John 13
"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
This basically sums up the meaning of Christianity, discipleship, God, religion, etc.
It ties in all with the rest of the passage and probably the most profound, most important rule in the history of life itself.
Enough said.
To God be the Glory.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Accept
John 13
"I am not referring to all of you; I know those I have chosen. But this is to fulfill the scripture: 'He who shares my bread has lifted up his heel against me.'
To God be the Glory
"I am not referring to all of you; I know those I have chosen. But this is to fulfill the scripture: 'He who shares my bread has lifted up his heel against me.'
"I am telling you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe that I am He. I tell you the truth, whoever accepts anyone I send accepts me; and whoever accepts me accepts the one who sent me."
I would say the question of the day is: 'What do you choose to accept?'
To God be the Glory
Monday, February 23, 2009
Be Served
John 13
"He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, "Lord, are you going to wash my feet?"
"He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, "Lord, are you going to wash my feet?"
Jesus replied, "You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand."
"No," said Peter, "you shall never wash my feet."
Jesus answered, "Unless I wash you, you have no part with me."
I have known that a "true" leader is a servant to all. As Jesus himself said, I came to serve and not to be served.
The point that hit me with this statement finally, or maybe is hitting me harder today, is the fact that I have to let God "serve" me. If I do not let God intervene, than according to this passage, I do not believe in God, and do not know God. Ultimately, with the following passage:
""Then, Lord," Simon Peter replied, "not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!"
Jesus answered, "A person who has had a bath needs only to wash his feet; his whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you." For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean.
When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. "Do you understand what I have done for you?" he asked them. "You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them."
Because of the example, because if you have been "served" by God, you should do the same for others, so others, being humble, will be serve by God, and hence know who God is.
Sometimes, or I should say, a lot of times, I have a hard time letting God "serve" me. My ignorant, or maybe it is arroganance, perspective feels I am OK, and God has too much on his plate to even bother with me, and do not want to "whine" to God for help. However, it would also be futile, like Judas, as much as he was "served" by God, he did not serve others, and therefore he went to the wrong place.
Important lesson, be served by God and to serve others.
To God be the Glory.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Feet washing
John 13
"Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him."
Jesus knew, especially at that moment, he had all the power in the world, in the universe. He could do anything, anything at all, he could have annihilated everyone around him, everyone on the planet, but he chose to become a servant.
A thought just came to my head. IF, and a big IF, one can do anything, can one make someone else love him/her?
Is love the only thing God cannot control?
Or is love so powerful that it cannot be controlled?
Is love the most powerful force in the universe?
If you just received 100 Gazillion dollars, that you can buy anything in the whole world or universe, what would you do?
To God be the Glory
"Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him."
Jesus knew, especially at that moment, he had all the power in the world, in the universe. He could do anything, anything at all, he could have annihilated everyone around him, everyone on the planet, but he chose to become a servant.
A thought just came to my head. IF, and a big IF, one can do anything, can one make someone else love him/her?
Is love the only thing God cannot control?
Or is love so powerful that it cannot be controlled?
Is love the most powerful force in the universe?
If you just received 100 Gazillion dollars, that you can buy anything in the whole world or universe, what would you do?
To God be the Glory
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Trust
John 14
"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me."
"Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
"The words I say to you are not just my own. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. "
"I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father."
"And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father."
"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me."
"Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
"The words I say to you are not just my own. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. "
"I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father."
"And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father."
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Outcast
John 15
""If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you."
Feeling left out? Feel like a dork? An outcast?
"Remember the words I spoke to you: 'No servant is greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the One who sent me."
People do not outcast a "Christian" because of what you have started or are doing. People dislike you, or hate the way you live because of what Jesus started, and you are just following it. People oppose you because of a decision you made to follow Jesus because you are not following those who are not.
"If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin. Now, however, they have no excuse for their sin. "
People still want to believe that there is no such thing as sin. People still want to believe whatever they are doing is because of "nature" and there is ultimately no consequence or "hell". So how dare you come and tell them there is such a "bad" thing?
"He who hates me hates my Father as well. If I had not done among them what no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin."
Same as before, they close their eyes to so that they do not see.
"But now they have seen these miracles, and yet they have hated both me and my Father. But this is to fulfill what is written in their Law: 'They hated me without reason.' "
""If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you."
Feeling left out? Feel like a dork? An outcast?
"Remember the words I spoke to you: 'No servant is greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the One who sent me."
People do not outcast a "Christian" because of what you have started or are doing. People dislike you, or hate the way you live because of what Jesus started, and you are just following it. People oppose you because of a decision you made to follow Jesus because you are not following those who are not.
"If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin. Now, however, they have no excuse for their sin. "
People still want to believe that there is no such thing as sin. People still want to believe whatever they are doing is because of "nature" and there is ultimately no consequence or "hell". So how dare you come and tell them there is such a "bad" thing?
"He who hates me hates my Father as well. If I had not done among them what no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin."
Same as before, they close their eyes to so that they do not see.
"But now they have seen these miracles, and yet they have hated both me and my Father. But this is to fulfill what is written in their Law: 'They hated me without reason.' "
Sometimes, reason is thrown out the window.
"When the Counselor comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father, he will testify about me. And you also must testify, for you have been with me from the beginning."
Because of the disciples' decision to do what is right, and the Holy Spirit will help guide them. Today we have the Bible.
To God be the Glory.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Sustainablitiy
John 15
The ever famous passage, 'The Vine and the Branches'.
"Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me."
"As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love."
"My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you."
"Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends."
"This is my command: Love each other."
To God be the Glory
The ever famous passage, 'The Vine and the Branches'.
"Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me."
"As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love."
"My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you."
"Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends."
"This is my command: Love each other."
To God be the Glory
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Ah Ha!
John 16
"You believe at last!" Jesus answered. "But a time is coming, and has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me.
It's kinda like, you got it, but you don't.
Frustrating.
To God be the Glory
"You believe at last!" Jesus answered. "But a time is coming, and has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me.
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
Jesus was finally happy that the disciples got it at last, then he continues saying, however, but, they will desert me.It's kinda like, you got it, but you don't.
Frustrating.
To God be the Glory
Saturday, February 14, 2009
The Counselor
John 16
"When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment: in regard to sin, because men do not believe in me; in regard to righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; and in regard to judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned."
The "Counselor" is here.
How does the Holy Spirit convict the world?
Is the Counselor the Holy Spirit?
"But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you. All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will take from what is mine and make it known to you."
He is the Spirit of truth.
Where is this Spirit of truth?
If he is the Holy Spirit, when do we see him or be guided by him?
According to this passage, he will bring glory to Jesus buy taking from what is his making it known to the disciples.
To God be the Glory
"When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment: in regard to sin, because men do not believe in me; in regard to righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; and in regard to judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned."
The "Counselor" is here.
How does the Holy Spirit convict the world?
Is the Counselor the Holy Spirit?
"But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you. All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will take from what is mine and make it known to you."
He is the Spirit of truth.
Where is this Spirit of truth?
If he is the Holy Spirit, when do we see him or be guided by him?
According to this passage, he will bring glory to Jesus buy taking from what is his making it known to the disciples.
To God be the Glory
Friday, February 13, 2009
Warning...
John 16
"'All this I have told you so that you will not go astray. They will put you out of the synagogue; in fact, a time is coming when anyone who kills you will think he is offering a service to God."
Strange isn't it? Why would anyone think they are "offering a service to God..." yet in reality, they are not, according to Jesus?
Jesus is speaking to the disciples warning them of this fact, so as to not be mislead.
"...They will do such things because they have not known the Father or me. I have told you this, so that when the time comes you will remember that I warned you."
"'All this I have told you so that you will not go astray. They will put you out of the synagogue; in fact, a time is coming when anyone who kills you will think he is offering a service to God."
Strange isn't it? Why would anyone think they are "offering a service to God..." yet in reality, they are not, according to Jesus?
Jesus is speaking to the disciples warning them of this fact, so as to not be mislead.
"...They will do such things because they have not known the Father or me. I have told you this, so that when the time comes you will remember that I warned you."
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Glorify
John 17
What is the meaning of "Glorify"?
To give glory, honor, or high praise to; exalt
According to Webster's: to make glorious by bestowing honor, praise, or admiration.
What the heck does all that mean, really?
"After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: "Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began."
Jesus has "glorified" God by "completing" the work God gave him to do.
Understood, he finished what was supposed to be done, which was telling the truth so that people might have eternal life.
Now, Jesus in return, asked God to "glorify" him so that he may "glorify" God.
Is he asking God to raise him from the dead and ascend to heaven as the glorification?
In our lives, are we supposed to ask God to "glorify" us by doing something out of the ordinary, so God can be "glorified"?
So what is this "something" that is out of the ordinary?
"And glory has come to me[Jesus] through them[the disciples]. "
Were the disciples the handy result of God's work through Jesus, and hence Jesus was glorified through his disciples from what was given by God, there God is glorified.
"Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified."
Keeping them clean, protected, grounded. Because for the disciples, Jesus stayed cleaned, protected and was grounded by God, so they can be the same. Being a great example.
For all who will believe through the disciples:
"I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me."
So glory is given. Glory is served. In order for glory to be reflected or have effect, it has to be accepted by the recipient.
In this case, complete unity is the glory.
"Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them."
To God be the glory.
What is the meaning of "Glorify"?
To give glory, honor, or high praise to; exalt
According to Webster's: to make glorious by bestowing honor, praise, or admiration.
What the heck does all that mean, really?
"After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: "Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began."
Jesus has "glorified" God by "completing" the work God gave him to do.
Understood, he finished what was supposed to be done, which was telling the truth so that people might have eternal life.
Now, Jesus in return, asked God to "glorify" him so that he may "glorify" God.
Is he asking God to raise him from the dead and ascend to heaven as the glorification?
In our lives, are we supposed to ask God to "glorify" us by doing something out of the ordinary, so God can be "glorified"?
So what is this "something" that is out of the ordinary?
"And glory has come to me[Jesus] through them[the disciples]. "
Were the disciples the handy result of God's work through Jesus, and hence Jesus was glorified through his disciples from what was given by God, there God is glorified.
"Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified."
Keeping them clean, protected, grounded. Because for the disciples, Jesus stayed cleaned, protected and was grounded by God, so they can be the same. Being a great example.
For all who will believe through the disciples:
"I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me."
So glory is given. Glory is served. In order for glory to be reflected or have effect, it has to be accepted by the recipient.
In this case, complete unity is the glory.
"Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them."
To God be the glory.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
What is the Truth?
John 18
"What is truth?" Pilate asked.
Is that not the all encompassing question?
As Jesus answered when Pilate was questioning him:
"You are a king, then!" said Pilate.
Jesus answered, "You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me."
My question is, would it be easier to live if you know what the "ending" of your life is going to be or would it be easier if you do not know what your life is going to end up?
I think it would be harder if you do not, but maybe just as hard if you do, because, ultimately, you have to believe that it is going to be what "you" want.
Now the key question is, what is it that you "want"?
I do not think Jesus "wanted" to be crucified.
I do not think Jesus "wanted" to be flogged.
I do not think Jesus "wanted" to be betrayed.
I do not think Jesus "wanted" to be abandoned by his Father, nor his friends. (At least for a few days...3 to be exact)
In the end, we all have to know "where" we are going, otherwise, it would be a really morbid life and that is exactly what the devil wants.
My definition of "where" is what this "Truth" is, otherwise, you do not know where you are going because you are living a "lie".
To God be the Glory.
"What is truth?" Pilate asked.
Is that not the all encompassing question?
As Jesus answered when Pilate was questioning him:
"You are a king, then!" said Pilate.
Jesus answered, "You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me."
My question is, would it be easier to live if you know what the "ending" of your life is going to be or would it be easier if you do not know what your life is going to end up?
I think it would be harder if you do not, but maybe just as hard if you do, because, ultimately, you have to believe that it is going to be what "you" want.
Now the key question is, what is it that you "want"?
I do not think Jesus "wanted" to be crucified.
I do not think Jesus "wanted" to be flogged.
I do not think Jesus "wanted" to be betrayed.
I do not think Jesus "wanted" to be abandoned by his Father, nor his friends. (At least for a few days...3 to be exact)
In the end, we all have to know "where" we are going, otherwise, it would be a really morbid life and that is exactly what the devil wants.
My definition of "where" is what this "Truth" is, otherwise, you do not know where you are going because you are living a "lie".
To God be the Glory.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Power
John 19
Jesus answered, "You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin."
It read:|sc JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS.
The chief priests of the Jews protested to Pilate, "Do not write 'The King of the Jews,' but that this man claimed to be king of the Jews."
It is just challenging that God has "put" certain people in power so bad things can happen and people might have a chance to see and be with God.
Almost seems cruel in a way. Why is there not a "better" way?
Is it because this world, as it is mentioned, is doomed?
So, in my own little human thinking, would it be better if it was lead by people that are "Godly" or is that not possible while things are still here on earth?
I am in question.
Again, it is my own little human brain working.
To God be the Glory
Jesus answered, "You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin."
It read:|sc JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS.
The chief priests of the Jews protested to Pilate, "Do not write 'The King of the Jews,' but that this man claimed to be king of the Jews."
Pilate answered, "What I have written, I have written."
Everything appears to be all pre-planned, and I believe it is.It is just challenging that God has "put" certain people in power so bad things can happen and people might have a chance to see and be with God.
Almost seems cruel in a way. Why is there not a "better" way?
Is it because this world, as it is mentioned, is doomed?
So, in my own little human thinking, would it be better if it was lead by people that are "Godly" or is that not possible while things are still here on earth?
I am in question.
Again, it is my own little human brain working.
To God be the Glory
Monday, February 9, 2009
The Other disciple
John 20
Is John the disciple that Jesus loved?
It is always interesting, or intriguing, that as much as the disciples and people around Jesus saw and lived with him, no one knew what was to come.
Why?
Is this concept or faith that foreign?
Should it be not as simple and clear that people who truly loves God knows?
Maybe it is.
To God be the Glory.
"Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven."
"Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."
Is John the disciple that Jesus loved?
It is always interesting, or intriguing, that as much as the disciples and people around Jesus saw and lived with him, no one knew what was to come.
Why?
Is this concept or faith that foreign?
Should it be not as simple and clear that people who truly loves God knows?
Maybe it is.
To God be the Glory.
"Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven."
"Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Reality is not real
John 21
It has been a while since I have really dig deeper into the Bible like never before.
My faith is challenged as I continued to read more and more.
I have shared with many about how it gets more and more frightening the more I read and supposedly understand.
I am going to read John backwards, since I have read it many times, and just recently even more so, I figured that it would be a nice change to read it from the end.
As God is the beginning and the end and there's really no time frame, why not see what happens if we know the ending and work from there?
Regardless, this chapter is challenging.
The reality is, the fishermen did not catch any fish. There were no fruits of their labor, even though they were professionals.
Yet, when Jesus gave the instructions, it changed the outcome of all realities.
According to God, reality is his.
We are just living in the dream, or illusion.
So what is real?
Are we so ignorant and helpless, we can not do anything ourselves, but just to obey?
Where is the free will? Where is the choice? Where is the reality?
To God be the Glory.
It has been a while since I have really dig deeper into the Bible like never before.
My faith is challenged as I continued to read more and more.
I have shared with many about how it gets more and more frightening the more I read and supposedly understand.
I am going to read John backwards, since I have read it many times, and just recently even more so, I figured that it would be a nice change to read it from the end.
As God is the beginning and the end and there's really no time frame, why not see what happens if we know the ending and work from there?
Regardless, this chapter is challenging.
The reality is, the fishermen did not catch any fish. There were no fruits of their labor, even though they were professionals.
Yet, when Jesus gave the instructions, it changed the outcome of all realities.
According to God, reality is his.
We are just living in the dream, or illusion.
So what is real?
Are we so ignorant and helpless, we can not do anything ourselves, but just to obey?
Where is the free will? Where is the choice? Where is the reality?
To God be the Glory.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Choose correcty
Isaiah 66
Finally. The last chapter. Not that it is good that it is finally over, but finally this ties everything together. I wish there was more. Finally I think I got it. At least I think I did.
We chose to do what is right in our eyes.
We are waiting for the day to come where there will be rest and relaxation, or aka, R&R.
The question is if we see or understand what that R&R is.
God is waiting for the right day to reveal what that is because most of us are still trying to figure it out.
However, before we can see what God has in store for us, we have to go through a transformation, a labor in pain, a construction, a selection.
We have to keep that in our heads, our soul, our spirit to remind us where we are going.
Patience, perseverance, and endure the challenges to get to where that place is.
To God be the Glory.
"But whoever sacrifices a bull
is like one who kills a man,
and whoever offers a lamb,
like one who breaks a dog's neck;
whoever makes a grain offering
is like one who presents pig's blood,
and whoever burns memorial incense,
like one who worships an idol.
They have chosen their own ways,
and their souls delight in their abominations;
Finally. The last chapter. Not that it is good that it is finally over, but finally this ties everything together. I wish there was more. Finally I think I got it. At least I think I did.
We chose to do what is right in our eyes.
We are waiting for the day to come where there will be rest and relaxation, or aka, R&R.
The question is if we see or understand what that R&R is.
God is waiting for the right day to reveal what that is because most of us are still trying to figure it out.
However, before we can see what God has in store for us, we have to go through a transformation, a labor in pain, a construction, a selection.
We have to keep that in our heads, our soul, our spirit to remind us where we are going.
Patience, perseverance, and endure the challenges to get to where that place is.
To God be the Glory.
"But whoever sacrifices a bull
is like one who kills a man,
and whoever offers a lamb,
like one who breaks a dog's neck;
whoever makes a grain offering
is like one who presents pig's blood,
and whoever burns memorial incense,
like one who worships an idol.
They have chosen their own ways,
and their souls delight in their abominations;
so I also will choose harsh treatment for them
and will bring upon them what they dread.
For when I called, no one answered,
when I spoke, no one listened.
They did evil in my sight
and chose what displeases me."
Friday, February 6, 2009
God's openess
Isaiah 65
"I revealed myself to those who did not ask for me;
I was found by those who did not seek me.
To a nation that did not call on my name,
I said, 'Here am I, here am I.'
"I revealed myself to those who did not ask for me;
I was found by those who did not seek me.
To a nation that did not call on my name,
I said, 'Here am I, here am I.'
All day long I have held out my hands
to an obstinate people,
who walk in ways not good,
pursuing their own imaginations-
a people who continually provoke me
to my very face,
offering sacrifices in gardens
and burning incense on altars of brick;
who sit among the graves
and spend their nights keeping secret vigil;
who eat the flesh of pigs,
and whose pots hold broth of unclean meat;
who say, 'Keep away; don't come near me,
for I am too sacred for you!'
Such people are smoke in my nostrils,
a fire that keeps burning all day."
I know it is God that is speaking, and my heart breaks when I read and see this.
Just as I think God can be cold, with an dictatorship type rule, either my way or the hell way.
I know he wants all to be saved with him, but there are just some that will "choose" the other way.
To God be the Glory.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Pray more.
Isaiah 64
"You come to the help of those who gladly do right,
who remember your ways.
But when we continued to sin against them,
you were angry.
How then can we be saved? "
"Yet, O LORD, you are our Father.
We are the clay, you are the potter;
we are all the work of your hand.
"You come to the help of those who gladly do right,
who remember your ways.
But when we continued to sin against them,
you were angry.
How then can we be saved? "
"Yet, O LORD, you are our Father.
We are the clay, you are the potter;
we are all the work of your hand.
Do not be angry beyond measure, O LORD;
do not remember our sins forever.
Oh, look upon us, we pray,
for we are all your people.
Your sacred cities have become a desert;
even Zion is a desert, Jerusalem a desolation.
Our holy and glorious temple, where our fathers praised you,
has been burned with fire,
and all that we treasured lies in ruins.
After all this, O LORD, will you hold yourself back?
Will you keep silent and punish us beyond measure?"
Kind of what I was thinking of yesterday. We are all sinners, we were made by God, we were all called, yet most will, a big majority will still fall short, what is the point?
God does not show favoritism, he saves all who have sinned through Jesus who was the ultimate sacrifice. All we have to do is acknowledge and accept. Yet we all have a different opinion on who God is and accept who is going to be saved.
To God be the Glory
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Pray
Isaiah 63
People are people. Is there really a difference between the "chosen" and the Gentiles?
So what makes the people that of God different than that which God has called?
We all have sinned and has fallen short the Glory of God.
People did not understand God, and still did not understand God.
We come to understand God when we are broken and hopeless.
It is then when we decide if God is good or bad.
What is the lesson here?
"But you are our Father,
though Abraham does not know us
or Israel acknowledge us;
you, O LORD, are our Father,
our Redeemer from of old is your name.
People are people. Is there really a difference between the "chosen" and the Gentiles?
So what makes the people that of God different than that which God has called?
We all have sinned and has fallen short the Glory of God.
People did not understand God, and still did not understand God.
We come to understand God when we are broken and hopeless.
It is then when we decide if God is good or bad.
What is the lesson here?
"But you are our Father,
though Abraham does not know us
or Israel acknowledge us;
you, O LORD, are our Father,
our Redeemer from of old is your name.
17 Why, O LORD, do you make us wander from your ways
and harden our hearts so we do not revere you?
Return for the sake of your servants,
the tribes that are your inheritance.
18 For a little while your people possessed your holy place,
but now our enemies have trampled down your sanctuary.
19 We are yours from of old;
but you have not ruled over them,
they have not been called by your name."
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Proclamation
Isaiah 62
"The LORD has made proclamation
to the ends of the earth:
"Say to the Daughter of Zion,
'See, your Savior comes!
See, his reward is with him,
and his recompense accompanies him.' "
"The LORD has made proclamation
to the ends of the earth:
"Say to the Daughter of Zion,
'See, your Savior comes!
See, his reward is with him,
and his recompense accompanies him.' "
They will be called the Holy People,
the Redeemed of the LORD;
and you will be called Sought After,
the City No Longer Deserted."
Monday, February 2, 2009
Oaks of righteousness
Isaiah 61
"The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,
because the LORD has anointed me
to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners, [a]
"The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,
because the LORD has anointed me
to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners, [a]
to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the LORD
for the display of his splendor."
"Oaks of righteousness".
According to Wiki's information:
"...Oak barrels, which may be charred before use, contribute to the colour, taste, and aroma, of the contents, imparting a desirable oaky vanillin flavour to these drinks. The great dilemma for wine producers is to choose between French and American oakwoods. French oaks (Quercus robur, Q. petraea) give the wine greater refinement and are chosen for best wines since they increase the price compared to those aged in American oak wood. American oak contributes greater texture and resistance to ageing, but produces more violent wine bouquets. Oak wood chips are used for smoking fish, meat, cheeses and other foods." Wiki Oak
" For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing." 2 Corinthians 2:15
One way or the other, we smell.
Finally,
"I delight greatly in the LORD;
my soul rejoices in my God.
For he has clothed me with garments of salvation
and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness,
as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest,
and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
For as the soil makes the sprout come up
and a garden causes seeds to grow,
so the Sovereign LORD will make righteousness and praise
spring up before all nations."
To God be the Glory
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Everlasting light
Isaiah 60
"Arise, shine, for your light has come,
and the glory of the LORD rises upon you.
One thing we tend not to see. Ourselves.
If the light is within us, we can see what is around us. We might be scared, confused, and ultimately, be awakened.
We can know the fact we can see and understand, but can we accept it or would it be easier to just ignore it?
From the big picture here in Isaiah 60, the key is that others will see you.
"Nations will come to your light,
and kings to the brightness of your dawn.
The other question would be, are you going to confess that God is the Glory or it is all your doing, your faithfulness, your humility, your hard work, perseverance that led you to where you are and hence people are able to see the "Glory of God"?
"Then you will look and be radiant,
your heart will throb and swell with joy;
the wealth on the seas will be brought to you,
to you the riches of the nations will come. "
"Although you have been forsaken and hated,
with no one traveling through,
I will make you the everlasting pride
and the joy of all generations. "
It is when God is Glorified, you will be satisfied.
"The sun will no more be your light by day,
nor will the brightness of the moon shine on you,
for the LORD will be your everlasting light,
and your God will be your glory.
After all, you did not do much.
To God be the Glory.
"Arise, shine, for your light has come,
and the glory of the LORD rises upon you.
See, darkness covers the earth
and thick darkness is over the peoples,
but the LORD rises upon you
and his glory appears over you."
One thing we tend not to see. Ourselves.
If the light is within us, we can see what is around us. We might be scared, confused, and ultimately, be awakened.
We can know the fact we can see and understand, but can we accept it or would it be easier to just ignore it?
From the big picture here in Isaiah 60, the key is that others will see you.
"Nations will come to your light,
and kings to the brightness of your dawn.
"Lift up your eyes and look about you:
All assemble and come to you;
your sons come from afar,
and your daughters are carried on the arm."
The other question would be, are you going to confess that God is the Glory or it is all your doing, your faithfulness, your humility, your hard work, perseverance that led you to where you are and hence people are able to see the "Glory of God"?
"Then you will look and be radiant,
your heart will throb and swell with joy;
the wealth on the seas will be brought to you,
to you the riches of the nations will come. "
"Although you have been forsaken and hated,
with no one traveling through,
I will make you the everlasting pride
and the joy of all generations. "
It is when God is Glorified, you will be satisfied.
"The sun will no more be your light by day,
nor will the brightness of the moon shine on you,
for the LORD will be your everlasting light,
and your God will be your glory.
Your sun will never set again,
and your moon will wane no more;
the LORD will be your everlasting light,
and your days of sorrow will end.
Then will all your people be righteous
and they will possess the land forever.
They are the shoot I have planted,
the work of my hands,
for the display of my splendor.
The least of you will become a thousand,
the smallest a mighty nation.
I am the LORD;
in its time I will do this swiftly."
After all, you did not do much.
To God be the Glory.
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