>
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3. The last topic is Christ promising the Holy Spirit. </span></b><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you love me, obey my commandments, and I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit who leads into all truth. -John 14:15-16</span></i></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Christ was about to leave His disciples physically, but He was to remain with the spiritually, or "Holy Spiritually". Continuing on in this chapter, in v. 23 He basically says if we have complete faith in Him he will end with eternal happiness. That's just the solid truth! All He has been saying is not his own, but the will of God. Christ left us with a gift, which is the Holy Spirit. Nothing can compare to what the Holy Spirit is. I just want to read this portion to you:</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. Remember what I said: I am going away, but I will come back to you again. If you really loved me, you would be happy that I am going to the Father, who is greater than I am. I have told you these things before they happen so that when they do happen, you will believe. -John 14:27-29</span></i></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Christ is coming back - get ready everybody, it's only a matter of time. Increase your faith, spread your good news to the world, and love others. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I wrote a song that I would like to share with you all. It is about how there are times your world falls apart in front of you, and it gets to the point where you get tired and worn out about what's going on, and actually to the point where you start losing faith. Because that's what happened to me personally. But Christ reminds us that He is the only way, He is the only truth, and He is the life. Have faith everyone, He is always there.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I want to thank my good friend Tiara Thomas and my brother Asish Mathew for helping me out with this song. God bless everyone!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You Were There</span></b><br />
<blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Faith is such a strong word </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>But at times we forget how much it's worth </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>So we feel like were lost and forgotten, and we forget</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i>
<i>You were there, through the thick and thin</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>You were there, where it all be begin</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>You were there when I was broken and bruised</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>I was lost, but now am found </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>I was weak, but You carried it all </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>I was in the need of Your faithfulness</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>You were there</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i>
<i>One by one it falls apart</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>To the point we become so tired and worn out</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>But I know there's a light at the end of this dark tunnel, because </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i>
<i>You were there, through the thick and thin</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>You were there, where it all be begin</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>You were there when I was broken and bruised</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>I was lost, but now am found</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>I was weak, but You carried it all</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>I was in the need of Your faithfulness</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>You were there</i></span><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>I am, the way, the truth, and life</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>I am, the way, the truth, and life</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Father You are, the way, the truth, and life </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i>
<i>You were there, through the thick and thin</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>You were there, where it all be begin</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>You were there when I was broken and bruised</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>I was lost, but now am found</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>I was weak, but You carried it all</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>I was in the need of Your faithfulness</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i>
<i>You were there, through the thick and thin</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>You were there, where it all be begin</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>You were there when I was broken and bruised</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>I was lost, but now am found</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>I was weak, but You carried it all</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>I was in the need of Your faithfulness</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>You were...</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>You were...</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>You were there</i></span></blockquote>
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">-Christo Kurien</span></i>Benny2168http://www.blogger.com/profile/05399605986189747181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1584592788380529623.post-64998577980880080342015-03-29T09:22:00.001-05:002015-03-30T00:38:00.916-05:00Day 43: Light to the Darkness<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Read <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+11-12&version=ESV">John 11-12</a></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Quick Recap: In chapter 11 there a lot of things that
happen. We see the death of Lazarus and Jesus’ miraculous healing, and then the
Pharisees and priests plot to kill Jesus. In chapter 12, Jesus is anointed at
Bethany and later predicts His death.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The main verse I want to focus on today is John 12:24.</span></div>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>“I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the
ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces
many seeds.” -John 12:24</i></span></blockquote>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jesus said this when he predicted his death. He is telling
us that we must die in order to live. We must be willing to surrender our life
for Christ. Dying in Christ means letting go of our old, sinful ways and
replacing that with the love of Christ. In order to produce many seeds, we must
first make time and space for Christ and glorify his name! This Lenten season
is the perfect time for this. We give up food, music, social media, TV<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a>, etc. but what do we do in place of that? That time you
spend “giving up” those worldly pleasures must be spent furthering your
relationship with Christ.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How can we do this?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The theme of light resonates between these two chapters.
Whenever Jesus was about to go back to heal Lazarus, the disciples questioned
and reminded Him, “<i>a short while ago the Jews tried to stone you, and yet you
are going back there?” (John 11:8)</i>. Jesus responded, <i>“…A man who walks by day
will not stumble, for he sees by this world’s light. It is when he walks by
night that he stumbles, for he has no light.” (John 11:9). </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jesus shows no fear because He fully relies on God. When we
“walk by day” we will not “stumble.” This means that by remembering God and
walking a life pleasing to the Lord, we will not stray away. ‘Stumble’ means
falling back or getting lost in our relationship with God. If we “walk by
night” then we will stumble for we lack the light. Walking by night means to
walk in a way that is selfishly motivated and unpleasing to the Lord. So how do
we find this light? Right before Jesus left, he says to His disciples, “…<i>Walk
while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you…Put your trust in the
light while you have it, so that you may become sons of light.</i>” Jesus clarifies
that He is the light. We need to put our trust in Him and use Him when we walk
so that we do not stumble. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">By trusting in Jesus and using him as our light, we are able
to walk by faith and ultimately better our relationship with Him. This faith
and trust will guide us on the path to produce many seeds.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>"Great Are You Lord"</b><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>You give life, You are love<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>You bring light to the darkness<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>You give hope, You restore<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Every heart that is broken<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Great are You, Lord<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>It's Your breath in our lungs<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>So we pour out our praise<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>We pour out our praise<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>It's Your breath in our lungs<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>So we pour out our praise<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>To You only</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>All the earth will shout<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Your praise<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Our hearts will cry<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>These bones will sing<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Great are You, Lord</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>It's Your breath in our lungs<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>So we pour out our praise<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>We pour out our praise<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>It's Your breath in our lungs<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>So we pour out our praise<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>To You only</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>- Lydia Philip</i></span></div>
Pearlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00466774449940425178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1584592788380529623.post-83208530128052488252015-03-27T06:00:00.000-05:002015-03-27T13:40:20.910-05:00Day 41: Seeing is Believing<div dir="ltr" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Read </span><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+9-10&version=ESV"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">John 9-10</span></a></strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">John Chapter 9 is not an extremely long chapter but what it lacks in length it more than makes up for with its impact. </span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. And his disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” -John 9:1-2</span></i></blockquote>
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<div dir="ltr" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The disciples were curious as to why this man was punished with blindness. They considered him as a puzzle that needed to be solved. As humans we often try to find a reason for everything. We believe that there must be a reason as to why something happens that goes beyond coincidence.</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him. We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work. -John 9:3-4</span></i></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jesus simply states that the man was born blind so “God’s might” can been shown off. This is the part of the chapter I believe each one of us can actually learn from. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Why do bad things happen to good people?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Why did I fail this test? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Why did you take this person away from me? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These are all questions that we attempt to find an answer for. The question we should be asking on the other hand is: How can your power be displayed through this suffering?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This chapter really impacted me because it helped answer one of the questions that I had no answer to. As many of you know in 2010 I had a stroke. By looking at me you would never be able to tell. I have not had set backs or physical disabilities since I had my stroke. I sometimes wonder why it happened. After reading this chapter I realized that it does not matter why I had a stoke, yet what is more important is that that God’s might can be displayed in me.</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Stan Philip</span></i></div>
Pearlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00466774449940425178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1584592788380529623.post-47455597371475676812015-03-26T06:00:00.000-05:002015-03-26T06:00:05.585-05:00Day 40: I AM<div>
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Read John 7-8</span></b></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;">"But you have not known him. I know him. If I were to say that I do not know him, I would be a liar like you, but I do know him and I keep his word. Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day. He saw it and was glad.” </span>So the Jews said to him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?” Jesus said to them, <span style="color: red;">“Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.”</span> So they picked up stones to throw at him, but Jesus hid himself and went out of the temple. -John 8:55-59</span></i></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Do you know God?</b> Do you know his character, his virtues? Do you know his joys and his grief? His will and his might? The entire human existence is an endeavor to know God. Whether it is in silent idols, irreverent nature, unlasting others, or condemning self, we seek satisfaction, security, and validation in something. <b>Do you know God?</b><br /><br />How can we know God? How do we come to know anyone? We can study their behavior or research their history, but the most certain way you can know someone is by their WORD. What they proclaim themselves to be! We communicate ourselves through our words: our loves and hates, our joys and sorrows, our fears and strengths. The Israelites knew God because they knew his word. God declared who he was though his word, and the Israelites were the keepers of those words (Romans 3:1-2). They studied them, they worshipped with them. They knew, memorized, prayed and sang them. The Israelites knew God. But somewhere along the way God’s word -and in effect his character- was twisted and perverted into a false image of God, that ended up looking like them.<br /><br />This is where most of us find ourselves today. We have been raised within the walls of the church and know OF him, like we know of celebrities or historical figures. But we have neglected to know him more intimately, settling for our distance. Isn’t that devastatingly foolish? That we have neglected the God of the universe? We consciously deprive ourselves of the thing we need most- yes, the very thing we were made for: God! "Wretched man that I am! Who will save me from this body of death?” (Romans 7:24)<br /><br />Enter: Jesus the Christ, the God-man, the perfect, spotless lamb of God. In verse 55 Jesus makes a radical claim and says that he “knows God and keeps his word.” How was this possible? Earlier in this gospel John delivers a beautiful introduction into his book by saying “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” He goes on to reveal that Jesus is the living word of God! This is the gospel! Why is this such Good News? Because no longer is God’s character limited to laws carved upon stone tablets, or words written on parchment, but He is embodied in the person of Jesus Christ. If God reveals himself through his word, and Jesus Christ is the word of God, then Jesus Christ is the perfect reflection -in flesh- of God and his fullness. Since the beginning of creation Satan has been trying to pervert the word of God (Genesis 3:1). Indeed the first question he asks Eve is, “Did God really say…?” But where Satan perverts, Jesus restores. His life could not be perverted or twisted. He was perfect and righteous. <b>How do you know God? Come to know Jesus. </b><br /><br />Do you know Jesus? The disciples knew him and they followed him. The Jews knew him and they crucified him. One day all of creation will know him and they will worship him. This is why they picked up stones to throw at Jesus: Because he claimed to be YAWEH (I AM), the rightful name of God. But while the Jews took offense to it, we take refuge in it. Jesus is calling to you right now. What’s remarkable is that when we are without pursuit, Jesus is relentless. He is always chasing you - GOD is chasing you. He is jealous for you, and he wants you to know him and be fully known by him. <br /><br />Jesus is Lord, and he has made the Father known, Amen.</span><br /><div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>- Arun Abraham</i></span></div>
Benny2168http://www.blogger.com/profile/05399605986189747181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1584592788380529623.post-76985385349663662802015-03-25T06:00:00.001-05:002015-03-25T06:00:06.845-05:00Day 39: The Bread of Life<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Read <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+6&version=ESV">John 6</a></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">John Chapter 6 is divided into four sections. First there's a feeding of the 5000 by Jesus, second is the miracle where Jesus walks on water, third is the acclamation when Jesus says he is the bread of life, and four is when the disciples and Jesus have a discussion.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(v.1-15)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The feeding of the 5000 is one of the most important miracles in the Bible because it is such an incredible miracle. Through supernatural powers Jesus changed five loaves of bread and two pieces of fish into where it fed 5000 and had 12 baskets left over. A symbol is placed in this chapter that starts from the beginning and goes into the end of the chapter, and that symbol is bread; we will see this quite often in this chapter. The chapter mentions that a great multitude of people follow Jesus because of the miracles that he has done, so it is clear that Jesus is in his prime of his ministry. One thing that we must know about this crowd is that they are filled with all kinds of people; there are the poor people, the rich people, and the middle-class. At one point Jesus just looks among the crowd, then looks to Philip and says, "Where can we buy bread for these people to eat?" Philip, being a statistical man, says it would take more than half a year's wage just to buy enough bread for each one to have a bite. Let's talk about Philip - he was a practical guy, always thinking about the bottom line. In the Bible we see that all disciples have a job, and Phillip's job was to be in charge of supplies - he was a trustee. One similarity that we see with Philip is he is doubtful like Thomas. Jesus knows the answer for the food; he did not need to ask Philip the question, "Where we will we get food?" He does this to test Philip, and Philip fails the test. Philip gets a second chance:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.” Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?" -John 14:8-9</i></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And yet again Philip fails. As humans we are always seeking for facts. We must step outside the box and ask the </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">spiritual questions. The most important part about this first section is that after Jesus does the miracle, the people among the crowd said, "Surely this is the prophet who is coming to the world." That part is so important because that is the recognition and acknowledgment that God is King. Through the supernatural powers, people of the crowd finally realize that Jesus is Messiah. Unfortunately, we are not able to see Jesus do his amazing works but every day is a miracle because we are living and we sin but yet we are forgiven. We don't need to see the miracles of Jesus - him giving his life for us was enough. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(v.16-24)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The 2nd part of John 6 is "Jesus Walks on the Water". The version that is inscribed in the gospel of John is not as detailed as we see in the other gospels. Also notice the omission of Peter walking on water. Later in the section we see Jesus disappears. This is an important factor for the next section!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(v.25-59)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The 3rd section is very critical. It answers many questions that were asked during Jesus's ministry. We start off with the people finding Jesus on the other side of the lake. They ask a question, "When did you get here, Rabbi?" Jesus answers this very elaborately. First he says that the crowd seeks him for another meal. He says meal because it is a temporary item that will be digested. He instead offers the crowd something else - "the Bread of Life" which will cease hunger (spiritual) for everlasting life. He also does an important thing when he says, </span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal. -John 6:27</i></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He says this to establish his et</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">hos or his credibility. He says, "I will give you this bread, because I am Jesus, the Son of God, your Savior." This is a new concept for the crowd because they are used to seeing miracles but now they are forced to believe in a imaginary bread of life. With the current confusion they ask, "How can we receive this bread?" And Jesus answers, "Believe in the One that was sent." In his ministry it was common to see Jesus answer questions indirectly. But now He answers them as direct as possible. He continues on in this section on how to receive forgiveness, atonement, and more.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(v.60-71)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The 4th part is also a continuation of before. The disciples are baffled by what Jesus has previously preached. They confront Jesus and basically tell him how ridiculous his teachings are and who could accept it. This is where Jesus, again, tells his disciples his identity. And afterwards some disciples depart. The gospel doesn't say why they leave. But one could figure that it might be out of anger and frustration. Then Jesus ends this discussion with a strong statement:</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Jesus answered them, “Did I not choose you, the Twelve? And yet one of you is a devil!" -John 6:70</i></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He foreshadows his death and that one of his disciples will betray him.<br /><br />- Sam Saji</span></div>
Benny2168http://www.blogger.com/profile/05399605986189747181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1584592788380529623.post-80758484124144841622015-03-24T06:00:00.000-05:002015-03-24T12:48:32.088-05:00Day 38: Why Jesus?<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Read <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john+4-5&version=ESV">John 4-5</a></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Found at the end of John 5 is a profoundly unique portion of the bible that deeply clarifies God's relationship with Jesus. Have you asked yourself these questions - why do we believe in Jesus? Is he really the Son of God? How were those back in the day able to trust that He was their Messiah? As Christians we should all eventually get to the point where we ask the tough questions - it helps us solidify the rock upon which our faith is based.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">By breaking it down into a few verses at a time, we can see how Jesus' words plainly show us who He is and why we can trust in him.</span><br />
<ol><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>Jesus submits to the Father</u></span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is just, because I seek not my own will but the will of him who sent me. -John 5:30</i></span></blockquote>
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These few verses clarify that Jesus is completely dependent on God. Every step of the way, Jesus prayed and consulted God so God's will and Jesus' actions would be aligned. And despite being human, Jesus was set apart from all other humans in that (among other things) he had the unique ability to judge the hearts of others. But this characteristic of Jesus was imparted to him ONLY because His will and God's will are one and the same. This gives us faith in Him because we know He is not trying to assert his authority apart from God; it COMES from God.<br />
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That has implications for our judgement as well - your ability to judge the hearts of others is also intimately related to how close your will is with God's. Contrary to what many may believe, as Christians we ARE occasionally called to judge others (a <a href="https://answersingenesis.org/bible-questions/does-the-bible-tell-christians-to-judge-not/" target="_blank">brilliant article</a> with scripture that goes deeper into this) - otherwise we may be led astray. But the <i>way</i> we judge ought to be out of the same love God has for His people, and the accuracy of our judgement is only as good as our understanding of His will. <br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>Others bear witness of Jesus</u></span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>If I alone bear witness about myself, my testimony is not true. There is another who bears witness about me, and I know that the testimony that he bears about me is true. You sent to John, and he has borne witness to the truth. Not that the testimony that I receive is from man, but I say these things so that you may be saved. He was a burning and shining lamp, and you were willing to rejoice for a while in his light. -John 5:31-35</i></span></blockquote>
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Here Jesus brings up a good point that we should all be thinking - how can Jesus claim himself to be the Messiah? How could we possibly know that He is the true One, and not just another one of the many fakes reported to be popping up around that time? Jesus points to the words of John who came before him. Although he was just a man, the gospels talk about how his message was popular among the Jews at the time, and he had many followers. By "rejoicing" in his light, they embraced his ministry for the short time that he was preaching. "So that you might be saved," Jesus uses John's (admittedly limited) testimony about Him to help convince others that He is their Savior.<br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>His works bear witness</u></span></li>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>But the testimony that I have is greater than that of John. For the works that the Father has given me to accomplish, the very works that I am doing, bear witness about me that the Father has sent me. -John 5:36</i></span></blockquote>
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Jesus brings in another aspect of his ministry that was largely unique - his wondrous works. The gospels are chalk-full of stories of His healings, visions, resurrections, and scientifically impossible miracles - not to mention is own resurrection! - to substantiate the claim that Jesus has a divine power. However, Jesus again reiterates that these works come from His Father - in fact, they could ONLY come from Him! This is just further proof He was sent by God.<br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>Scriptures bear witness</u></span></li>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life. -John 5:39-40</i></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jesus uses the fact that the scriptures clearly state how Jesus was foretold by the prophets of the Old Testament. No one would have known this better than the Jewish leaders (to whom Jesus was addressing), and He does not use any unclear language when telling them that they missed it. While the leaders spent their lives searching for the eternal life that was spoken of in these texts, they failed to realize the way to that very life was staring them in the face.<br />
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(Note: <a href="http://www.cbn.com/spirituallife/biblestudyandtheology/jesus_prophecy_fulfilled.aspx" target="_blank">Just one resource</a> if you're interested in learning a few examples of how Jesus fulfilled Old Testament prophecy).<br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>God bears witness</u></span></li>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>And the Father who sent me has himself borne witness about me. His voice you have never heard, his form you have never seen, and you do not have his word abiding in you, for you do not believe the one whom he has sent... I do not receive glory from people. But I know that you do not have the love of God within you. I have come in my Father's name, and you do not receive me. If another comes in his own name, you will receive him. -John 5:37,41-43</i></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
Jesus alludes to the Father himself as one who bears witness of Jesus. In fact God came in the form of a dove to disclose that Jesus is with whom God is "well pleased." (Mark 1:10) However, God's voice was not heard among the people, so instead Jesus uses this relationship to say that a rejection of Jesus equates a rejection of the Father who sent Him. And because they didn't truly love God, they would be led astray by others who would come afterwards.<br />
</span></span></ol>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The field of <a href="https://carm.org/apologetics" target="_blank">apologetics</a> is the discipline that deals with the "defense and establishment of the Christian faith."</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From this section we see that Jesus doesn't ask us to take just his works, the words of others, or the scriptures alone for face value to put our full hope and trust in Him. But when all combined together, its clear that He comes out on top. <b>One aspect that we can't forget, however, is the <i>love of God </i>within us is what actually solidifies our stance in Him and keeps our foundation in Christianity strong. </b> Jesus was the perfect embodiment of that love - if they people had God's love within them, they would have picked out Jesus among the imposters readily.</span><br />
<i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i>
<i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Application:</span></i></div>
<ol><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<li>In regard to judgement, let us take seriously the reprimand of another Christian of authority who fully walks with God. At the same time, always give judgement with humility - no one fully understands His whole picture.</li>
<li>Lets take some time to think about why we believe in Jesus. Is it the testimony of others before him? His works? The scriptures he fulfills? A solid stance on why we believe really helps us stick through troubling times.</li>
<li>Does the love of God reside within us? Until it does, we run the risk of being led astray. Pray a short prayer for God to impart that love within you.</li>
</span></i></span></ol>
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- Ben Abraham</i></span>Benny2168http://www.blogger.com/profile/05399605986189747181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1584592788380529623.post-69847284666521756472015-03-23T06:00:00.000-05:002015-03-23T11:16:55.615-05:00Day 37: The Shining Light<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Read </span><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+1-3&version=ESV"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">John 1-3</span></a></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Three main points spoke to me personally as I read John 1 repeatedly</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">: the Word was God; the light shines upon us, and the humility of John</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.2; text-decoration: underline; white-space: pre-wrap;">One. The Word was God.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In our personal lives we fail to communicate with The One who cares most about us. We strive for approval of maybe our parents, our spouses, our siblings, or our friends. We forget to realize that we can't gain everybody's approval. Everybody cannot feed the answers we desire to hear. For me I think I want the approval of my family. I want to make them proud of whom I am. But the fact of the matter is our lives are short, and we don't know what will happen tomorrow. In our doubts and worries, we should go to GOD. He speaks through us through the bible. We always search for answers and advice; the greatest tool of advice sits on our bookshelves—waiting to be opened. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.2; white-space: pre-wrap;">T</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 1.2; white-space: pre-wrap;">hink about:</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Whose approval are you searching for? Why?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Who/What do you go to in your times of need?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">How can you actively go to God in your times of need?</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.2; text-decoration: underline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Two. the light shines upon us. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Worry and anxiety are two prevalent things I see in in the Indian community and in fact in today’s general society. Whether it's to live up to someone’s expectations, to make good grades, to pay bills, or to worry about our futures or current circumstance, sometimes we let fear “motivate” us instead of Love. The deeper we envelope ourselves into fear and worry the more we rely on ourselves and less on God. If you notice in the text mostly all the verbs are in past tense, except “light shines in the darkness” (v.5). This verse shows us that Jesus is with us always. He is our Father. We are His beautiful creation made in His own image. We know how light differs from darkness. We can see light: bright and illuminating. When we visualize light, we instantly think of the sun and the stars. In the midst of darkness we can see light no matter how small. Light overshadows darkness. Jesus was the light that came to save this world from darkness, and still shines today. Jesus sees through us, the parts of us we don't want others to see. Instead of dwelling on or worries and problems, lift it up to the Light. He will guide us to where we must go.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 1.2; white-space: pre-wrap;">Think about:</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">How do you see Jesus as a light shining currently in your life?</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.2; text-decoration: underline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Three. The humility of John.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">John is one of my favorite characters in the Bible. He was independent. He only needed a few simple things to survive. His gave his whole life to serve Jesus, preparing a way for the Lord.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">John exemplifies how Jesus doesn't need us, but truly wants us to show the love of God in this world. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So many times I realize my mind set on such small, transient things, when I fail to realize that God sees the big picture. He is omniscient. He is omnipresent. He is omnipotent. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We many times limit ourselves to this world. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">However, we should try to step out and see the beautiful landscape that Jesus has painted, paints, and will continue painting in and for the rest of our lives. There is a greater world waiting for us. Don't set your mind and your heart on things that are fleeting, don't chase after the wind. Chase the One who loved us enough to sacrifice His Son for us. Whether you are going through struggles or you just need somebody to trust, know that there is One that outshines all. Let's reflect His Light that resides in us to others who need the Light in their lives.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 1.2; white-space: pre-wrap;">Application:</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">How can you be more of a light in your community? Church? peer group? In your family? </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Think of one thing that you can do today that will resemble the light of Jesus amidst this group.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Now don't just think of it write it down. </span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Make it your goal to accomplish that feat in the next 24 hours. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: italic; white-space: pre-wrap;">- Saumia Thomas</span></div>
Pearlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00466774449940425178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1584592788380529623.post-85145490840116461602015-03-22T06:00:00.000-05:002015-03-22T16:59:29.913-05:00Day 36: Not Alone<div dir="ltr" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.295; white-space: pre-wrap;">Read </span><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+24&version=ESV" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.295; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Luke 24</span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As Christians, we say that God is always with us; but how many of us actually believe it? As incredulous as it may seem, there are many of our own brothers and sisters struggling by themselves because they feel that they are alone in this world. Why is this? </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In the passage today, we see that Jesus has resurrected and is no longer captive in the tomb. Instead, the women who went to embalm him were greeted by heavenly hosts who reassured them of the words of their Lord Jesus! These women were in utter distress because they could not find the Lord; they believed that He had left them. However, as it says in verse 8, “Then they remembered His words.” When the women remembered Jesus and His teachings about His resurrection, they were reassured in His awesome power. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The women then rush to tell the Eleven about what they had seen and remembered. It seems obvious that the disciples would believe them, right? After all, they were Jesus’s very own, the closest to Him, many would say. But the Scripture tells us in verse 11, “…they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense.” This incident reminds me of times when my best friends give me good advice but I disregard it and do my own thing. Often times, we are all like this in our spirituality. We can hear the voice of the Holy Spirit advising us in times of trouble, but we disregard His comforting voice for the voice of the world instead. The Bible tells us that even Peter wondered what had happened to Jesus’s body, proving the fact that that even the ones who may seem the most devout fall into the world’s trap.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As the passage progresses, we see 2 men traveling to a village named Emmaus and discussing the divine events prior to that day. Jesus walks with them, probing about their conversation, amazed at their indifference to his resurrection. He chastises them, “Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” in verse 26 and explains the Scriptures to them. Later, when the men realize who Jesus is, He departs. They ask in verse 32, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” This brings me to the main point of this chapter: are we also too caught up in worldly things to notice God’s work? He has given us everything that we need to truly seek Him, but it is by our own decision to pursue Him. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The last portion shows us Jesus’s encounter with the disciples. Their initial reaction was fear and alarm, thinking that there was a ghost among them. They realize that it is Him after he shows them his hands and feet. They feed Him and He reminds them of the Scriptures, as seen in verses 46-49, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” It is here that the disciples are seeing Jesus for the final time. One would think that they would be in distress about the departure of their Savior and friend, but the Bible tells us they are the opposite! It says that “…they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy.” The last time Jesus left them, there was an entirely different attitude of sorrow and despair. But as we read to the end, we see that the disciples are at peace and full of gladness. This time when Jesus leaves them, they know that His return will be triumphant. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In the same way, when we feel alone, we must take heart in His glorious return. God will NEVER leave or forsake us. Though He is not with us physically, we must find rest in his presence spiritually. As this Lenten season is a stressful time filled with temptation and sorrows, we must find the strength that is only salvaged through Jesus’s redemption. Realize that suffering must precede glory. Many of us flee from the threat suffering brings; we see it as the ultimate evil. We cannot control suffering. We can only control our response to it. Let us rejoice in the peace that only our Savior can provide. It is through suffering that God makes us complete.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">While I was writing this, a song that came to mind was “I Am Not Alone”, written by Kari Jobe. As I sing it below, I encourage you to look up the lyrics, which are beautifully written. I pray that you receive solace in His comforting presence. </span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I walk through deep waters<br />I know that You will be with me<br />When I'm standing in the fireI will not be overcome<br />Through the valley of the shadowI will not fear</span>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am not alone<br />I am not alone<br />You will go before me<br />You will never leave me</span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the midst of deep sorrow</span>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I see Your light is breaking through<br />The dark of night will not overtake me<br />I am pressing into You<br />Lord, You fight my every battle<br />And I will not fear</span>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You amaze me<br />Redeem me<br />You call me as Your own</span></i></blockquote>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HnVlI7wMi6c" style="font-family: Times; font-style: normal; line-height: normal; white-space: normal;" width="480"></iframe></span><br />
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<i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.295; white-space: pre-wrap;">-Miriam Easo</i></div>
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Pearlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00466774449940425178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1584592788380529623.post-2362090333280093282015-03-20T06:00:00.000-05:002015-03-20T06:00:02.662-05:00Day 34: Denied<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Read <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+22-23&version=ESV">Luke 22-23</a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Have you ever thanked God that you weren’t around when the Bible was being written, so that your failures were not recorded for all people of all time to read about? Poor Peter was there and everyone knows about his colossal failure. Like Peter, we all have failed the Lord, even if our failures are not as widely known. When you fail the Lord, whether it is a colossal fall like Peter’s or even if it’s a lesser failure, you feel guilty, embarrassed, and depressed. If it’s a bad fall, you often wonder if God will ever use you again in His service.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thank God that the Bible offers hope for those who have failed God. It does not leave us without a way out. Also, thank God that the Bible paints its heroes warts and all. It does not airbrush their blemishes from the record. It lets us see them as men and women like us, who struggled against the same weaknesses and temptations, but who recovered from their sins and failures by God’s abundant grace.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I don’t know how to rank failures, but Peter’s has to be one of the worst. To be the leader among the apostles, to boast that he would go to prison and death with Christ, and then to deny that he even knew Christ, was not just an average, everyday sort of failure! The fact that the Lord would restore Peter and use him on the Day of Pentecost and thereafter shows us His amazing grace.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In chapter 22 we see the popular story of Peter denying Christ, which in itself is betrayal. But later on we see repentance and restoration. Christ reaches out to him and Peter repents. As Christians we get in the habit of confession and prayer but often we come back to the same sin and habits that we "repented". Repentance is about whole heartedly surrendering the problem to Christ.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As Christians we know that we may fail or fall into sin but Christ celebrates the fact that we depend on him to get up and keep going, so don't give up your fight against temptation and trials but allow Christ to be the rock that you stand on.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>- </i><i>Justin </i><i>Mathew</i></span></div>
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Pearlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00466774449940425178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1584592788380529623.post-50717391686454529552015-03-19T06:00:00.000-05:002015-03-19T06:00:01.168-05:00Day 33: Hypocrisy<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Read <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+20-21&version=ESV">Luke 20-21</a></b><br /><br />In this chapter Jesus signifies the difference between Him and any other teacher. Jesus shows that He is the Word in the flesh. As religious scholars, chief priests, and elders challenge His authority, Jesus combats their claims and accusations with brilliant replies leaving them “confounded by His reply and couldn’t say anything in response” (Luke 20:26). As He overcomes the questions, Jesus turns to His disciples and proclaims:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Beware of the religious scholars. They like to parade around in long robes. They love being greeted in the marketplaces. They love taking the best seats in the synagogues. They adore being seated around the head table at banquets. But in their greed they rob widows of their houses and cover up their greed with long pretentious prayers. Their condemnation will be the worse because of their hypocrisy. (Luke 20:46-47)</i></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sound familiar? <br /><br />Too often in this world we sanctify our worldly possessions, showboat our success, and thrive on the praise from others. Our Monday-Saturday lives reflect the greed of the religious scholars aforementioned, while our Sundays consist of the “pretentious prayers”- our masks, our disguises. Jesus warns us of this façade of “godliness” that we hold so near to our hearts. Christ warns that our hypocrisy will be our demise. There are times where we will be humble and modest, but isn’t it interesting how those times end up happening most when there are others around us: particularly people from our church around us? We as Christians are not perfect, but as we have all heard time after time, we are lukewarm Christians. Can we admit that everything we preach to others can be seen in our lives? If not, then Jesus is telling us now that it is time to change! In chapter 21 He warns of the end. Jesus tells us to be careful. It is not too late for us, but we have to be ready. We cannot escape. No one will know when the end will be, but when it happens, we shall know it is the work of God; “when the leaves break out of their buds, nobody has to tell you that summer is approaching; it’s obvious to you. It’s the same in the larger scheme of things” (Luke 21: 30-31). We are warned of false claims of the end, and these are claims that we have seen in our own lives. The year 2012 was believed to be the end of the world as thousands of people squandered in fear. For what? There were no signs of the end. Where were the signs that are clearly mentioned in the gospel? The earth will shake, robust flooding, cosmic destabilization, and amongst the chaos “they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and blazing glory” However, amidst this destruction Jesus tells us that we should not be afraid. But rather we should hold our heads high knowing that “liberation is fast approaching” (Luke 21: 26-28). <br /><br />So I’ll leave you with this - we will not know when the end of time will be, and we cannot hope it will occur on our “good days”; avoid hypocrisy and show others that you are Christian through your actions AT ALL TIMES. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">** I used a “The Voice” Bible so the scripture text may vary.<br /><br /><i>- Jonathan Cherian</i></span></div>
Pearlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00466774449940425178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1584592788380529623.post-43397136827425839522015-03-18T06:00:00.000-05:002015-03-18T22:48:04.721-05:00Day 32: Faith Receives Grace<div class="separator tr_bq" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Read <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+18-19&version=ESV">Luke 18-19</a></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chapters 18 and 19 in the Gospel according to Luke are so rich in accounts of Christ’s interactions and parables that depict how Jesus Christ truly cares for us. There are so many lessons that are taught to us just within the span of reading those two chapters. The various lessons that are exemplified through the use of these parables are very applicable to the lives we live today.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><b>I will take this time to focus on what stuck out to me the most:<br />Luke 18:35-43: A Blind Beggar Receives His Sight</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Reading this portion of the passage really hit home for me. A blind beggar RECEIVED his eyesight after pleading for mercy! This man, being a blind beggar, was viewed as an outcast in the society he lived in. This society casted a negative outlook on him, one that “indicated” that he was not worthy of God’s glory, sweet love, and compassion. On the other hand, what really matters is that by the GRACE of God, such judgments and stereotypes are not relevant to God’s greater plan for you! Jesus Christ was sent here for that sake of ALL of mankind. All we need is a sense of faith that will allow us to receive grace and to completely rely on God.<br /><br />I wanted to propose a few questions that helped me look at the passage differently:</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Although the Blind man’s problem was pretty evident, Jesus still asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” Based off of your understanding and beliefs, why do you think Jesus did not instantly heal the beggar of his evident blindness?</i><br /><br />I felt that this alludes back to Mathew 7:7. "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>I was curious as to why Jesus did not say that he himself healed the blind beggar, but said that the beggar’s faith healed him? </i><br /><br />I went to Porch this week and the speaker was talking about grace. God’s grace has always been there for us, but it is up to us to accept it. I feel that this concept can also be applied to this question to some extent. The faith that the beggar had in the power of Jesus’ healing is what allowed him to accept God’s grace.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Why this hit home for me?</b><br />Okay I’m about to get a bit personal here! I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) about 5 years ago. People tend to note that I have a fairly positive outlook on my life in terms of how MS affects me. BUT WHY? I honestly do not have a distinct answer for that. Partially, it is because of God’s Grace that MS has not taken a crazy toll on my health. I have yet to face the extent of what other MS patients have. I am not going to lie; I do have vulnerable moments when I can get a bit frustrated or even scared. But I have faith that helps me accept that no matter where MS will take me through out my life, I know that it is all apart of God’s plan for me. This faith has carried me a long way. I am only 22 years old and I do not know where God will lead me in my journey with MS, but I do know that my God will carry me through it. <br /><br /><b>Prayer: </b><br /><i>Our Gracious Father,<br />We are so blessed to be able to share your word with each other. I pray that you instill in us a faith that will allow us to accept YOUR GRACE. That we may be able to fully rely on You God, for we are nothing with out You. We are not worthy of Your love, but through the finished work of Jesus Christ we are redeemed as Your own. <br />In Jesus’ name I pray,<br />Amen</i></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cover of Not For a Moment by Meredith Andrews</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>You were reaching through the storm<br />Walking on the water<br />Even when I could not see<br />In the middle of it all<br />When I thought You were a thousand miles away<br />Not for a moment did You forsake me<br />Not for a moment did You forsake me</i> </span></blockquote>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After all You are constant<br />After all You are only good<br />After all You are sovereign<br />Not for a moment will You forsake me</span></i></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>You were singing in the dark<br />Whispering Your promise<br />Even when I could not hear<br />I was held in Your arms<br />Carried for a thousand miles to show<br />Not for a moment did You forsake me</i> </span></blockquote>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And every step every breath you are there<br />Every tear, every cry, every prayer<br />In my hurt, at my worst<br />When my world falls down<br />Not for a moment will You forsake me</span></i></blockquote>
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Anisha Mathew </span></i>Benny2168http://www.blogger.com/profile/05399605986189747181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1584592788380529623.post-57675882624755044512015-03-17T06:00:00.000-05:002015-03-17T22:53:18.826-05:00Day 31: Be Like Him<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Read <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+15-17&version=ESV">Luke 15-17</a></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As Christians we are often reminded that we are made in the image of God and that we should be more Christlike in our words and actions, but how many of us can truly say we are acting as such on a daily basis? Jesus is always teaching us how to be like him and he continues to do so in Luke 17.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>"So watch yourselves. “If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. (Luke 17:3 NIV)</i></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jesus knows we are bound to stumble in our faith and forgives us of our mistakes - in fact often times we expect him to forgive us, but how often do we do the same for someone who has wronged us? Every time we have sinned against God, we are adding to the suffering Jesus endured on the cross for us. Every time someone has sinned against us, our suffering last but for a moment. So this Lenten season, let us change our perspective on forgiveness – to not only be forgiven by our Savior but to also forgive those who have wronged us.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Of course this is easier said than done and the disciples thought so too, so they asked Jesus to “Increase our faith!”</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>He replied, “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it will obey you. (Luke 17:6 NIV)</i></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With faith as small as a mustard seed. How crazy is that? When I learned this story for the first time I used to wonder why I couldn't get a tree to move, did I really not have faith in God, would I ever have such faith so I could move a tree? My dad responded to me with a question, "Do you know what the significance is of Jesus saying mustard seed?" And of course I said, "Yeah, because it is so small!" and he told me I was wrong, "The significance of saying it is a mustard seed that a mustard seed is full, there is no room inside a mustard seed. In the same way, our faith whether big or small must consist of only faith, no room for doubt or questions." Is this the type of faith we strive for? Do we strive to move trees and mountains?<br /><br />Jesus then continues by explaining what type of mentality we should have as Christians.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.’ ” (Luke 17:10 NIV)</i></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jesus uses an example of the relationship of a servant and master and how the master does not ask for the servant to come and eat with him but rather expects the servant to serve him food and then eat after the master is done because that is the servant’s job. We should have the same mentality with everything we do. We should not expect gratitude for doing what God has called us to do. <br /><br />So this Lent season, let’s remind ourselves to not only be forgiven but to also forgive; to have true faith without doubts; and to be humble in whatever God calls us to do. Let us become more like Jesus and allow his Holy Spirit to control our lives.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><i>- Shilpa Abraham</i></span></div>
Pearlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00466774449940425178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1584592788380529623.post-36299974017633790432015-03-16T06:00:00.000-05:002015-03-16T08:11:31.917-05:00Day 30: My Love Will Find You Where You Are<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Read <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+13-14&version=ESV">Luke 13-14</a></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the book of Isaiah, God commands the people of Israel to have a day of fasting and worship; they all show up in fasting and worship and God basically says, “I hate your fasts.” </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wait what? If I were them, I would be saying “What are we doing here then? I would rather eat. I’m here because You said fast and come sing. And then I get here and You’re like, ‘I hate your songs, and I hate you fasting.’” It doesn’t make sense, right? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But WHY does God say that? His accusation is “Because your hearts aren’t here. You do not esteem Me. You have even taken this and made it about you.” </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Pharisees and those who knew the law were especially guilty of this, because it was what they knew to do. They took the law and followed it to the letter, but Jesus came and showed them that what He had to offer them was more than religion – it was love.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Parables of the Mustard Seed and the Yeast (Luke 13:18-20) </span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At this point in Jesus’s ministry Jesus had been fulfilling all the signs the Jews had demanded, but when he did he was humble and would even tell those he performed his miracles on not to tell others. This is not what the Jews expected from the Messiah. They wanted something more grandeur, and “in your face.” To respond to this Jesus is basically like “your vision of the Kingdom is too small, let me tell you what it is actually like.” And so he says “It is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his garden, and it grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air made nests in its branches.” And again he said, “To what shall I compare the kingdom of God? It is like leaven that a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, until it was all leavened.” This is the exact opposite of a mighty, powerful God coming in and flashing his greatness. The image Jesus paints is of something small, like a seed or a little bit of yeast, that with time creates something beautiful, something much greater than it was on its own. Notice in both analogies there is someone who plants the seed and works the dough. That is the beauty of sanctification. We don’t come to him ready-made and perfect and THEN begin to do his will. We come to him with our burdened heart, our heavy baggage, our brokenness and shame. It is then that He refines and works our hearts to make them look like his.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jesus at a Pharisee’s House (Luke 14:1-6)</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Before this point Jesus had healed seven men and women on the Sabbath, which was against the law. The Pharisees didn’t know how to react to this so they set up a trap. They invited Jesus to eat on the Sabbath at the house of a “prominent Pharisee.” There, Jesus was being “carefully watched” to see how he would react when asked to heal a man with dropsy (whom the Pharisees most likely would not have invited otherwise to the house). If Jesus healed the man, then he would have broken the law; if he did not heal the man, then he would be without mercy or compassion. But to Jesus, God in the flesh, he knew the hearts of these men and turned the trap around so that it was on them by asking them first, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?”, which left them silent. At this point Jesus made it more real to them by saying “If one of you has a son or an ox that falls into a well on the Sabbath day will you not immediately pull him out?” This has nothing to do with the Sabbath or the law. What Jesus was trying to show these men was that a father would forsake all laws to save what is precious in his sight. Jesus yearns for us to look at others and see their hearts and to care about the state of their souls because that is how he looks at each of us. </span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Cost of Being A Disciple (Luke 14:25-34)</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The blessing, or the problem, that comes when Jesus has your heart is that your life changes. He becomes your way of life, your worldview, your purpose if life. The beginning of this portion starts off with “large crowds were traveling with Jesus.” It’s all the people that were intrigued by the healing, all those who jumped on the bandwagon, but also all the first time hearers of redemption, salvation, and hope. Verses 26-35 are Jesus basically telling this large crowd, “You wanna follow me? It’s not easy.” He makes the most piercing remark when he says “if anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, is brother and sisters – yes , even his own life – he cannot be my disciple.” And with that remark he gives them analogy after analogy about how in order to truly be a disciple of Jesus Christ you have to consider and plan for what is coming ahead of you, be ready to give up everything, and be willing to let God start and finish the work in you. If any of those three criteria are not met, your following Jesus is futile. </span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Reflection</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>In the song Orphaned One by Kayla Nichols, the lyrics are in the perspective of God speaking to us. I thought the words “my love, my love will find you where you are” perfectly summed up what Luke 13 and 14 were trying to show us. That is: </i></span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>God wants our hearts right now, just as we are, and He will do the rest</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>God’s love is what enables us to look on others with love</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>God’s love will carry us through to do His will, even if that means giving up the ways of the World </i></span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>If we do these three things, we are no longer orphans living in the world, but children of a Father who is King of the Kingdom of Heaven. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>My prayer is that this Lent is a time of growing in your affection for the Father, a time of true adoration of His perfect love that constantly pursues us, and a time of growth that I hope will make you strong enough to have been one of the few in that large crowd that stayed to be a disciple of Jesus. </i></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Orphaned One Video and Lyrics:</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Orphaned one, lift up your eyes</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>I've given you my name</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>You are mine</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>I know well the sound of your cries</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>And you won't be denied</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>For I'm by your side<br /> </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>For all my glory will shine upon your face</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>My justice and my mercy will reign over this place</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Oh, my love, my love will find you where you are<br /> </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>I've placed my beauty as a crown upon your head</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>I'll exchange your filthy garments</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>And you'll be clothed in white instead</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Oh, my love, my love will find you where you are</i></span></blockquote>
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Priya Mathew</span></i>Benny2168http://www.blogger.com/profile/05399605986189747181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1584592788380529623.post-32587546108185266622015-03-15T06:00:00.000-05:002015-03-15T17:57:12.938-05:00Day 29: Worry Not About Tomorrow<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Read <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+12&version=ESV">Luke 12</a></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Luke 12 contains a large wealth of knowledge that Jesus shared with his disciples. This chapter brings forth 7 important ideas that I would like to emphasize. </span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hypocrites will be confronted and their hypocrisy will eventually be revealed. We think our sinful secrets are safe with us, but we often forget that we serve an omniscient God. In Luke 12, Jesus says that all of those hypocritical secrets will be revealed and shouted from the rooftops. He warns us to never follow the Pharisees in their hypocritical practices. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Do not be afraid of men, or anything of this world, for it can only kill the body. After the body is dead, nothing in this world can do anything more to you. Instead, be afraid of God Almighty, who after the killing of the body, can throw you into hell fire for eternity. Something we fail to realize completely is that eternity is copiously longer than our time on Earth. So let us learn to delay the gratifications that this World has to offer, reject the temptations thrown at us, and march bravely towards an eternity in which we will be one with our Savior. As Romans 12:12 reminds us, “Be Joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer.” </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Being greedy is very foolish. Jesus takes the time to explain to a man that our lives are much more than the abundance of our possessions. Take a moment right now and think about how far into the future you have planned for yourself. Most of us desire to join a profession with a six figure salary, some of us have already planned the type of cars and houses we want to own. Almost every one of us are constantly striving for financial and materialistic gains. Jesus call this an act of foolishness. Now, imagine what would happen if you achieved every single of your goals, and possessed everything you wanted, but your life is taken soon after. You will not be able to take any of your Worldly treasures with you to heaven. So instead of storing up treasures in this world for ourselves, let us start storing up treasures in heaven, which will be given to us in due time. Because Jesus reminds us that in Heaven “… no thief comes near, and no moth destroys” (Luke 12:33). </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Worrying is illogical. This is a very vital message given by Jesus in this chapter. Why do we worry so much? Worrying is by far the most un-productive activity we indulge in within our lives. Many of us like to believe that we are logical thinkers, but where is the logic when we find ourselves worrying over an issue that did not go as we planned it to go. Jesus asks, “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?” Jesus gives us examples on how the Lilies grow without doing any labor and how the ravens are healthy and well fed without going through any stress. If God takes care of a flower, which is here today and gone tomorrow, and birds, he will surely give us an ample amount of care and provisions to fulfill our needs. Jesus wants us to realize that we are worth much more than the birds or the flowers, so let us stop worrying and have faith in Jesus to provide for us everything we need. Because in the root of all of this, worrying is a sign of ones lack of faith in his creator. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Being alert is very crucial. Jesus Cautions us to be alert at all times for his coming. His return will be when we least expect it to be. A good way to be watchful is by constantly asking ourselves whether we are ready to meet Jesus at this very moment, if He was to make his return right now. If the answer is not a resounding “Yes!” then start bringing the changes required to make the answer a resounding “Yes!” Do not take this time for granted, use it to reconcile your differences with God and start doing his Will as soon as possible. Because Jesus (Our master) has commanded us (His servants) to do His will. When he comes down and sees you doing His will, he will surely reward you. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Is Jesus a man of peace? Yes, Jesus was a man of peace, but in Luke 12 Jesus says that he has come to bring division instead of peace. The meaning behind this is that Jesus’s principles were completely opposite of the principles that were/is practiced on Earth. Whenever we have two opposing ideas trying to co-exist at the same time in the same place, there is likely to be a disruption of peace and an increase in division. We can never follow the World and Jesus at the same time. We have to choose one or the other. If we choose to follow Jesus, we will encounter many tribulations. Many times these hardships are thrown at us from our own family members, and loved ones. These are the divisions that Jesus is hinting towards in this passage. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jesus wants us to interpret the times accurately. With the help of technology, we are able to evade disasters such as Earthquakes and Hurricanes quite accurately. But on the other hand, our ability to discern spiritual problems seem to be lacking adequate skill. God reveals himself to us in many ways, if we truly seek him with all of our heart and soul, he will give us everything we need to do his will. Jesus also gives us a vivid illustration to point out how urgent it is to get right with him. If you knew you did something wrong and were about to get penalized for it, would not you rather settle the issue outside of the court? We are at God’s mercy at all times, His call to us is urgent, so in this Lenten season, let us be reconciled with our heavenly father. </span></li>
</ol>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let us bring together all these 7 principles during this Lenten season by focusing on simple living, prayer, and fasting in order to grow closer to God. May God bless you all.<br /><br /><i>- Kevin Thomas</i></span></div>
Pearlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00466774449940425178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1584592788380529623.post-53381186616763006332015-03-13T06:00:00.000-05:002015-03-16T01:27:01.138-05:00Day 27: Come Alive<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Read <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+10-11&version=ESV">Luke 10-11</a></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As children in school we were often asked to pick out the main idea of a story or passage. We focused on the important parts of the passage and ignored the minute details. Reading the bible often becomes a cursory glance at the important names and dialogue in the specific chapter. We don’t delve into the specifics of why Jesus said certain things or what he meant by them. Why were the disciples sent out in pairs? Why were they asked to not speak to anyone they came across on the road? Delving into the scripture helps us discern the importance of the details.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our purpose of spreading the Gospel was not designed to be a solo mission.</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them on ahead of him, two by two, into every town and place where he himself was about to go. And he said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” - Luke 10: 1-2</span></i></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We are blessed with brothers and sisters, sharers of the gospel, and spreaders of the truth. We are united in a common goal of extending the Kingdom. Living in the 21st century, we are encouraged to be independent and not rely on anyone else for support, to be self sufficient, self reliant, and self-sustaining. However, throughout the bible, people who had a key impact in delivering the Word had a fellow brother or sister to lean on. Naomi had Ruth, Moses had Aaron, Abraham had Sarah, and Mordecai had Esther. Likewise, we need a firm relationship with fellow Christians. We need a confidant, partner, encourager, and advisor; someone to lean on and someone to carry.</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“Go your way; behold, I am sending you out as lambs in the midst of wolves. Carry no moneybag, no knapsack, no sandals, and greet no one on the road.” - Luke 10:3,4</span></i></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are no delusions about what is asked of us.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“Go your way; behold, I am sending you out as lambs in the midst of wolves.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The path we are asked to take is not easy but filled with obstacles. We are not meant to arm ourselves with worldly possessions, but with the fruits of the Spirit. Lambs don’t have a defensive strategy to protect themselves from the wolves. They rely completely on the Shepherd to shield them. Similarly, we have no weapons against the wolves of the world other than our Lord. How will any of the objects of wealth we amass be greater than the Shepherd who knows all, sees all, and is willing to lay his life down for his lambs?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“Carry no moneybag, no knapsack, no sandals, and greet no one on the road.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At first glance, it looks like Jesus is telling us to ignore or avoid people we meet. However, he foresaw a problem that would hinder us and warned us against it. In that time period, greetings were often long affairs. Consequently, Jesus is asking us to not get distracted in our mission. Our end goal is to glorify His name and exalt His glory. When we get sidetracked, we lose focus of who we are and what our goal is. We treat everyone with kindness, we promote equality and stewardship, and in those things we strive to praise Him. Nevertheless, the little things we do should become our primary focus. Fellowship is good, service is good, and stewardship is good. But why are we having fellowship with our brothers and sisters? Why do we go to service? Why are we volunteering and giving our time and money to those who need it? If the answers are to have fun, to catch up, or to present ourselves as benefactors, we have already lost sight of the finish line. Discernment and an untarnished view of our Savior is how we strive onward.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Being a disciple of Christ isn’t easy work. Nonetheless, it is not all work without reward. We are advised to “remain in the same house, eating and drinking what they provide, for the laborer deserves his wages. Do not go from house to house” (Luke 10:7). The Lord provides for those who do His work. Being a Christian is not about giving up all the pleasures this world has to offer and living a stark deprived life. We can enjoy all things that He has created, in due time. When things are given to us, we accept with open hands and hearts instead of striving to the next newest and greatest addition. We are made in His image to be free and fruitful. We are created with a purpose and given resources to fulfill that purpose. We are the workers of His vineyard, of His harvest, and he rewards us amply for our work at the end.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our work is to spread the Good News, to enlighten those who have not yet heard, and to be an unwavering light to those who’s lights have been snuffed out by the world. However, we each need help as well. We are not impervious to the temptations and evils that surround us. Doubts, fears, worries, financial problems, moral dilemmas, and the ever-increasing pressure to stumble constantly batter us. Ultimately, we crumble. We stumble, we fall, and sometimes we don’t get back up. Then, when we do get back up, it’s to patch a little Band-Aid over a gaping wound and pretend that we’re okay. Jesus knew this would happen so he warned us of the Devil’s tenacious grip. </span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>“When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, and finding none it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when it comes, it finds the house swept and put in order. Then it goes and brings seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and dwell there. And the last state of that person is worse than the first" -Luke 11:24-26.</i></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Patching a Band-Aid over a severed limb will not stem the flow of blood. Falling into sin is similar. Once we have fallen, it is necessary to completely restore our hearts and minds. A quick prayer, a halfhearted confession, or a single reading of a Psalms will not do. Once we have banished the evil from our hearts, we must invite someone even stronger, greater, deeper, and wider to fill us, to overcome and overwhelm us. Only then will we have the courage and desire to fight back when evil knocks on our heart again.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We have been given instruction and we are well prepared to be His soldiers. We are warriors in this war together. We are one in spirit, mind and soul. When one of us falls, we depend on the rest to pick us back up. We look to our commander, who has lead through example, showing and telling us exactly what to do. We walk in His footsteps, focused on our mission, empowered with the knowledge that He who has created the universe, defeated Death, and conquered evil walks among us and lives within us.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>- Nikita Sojan</i></span>Pearlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00466774449940425178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1584592788380529623.post-48771520784485029852015-03-12T06:00:00.000-05:002015-03-13T04:11:41.339-05:00Day 26: I Will Follow You<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Read <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+8-9&version=ESV">Luke 8-9</a></b></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As they were going along the road, someone said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” (Luke 9:57)</span></i></blockquote>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What does it mean to truly follow Christ? Well we must have the desire to accept the life He offers. We must be determined to accept who He is and know that He is the source of our wisdom and knowledge. Nowadays if someone were to come up to us and say “I am ready to follow Jesus!,” we would say, “Oh how awesome! We have a bible study at our church this Friday, you should totally come out!” or at least something along those lines, right? But here in this passage, we see Christ doing something completely different. When the three men tell Jesus they want to follow Him, he kind of just smacks them on the nose.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To the first man, He says <span style="color: red;">“Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head”</span> (Luke 9:58). Jesus is telling the man to slow down and that he is going too fast. He says He is not the type of Messiah who wins the world by simply winning an election or winning a battle. He says He wins the world by being arrested and being condemned. He reassures the man that he would be living in a lower standard than everyone else by following him. As Christians, would we be ready to face those hardships? </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The second man is slowly coming to Christ. "Jesus says,<span style="color: red;"> 'Follow me.'"</span> But he said, “Lord let me first go and bury my father.” And Jesus said to him, <span style="color: red;">“Leave the dead to bury their own dead”</span> (Luke 9:59). He’s certainly not talking about the physically dead. He’s talking about the spiritually dead (A person who is blind and deaf to a spiritual environment). </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“Yet another said, I will follow you, Lord, but let me first say farewell to those at my home.” The third man that wants to follow Christ but is also coming slowly. “Jesus said to him, <span style="color: red;">“No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God”</span> (Luke 9:61-62). Christ uses a powerful metaphor here. When you are using a plow in the soil, you have to make sure there aren't any rocks because it could break the plow. You are laser focused on that plow. Christ says to be laser focused on him and nothing else. Follow him and no one else. He must come first. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What’s significant about these two men is that they are both willing to follow Christ. Their responses were “Yes, Lord,” “You, Lord,” “I will follow you, Lord,” but they have that “But wait, Lord. My family first.” He’s not saying that you shouldn't honor your father and mother. He’s not saying to not obey the commandments. What Jesus is expressing through is that you must make Him first. You must believe that what He thinks is better than what the world we live in believes. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now if he were to talk to us youths in Dallas he’d probably say: </span></li>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Following me is more important than making a lot of money.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Following me is more important than getting that perfect girl or guy. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Following me is more important than trying to please your friends or trying to fit in. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Following him is more important! </span></li>
</ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As children of God, we say, “We want to follow you, God.” But we have a hard time putting Him first. We have Him in our lives as a supplement. We want Him in our lives to add more. “I’ll obey you, if…” or “I’ll obey you, as long as…” Christ says whatever is on the other side to those "if’s", "but’s" and "as long as", is your real master. He says that can’t be. Friends, we all do this. We are blind and deaf to the spiritual reality. We must be willing to give up ourselves to Christ so that he can remove all those dead scales and make us new.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The songs “Broken Vessels” and “Lord I Need You” hit me while I was doing this devotional. </span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Amazing grace<br />How sweet the sound<br /> That saved a wretch like me<br />I once was lost<br />But now I'm found<br />Was blind but now I see<br /><br />Oh I can see it now<br />Oh I can see the love in Your eyes<br />Laying yourself down<br />Raising up the broken to life<br /><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 20px;">Lord, I need You, oh I need You</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 20px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 20px;">Every hour I need You</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 20px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 20px;">My one defense, my righteousness</span></span></i><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 20px;">Oh God, how I need You</span></span></i></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So to follow Christ, we must spend time with Him, observe Him, let Him instruct and correct us and we must seek Him to model ourselves after Him.<br /><br /><i>-Angela Abraham</i></span></div>
Pearlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00466774449940425178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1584592788380529623.post-75321618820314519412015-03-11T06:00:00.000-05:002015-03-11T11:44:36.088-05:00Day 25: Reality Check<div class="page" title="Page 1">
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<span style="font-family: 'ArialMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;"><b>Read <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+6-7&version=ESV">Luke 6-7</a></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'ArialMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'ArialMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">Praise the Lord for He is good!! As we are now in the heart of the Lent season, let's take a
step back, take a deep breath and reflect on what we've accomplished during these past few
weeks.
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'ArialMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">For those who "gave up" stuff, how have you been doing? Have you guys gotten further in
your walk with Christ?
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'ArialMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'ArialMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">For those who have opted to use this time to take on a newer perspective on their lives
(regardless of what they gave up), what have you learned? How far have you come in terms
of your walk with the Lord?
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'ArialMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'ArialMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">I believe it is safe to say that the ultimate purpose for all of us partaking in the spirit of Lent
would be to develop a closer, more intimate relationship with God. Even without Lent, in an
ideal world, our goal as Christians should be to strive achieve this on a regular basis.
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'ArialMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'ArialMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">However, in a realistic world, there are a lot of things happening in our daily lives that keep us
from reaching that goal and even making us lose sight of that goal especially when things
start to get tough. It may even get to the point where we may end up questioning everything
and being disappointed with what we have going on around us.
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'ArialMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'ArialMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">In the readings found from Luke 6-7, it talks about the turning points in Jesus' ministry and
what has been accomplished and how Jesus responds in situations where spiritual stagnation
and spiritual uprising finally cross paths with each other.
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'ArialMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'ArialMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">In our walk with God, most of us find a place where we feel very comfortable and our faith is
neither bolstered or shot down. That would be like the Pharisees from Jesus's time, who
would incubate in their beliefs and call out anyone who differed from the normal practices of
other people. One prime target being Jesus.
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'ArialMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'ArialMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">Regardless of the social conventions of that time, Jesus put the needs and feelings of other
people before his own interests. Luke chapter 6 verses 1-10 describes a situation when ON
THE SABBATH DAY, Jesus put the hunger and discomfort of his people (his disciples, man
with a deformity) before the social traditions that were in place, which he could have used to
boost his own influence.
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'ArialMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">With Jesus making spiritual waves in Biblical News for ignoring the Sabbath, this display of
love helped start to stir the hearts that have once been stagnant. And with this project getting
more exposure, Jesus recruited 12 capable men to be at his side, learn from him and carry
out his mission (#squadgoals).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'ArialMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">Chapter 7 goes on to talk about the extent that the spiritual uprising is taking effect from the
change of events from chapter 6's spiritual stagnation. This is best explained by the behavior
and attitude displayed by the widow and her son and the Roman Centurion and his
household. The amount of faith they had in Jesus shows how much the uprising is spreading
and taking effect in people's lives without considering one's position or standing in life.
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'ArialMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'ArialMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">However, reality also dictates that with new changes comes lots of questions. Chapter
7:18-23, John the Baptist sends messengers to Jesus asking if he really is the one behind all
the new changes or if there is another who will really help the people.
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'ArialMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'ArialMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">HIS OWN COUSIN! John's questions were not out of blue, but Jesus responds by telling him,
that where faith was once blocked and stagnant, it is beginning to break free and flow a bit
more smoothly (Luke 7:22-23).
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'ArialMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'ArialMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">So let's ask ourselves: are we comfortable with where we stand spiritually? Do our lives touch
others the same way as Jesus' did? Did we stagnate or are we still flowing?
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'ArialMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'ArialMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">Jesus himself says that "among those born of women, there is no one greater than John; yet
even the one who is the least in the kingdom of God is greater than he." (Luke 7:28)
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'ArialMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'ArialMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;">Basically Jesus says that even though John is great and he has the favor from God to be
blessed, those who come after John are greater than him because they will enter God's
kingdom knowing and understanding the purpose of God's son and sacrifice, while John only
prophesied this concept. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'ArialMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: 'ArialMT'; font-size: 11.000000pt;"><i>- Libby Abraham</i></span></div>
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Benny2168http://www.blogger.com/profile/05399605986189747181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1584592788380529623.post-82386859971341891932015-03-10T06:00:00.000-05:002015-03-10T06:00:10.129-05:00Day 24: Claim the Shame<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Read <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+3-5&version=ESV">Luke 3-5</a></span></b><blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink. When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.” -Luke 5:4-10</i></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In a portion of today’s reading, we flashback to the very first time that Jesus meets Simon Peter, fishing with James and John and finding himself coming up short-handed on fish. After Simon Peter rebukes Jesus’ insistence on putting out the nets in deeper water, he finds himself at Jesus’ knees, prostrating himself after the public show of doubt he had just convicted. In any other perspective, if this scenario had taken place in the 21st century, this would have been labeled as a failure of faith on Simon Peter, and Jesus should have continued onwards, searching for a true disciple with unwavering faith. However, the story ends with Jesus leaving the Lake of Gennesaret, with three new disciples. This is why Jesus’ love is so baffling to those who have yet to experience it in their lives, it’s completely opposite to logic and reason and everything that we follow in our world. Jesus saw Simon Peter, broken and crumpled before him, but He didn’t see him as a sinful, shameful shell of a man; He saw him as a vessel - a vessel that would go on and pour the Holy Spirit into the hearts of many, the true quality of a disciple of Christ. <br /><br />We are imperfect creatures in an imperfect world, with a perfect Father in Christ who sent down His own son to wash away the stains of our sins. Jesus sees these blemishes and these imperfections and he loves us despite them. We can even see the tendrils of doubt flicker within the lives of Jesus’ very own disciples. My heart always felt for Thomas, who was forever labeled the “doubter”, after he had to physically touch the wounds of Jesus himself to accept living proof of the resurrection. So often I find logic leading my faith as Thomas did, when faith should be leading all aspects of life. As touched on a previous devotional, we heard the story of Jesus’ foretelling of Peter’s disownment, and how after the rooster crowed and Peter had realized what he had done, he went outside and wept bitterly. The shame and sadness of both of these key disciples shows us that Christ isn’t looking for perfection; he wants us to embrace the shame, and use it as a tool towards growth. Shame should not just be seen as a lack of something on your part, but as an understanding of recognition that you find something in yourself that you find un-Christ like, and that it is something that you need to work on. So during your meditation this Lent, ask yourself what is it about yourself that you find shameful? What is it that you do or think that makes our Father unhappy? Whatever it is, don’t turn away from it; embrace yourself through it because remember that just as Simon Peter found himself drowning in his brokenness, God found a way to make beauty from that brokenness.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>- Anita Jacob</i></span></div>
Benny2168http://www.blogger.com/profile/05399605986189747181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1584592788380529623.post-46465964741701851022015-03-09T06:00:00.000-05:002015-03-09T10:09:11.295-05:00Day 23: The Word has a Name: And that is JESUS.<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Read <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+1-2&version=ESV">Luke 1-2</a></b></span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” -Luke 1:31-33</span></i></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Praise God! <br /><br />Luke chapter 1 and 2 marks the beginning of Christianity for generations to come. We are presented with so much in this chapter that we can see the hand of God work in every intricate detail of our Savior’s birth. Here in this one moment, we find every prophecy from the Old Testament fulfilled, every doubt of non-believers wiped away and every sinner’s future redeemed. The birth of our Christ is the foundation of our faith. <br /><br />These two chapters of Luke scope the foretelling of John the Baptist, the angel appearing to Mary, the faithfulness of Mary, the birth of John the Baptist and the birth of Jesus. There is so much in these two chapters that make the timing of Jesus’ birth absolutely perfect. <br /><br />As sinners, we were never worthy of what God sent to us on earth. He sent His only son for one purpose: to die for the mistakes we have made. Jesus Christ lived a perfect life. He was obedient to His Father and became the Ultimate Sacrifice. How much God cherished us to send His only son to die for the fulfillment of OUR faith! As Christians we have been so blessed to know a God that would do absolutely everything for us. We serve a God who is above all things, yet wants us. He wants YOU. He wants to cover you and love you and protect you; and in return He wants your heart and soul. We serve a God who loves us more than we could ever comprehend. He made this known when He sent His Son on this earth. The invisible God made visible through Jesus Christ. Because of this moment, everything was made possible. He is EVERYTHING that was promised. WE exist because HE died for us. Hope has a name! Joy has name! Peace has a name! Love has a name! The Word has a Name! And that name is JESUS. <br /><br />Praise our Father for His birth! Praise Jesus for His death! He makes all things new by His perfect blood. As we continue in this Lenten season, let us remember that we serve a God who created this world and sent His perfect Son to die for us imperfect sinners. Because of His Love poured out on us, ALL things are possible. One day He will come back for us. Until then, let us remember that His birth was the beginning of the fulfillment of the Father’s promises. Let us remember that the Father’s love is absolutely unimaginable. Let us give Him every moment, every second, every high and every low. <br /><br /><i>Prayer:<br />Father God, thank You for Your Son Jesus Christ. Thank You for His birth, his perfect life, and the sacrifice You made for us sinners. Thank You for loving us and being so faithful to us. We can only pray that You help us become more faithful to You everyday of our lives. Our hearts, minds and souls are Yours. In Your Name we pray, Amen.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>- Rachael Tina Simon</i></span></div>
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Benny2168http://www.blogger.com/profile/05399605986189747181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1584592788380529623.post-60085707782503705172015-03-08T08:00:00.000-05:002015-03-09T10:08:56.584-05:00Day 22: The Greatest Love Story in Eternity<span class="tr_bq" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Read <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+15-16&version=ESV">Mark 15-16</a></b></span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“And he said to them, ‘Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has Risen; He is not here.’” -Mark 16:6</span></i></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Food for thought:</i><br />The world calls us on a journey…<br />Come search for your one true love…seek your perfect love story…chase your own ‘happily ever after.’<br /><br />Well, here’s the good best & greatest news. We are all entangled in the ultimate love story in eternity. The purest love tale in the cosmos that is so unbelievable, incredible, scandalous and beautifully perfect that no place nor era in existence, past-present-future, can fathom the magnitude of this love.<br /><br />This is the intimate & universal love story between Christ & you…<br />…between Christ & me…between Christ & those who were, who are and who will be…<br /><br />Believer, non-believer, Indian, Australian, American, White, Black, Yellow, Red, the salvation offered through His death and resurrection is available to all of us sinners. Because of His grace, mercy & abundant love.<br /><br /><i>Scriptural Notes from Mark 15-16:</i><br />Mark 15</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Christ, the King of Kings, remained submissive and focused on the true objective. He was mocked, scoffed at, brutalized and died in accord with God’s grand plan for our redemption. Christ only needed to will it, He could have appeared before all of those who ridiculed Him in His full majesty, impossible to be harmed and perfect. But He loved us so…so much that the Creator of everything endured physical & emotional torment beyond our comprehension because it was the only way to save us from eternal damnation.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With the exception of mankind, all of creation could not bear to witness Christ’s anguish. The skies darkened, the veil tore, and the earth shook.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Consider this chapter with this thought: Humankind crucified and condemned Christ, but we did not kill him. It is foolish to think that we, the creation, could kill our creator. Instead Christ offered His life to be taken. He became the perfect sacrifice, one that was unmarred but fully aware that He was the salvation and atonement for all mankind.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mark 16</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Death could not hold him. Death was the price for the sinful. Christ was without blemish but died and in doing so abolished death and rose again triumphantly.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He entrusted the few to spread the Good news of Salvation. Mark explains his encounters with Mary Magdalene, the two disciples and the eleven apostles. He used the few to reach what is currently 2.4 billion individuals who identify themselves as Christians. Let the joy of this love story pour out of you.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Ponder this:</i><br />What hinders us from fully embracing the love Christ has gifted us with?<br /><br /><i>That’s my jam:</i><br />Take a minute a listen to the following song & let the lyrics pierce your heart in their simplicity and poignancy. Without Christ we are lost & dead, but in His love, He made a way. Amen.<br /><br /><b>The Way – Worship Central (Featuring Tim Hughes)</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>I was nowhere, You came to my rescue</i></span>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From the grave I’ve been raised</span></i>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I needed a Savior to save me</span></i>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jesus, You made a way</span></i>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was blind but these eyes have been opened</span></i>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now I walk in the light</span></i>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Every step on this road, I will follow</span></i><i>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jesus, You made a way</span></i>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You are the way</span></i>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You are the way</span></i>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lost and dead but Your love came to find me</span></i>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jesus, You are the way</span></i>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You are the way</span></i>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You are the way</span></i>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You’re the light shining bright in the darkness</span></i>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jesus, You are the way</span></i>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jesus, the only way</span></i>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All my days are secure in Your promise</span></i>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Never standing alone</span></i>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You’re the Truth, You’re the Life, You’re my future</span></i>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jesus, You made a way</span></i>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I’m alive in the Love that You give me</span>
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</i><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Free to dance once again</span></i>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You will lead me from glory to glory</span></i>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jesus, You made a way</span></i></blockquote>
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Chris Abraham</span> </i></div>
Benny2168http://www.blogger.com/profile/05399605986189747181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1584592788380529623.post-708953395663026222015-03-06T06:00:00.000-06:002015-03-07T22:22:09.296-06:00Day 20: The End and the Beginning<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Read <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+13-14&version=ESV">Mark 13-14</a></span></b><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child. Children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. Everyone will hate you because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. -Mark 13:12-13</span></i></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">First, let’s decipher what Mark chapter 13 is talking about. </span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the beginning of the chapter, as Jesus was leaving the temple, one of his disciples told Jesus how he admired the temple for its grandeur and stature. Immediately, Jesus throughout whatever that disciple said by stating, “Do you see all these great buildings? Not one stone here will be let on another; every one will be thrown down.” Jesus states that the temple will be destroyed and demolished. Furthermore, Jesus at this moment was making slight references to the end of times, or at least the end for humanity. Throughout the passage, Jesus makes harsh comments about humanity or at least the human aspect of humanity. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Also, Jesus states to his disciples to, “Watch out that no one deceives you. Many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and will deceive many.” Jesus basically gave a forewarning to his disciples and to us about how people will act as if they were Jesus, preforming flawed miracles and professing false prophecy. It’s up to us whether we will believe them or not. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Additionally, Jesus told his disciples that, “On account of me you will stand before governors and kinds as witnesses to them.” Honesty, if I was a disciple a the time, I would try to run away as far as possible. I wouldn’t want be the center of attention at a trial that might determine my fate. But Jesus states that, “Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.” Although this might seem hard to believe, if we put all our faith and trust in Jesus as well as let Him take the stage, He can take us away from the worst of times. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What I think is the most pivotal point of this chapter is when Jesus said, “Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child. Children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. Everyone will hate you because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.” It’s crazy to think about two brothers killing each other for what each of them believe, or even a father to his child. Basically, this shows how a belief in Jesus can cause many to hate you. But Jesus states that in the end, whoever withstands the hate and evil will be saved. Jesus says that the person what holds his/her faith strong and uses that faith throughout the trials that have yet to come, what he will be saved at the end. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think the most impactful words that Jesus said are near the end of the passage. He states that, “Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. Heaven and Earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” This is so impactful because Jesus states that everything will perish but His words will not. Therefore, if we keep his words throughout all the temptations and trials, we will be able to conquer them. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Near the end of chapter 13, Jesus states that the end of times are only known by the Father and that we will never know when Jesus will come to this world, but, “if he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping.” Jesus here doesn’t actually mean literal sleep, but rather whether you are being productive in society and using what talents that Jesus blessed you with, or are you sedentary and doing nothing with the talents that Jesus gave you.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Personally I think chapter 14 is the most pivotal chapter in the book of Mark. </span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let us first start with Jesus anointed at Bethany. "As Jesus was reclining at a table in the house of Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head.” This may seem very random and when the people who were at the house saw this, they were disgusted. But Jesus stated that, “She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial.” Jesus make a forewarning that he will soon die. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Also at this time, Judas Iscariot went to the priests to betray Jesus. During the Last Supper, Jesus predicted that one of the twelve disciples will betray with. All of them were greatly saddened by that fact. The Last Supper basically meant the last time Jesus would ever eat with his disciples. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next, Jesus told Peter that he will “disown me three times.” Peter completely rejected the claim and states that, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” Although later we know that Peter disowns Jesus three times, I feel we can somewhat relate to Peter a lot. We are always put in trials and temptations that test our faith. Even when we know that it’s wrong and it’s against the Word of God, we don’t want seem like the “Jesus-freak” among the group; therefore, we commit some wrong action anyways. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next Jesus goes to Gethsemane to pray and asked his disciples to, “Stay here and keep watch.” As Jesus returned he saw Peter sleeping and stated that, “Couldn’t you keep watch for one hour? Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” This happened two more times. I also feel we can relate exactly to what the disciples were in. Literally, whenever it is late night and we know we should say a prayer before we go to sleep, we end up falling asleep before we even say a single word. We resemble somewhat like the disciples because we are supposed to keep watch and keep the Word of God in our hearts, but we end up falling into earthly temptations, disowning Jesus and letting ourselves get taken in by the earthly wonders. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After Jesus prayed three times, he knew that his captors and his betrayer was waiting for him. At the moment Judas came and kissed Jesus, the guards came to seize him. And the disciples, “deserted him and fled.” Here the disciples also resemble the action that we tend to do in the present. We tend to flee whenever the world pressure us; we tend to flee our religion whenever we are pressured to go against it. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Near the end of this chapter, Jesus stood before the Sanhedrin and faced a harsh trial where he was beaten and scolded by the people. I feel that this chapter was talking about how if he hold strong in our faith God will always deliver.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>- Joshua Mathew</i></span>Benny2168http://www.blogger.com/profile/05399605986189747181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1584592788380529623.post-69151244670518758032015-03-05T06:00:00.000-06:002015-03-05T13:33:42.652-06:00Day 19: Time is Money<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Read <a href="https://www.blogger.com/Mark%2012:41-44">Mark 11-12</a></span></b><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And he sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the offering box. Many rich people put in large sums. And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny. And he called his disciples to him and said to them, “Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.” -Mark 12:41-44</span></i></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Gospels are full of such great parables that help us gain a better understanding of how we should live our daily lives. This particular passage is one that we are taught as young children. I remember telling this story as a child for Sunday school competitions. Everyone is giving their money to church but then this woman comes and gives 2 coins. I vaguely remember showing the audience 2 fingers to emphasize the fact that she only gave 2 coins. But as children, do we really fully comprehend the underlying message of this parable? Jesus says, “Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box.” She had given everything she had. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">More then the actual amount of money that the woman gave to the church, what mattered was her heart. Her intention and the fact she gave everything. Are we giving everything that we have to the church or God? This doesn’t have to be just money. In this day and age, what is just as valuable? Time. How much time are we giving to God? Whether it be talking about Him or glorifying his name? Are we truly doing everything we can to be true disciples of Jesus Christ or only a portion of our time that we see fit? The Lord sees our hearts and what our intentions are. He knows us better then we know ourselves. It’s important that we better ourselves and we do things not for our own selfish desires but to help others. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In many portions of the Bible it talks about giving over and over again. Mathew 25:35-36 says, “For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me." All these things we do for others it just as though we are doing it for Jesus. This Lent season, give your time to God. Give to those who need. If not financially, offer your time. If you don’t have time, offer your prayer. Not only during Lent, but everyday let us give all that we can to those who need more. Let us use our talents and gifts to glorify God and worship His name. With pure intentions and grateful hearts let us strive to give ALL that we have to our God who gives us everything. </span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Reena Thomas</span></i></div>
Benny2168http://www.blogger.com/profile/05399605986189747181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1584592788380529623.post-2964329871896500502015-03-04T06:00:00.000-06:002015-03-05T13:35:36.119-06:00Day 18: Come As You Are<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Read <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+9-10&version=ESV">Mark 9-10</a></b></span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” And he took them in his arms. -Mark 10:13-16</span></i></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Think of a child; what are characteristics that come into your mind? For me, I think of a little boy or girl, pure and innocent, eagerly taking in a whole new world. A child is full of love, easily trusting, open to being taught, quick to forgive, and completely dependent on his/her parents. As adults we are immediately taught to be self-sufficient and rely on ourselves; we strive to be ‘perfect’ in our own eyes and the eyes of others. This skewed mentality impacts how we approach God; believing that we must be ‘put together’ prior to approaching Jesus. <br /><br />With this broken mentality, we are quick to put aside those who are opposite of these convictions just as the disciples did in verse 13. “The disciples rebuked them [children]," because instead of seeing them with the eyes of Jesus, the disciples saw the children as annoyances to the Messiah. Jesus, not so much. Jesus saw this behavior and was “indignant;” Jesus was angry at His disciples for their dismissive attitude towards the children, the exact individuals who Jesus says “belongs the kingdom of God.” <br /><br />In this passage, Jesus is commanding adults, His disciples, to “receive the kingdom of God like a child,” and ‘whoever does not..shall not enter it.” This is a BIG deal; the long awaited Messiah is saying - Look! Stop trying to being something that I don’t want - be like a CHILD and come to me. Otherwise, you will NOT enter the kingdom of God. Have faith in ME just as these children do! Jesus is commanding each of us to have a childlike faith. <br /><br />But what does that mean? It means that we approach the Father just as Jesus taught us to say in the Lord’s Prayer - ‘our Father in heaven.’ When the word ‘Father’ is translated back into the original language of the text, Jesus is actually using the Aramaic word ‘Abba’ for Father; it isn’t a Hebrew word typically used in reference to God. Jesus uses the Jewish people’s commonplace language to relay the posture of how to come before God. The word Abba is what Jewish children at that time, would first call their father; at present it translates to ‘Daddy’. The significance of this word is profound becomes it reminds us of the intimate relationship we have with our Father and the type of childlike trust we ought to place in Him. While respecting all the attributes of God in that He is heaven and hallowed be His name, we are taught to first come to Jesus with the attitude of a child calling on their Abba, their Father. <br /><br />Coming to God as a child reminds us that we are indeed adopted sons and daughters of the King; we are heirs to the kingdom of God as Paul clearly teaches in Romans 8:12-17. If we are in God, meaning we have accepted Christ as our Lord and Saviour, then we stand courageously yet humbly before Him as we read in Romans 8:15; “For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” <br /><br />We humbly come before God just as a child would in the presence of adults; yet in addition, we come as children would in the presence of their loving and good Father. Banish this mentality that we ought to come before God without the blemish of sin. Jesus has torn the curtain that once existed requiring sacrifices and rituals of cleansing; Jesus has died for ALL sin: past, present, and future. Come to God humbly just as a child, in all of your sin, brokenness, and suffering. He stands with outstretched arms welcoming you into the kingdom of God. Come to Him and He will cover you with His grace and redeeming blood; He will remind you that you are His today, and forever more. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <br /><i>- Sheryl Abraham</i></span>Pearlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00466774449940425178noreply@blogger.com0