Afterward Jesus found him in the temple and said to him, “Behold, you have become well; do not sin anymore, so that nothing worse happens to you.” The man went away, and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well. For this reason the Jews were persecuting Jesus, because He was doing these things on the Sabbath. - John 5:14–16
In response to this miracle, the Jewish authorities castigated the healed man for breaking their trivial rules (v. 10). They were more concerned with legalistic regulations than with the man’s well-being—an attitude for which the Lord sharply rebuked them (Matt. 23:13ff.).
From this point on, the Jews were continually “persecuting Jesus, because He was doing these things on the Sabbath.” So began their open opposition toward Jesus—persecution that would eventually result in His death.
The die was cast. Jesus confronted Jewish legalism by disregarding their Sabbath rules, challenging them with His true identity as the Son of God. The Jews’ opposition to their own Messiah would harden and intensify until they crucified Him (1 Cor. 2:8).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(questions as posed by John MacArthur)
Ask Yourself
Are there one or two individuals in your usual field of vision who are such sticklers for precision and protocol, they choke the life out of others’ freedom in Christ? How do you deal with this kind of attitude? How might their predilection for order be of value to the Body if exercised properly?
(my added comment) Although we note Jesus' rebuke of the religious ritual/ordinances, Jesus states, "do not sin anymore". Therefore, we are told to keep our lives sinless. We are not to accept His grace with a demeanor of living recklessly. We strive to live blamelessly before our God. The bible defines those parameters. But, caring for others true physical well-being overshadows spiritual disciplines,...it's a matter of the heart. First, love God, then love people.....everything else falls in place when this is perfected. Myself, well, I'm still striving....
Hope you have a blessed day and that my entries just might be an inspiration for somebody.
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Friday, October 14, 2011
Charles Stanley's Devotion is Great Today also....
Victory in Spiritual Warfare
EPHESIANS 6:10-13
The Armor of God
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against [a]flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.
The Bible teaches that Satan has waged war against God and those who follow Him. This means that all Christians are on a spiritual battlefield.
In any conflict, soldiers should be given the right equipment and training in how to use it. Otherwise, it would be foolish to expect success. In a similar way, we should follow God's directions on how best to utilize the effective spiritual armor He has provided for us.
Let's explore each component. First, the belt of truth indicates that we should operate according to Scripture, which keeps us in the safety of God's will. Second, the breastplate of righteousness protects our heart from wrong emotions. Third, we should have feet that are ready to stand firm against the Devil and bring the good news to others (Isa. 52:7). Fourth, the shield of faith stops the Enemy's flaming missiles. Faith—or trust in Jesus—allows us to fight doubt, fear, and confusion. Fifth, the sword of the Spirit is the actual weapon used to cause damage to our opponent. Specifically, this is the Word of God. Scripture is "sharper than any two-edged sword" (Heb. 4:12), transforming us to be like Jesus, shedding light in a dark world, and enabling the spiritually blind to see. And finally, the helmet of salvation is protection for our thoughts.
Do you truly realize that you have a living Enemy? He continually attempts to draw you away from Jesus. Satan's path seems comfortable and good, but it leads only to destruction. There is no middle ground; either you are battling the Enemy, or he is deceptively pulling you away from the truth.
EPHESIANS 6:10-13
The Armor of God
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against [a]flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.
The Bible teaches that Satan has waged war against God and those who follow Him. This means that all Christians are on a spiritual battlefield.
In any conflict, soldiers should be given the right equipment and training in how to use it. Otherwise, it would be foolish to expect success. In a similar way, we should follow God's directions on how best to utilize the effective spiritual armor He has provided for us.
Let's explore each component. First, the belt of truth indicates that we should operate according to Scripture, which keeps us in the safety of God's will. Second, the breastplate of righteousness protects our heart from wrong emotions. Third, we should have feet that are ready to stand firm against the Devil and bring the good news to others (Isa. 52:7). Fourth, the shield of faith stops the Enemy's flaming missiles. Faith—or trust in Jesus—allows us to fight doubt, fear, and confusion. Fifth, the sword of the Spirit is the actual weapon used to cause damage to our opponent. Specifically, this is the Word of God. Scripture is "sharper than any two-edged sword" (Heb. 4:12), transforming us to be like Jesus, shedding light in a dark world, and enabling the spiritually blind to see. And finally, the helmet of salvation is protection for our thoughts.
Do you truly realize that you have a living Enemy? He continually attempts to draw you away from Jesus. Satan's path seems comfortable and good, but it leads only to destruction. There is no middle ground; either you are battling the Enemy, or he is deceptively pulling you away from the truth.
Truth about Religious Regulations from the bible with comments from John MacArthur
Now it was the Sabbath on that day. So the Jews were saying to the man who was cured, “It is the Sabbath, and it is not permissible for you to carry your pallet.” But he answered them, “He who made me well was the one who said to me, ‘Pick up your pallet and walk.’” They asked him, “Who is the man who said to you, ‘Pick up your pallet and walk’?” But the man who was healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had slipped away while there was a crowd in that place. - John 5:9–13
John notes that the healing took place on the Sabbath. Indeed, that was the key to this whole incident. It set the stage for the Jewish authorities’ open hostility toward Christ. The fury of their opposition would only escalate throughout the remainder of His earthly ministry, finally culminating in His death.
Jesus’ refusal to observe the legalistic and man-made Sabbath regulations was a major point of contention between Himself and Israel’s religious establishment. In fact, the Lord deliberately chose to heal this man on the Sabbath to confront superficial and bankrupt Jewish legalism. The Lord wanted to show mercy to this man, but also to call the nation to repentance by confronting the self-righteous and unbiblical stipulations that led to their illusion of spiritual life.
My Comments:
The clarity of God's intention of truth and grace is something that I continue to seek. We are called to be holy so that we may be fruitful for Him; yet, it is important to understand why we are being holy. Is it to seek the approval of man or of God? What does the bible claim is necessary for holiness?
John notes that the healing took place on the Sabbath. Indeed, that was the key to this whole incident. It set the stage for the Jewish authorities’ open hostility toward Christ. The fury of their opposition would only escalate throughout the remainder of His earthly ministry, finally culminating in His death.
Jesus’ refusal to observe the legalistic and man-made Sabbath regulations was a major point of contention between Himself and Israel’s religious establishment. In fact, the Lord deliberately chose to heal this man on the Sabbath to confront superficial and bankrupt Jewish legalism. The Lord wanted to show mercy to this man, but also to call the nation to repentance by confronting the self-righteous and unbiblical stipulations that led to their illusion of spiritual life.
My Comments:
The clarity of God's intention of truth and grace is something that I continue to seek. We are called to be holy so that we may be fruitful for Him; yet, it is important to understand why we are being holy. Is it to seek the approval of man or of God? What does the bible claim is necessary for holiness?
Thursday, September 22, 2011
John MacArthur's Grace to You Daily Today
Now there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews; this man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You have come from God as a teacher; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.” Jesus answered and said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” - John 3:1-3
Nicodemus came to Jesus as one of those superficial believers mentioned in John 2:23–25. But the Lord refused to accept Nicodemus’s profession, which was based on the signs he had witnessed (v. 2).
Jesus went straight to the real issue—the transformation of Nicodemus’s heart by the new birth, which is the act of God by which He imparts eternal life to those who are “dead in . . . trespasses and sins” (Eph. 2:1). Jesus answered his unasked question, “Unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
By the “kingdom of God,” Jesus is speaking specifically of the kingdom of salvation, the spiritual realm where those who have been born again by divine power through faith now live under the rule of God mediated through His Son. Nicodemus, like his fellow Jews, eagerly anticipated that glorious realm. But they believed that being descendants of Abraham, observing the law, and performing external religious rituals would gain them entrance into that kingdom. As Jesus made clear, no matter how religiously active someone might be, no one can enter the kingdom without experiencing the personal regeneration of the new birth.
Nicodemus came to Jesus as one of those superficial believers mentioned in John 2:23–25. But the Lord refused to accept Nicodemus’s profession, which was based on the signs he had witnessed (v. 2).
Jesus went straight to the real issue—the transformation of Nicodemus’s heart by the new birth, which is the act of God by which He imparts eternal life to those who are “dead in . . . trespasses and sins” (Eph. 2:1). Jesus answered his unasked question, “Unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
By the “kingdom of God,” Jesus is speaking specifically of the kingdom of salvation, the spiritual realm where those who have been born again by divine power through faith now live under the rule of God mediated through His Son. Nicodemus, like his fellow Jews, eagerly anticipated that glorious realm. But they believed that being descendants of Abraham, observing the law, and performing external religious rituals would gain them entrance into that kingdom. As Jesus made clear, no matter how religiously active someone might be, no one can enter the kingdom without experiencing the personal regeneration of the new birth.
Friday, September 16, 2011
The Ruler Is Cast Out
John 12:27-32 (NASB)
Jesus Foretells His Death
27 “Now My soul has become troubled; and what shall I say, ‘Father, save Me from this hour’? But for this purpose I came to this hour. 28 Father, glorify Your name.” Then a voice came out of heaven: “I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.” So the crowd of people who stood by and heard it were saying that it had thundered; others were saying, “An angel has spoken to Him.” Jesus answered and said, “This voice has not come for My sake, but for your sakes. 31 Now judgment is upon this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out. And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself.”
Dr. Stanley writes:
When Christ was hanging on the cross, Satan was celebrating. He thought he'd won a strategic battle against God. But instead, the Enemy was defeated decisively.
However, we don't always feel as if Satan has been conquered. That's because we still struggle against the principalities and powers in this world. You see, the Enemy was not annihilated at the cross—that will happen later (Rev. 20:2, 10). For now, he continues to reign over those who are without Christ. Yet his power over believers was broken at Calvary. As Christians, we are not of this world, but rather, we're part of God's kingdom (John 17:16). Therefore, the Lord has sole control of our destiny.
But remember that Satan is a deceiver. He wants people to believe he reigns supreme on earth—and to be disheartened when they look around at the havoc he wreaks. Indeed, Jesus does call him "the ruler of this world" (John 12:31). But don't miss the rest of the verse, which says the ruler "will be cast out."
The Devil cannot makes believers sin. He can tempt and taunt but is powerless to force disobedience (Rom. 6:14). Moreover, Satan cannot condemn Christ's followers (Rom. 8:1). He'll incite guilt in your heart if you let him, but that doesn't change the fact that you are a saved, beloved, and heaven-bound child of God.
When Jesus was here, Satan gave it his best shot to destroy God's plan and power on earth. He failed miserably. The Enemy was defeated when the Lord humbly paid the price for mankind's sin debt—past, present, and future—and rose in triumph over death. Believers share in the victory.
Jesus Foretells His Death
27 “Now My soul has become troubled; and what shall I say, ‘Father, save Me from this hour’? But for this purpose I came to this hour. 28 Father, glorify Your name.” Then a voice came out of heaven: “I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.” So the crowd of people who stood by and heard it were saying that it had thundered; others were saying, “An angel has spoken to Him.” Jesus answered and said, “This voice has not come for My sake, but for your sakes. 31 Now judgment is upon this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out. And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself.”
Dr. Stanley writes:
When Christ was hanging on the cross, Satan was celebrating. He thought he'd won a strategic battle against God. But instead, the Enemy was defeated decisively.
However, we don't always feel as if Satan has been conquered. That's because we still struggle against the principalities and powers in this world. You see, the Enemy was not annihilated at the cross—that will happen later (Rev. 20:2, 10). For now, he continues to reign over those who are without Christ. Yet his power over believers was broken at Calvary. As Christians, we are not of this world, but rather, we're part of God's kingdom (John 17:16). Therefore, the Lord has sole control of our destiny.
But remember that Satan is a deceiver. He wants people to believe he reigns supreme on earth—and to be disheartened when they look around at the havoc he wreaks. Indeed, Jesus does call him "the ruler of this world" (John 12:31). But don't miss the rest of the verse, which says the ruler "will be cast out."
The Devil cannot makes believers sin. He can tempt and taunt but is powerless to force disobedience (Rom. 6:14). Moreover, Satan cannot condemn Christ's followers (Rom. 8:1). He'll incite guilt in your heart if you let him, but that doesn't change the fact that you are a saved, beloved, and heaven-bound child of God.
When Jesus was here, Satan gave it his best shot to destroy God's plan and power on earth. He failed miserably. The Enemy was defeated when the Lord humbly paid the price for mankind's sin debt—past, present, and future—and rose in triumph over death. Believers share in the victory.
Monday, August 8, 2011
The Bible
When I did a google search for how many words are in the bible, the result that I first found was, "773,696 words in the King James Bible".
I was thinking this morning of the layers upon layers of historical information, life instruction, inspiration and revelation that I find when I read the bible. Then, I pondered how no other book of the same size, could even come close to the depth of content. I may read a given passage dozens of times and each time something new pops out. I can get different meaning as I focus on the specific words that were used or the numbers and their individual significance, (ie. a 7 always referring to completion.) I may find life applications one week that are different life applications from a different week. Could any book of any of our other favorite subjects do the same?
Anywho, just a pondering thought that I wanted to share this morning. I hope that we make time to explore this amazing book, the bible, which has the most incredible author of it all.
2 Timothy 3:16 (KJV)
16All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
or
2 Timothy 3:16 (NASB)
16 (A)All Scripture is [a]inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for [b]training in righteousness;
Have a blessed day!
I was thinking this morning of the layers upon layers of historical information, life instruction, inspiration and revelation that I find when I read the bible. Then, I pondered how no other book of the same size, could even come close to the depth of content. I may read a given passage dozens of times and each time something new pops out. I can get different meaning as I focus on the specific words that were used or the numbers and their individual significance, (ie. a 7 always referring to completion.) I may find life applications one week that are different life applications from a different week. Could any book of any of our other favorite subjects do the same?
Anywho, just a pondering thought that I wanted to share this morning. I hope that we make time to explore this amazing book, the bible, which has the most incredible author of it all.
2 Timothy 3:16 (KJV)
16All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
or
2 Timothy 3:16 (NASB)
16 (A)All Scripture is [a]inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for [b]training in righteousness;
Have a blessed day!
Saturday, August 6, 2011
My Prayer
Most people who have spent prayer time with me might be aware of my silence during those gaps when it is time to pray aloud. I do not think most people understand it. I think that they see me as not bold before the Lord. However, it runs deeper than most would believe.
My life has been full. Full of fun, full of blessings, full of indifference, full of corruption and full of repentance. As I am aware of all of this, I am, also, aware of a misguided heart. My ways are not His ways. Although I am still growing in Christian maturity and succumbing to the Lord's will, I am continually learning to yield to Him. When I pray, in silence, as I do most comfortably, these are what my words sound like:
Most Gracious Father, Lord of Heaven and Earth, Your Glory exceeds my greatest visions. You are the Glory in the Highest, nothing can compare. Our thoughts and hearts have been so desensitized by the corruption in this world that we can only come to you from the atoning heart of Our Lord Jesus Christ. We see not the magnitude of our sin. Even our Christianlike desires carry earthly motives. Please forgive us for that and help us Lord. Help us to see that Your will and Your ways are much better than our own. Help us to succumb to Your will. All the things that we pray for, we lift them up to You, and we release them to You. Thank You, God, that in Your perfect will, you will see these things to completion for Your Glory. Thank You for Jesus. Thank you for covering our sin. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen
When you are aware of my silence, please know that I am praying silently. And my prayers are very similar to that which I just wrote above.
Blessings to you today and everyday. In His Love and Grace, Janine
My life has been full. Full of fun, full of blessings, full of indifference, full of corruption and full of repentance. As I am aware of all of this, I am, also, aware of a misguided heart. My ways are not His ways. Although I am still growing in Christian maturity and succumbing to the Lord's will, I am continually learning to yield to Him. When I pray, in silence, as I do most comfortably, these are what my words sound like:
Most Gracious Father, Lord of Heaven and Earth, Your Glory exceeds my greatest visions. You are the Glory in the Highest, nothing can compare. Our thoughts and hearts have been so desensitized by the corruption in this world that we can only come to you from the atoning heart of Our Lord Jesus Christ. We see not the magnitude of our sin. Even our Christianlike desires carry earthly motives. Please forgive us for that and help us Lord. Help us to see that Your will and Your ways are much better than our own. Help us to succumb to Your will. All the things that we pray for, we lift them up to You, and we release them to You. Thank You, God, that in Your perfect will, you will see these things to completion for Your Glory. Thank You for Jesus. Thank you for covering our sin. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen
When you are aware of my silence, please know that I am praying silently. And my prayers are very similar to that which I just wrote above.
Blessings to you today and everyday. In His Love and Grace, Janine
The Thirsting Soul Satisfied in God.
Psalm 63:1-5 (NASB)
The Thirsting Soul Satisfied in God.
A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah.
1 O God, You are my God; I shall seek You earnestly;
My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You,
In a dry and weary land where there is no water.
2 Thus I have seen You in the sanctuary,
To see Your power and Your glory.
3 Because Your lovingkindness is better than life,
My lips will praise You.
4 So I will bless You as long as I live;
I will lift up my hands in Your name.
5 My soul is satisfied as with marrow and fatness,
And my mouth offers praises with joyful lips.
From Dr. Charles Stanley:
The Lord has given us a variety of appetites, which are essential for our physical survival. But He has also created within our hearts a hunger that is spiritual. David was a man who recognized and felt this yearning for the Lord. Throughout the Psalms, we find him meditating, offering praise, or crying out to God. His greatest joy was to be with his heavenly Father in intimate communion.
Hungering for the Lord is a desire to know and draw closer to Him. Sadly, this yearning lies dormant in many believers' lives. They're saved but have very little desire for more. One of the problems is that our society is filled with all sorts of things that grab and hold our interest and affections. These pleasures and pursuits compete with God for our attention, claiming our time and effort.
The good news is that the longing for God can be awakened if we are willing to change our priorities and pursuits. Although cultivating a desire for the Lord takes time, the joy we'll experience is lasting—and the rewards are eternal. You'll always get more out of a relationship with God than you put in. In fact, as your hunger for Him comes to life, He will open your heart and mind to understand and desire Him even more.
When we yearn for the Lord, He will satisfy us with contentment and a sense of completeness, while awakening an even deeper longing in our soul. Unlike physical hunger, a craving for Him is filled but paradoxically leaves us hungry. The more we are satisfied in Christ, the more we want of Him.
The Thirsting Soul Satisfied in God.
A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah.
1 O God, You are my God; I shall seek You earnestly;
My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You,
In a dry and weary land where there is no water.
2 Thus I have seen You in the sanctuary,
To see Your power and Your glory.
3 Because Your lovingkindness is better than life,
My lips will praise You.
4 So I will bless You as long as I live;
I will lift up my hands in Your name.
5 My soul is satisfied as with marrow and fatness,
And my mouth offers praises with joyful lips.
From Dr. Charles Stanley:
The Lord has given us a variety of appetites, which are essential for our physical survival. But He has also created within our hearts a hunger that is spiritual. David was a man who recognized and felt this yearning for the Lord. Throughout the Psalms, we find him meditating, offering praise, or crying out to God. His greatest joy was to be with his heavenly Father in intimate communion.
Hungering for the Lord is a desire to know and draw closer to Him. Sadly, this yearning lies dormant in many believers' lives. They're saved but have very little desire for more. One of the problems is that our society is filled with all sorts of things that grab and hold our interest and affections. These pleasures and pursuits compete with God for our attention, claiming our time and effort.
The good news is that the longing for God can be awakened if we are willing to change our priorities and pursuits. Although cultivating a desire for the Lord takes time, the joy we'll experience is lasting—and the rewards are eternal. You'll always get more out of a relationship with God than you put in. In fact, as your hunger for Him comes to life, He will open your heart and mind to understand and desire Him even more.
When we yearn for the Lord, He will satisfy us with contentment and a sense of completeness, while awakening an even deeper longing in our soul. Unlike physical hunger, a craving for Him is filled but paradoxically leaves us hungry. The more we are satisfied in Christ, the more we want of Him.
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Another Daily Devotion that I want to Save -- this time Charles Stanley
It will be helpful to explain to my boys about war when they inquire:
July 30, 2011
Reconciling Love and War
LUKE 6:27-31
One area of confusion about war is the apparent discrepancy between Jesus' words and God's approval of battle in the Old Testament. Can such dissimilar teachings be reconciled? How can the God who told Israel to destroy the Canaanites be the same one who said, "Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you" (v. 27)?
To clarify this issue, we must distinguish between commands issued to nations and instructions given to individuals. The Lord has bestowed certain responsibilities upon governments. He calls them ministers of God for good and entrusts them with avenging evil (Rom. 13:4). But to individuals, He says, "Never take your own revenge" (12:19).
People are killed in war, but this isn't the same as murder. A soldier on the battlefield carries out his duties under the authority of his government (Rom. 13:1-2). Murder, on the other hand, is an individual's vengeful response to anger or jealousy and is motivated by a desire to destroy another person.
When governments avenge wrong, innocent people are protected, but when individuals seek their own revenge, they destroy themselves and others. In Luke, Jesus was speaking about personal conflicts, not national wars. He knows that loving our enemies is the only way to protect ourselves from bitterness.
Would we prefer to turn the responsibilities around—are we quick to fight personal battles, but slow to affirm the avenging of evil nationally? Sometimes the only way for a country to have peace is to go to war, but we'll never experience inner peace if we battle with individuals who wrong us.
July 30, 2011
Reconciling Love and War
LUKE 6:27-31
One area of confusion about war is the apparent discrepancy between Jesus' words and God's approval of battle in the Old Testament. Can such dissimilar teachings be reconciled? How can the God who told Israel to destroy the Canaanites be the same one who said, "Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you" (v. 27)?
To clarify this issue, we must distinguish between commands issued to nations and instructions given to individuals. The Lord has bestowed certain responsibilities upon governments. He calls them ministers of God for good and entrusts them with avenging evil (Rom. 13:4). But to individuals, He says, "Never take your own revenge" (12:19).
People are killed in war, but this isn't the same as murder. A soldier on the battlefield carries out his duties under the authority of his government (Rom. 13:1-2). Murder, on the other hand, is an individual's vengeful response to anger or jealousy and is motivated by a desire to destroy another person.
When governments avenge wrong, innocent people are protected, but when individuals seek their own revenge, they destroy themselves and others. In Luke, Jesus was speaking about personal conflicts, not national wars. He knows that loving our enemies is the only way to protect ourselves from bitterness.
Would we prefer to turn the responsibilities around—are we quick to fight personal battles, but slow to affirm the avenging of evil nationally? Sometimes the only way for a country to have peace is to go to war, but we'll never experience inner peace if we battle with individuals who wrong us.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
I Read this today & want to keep it handy for future reminding
When Jesus came down from the mountain, large crowds followed Him. And a leper came to Him and bowed down before Him, and said, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.” -Matthew 8:1–2
Several more striking features marked the leper who came to Jesus. The man came expectantly but not demandingly, therefore he approached the Lord with humility. It’s clear he wanted to be healed, but he did not explicitly ask Jesus for this miraculous favor. That was almost too much for the leper to presume, hence his statement, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.” What a contrast to the attitude of those in some religious circles today who boastfully claim divine healing as if God should automatically grant it.
The leprous man also came in sincere faith—one that displays the firm conviction that God is able to work on our behalf, but yet a conviction accompanied by submission to His sovereign will. He knew that although Jesus was able to instantly cure his leprosy, He was not obligated. The man’s faith was much like that of Daniel’s friends who told the king, “If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up” (Dan. 3:17–18). In the same way, the leper would also accept whatever outcome Jesus provided.
source: bible and Grace to You
Several more striking features marked the leper who came to Jesus. The man came expectantly but not demandingly, therefore he approached the Lord with humility. It’s clear he wanted to be healed, but he did not explicitly ask Jesus for this miraculous favor. That was almost too much for the leper to presume, hence his statement, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.” What a contrast to the attitude of those in some religious circles today who boastfully claim divine healing as if God should automatically grant it.
The leprous man also came in sincere faith—one that displays the firm conviction that God is able to work on our behalf, but yet a conviction accompanied by submission to His sovereign will. He knew that although Jesus was able to instantly cure his leprosy, He was not obligated. The man’s faith was much like that of Daniel’s friends who told the king, “If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up” (Dan. 3:17–18). In the same way, the leper would also accept whatever outcome Jesus provided.
source: bible and Grace to You
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Romans 8:26-27
New American Standard Bible (NASB)
Our Victory in Christ
26 In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; 27 and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the [a]saints according to the will of God.
Our Victory in Christ
26 In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; 27 and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the [a]saints according to the will of God.
June 28 - The Way to Life: Simple, but Not Easy by letters@gty.org (Grace to You)
For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it. - Matthew 7:14
God’s way of salvation is remarkably simple, but it is not easy. Nothing we can give or give up can earn us entrance into the kingdom. But if we long to hold on to forbidden things, it can keep us out of the kingdom.
Even though we can pay nothing for salvation, coming to Jesus Christ costs us everything we have. Jesus says, “Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple” (Luke 14:27).
The person who says yes to Christ must say no to the things of the world, because to be in Christ is to rely on His power rather than our own and to be willing to forsake our own way for His. It can cost persecution, ridicule, and tribulation.
When we identify ourselves with Jesus Christ, we declare war on the devil, and he declares war on us. The one whom we formerly served now becomes our great enemy, and the ideas and ways we once held dear now become our great temptations and pitfalls.
Along with warnings of suffering, the Lord also gives promises that our hearts will rejoice (John 16:22) and that we are to take courage because He has overcome the world (John 16:33). He promises to enable us to prevail over those times of suffering, not to escape them.
God’s way of salvation is remarkably simple, but it is not easy. Nothing we can give or give up can earn us entrance into the kingdom. But if we long to hold on to forbidden things, it can keep us out of the kingdom.
Even though we can pay nothing for salvation, coming to Jesus Christ costs us everything we have. Jesus says, “Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple” (Luke 14:27).
The person who says yes to Christ must say no to the things of the world, because to be in Christ is to rely on His power rather than our own and to be willing to forsake our own way for His. It can cost persecution, ridicule, and tribulation.
When we identify ourselves with Jesus Christ, we declare war on the devil, and he declares war on us. The one whom we formerly served now becomes our great enemy, and the ideas and ways we once held dear now become our great temptations and pitfalls.
Along with warnings of suffering, the Lord also gives promises that our hearts will rejoice (John 16:22) and that we are to take courage because He has overcome the world (John 16:33). He promises to enable us to prevail over those times of suffering, not to escape them.
Friday, April 1, 2011
The Prophecy was Fulfilled!
Luke 4:16-21 (New American Standard Bible)
16And He came to (A)Nazareth, where He had been brought up; and as was His custom, (B)He entered the synagogue on the Sabbath, and (C)stood up to read.
17And the book of the prophet Isaiah was handed to Him. And He opened the book and found the place where it was written,
18"(D)THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS UPON ME,
BECAUSE HE ANOINTED ME TO PREACH THE GOSPEL TO THE POOR.
HE HAS SENT ME TO PROCLAIM RELEASE TO THE CAPTIVES,
AND RECOVERY OF SIGHT TO THE BLIND,
TO SET FREE THOSE WHO ARE OPPRESSED,
19(E)TO PROCLAIM THE FAVORABLE YEAR OF THE LORD."
20And He (F)closed the book, gave it back to the attendant and (G)sat down; and the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on Him.
21And He began to say to them, "Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing."
16And He came to (A)Nazareth, where He had been brought up; and as was His custom, (B)He entered the synagogue on the Sabbath, and (C)stood up to read.
17And the book of the prophet Isaiah was handed to Him. And He opened the book and found the place where it was written,
18"(D)THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS UPON ME,
BECAUSE HE ANOINTED ME TO PREACH THE GOSPEL TO THE POOR.
HE HAS SENT ME TO PROCLAIM RELEASE TO THE CAPTIVES,
AND RECOVERY OF SIGHT TO THE BLIND,
TO SET FREE THOSE WHO ARE OPPRESSED,
19(E)TO PROCLAIM THE FAVORABLE YEAR OF THE LORD."
20And He (F)closed the book, gave it back to the attendant and (G)sat down; and the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on Him.
21And He began to say to them, "Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing."
Monday, March 14, 2011
Journey to the Cross
Journey to the Cross from Scripture Union provides 5 daily readings (excluding weekends) for each of the six weeks in Lent. The readings are accompanied by a reflection question or two to help you "dig deeper" into the passage as you go through Lent.
Week One: His Saving Work Foretold | Day: 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Prayer
Lord, open my eyes and heart to read and obey Your word to me today.
Scripture
Isaiah 52:13—53:12 |
13 See, my servant will act wisely;
he will be raised and lifted up and highly exalted.
14 Just as there were many who were appalled at him—
his appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any man
and his form marred beyond human likeness—
15 so will he sprinkle many nations,
and kings will shut their mouths because of him.
For what they were not told, they will see,
and what they have not heard, they will understand.
Isaiah 53
1 Who has believed our message
and to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?
2 He grew up before him like a tender shoot,
and like a root out of dry ground.
He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him,
nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.
3 He was despised and rejected by men,
a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering.
Like one from whom men hide their faces
he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
4 Surely he took up our infirmities
and carried our sorrows,
yet we considered him stricken by God,
smitten by him, and afflicted.
5 But he was pierced for our transgressions,
he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was upon him,
and by his wounds we are healed.
6 We all, like sheep, have gone astray,
each of us has turned to his own way;
and the LORD has laid on him
the iniquity of us all.
7 He was oppressed and afflicted,
yet he did not open his mouth;
he was led like a lamb to the slaughter,
and as a sheep before her shearers is silent,
so he did not open his mouth.
8 By oppression and judgment he was taken away.
And who can speak of his descendants?
For he was cut off from the land of the living;
for the transgression of my people he was stricken.
9 He was assigned a grave with the wicked,
and with the rich in his death,
though he had done no violence,
nor was any deceit in his mouth.
10 Yet it was the LORD’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer,
and though the LORD makes his life a guilt offering,
he will see his offspring and prolong his days,
and the will of the LORD will prosper in his hand.
11 After the suffering of his soul,
he will see the light of life and be satisfied;
by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many,
and he will bear their iniquities.
12 Therefore I will give him a portion among the great,
and he will divide the spoils with the strong,
because he poured out his life unto death,
and was numbered with the transgressors.
For he bore the sin of many,
and made intercession for the transgressors.
Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
What parallels do you see in this passage with Jesus’ suffering and death?
Apply
What do you learn about Jesus here that might strengthen your faith? What do you learn about yourself?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, how amazed I am at all You did because of Your love for me. Strengthen my love for You.
Share
We encourage you to spread the word and share this with your family and friends.
If you like this, here's the link to Scripture Union's Journey to the Cross.
Week One: His Saving Work Foretold | Day: 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Prayer
Lord, open my eyes and heart to read and obey Your word to me today.
Scripture
Isaiah 52:13—53:12 |
13 See, my servant will act wisely;
he will be raised and lifted up and highly exalted.
14 Just as there were many who were appalled at him—
his appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any man
and his form marred beyond human likeness—
15 so will he sprinkle many nations,
and kings will shut their mouths because of him.
For what they were not told, they will see,
and what they have not heard, they will understand.
Isaiah 53
1 Who has believed our message
and to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?
2 He grew up before him like a tender shoot,
and like a root out of dry ground.
He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him,
nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.
3 He was despised and rejected by men,
a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering.
Like one from whom men hide their faces
he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
4 Surely he took up our infirmities
and carried our sorrows,
yet we considered him stricken by God,
smitten by him, and afflicted.
5 But he was pierced for our transgressions,
he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was upon him,
and by his wounds we are healed.
6 We all, like sheep, have gone astray,
each of us has turned to his own way;
and the LORD has laid on him
the iniquity of us all.
7 He was oppressed and afflicted,
yet he did not open his mouth;
he was led like a lamb to the slaughter,
and as a sheep before her shearers is silent,
so he did not open his mouth.
8 By oppression and judgment he was taken away.
And who can speak of his descendants?
For he was cut off from the land of the living;
for the transgression of my people he was stricken.
9 He was assigned a grave with the wicked,
and with the rich in his death,
though he had done no violence,
nor was any deceit in his mouth.
10 Yet it was the LORD’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer,
and though the LORD makes his life a guilt offering,
he will see his offspring and prolong his days,
and the will of the LORD will prosper in his hand.
11 After the suffering of his soul,
he will see the light of life and be satisfied;
by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many,
and he will bear their iniquities.
12 Therefore I will give him a portion among the great,
and he will divide the spoils with the strong,
because he poured out his life unto death,
and was numbered with the transgressors.
For he bore the sin of many,
and made intercession for the transgressors.
Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
What parallels do you see in this passage with Jesus’ suffering and death?
Apply
What do you learn about Jesus here that might strengthen your faith? What do you learn about yourself?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, how amazed I am at all You did because of Your love for me. Strengthen my love for You.
Share
We encourage you to spread the word and share this with your family and friends.
If you like this, here's the link to Scripture Union's Journey to the Cross.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Mercy
Hi There! It has been much too long since I've posted here. God's slowing me down, in general, and working hard on me in a few areas. I'm, truly, learning a lot. God keeps bringing messages to me on two main areas:
1. Being a bondservant for Christ
2. Having mercy
Two very special areas, for me, to have spiritual growth. At any rate, I wanted to share a Daily Devotion site that I have grown to love. John MacArthur teaches straight from the word giving full credence to it's truth and our need for a living walk through faith while here on earth. I hope that you check it out. I am confident that you would be blessed by it.
Grace to You
1. Being a bondservant for Christ
2. Having mercy
Two very special areas, for me, to have spiritual growth. At any rate, I wanted to share a Daily Devotion site that I have grown to love. John MacArthur teaches straight from the word giving full credence to it's truth and our need for a living walk through faith while here on earth. I hope that you check it out. I am confident that you would be blessed by it.
Grace to You
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