Happy July everyone!
Let's start the month off right by diving into God's word, shall we...?
So in II Corinthians, chapter 10, Paul talks about pride and boasting. He talks about how he is a 'timid' man, but he is bold when it comes to his faith, which I think is truly inspiring. We have to remember our work is not our own. We can do nothing without God, therefore we should boast in him, not ourselves. It's hard to not give yourself credit; we as humans are very egocentrical whether we like to admit it or not. We want recognition for everything we do (well, the good things at least). But the Bible says that recognition is dangerous because it can lead to inflated pride, and we all knows what comes after pride.
In chapter 11, Paul talks to the church about false teaching. He was afraid the Corinthians were not fully focused on loving Christ. Paul said that the church's love for Christ should be that of a virgin saving herself for her husband- pure, unadulterated love. I think that is a beautiful comparison. He also warns against Satan's ways. Satan and his servants can deceive us by appearing to be attractive, good, and moral- something that you might think is Godly could actual be the devil himself. This leads many unsuspecting people to follow smooth-talking, bible0quoting preachers into religious cults or organizations that appear to be good and moral, but are actually destructive and sinful. That is why it is so important for us to have conversations with God everyday. We need to recognize the voice of God like we would our own father. We can't listen to imitators or voices that are "close enough". We have to sit and wait for the still, small voice of God. And let me tell you, it is very still and very small. Which is why we need to be good listeners.
Chapter 12 Paul seems to do a lot of boasting in these chapters, am I right? In this chapter it's about the visions and revelations he has had from the Lord. And while he boasts, he also talks about his "thorn in the flesh", something to keep him humble after receiving visions from God. We're not really sure what his "thorn" was, but we know it was something chronic (and probably very annoying). And although he cried out three times to God (Paul was very precise about how many times he called out), God did not heal him, nut he did say "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."
Wait, what?
"...my power is made perfect in weakness."
"But, Allycia... Isn't that like, contradictory?" You ask.
"Why yes, yes it is friend." I reply.
But it makes sense. We were made by God, for God. In other words, we were made to need him. We need him. We may go through terrible, heart-wrenching times in our life, but that's okay. As bad as it sounds, it was meant to happen because if it didn't, we wouldn't grow in out faith and relationship with God. That's strangely comforting to me, and I hope it is for you too. Well, maybe not the strange part, but definitely the comforting part.
What do you think? Do you think that is why God allows us to suffer? Apart from free will, he let's us go through these hard times to go close to him?
Monday, June 30, 2014
Sunday, June 29, 2014
II Corinthians 4-6 (Sunday June 29)
2 Corinthians 4
In verses 3-4 Paul talks about how to some people the gospel (which means "good news"), is covered or hidden. Because they don't want to see the truth to be free. So, their minds then get blinded "lest" the light of the gospel shine on them. Remember the god of this age (who is that?), blinds them for the purpose of keeping them unable to "see"(see what?). Not God. So when we come across people in our daily lives whom we begin to see are blinded to the "good news", as we talk with them, how should we proceed?
Well Ephesians 6 give us some clues...How do we wrestle for the soul of some one else against the Devil?
Chapter 5
Verse 9-11 We will receive a reward for all our works, good or bad (remember the blog for 1 Cor. 3:12?). This is not the judgement to determine where we will spend eternity. It is about how much usable materials where created for eternity. What if all your works here on earth create materials that build your living place with Jesus?
Verse 11. Do we have an understanding of how terrified unsaved people will be before the Lord on the day of their judgement (that will be about where they spend eternity)? Imagine your unsaved friends and loved ones standing before the Lord, if they have not gotten saved...they will be terrified, and may even look at you on that day and ask "Why didn't you tell me?", that should break your heart and motivate you to a state of emergency for their soul.
Verse 18 talks about our ministry. Did you know YOU have a ministry? Yes you do. How good are you at it? Are you a faithful worker of YOUR ministry? It is the Ministry of reconciliation. Do you know what that word means in the greek? It means? It means exchange, restoration, to show divine favor to, reconciling.
Are you helping other get reconciled to Jesus?
Chapter 6.
Does grace give us a license to do what we want, or does it give us freedom and strength from the things we struggle with?
In verse 12 Paul says that our fleshly affections (what could fleshly affections be?), hold us back. Hold us back from what? Hint: look at verse 16-18.
In verses 3-4 Paul talks about how to some people the gospel (which means "good news"), is covered or hidden. Because they don't want to see the truth to be free. So, their minds then get blinded "lest" the light of the gospel shine on them. Remember the god of this age (who is that?), blinds them for the purpose of keeping them unable to "see"(see what?). Not God. So when we come across people in our daily lives whom we begin to see are blinded to the "good news", as we talk with them, how should we proceed?
Well Ephesians 6 give us some clues...How do we wrestle for the soul of some one else against the Devil?
Chapter 5
Verse 9-11 We will receive a reward for all our works, good or bad (remember the blog for 1 Cor. 3:12?). This is not the judgement to determine where we will spend eternity. It is about how much usable materials where created for eternity. What if all your works here on earth create materials that build your living place with Jesus?
Verse 11. Do we have an understanding of how terrified unsaved people will be before the Lord on the day of their judgement (that will be about where they spend eternity)? Imagine your unsaved friends and loved ones standing before the Lord, if they have not gotten saved...they will be terrified, and may even look at you on that day and ask "Why didn't you tell me?", that should break your heart and motivate you to a state of emergency for their soul.
Verse 18 talks about our ministry. Did you know YOU have a ministry? Yes you do. How good are you at it? Are you a faithful worker of YOUR ministry? It is the Ministry of reconciliation. Do you know what that word means in the greek? It means? It means exchange, restoration, to show divine favor to, reconciling.
Are you helping other get reconciled to Jesus?
Chapter 6.
Does grace give us a license to do what we want, or does it give us freedom and strength from the things we struggle with?
In verse 12 Paul says that our fleshly affections (what could fleshly affections be?), hold us back. Hold us back from what? Hint: look at verse 16-18.
Saturday, June 28, 2014
II Corinthians 1-3 (Saturday June 28)
Happy Saturday fellow Summer FUN Bible readers! Does anyone know why there is a second Corinthians? The first teen to answer this correctly gets a gift from me in Church tomorrow morning.
In the First Chapter Paul talks about comfort in suffering and then deliverance from suffering. In your walk you will hear people discuss God's part in this. (Is God causing the suffering or is He allowing the suffering? Or is the suffering caused by something else and God is there to deliver from the suffering?)
Verses 17 - 20 - What does verse 20 mean to you?
In Chapter 2 Paul talks about forgiveness again and verse 11 stood out to me; "lest satan should take advantage of us". Is Paul saying that if I don;t forgive that I am opening myself up to the devil taking advantage of me?
Then in verses 14-17 Paul talks about our triumph in Christ. I love verses 15 and 16. What is the fragrance of Christ? How is it possible that we can have the fragrance of Christ in God's eyes? What does this mean?
In Chapter 3 Paul stresses the importance of The Spirit of the Living God, as opposed to the letter of the law. He explains how much better and more powerful The Spirit is. What is Paul saying here? Why is The Spirit better? Do you know religious people who can quote the whole Bible but don't have The Holy Spirit? What do Christians (me, you and your friends) do to hinder The Holy Spirit?
In the First Chapter Paul talks about comfort in suffering and then deliverance from suffering. In your walk you will hear people discuss God's part in this. (Is God causing the suffering or is He allowing the suffering? Or is the suffering caused by something else and God is there to deliver from the suffering?)
Verses 17 - 20 - What does verse 20 mean to you?
In Chapter 2 Paul talks about forgiveness again and verse 11 stood out to me; "lest satan should take advantage of us". Is Paul saying that if I don;t forgive that I am opening myself up to the devil taking advantage of me?
Then in verses 14-17 Paul talks about our triumph in Christ. I love verses 15 and 16. What is the fragrance of Christ? How is it possible that we can have the fragrance of Christ in God's eyes? What does this mean?
In Chapter 3 Paul stresses the importance of The Spirit of the Living God, as opposed to the letter of the law. He explains how much better and more powerful The Spirit is. What is Paul saying here? Why is The Spirit better? Do you know religious people who can quote the whole Bible but don't have The Holy Spirit? What do Christians (me, you and your friends) do to hinder The Holy Spirit?
Friday, June 27, 2014
Friday June 27, 1Corinthians 14-16
HI All, I'm so sorry for the very late post. My mind was on the new house we got today!
1Corinthians 14, I love the opening of this chapter, follow the way of love. Did you know that your prayer language(speaking in tongues) is just between you and God. Yes God does sometimes use people to speak out loud in tongues and someone will give a message of what God wants us to hear. Why do you think that the God uses us to prophesy? Do you know what that means? Paul is developing the new church and he wants everything done in it to glorify God and help his people. Paul just breaks it all down to all. I, love how he uses things they already know about to show them how it relates to the church, praying and their lives in Christ. Vs.18-25 just read that think about it.
15: Do you believe? or just ya that's cool I believe. Paul is so on fire for God, and that Jesus died and rose again and sent the Holy Spirit. He wants to make sure that you get it. Paul was not one of the original 12. So all of this is coming to him after he meets Jesus on the road. Again Paul gives such good analogies like a seed is a seed God determines what the body will be. And there are earthly body's and heavenly body's. vs 58 sticks out to me. What in chapter 15 sticks out to you?
16: Paul gives request that they should set aside part of their money according to what each person makes. why do you think it's important to set aside something for the Lord? Even if you don't have a job what can you set aside for God? In vs 13 he says Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith: be strong. Do everything in love. Asia was sending greetings to the people. That blows my mind. This was not a 12-20 hr flight, a phone call, or via the web. This was days,weeks, and sometimes months to get to one place to the other. This was word of mouth, written on tablets or scrolls. In today's world how can we share Gods word with others?
Love you all,
Kaylene (again thanks for letting me be late)
1Corinthians 14, I love the opening of this chapter, follow the way of love. Did you know that your prayer language(speaking in tongues) is just between you and God. Yes God does sometimes use people to speak out loud in tongues and someone will give a message of what God wants us to hear. Why do you think that the God uses us to prophesy? Do you know what that means? Paul is developing the new church and he wants everything done in it to glorify God and help his people. Paul just breaks it all down to all. I, love how he uses things they already know about to show them how it relates to the church, praying and their lives in Christ. Vs.18-25 just read that think about it.
15: Do you believe? or just ya that's cool I believe. Paul is so on fire for God, and that Jesus died and rose again and sent the Holy Spirit. He wants to make sure that you get it. Paul was not one of the original 12. So all of this is coming to him after he meets Jesus on the road. Again Paul gives such good analogies like a seed is a seed God determines what the body will be. And there are earthly body's and heavenly body's. vs 58 sticks out to me. What in chapter 15 sticks out to you?
16: Paul gives request that they should set aside part of their money according to what each person makes. why do you think it's important to set aside something for the Lord? Even if you don't have a job what can you set aside for God? In vs 13 he says Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith: be strong. Do everything in love. Asia was sending greetings to the people. That blows my mind. This was not a 12-20 hr flight, a phone call, or via the web. This was days,weeks, and sometimes months to get to one place to the other. This was word of mouth, written on tablets or scrolls. In today's world how can we share Gods word with others?
Love you all,
Kaylene (again thanks for letting me be late)
Thursday, June 26, 2014
I Corinthians 11-13 June 26
This chapter can be quit confusing. HEAD COVERINGS? What the what? Why? Really? Before you start making new rules about hats and hair take a look at 1 Cor 11:16 - "But if anyone wants to argue about this, we have no other custom nor do the churches of God". Paul was sending letters to real people in REAL time. He was training them according to church customs in these passage. I do believe that there are things we can learn from these passages but I DONT believe it is about actual head covering. There are spiritual truths here to glean. What was Paul trying to say here? What was the point? What do you think? And why should women have something on her head because of the angels???? Interesting.
In chapter 12 it says he is moving onto the things of the spirit. Unity in the body again. I love it. And I love that He gives each one of us gifts - to use for Him. Do you know what yours are? If you haven't taken a "gifts" test, let me know and I can show you a few. Each one of us have such wonderful and unique gifts! The Body of Jesus can not function at it's fullest without each one of us!
Chapter 13 is the famous LOVE chapter. Try reading it in the Message version. It's pretty cool. Sometimes we forget what is most important in our character and in our walk with the Lord. Love. Loving Him, loving others, and letting Him love us. This is a good chapter to remind ourselves of often. Are we loving well? God help us to be good representatives of YOU.
In chapter 12 it says he is moving onto the things of the spirit. Unity in the body again. I love it. And I love that He gives each one of us gifts - to use for Him. Do you know what yours are? If you haven't taken a "gifts" test, let me know and I can show you a few. Each one of us have such wonderful and unique gifts! The Body of Jesus can not function at it's fullest without each one of us!
Chapter 13 is the famous LOVE chapter. Try reading it in the Message version. It's pretty cool. Sometimes we forget what is most important in our character and in our walk with the Lord. Love. Loving Him, loving others, and letting Him love us. This is a good chapter to remind ourselves of often. Are we loving well? God help us to be good representatives of YOU.
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
Wednesday June 25 1 Corinthians 8-10
OK, ok, ok. I know you guys are just ichn' to get to this things so
lets start. Keagan says sorry so late, look at it like a test of
patience.
Chapter 8.
v 1
Knowledge (via legalism) puffs up and what you think you know you really don't know because LOVE build up (is productive).
When we correct some one doing something wrong, do we do it in LOVE with hopes for true correction or do we do it to point out how wrong they are and how right and smart we are??
If a weaker brother or sister (weaker in the sense that they don't have as much revelation of freedom from God), has a conviction that they should NOT eat bacon. Then you walk in eating a Baconator from Wendys. When they see that, they feel like "If they can do that I can too" and start eating bacon, but then get really sick and die because they felt they really should not have eaten the bacon and they disobeyed their conscience, you (as Paul says in verse 11) "caused the weaker brother to perish" in verse 11) and you wounded their weak conscience and then you sin against Christ (v.12). Use Grace to uplift and edify, not tear down and destroy.
Why do you think it is important to care, and be careful for the weaker brothers and sisters??
Have you ever taken your "liberty" to do something that has caused another brother or sister to stumble?
I have, and I am still sorry to this day for it. Some very bad things can happen to the weaker person.
We are to protect and care for each other. If eating bacon in front of some one cause an inner struggle and temptation they stumble at... that I will not eat it in front of them... remember its more than just bacon I am talking about here. :-)
Chapter 9 Paul continues the thought. The greatest is the servant, and the servant denies him self or her self... and serves (v.19) all men.
This week do something to lay your self down, and deny your self. and strive (yes strive) to sacrifice your self more and more. When you do that, you will sense the Lord walking closer and closer to you. God is drawn to the humble...but hates the prideful.
WHAT WILL YOU SACRIFICE?
Chapter 10 talks about idolatry which you might say, "That does not relate to me, I have no idols in my house that I burn incense to". Well, ALL idolatry begin with the worship of self, and your ideas of what YOU want, what YOU think, what YOU desire. Then they turn in to "things". IF you had to say ANYTHING in your life was an idol, what would it be?? What should you do with it if you know realize it is an idol??
Chapter 8.
v 1
Knowledge (via legalism) puffs up and what you think you know you really don't know because LOVE build up (is productive).
When we correct some one doing something wrong, do we do it in LOVE with hopes for true correction or do we do it to point out how wrong they are and how right and smart we are??
If a weaker brother or sister (weaker in the sense that they don't have as much revelation of freedom from God), has a conviction that they should NOT eat bacon. Then you walk in eating a Baconator from Wendys. When they see that, they feel like "If they can do that I can too" and start eating bacon, but then get really sick and die because they felt they really should not have eaten the bacon and they disobeyed their conscience, you (as Paul says in verse 11) "caused the weaker brother to perish" in verse 11) and you wounded their weak conscience and then you sin against Christ (v.12). Use Grace to uplift and edify, not tear down and destroy.
Why do you think it is important to care, and be careful for the weaker brothers and sisters??
Have you ever taken your "liberty" to do something that has caused another brother or sister to stumble?
I have, and I am still sorry to this day for it. Some very bad things can happen to the weaker person.
We are to protect and care for each other. If eating bacon in front of some one cause an inner struggle and temptation they stumble at... that I will not eat it in front of them... remember its more than just bacon I am talking about here. :-)
Chapter 9 Paul continues the thought. The greatest is the servant, and the servant denies him self or her self... and serves (v.19) all men.
This week do something to lay your self down, and deny your self. and strive (yes strive) to sacrifice your self more and more. When you do that, you will sense the Lord walking closer and closer to you. God is drawn to the humble...but hates the prideful.
WHAT WILL YOU SACRIFICE?
Chapter 10 talks about idolatry which you might say, "That does not relate to me, I have no idols in my house that I burn incense to". Well, ALL idolatry begin with the worship of self, and your ideas of what YOU want, what YOU think, what YOU desire. Then they turn in to "things". IF you had to say ANYTHING in your life was an idol, what would it be?? What should you do with it if you know realize it is an idol??
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
1 Corinthians 5-7, Jume 24
Hi guys. Sorry I'm late. Again.
Okay, okay, so today in chapter 5, we read about sexual immorality- a hot topic among youths today. This topic is addressed all throughout the bible. Here, Paul talks about not associating yourself with a brother who commits acts such as these. Now, if you're really reading and paying attention to this, 1 Corinthians 5:11 should confuse you a little. It says that we should not even eat with people who claim to be brothers but are sexually immoral. "Well, shouldn't we love everyone? Especially the sinners?" Yes, we should, but look carefully. It says do not associate with those who claim to be brothers. What does that mean, Allycia?! Well, I will tell you. If someone is claiming to be a brother, it means that they are claiming to be Christians. In other words, Paul is saying that you shouldn't associate yourself with people who don't follow God's word, but still claim to be Christians.
In chapter 6, Paul talks about how to handle smaller problems within the church, amongst fellow church-goers. Law systems are set up for people who are non-believers, but disputes against a fellow believer should never be taken to court. With the Holy Spirit and the mind of Christ on your side, why should you take a problem to a judge who doesn't take into account God's wisdom?
And then we go back to the topic of sexual immorality.
As you can see, this is a huge thing in God's eyes because it's talked about in so many different books. I think one of the key verses in this chapter is 6:13- particularly the part that says "The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body." I think with everything we're taught today in schools and with science and evolution, we're being told the exact opposite. That our body's natural instinct is to 'mate' or feel at one with someone else. And, yes this can be true, but only within marriage. And that's where people get confused. They feel the need to be 'one' with someone at a pretty early age. They feel like they need to fill a whole inside them that they think can only be filled with sexual immorality. Well, this verse is telling us that it needs to be filled with God. And I can tell you that filling it with him is much more satisfying than anything you can think of.
Ok, phew, trucking along here. Chapter 7. What do you think this chapter will be about? I'll give you one hint.
So basically, Paul is saying being single is a very good thing. That the only reason a man should marry is if he cannot control himself; and the same goes for women. He also says that widows shouldn't re-marry and that Christian couples shouldn't divorce (unless one commits adultery). Do you think we as Christians still follow these rules? Do you think we should
Paul then goes on to talk about Christian marriages and other things that might seem a little off. At least they do to me. I think it's just how we've been raised in this society now. We feel like we have to find a husband or wife and start a family or we've failed. But we should really stop looking at it that way. In my eye, a life devoted to the Lord is a life well lived, wether you have a spouse or not. What do you think?
Okay, okay, so today in chapter 5, we read about sexual immorality- a hot topic among youths today. This topic is addressed all throughout the bible. Here, Paul talks about not associating yourself with a brother who commits acts such as these. Now, if you're really reading and paying attention to this, 1 Corinthians 5:11 should confuse you a little. It says that we should not even eat with people who claim to be brothers but are sexually immoral. "Well, shouldn't we love everyone? Especially the sinners?" Yes, we should, but look carefully. It says do not associate with those who claim to be brothers. What does that mean, Allycia?! Well, I will tell you. If someone is claiming to be a brother, it means that they are claiming to be Christians. In other words, Paul is saying that you shouldn't associate yourself with people who don't follow God's word, but still claim to be Christians.
In chapter 6, Paul talks about how to handle smaller problems within the church, amongst fellow church-goers. Law systems are set up for people who are non-believers, but disputes against a fellow believer should never be taken to court. With the Holy Spirit and the mind of Christ on your side, why should you take a problem to a judge who doesn't take into account God's wisdom?
And then we go back to the topic of sexual immorality.
As you can see, this is a huge thing in God's eyes because it's talked about in so many different books. I think one of the key verses in this chapter is 6:13- particularly the part that says "The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body." I think with everything we're taught today in schools and with science and evolution, we're being told the exact opposite. That our body's natural instinct is to 'mate' or feel at one with someone else. And, yes this can be true, but only within marriage. And that's where people get confused. They feel the need to be 'one' with someone at a pretty early age. They feel like they need to fill a whole inside them that they think can only be filled with sexual immorality. Well, this verse is telling us that it needs to be filled with God. And I can tell you that filling it with him is much more satisfying than anything you can think of.
Ok, phew, trucking along here. Chapter 7. What do you think this chapter will be about? I'll give you one hint.
So basically, Paul is saying being single is a very good thing. That the only reason a man should marry is if he cannot control himself; and the same goes for women. He also says that widows shouldn't re-marry and that Christian couples shouldn't divorce (unless one commits adultery). Do you think we as Christians still follow these rules? Do you think we should
Paul then goes on to talk about Christian marriages and other things that might seem a little off. At least they do to me. I think it's just how we've been raised in this society now. We feel like we have to find a husband or wife and start a family or we've failed. But we should really stop looking at it that way. In my eye, a life devoted to the Lord is a life well lived, wether you have a spouse or not. What do you think?
Sunday, June 22, 2014
1 Corinthian 2-4 (Monday June 22)
1 Corinthians 2 v1-4
Of all people, Paul most certainly COULD come with "excellence of speech, wisdom declaring the testimony of God, persuasive words of human wisdom". He was the best orator of the time, with much wisdom and debating skill. BUT he chose to come in humility, and in the demonstration of the Spirit and Power.
WHY?
Between a great debate, and a convincing argument to win people over, OR the demonstration of the Spirit and Power, which one opens the hearts of the people, frees them and sets them on a path of relationship with Jesus?
1 Corinthians 3 v 11-14
We will not be Judged for our failures. When we all stand before the judgement seat of Christ our works will be tested for an eternal reward. Somethings we have "produced" will be tried through the fire and will be counted to us as eternal rewards, others... ashes... This "Day" will not determine your salvation.
So my question is: what things do WE produce as Christians that will produce "gold, silver, precious stones" that will make it through the fire, and what might we be doing that will only produce "wood, hay, and straw"?
1 Corinthians 4 v1
What ARE the mysteries of God that WE are stewards of and are we stewarding them well????
In the original Greek the words "steward" means distributor and "mystery" means secret. So really it says we are the distributor of the secrets of God.
Of all people, Paul most certainly COULD come with "excellence of speech, wisdom declaring the testimony of God, persuasive words of human wisdom". He was the best orator of the time, with much wisdom and debating skill. BUT he chose to come in humility, and in the demonstration of the Spirit and Power.
WHY?
Between a great debate, and a convincing argument to win people over, OR the demonstration of the Spirit and Power, which one opens the hearts of the people, frees them and sets them on a path of relationship with Jesus?
1 Corinthians 3 v 11-14
We will not be Judged for our failures. When we all stand before the judgement seat of Christ our works will be tested for an eternal reward. Somethings we have "produced" will be tried through the fire and will be counted to us as eternal rewards, others... ashes... This "Day" will not determine your salvation.
So my question is: what things do WE produce as Christians that will produce "gold, silver, precious stones" that will make it through the fire, and what might we be doing that will only produce "wood, hay, and straw"?
1 Corinthians 4 v1
What ARE the mysteries of God that WE are stewards of and are we stewarding them well????
In the original Greek the words "steward" means distributor and "mystery" means secret. So really it says we are the distributor of the secrets of God.
Saturday, June 21, 2014
Romans 15-16 and 1 Corinthians 1 (June 22)
Often I will find myself praying Romans 15: 5-6. I believe it is so on the heart of God that we, the whole body of Christ, are united. If we believe that Jesus is the Son of God and that He came to die for us and gave the ultimate sacrifice and then rose from the grave so that through our confession we can enter into an eternal relationship with Him then we are on the same team! It is so easy to look at other denominations and think they are either too stuffy or not serious enough and separate ourselves from them. But we should be declaring His goodness and glory with one mind and one voice. Think of what the body of Christ could do if we would just unite our voice to glorify God? I believe we would see a huge difference in our homes, schools and communities.
If Jesus has done everything needed to deal with sin and death, why is it that Paul says in Romans 15:20 that soon God will crush Satan under your feet? This makes me believe that we still have a part in the destruction of the enemy.
In 1 Corinthians we see the same emphasis of unity as we do in Romans. The very first thing Paul talks about after is salutation is unity!
I love the Kingdom Culture that is started in 1 Cor. 1:26. Many things in the Kingdom of God are backwards to our thinking and what we see in our world. He chose the foolish, the weak, the insignificant and despised - that doesn’t sound like OUR culture. We want the wise, the strong and the popular. There is a line from a song that I think explains it best - His Kingdom is an upside down kingdom.
Friday, June 20, 2014
Saturday June 21 : Romans 12 - 14
Continuing on our journey in Romans, here are some of my observations from today's chapters:
Romans 12
I love the order of this chapter; Be a living sacrifice to God, Serve God with your spiritual gifts, and behave as Christ did. (especially loving your enemies, praying for those who don't like you, repaying evil with good)
How is it possible for us to do this? God's grace, The Holy Spirit, letting God work on us, relying on Him.
I think a lot of times Christians, myself included, pray to God and truly want to seek Him but then second-guess, worry, over-analyze, etc. What would happen if you persistently prayed to God, talked to Him every day like he's your best friend and then LET HIM WORK in your life?
Romans 13
This is a tough one for me: Verse 1 is saying "Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities.... and the authorities that exist are appointed by God." It's very easy to get into complaint mode about our government and the direction of our country. What are you doing about it? Do you pray for our government? Do you let God do the work and answer your prayers or do you gossip/complain about it?
Continuing with the tough one for me theme, the rest of the chapter talks about loving your neighbor. Do you truly love your neighbor as yourself?
Romans 14
Some really great highlights:
4 -Who are you to judge another's servant?
10 - But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.
Verses 14-23: My NKJV calls this section "The Law of Love"
Every time I read this section I feel like I'm reading a legal document and I have to re-read it a couple times. But then I realize that's not the point. Why is it my mind is set on justice when if I truly got what I deserved, if I truly got my justice, I would be in big trouble? Thank God for His grace through Jesus!
Romans 12
I love the order of this chapter; Be a living sacrifice to God, Serve God with your spiritual gifts, and behave as Christ did. (especially loving your enemies, praying for those who don't like you, repaying evil with good)
How is it possible for us to do this? God's grace, The Holy Spirit, letting God work on us, relying on Him.
I think a lot of times Christians, myself included, pray to God and truly want to seek Him but then second-guess, worry, over-analyze, etc. What would happen if you persistently prayed to God, talked to Him every day like he's your best friend and then LET HIM WORK in your life?
Romans 13
This is a tough one for me: Verse 1 is saying "Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities.... and the authorities that exist are appointed by God." It's very easy to get into complaint mode about our government and the direction of our country. What are you doing about it? Do you pray for our government? Do you let God do the work and answer your prayers or do you gossip/complain about it?
Continuing with the tough one for me theme, the rest of the chapter talks about loving your neighbor. Do you truly love your neighbor as yourself?
Romans 14
Some really great highlights:
4 -Who are you to judge another's servant?
10 - But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.
Verses 14-23: My NKJV calls this section "The Law of Love"
Every time I read this section I feel like I'm reading a legal document and I have to re-read it a couple times. But then I realize that's not the point. Why is it my mind is set on justice when if I truly got what I deserved, if I truly got my justice, I would be in big trouble? Thank God for His grace through Jesus!
Thursday, June 19, 2014
Friday June20,2014 Romans 9-11
Romans9, Paul, is really torn, he has been called everything in the book. But he still loves Israel. In the first few lines Paul, is telling them that God loves them so much Paul is praying for them. In vs.8 Paul tells us that we are God's children and we don't have to be a physical descent of Abraham. What do you think about that? We are adopted By God. In vs. 14 Paul shows us that God was dealing with Israel in the time of Moses. When you read the Old Testament God through out is dealing with complaints from Israel. They were handed the land but it was never good enough. Or one of God's people who begged him to have mercy on them and he did. Sometimes, God allows us to go the way we want. And it may work for awhile then we have to turn or stop and ask God to help us out. And he will be there to help us his arms are always open. Paul is trying to get them to open their eyes. What do you think of Gods love?
In Romans10, Paul's heart desire is that Israel will be saved. They are so caught up in all the rules. Have you ever met someone that is so caught up in the rules that they miss the big picture? Look at vs. 9-13 Paul talks about confess with your mouth that Jesus was raised from the dead by God, and you will be saved. Reading about it does not save you. You must ask him to come into your heart and life. Confess it.
Romans11, God still wants his nation to cry out for him. In vs.6 it is by grace not by works that we have a relationship with God. Paul tells us that Israel can be saved. In vs. 17 Paul makes a point that like an olive tree some branches will fall off or broken off, others will be grafted into the tree. And the branches do NOT support the tree but the roots do. What is he saying to us? I think its this, We have the word of God and by grace we are saved. Planted in the church, our personal life, and our relationship with God. God is the root he feeds us, saved us, Meets our needs. If we choose to fall away he cuts us out. Not because he does not love us. But so that he can show all of mercy from our disobedience. Israel will call out to him and they will have his mercy just like us.
Love you guys,
Kaylene
In Romans10, Paul's heart desire is that Israel will be saved. They are so caught up in all the rules. Have you ever met someone that is so caught up in the rules that they miss the big picture? Look at vs. 9-13 Paul talks about confess with your mouth that Jesus was raised from the dead by God, and you will be saved. Reading about it does not save you. You must ask him to come into your heart and life. Confess it.
Romans11, God still wants his nation to cry out for him. In vs.6 it is by grace not by works that we have a relationship with God. Paul tells us that Israel can be saved. In vs. 17 Paul makes a point that like an olive tree some branches will fall off or broken off, others will be grafted into the tree. And the branches do NOT support the tree but the roots do. What is he saying to us? I think its this, We have the word of God and by grace we are saved. Planted in the church, our personal life, and our relationship with God. God is the root he feeds us, saved us, Meets our needs. If we choose to fall away he cuts us out. Not because he does not love us. But so that he can show all of mercy from our disobedience. Israel will call out to him and they will have his mercy just like us.
Love you guys,
Kaylene
Romans 6-8 (June 19th)
Romans 6
Ahh Romans 6, one of my favorite chapters in the Bible. In high school I had taken a class dedicated completely to the book of Romans. Sadly I don't remember as much as I wish I could!!
Dead to sin, Alive in Christ
For those of us who have accepted Jesus Christ as our Savior, we must remember that we too died to sin and our old ways, and that through Christ we are given a new life. 4 We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.
So, since we have died to sin that means that we are no longer slaves to sin, and that we may now be set free of that life. This means that just because we are saved, does not mean that we should just keep on sinning and that its okay because we are saved. 12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. 13 Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness. 14 For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace.
So, instead of letting sin run your life and have control of your body, honor God who has provided a new life for you by living a life free of sin. Do not let sin be your master!
Slaves to Righteousness
Ask yourselves, are you slaves to someone else or something else such as sin, instead of slaves of righteousness? Living your life as a slave to sin you are headed towards death! But, when you are slaves to obedience, that leads to righteousness! 16 Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey—whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness? So when we were slaves to sin, we certainly did not gain anything from it did we? We lived lives that lead to death. But, through the grace of God we can now live lives of holiness that lead to spiritual gifts and eternal life.
Romans 7
So, the first part of this chapter is kind of a repeat of what we talked about in Romans 6. We were once slaves to our sin, which caused us to bear fruit of death. But, because we died to that sin we began to bear fruit of life. The law that we lived by caused us to sin, yet this law is not sinful. It was set in place as a guideline and we chose to break it. If the law had not or did not exist then how would anyone know what sins were? And because of these laws set in place, sin always tries to use them against us by filling us with everything that the law speaks of not doing. Such as "Thou shall not steal"and what does sin do, fills us with the desire to take things that are not ours. We must remember that sin will always try and use anything good against us by turning it around making us do bad things with it. Do not let yourselves be slaves to the laws of sin.
Romans 8
8 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you[a] free from the law of sinand death.
These are veery important verses! It speaks of Christ giving up his life for us, by the condemnation of his flesh to sin. He died because the law was weakened by our sinful and human ways.
Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.6 The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. 7 The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. 8 Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God.
These verses speak of the difference between living our lives pleasing to God, verses living our lives pleasing to the flesh. Whatever our flesh wants can and will destroy us. But if we fight it we can live our lives according to what the spirit desires. What are something flesh like desires that we must learn to fight?
Ahh Romans 6, one of my favorite chapters in the Bible. In high school I had taken a class dedicated completely to the book of Romans. Sadly I don't remember as much as I wish I could!!
Dead to sin, Alive in Christ
For those of us who have accepted Jesus Christ as our Savior, we must remember that we too died to sin and our old ways, and that through Christ we are given a new life. 4 We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.
So, since we have died to sin that means that we are no longer slaves to sin, and that we may now be set free of that life. This means that just because we are saved, does not mean that we should just keep on sinning and that its okay because we are saved. 12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. 13 Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness. 14 For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace.
So, instead of letting sin run your life and have control of your body, honor God who has provided a new life for you by living a life free of sin. Do not let sin be your master!
Slaves to Righteousness
Ask yourselves, are you slaves to someone else or something else such as sin, instead of slaves of righteousness? Living your life as a slave to sin you are headed towards death! But, when you are slaves to obedience, that leads to righteousness! 16 Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey—whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness? So when we were slaves to sin, we certainly did not gain anything from it did we? We lived lives that lead to death. But, through the grace of God we can now live lives of holiness that lead to spiritual gifts and eternal life.
Romans 7
So, the first part of this chapter is kind of a repeat of what we talked about in Romans 6. We were once slaves to our sin, which caused us to bear fruit of death. But, because we died to that sin we began to bear fruit of life. The law that we lived by caused us to sin, yet this law is not sinful. It was set in place as a guideline and we chose to break it. If the law had not or did not exist then how would anyone know what sins were? And because of these laws set in place, sin always tries to use them against us by filling us with everything that the law speaks of not doing. Such as "Thou shall not steal"and what does sin do, fills us with the desire to take things that are not ours. We must remember that sin will always try and use anything good against us by turning it around making us do bad things with it. Do not let yourselves be slaves to the laws of sin.
Romans 8
8 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you[a] free from the law of sinand death.
These are veery important verses! It speaks of Christ giving up his life for us, by the condemnation of his flesh to sin. He died because the law was weakened by our sinful and human ways.
Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.6 The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. 7 The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. 8 Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God.
These verses speak of the difference between living our lives pleasing to God, verses living our lives pleasing to the flesh. Whatever our flesh wants can and will destroy us. But if we fight it we can live our lives according to what the spirit desires. What are something flesh like desires that we must learn to fight?
Tuesday, June 17, 2014
Acts 28, Romans 1&2 June 17
The last chapter of Acts is Paul finally arriving at Rome. He is placed under guard, but is allowed to speak his be beliefs to the leaders of the Jews. Paul stays there for two years spreading the good news of Jesus Christ. I don't know about you, but that seems pretty odd to me. I mean, weren't the Romans the ones who crucified Jesus not too long ago? Yet the Romans allow him to speak freely of his beliefs. Why do you think that is?
Then we move into the book of Romans, which is Paul's letter to the church in Rome about God's righteousness and his plan for salvation.
In Chapter 1 verse 21 Paul talks about how people knew God, but they nether glorified him nor thanked him. That verse got me really thinking. How could anyone who knows God not praise him and thank him? After seeing all his glory, how could someone 'wise' have 'futile' thoughts about him? Well, they must not really know him then. They claim to, but do they have a personal relationship with him? My guess is no. What about you? Do you know anyone who claims to know God and all about him, yet darkens their hearts to him?
The beginning of chapter 2 talks a lot about judging; something I always need to work on. It seems we as Christians hold ourselves to a high standard, which is a good thing! However, since we have high expectations for ourselves, we tend to judge others that have the same standard we do. I for one judged people without a second thought. I'm doing a lot better now, but I'm sure it's something everyone needs to work on. After all, what are our measly human judgements in the eyes of our perfect God?
And the last part of the second chapter of Romans talks about obeying the law. It says that Jews and Gentiles alike will all be judged one day, equally and fairly. That's why it's so important not to judge. In the end, we're all being judged by the same God for the same sins.
Then we move into the book of Romans, which is Paul's letter to the church in Rome about God's righteousness and his plan for salvation.
In Chapter 1 verse 21 Paul talks about how people knew God, but they nether glorified him nor thanked him. That verse got me really thinking. How could anyone who knows God not praise him and thank him? After seeing all his glory, how could someone 'wise' have 'futile' thoughts about him? Well, they must not really know him then. They claim to, but do they have a personal relationship with him? My guess is no. What about you? Do you know anyone who claims to know God and all about him, yet darkens their hearts to him?
The beginning of chapter 2 talks a lot about judging; something I always need to work on. It seems we as Christians hold ourselves to a high standard, which is a good thing! However, since we have high expectations for ourselves, we tend to judge others that have the same standard we do. I for one judged people without a second thought. I'm doing a lot better now, but I'm sure it's something everyone needs to work on. After all, what are our measly human judgements in the eyes of our perfect God?
And the last part of the second chapter of Romans talks about obeying the law. It says that Jews and Gentiles alike will all be judged one day, equally and fairly. That's why it's so important not to judge. In the end, we're all being judged by the same God for the same sins.
Sunday, June 15, 2014
Acts 25-27 Monday June 16
So acts 25, what do you all think about that?? If you where "judging" him in Caesar's seat aside form the fact that you a christian, just on legal and moral grounds.
Would Paul be guilty or not?
Why did you make the choice you did?
How does 2 Corinthians 4:4 relate to the trials that Paul was put on?
Again, that sad thing is that the ones that where pushing and forcing the death of Paul where the religious teachers who where supposed to discern the move of God even before other and they TOTALLY missed it.
Chapter 26.
1 Corinthians 9:19-13 sums up the whole story of Paul's testimony. When it was good for the advancing of the Kingdom to mention he was a Roman he mentions his credentials, when it was advantageous for the Kingdom of God to say he was a Jew he says that. How awesome! He uses all of his past experiences and training, as well as his "dual citizenship" as a Roman and Jew to advance the Kingdom of God.
What things (experiences and training, and maybe even other opportunities that you have had) that you can use like Paul to advance the kingdom? What could you use to get you before powerful influential people to witness and tell them of all the good things Jesus has done for you?
Chapter 27.
verse 1... So THAT is where the Orange Julius comes from!! I LOVE those drinks!!!
Why did he say in verse 9 "sailing was now dangerous because the FAST was already over"?
v 11. they did not listen to Paul about the voyage at sea, rather they listened to the SAILORS AND CAPTAIN (who where VASTLY more experienced than Paul was, duh, makes sense right?). BUT who was right? The centurion listened to reason, experience, expertise, but then nearly died. That MUST be a warning to us that just because it makes sense, or just because someone with "knowledge and experience" says something does not mean it is the right decision to make. WE HAVE TO ASK GOD for direction often if there is question.
What would have happened if the centurion had taken then time (to listen to, maybe a tug on his heart) to listen to Paul, or better yet would he have taken the time to ask God if Paul was right?
Would Paul be guilty or not?
Why did you make the choice you did?
How does 2 Corinthians 4:4 relate to the trials that Paul was put on?
Again, that sad thing is that the ones that where pushing and forcing the death of Paul where the religious teachers who where supposed to discern the move of God even before other and they TOTALLY missed it.
Chapter 26.
1 Corinthians 9:19-13 sums up the whole story of Paul's testimony. When it was good for the advancing of the Kingdom to mention he was a Roman he mentions his credentials, when it was advantageous for the Kingdom of God to say he was a Jew he says that. How awesome! He uses all of his past experiences and training, as well as his "dual citizenship" as a Roman and Jew to advance the Kingdom of God.
What things (experiences and training, and maybe even other opportunities that you have had) that you can use like Paul to advance the kingdom? What could you use to get you before powerful influential people to witness and tell them of all the good things Jesus has done for you?
Chapter 27.
verse 1... So THAT is where the Orange Julius comes from!! I LOVE those drinks!!!
Why did he say in verse 9 "sailing was now dangerous because the FAST was already over"?
v 11. they did not listen to Paul about the voyage at sea, rather they listened to the SAILORS AND CAPTAIN (who where VASTLY more experienced than Paul was, duh, makes sense right?). BUT who was right? The centurion listened to reason, experience, expertise, but then nearly died. That MUST be a warning to us that just because it makes sense, or just because someone with "knowledge and experience" says something does not mean it is the right decision to make. WE HAVE TO ASK GOD for direction often if there is question.
What would have happened if the centurion had taken then time (to listen to, maybe a tug on his heart) to listen to Paul, or better yet would he have taken the time to ask God if Paul was right?
Saturday, June 14, 2014
Acts 22-24 Sunday June 15
These 3 chapters give the story of Paul in captivity and some of his encounters with authority. I have just a few comments on these chapters. Chapter 22 tells the story of Paul giving his testimony to the Jewish people. I find it interesting that the thing that really made them upset is that Jesus was calling Paul to the Gentiles or non-Jewish people. It's like the religious people had gotten so religious that they couldn't even see what God was doing on the earth at that time. How did Godly people miss what God was doing? It makes me pray that I won't be blinded by my paradigm or how I think things are suppose to be and miss what God is doing on the earth today. I also found it interesting that when Paul snaps at the high priest in chapter 23 he immediately repents when he finds out that he was the high priest. He STILL honored authority even when it wasn't righteous authority. Paul even quotes the Old Testament as to the reason why he shouldn't have spoken harshly to the high priest. I think sometimes we diminish the Old Testament but the apostles still lived by it even after Jesus came and fulfilled the law.
Acts 19-21 (Saturday June 14)
Hi everyone. Keep reading and participating daily with your posts. Isn't it encouraging, and even fun to see every one's perspective on The Scriptures?
Today's reading focuses on Acts 19 through 21. I love the word Acts for the name of this book of The Bible. According to my dictionary, the word act means:
Today's reading focuses on Acts 19 through 21. I love the word Acts for the name of this book of The Bible. According to my dictionary, the word act means:
verb take action; do something.
This is very important and this book is filled with examples of people taking action. How sad would it be if you had tons of knowledge about God, Jesus, The Holy Spirit, the church, everything in this chapter, but you never took any action?
Acts 19
This book focuses on Ephesus, which is in Asia, and there is a LOT of spiritual warfare happening in this chapter. Paul and the disciples are ministering to people. Miracles are happening in abundance, and the devil and demons all around aren't happy about it. Some highlights:
Verses 5-6 Paul baptizes some disciples in The Holy Spirit
Verses 11-12 God is working so many miracles through Paul. The NKJV calls them "unusual miracles". They must have been pretty spectacular! Even handkerchiefs or aprons were brought from Paul to the sick and and diseases were healed and evil spirits were cast out. How amazing and limitless is God's power!?
Verses 13-16 Some Jewish exorcists (they are not believers and do not have The Holy Spirit) try to get in on the action and use the name of The Lord to try to cast out demons. Those demons overpowered them, to the point these Jewish priests fled from the house naked and wounded
Verses 24-27 All of the works and miracles of Paul are scaring the silversmith industry. These guys make silver shrines of Diana, a false god, and the real miracles of the real God are not surprisingly making a silly little silver diana shrine look kind of silly. These silversmith's don't like it. If people stop believing in Diana they will stop buying their shrines.
Acts 20
Paul moves from Asia and ministers in Greece.
Verses 9-12 A guy falls asleep in a window and falls 3 stories to his death. Paul goes down and embraces the young man and now he is alive. This is proof of disciples having the power Jesus promised them when he said "greater works than these.."
Verses 17-38 Paul gathers the elders of the church together and delivers a beautiful speech, encouragement, instruction, training session. Whatever you call it and everything that it was, it was filled with examples, instruction and loving encouragement.
Acts 21
This chapter is very important for examples of spiritual discernment and walking closely with God. As a Christian you will get advice from other Christians, and non-Christians too. It's not always going to be the right advice.
Paul decides to go to Jerusalem
Verse 4 The disciples warn Paul not to go to Jerusalem
Verses 10-11 A prophet prophecies to Paul that he will be arrested
Verse 12 The disciples plead with Paul not to go to Jerusalem
Verses 26-36 Paul is arrested in Jerusalem
Later, everything works out though as Paul is rescued
Make no mistake. When you decide to take action for Jesus and do what He is telling you to do, you will be entering a spiritual battlefield. It will be important to surround yourself with other believers who will help you. This is one of the things I love about Life Church. We are a community of believers here to help each other on our journey.
Friday, June 13, 2014
Friday June 13 2014 Acts 16-18
Good day All.
I love Acts. They,are really getting down to what Jesus asked them to do. In Acts 16, Timothy joins the team. I like how they point out that he is half Jewish and half Greek. Why, do you think they point this out?
At one point the Holy Spirit kept them away from Asia. Has the Holy Spirit kept you away from someone or something? Did you ever figure out why? God moves in ways that sometimes we don't see it for our own good. In vs 11, Paul meets a woman named Lyida, a seller of purple. Purple was not cheap in this time you had to be well off own it and sell it. Did you know it was made from very tiny shells? That they crushed, it took thousands off these to make only a yard maybe two. She believed in God and her entire family was saved and baptized. In 16vs Paul and Silas are sent to prison. Why? God had a plan and vs 27 the prison shook and the chains fell off. The jailer, was about to kill himself but Paul said hey we are in here don't and the jailer fell to the ground and was saved. That was the powerful. Paul and Silas could have ran away but they stayed put. Sometimes God wants us to stay put and listen to him. He Has a plan. In Acts 17, we see the Jews getting mad again. I, believe they think Jews were the only ones who should have God and know his word. Even though they would not accept Jesus as the Messiah. More and more Greek families came to believe that Jesus was the son of God. In vs16-34 in Athens Paul sees that every where he turned idols for anything and everything. Even one that said to an unknown God. Paul could have burned the city down smashed everything Asked God to destroy them. But he used his whits. Even though at this point Athens was not in the best shape it was filled with very smart people who loved to talk about any new ideas. Paul used this method to show them Who the one and only God was and what Jesus did for the whole world pointing out that he died and rose in 3days. Because, he used what was best for where he was he won the ones who had open hearts. Sometimes we have to look at where we are or who we are with to slowly share our God and his never ending love. In Acts 18 Paul is in Corinth. He meets a couple who were from Italy. Again Paul, meets the people where they were, Aquila and Priscilla were tent makers. Paul by trade was a tent maker. At one point Paul, Silas, and Timothy were all together, and Paul told the Jews I'm done with you. He went to the Gentiles and tell them about God. Why did he do that? Through out chapter 18. Paul travels and finds the right people who are either all ready believers or who have open hearts. Does he meet challenges? Yes does Jesus provide away? Yes. We just have to have open hearts and Jesus will provide away. For what we need or what ever we may be going through. Even if everything is fine right now. Will it be hard? Could happen. Will it be easy? Maybe We gotta let go and let God.
Love you all, Kaylene
I love Acts. They,are really getting down to what Jesus asked them to do. In Acts 16, Timothy joins the team. I like how they point out that he is half Jewish and half Greek. Why, do you think they point this out?
At one point the Holy Spirit kept them away from Asia. Has the Holy Spirit kept you away from someone or something? Did you ever figure out why? God moves in ways that sometimes we don't see it for our own good. In vs 11, Paul meets a woman named Lyida, a seller of purple. Purple was not cheap in this time you had to be well off own it and sell it. Did you know it was made from very tiny shells? That they crushed, it took thousands off these to make only a yard maybe two. She believed in God and her entire family was saved and baptized. In 16vs Paul and Silas are sent to prison. Why? God had a plan and vs 27 the prison shook and the chains fell off. The jailer, was about to kill himself but Paul said hey we are in here don't and the jailer fell to the ground and was saved. That was the powerful. Paul and Silas could have ran away but they stayed put. Sometimes God wants us to stay put and listen to him. He Has a plan. In Acts 17, we see the Jews getting mad again. I, believe they think Jews were the only ones who should have God and know his word. Even though they would not accept Jesus as the Messiah. More and more Greek families came to believe that Jesus was the son of God. In vs16-34 in Athens Paul sees that every where he turned idols for anything and everything. Even one that said to an unknown God. Paul could have burned the city down smashed everything Asked God to destroy them. But he used his whits. Even though at this point Athens was not in the best shape it was filled with very smart people who loved to talk about any new ideas. Paul used this method to show them Who the one and only God was and what Jesus did for the whole world pointing out that he died and rose in 3days. Because, he used what was best for where he was he won the ones who had open hearts. Sometimes we have to look at where we are or who we are with to slowly share our God and his never ending love. In Acts 18 Paul is in Corinth. He meets a couple who were from Italy. Again Paul, meets the people where they were, Aquila and Priscilla were tent makers. Paul by trade was a tent maker. At one point Paul, Silas, and Timothy were all together, and Paul told the Jews I'm done with you. He went to the Gentiles and tell them about God. Why did he do that? Through out chapter 18. Paul travels and finds the right people who are either all ready believers or who have open hearts. Does he meet challenges? Yes does Jesus provide away? Yes. We just have to have open hearts and Jesus will provide away. For what we need or what ever we may be going through. Even if everything is fine right now. Will it be hard? Could happen. Will it be easy? Maybe We gotta let go and let God.
Love you all, Kaylene
Thursday, June 12, 2014
June 12th Acts 13-15
Welcome back to week two of the blog!!
Today I will be covering chapters 13-15 of Acts. At the beginning of this chapter Saul and Barnabas begin their journey with the church of Antioch. They fast and are prayed for before the Holy Spirit sends them off to Cyprus. They traveled a very long journey keep in mind... There was no such thing as cars back then. Saul and Barnabas run into someone I find to be very interesting, because of what does happen to him, as well as his name (Bar-Jesus). That just speaks evil to me against our Lord and Savior, not to mention he is a sourcer :O. His punishment for his lies and deceit was blindness, which has more than one meaning behind it. Not only does it show that he could now no longer see the light of day, but he was also spiritually blind. And the only way that he was going to fix that was to learn who the true Lord is.
Now I know it can get confusing sometimes with all the names that get thrown around, but why do you think that in the book of the Bible it was important to mention Paul being called Saul, but then to also switch between names throughout the chapter?
Most of this chapter is focused around Paul aka Saul speaking to the people about the life of Jesus, and what God did for us by sending his son to die on the cross for us. Towards the end of this chapter in verse 45 we see that the Jews have now entered the picture, jealous of the attention that Paul and Barnabas are getting. 45 When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy. They began to contradict what Paul was saying and heaped abuse on him.
We then see Paul answers boldly and tells them that they are the chosen ones and were to be spoken to first, however sadly they do not believe in Jesus and rejected him. So Paul and B. return to the Jews. If you were a Jew during that time, try and think of how it would have been to live in their shoes, imagine believing that your Messiah still hadn't come and that Jesus was not the one.
Acts 14
In chapter 14 of Acts things start off violent, and don't seem to get much better among the Jews and Gentiles. After learning of a plot against them B. and P. fled Iconium, to protect them selves against the plotted stoning. Could you imagine living somewhere or going somewhere and talking about Jesus, only to learn that people were plotting to kill you with rocks? Crazy. After escaping the Lystra Paul and B. met a lame man who had never walked, 8 In Lystra there sat a man who was lame. He had been that way from birth and had never walked. 9 He listened to Paul as he was speaking. Paul looked directly at him, saw that he had faith to be healed 10 and called out, “Stand up on your feet!” At that, the man jumped up and began to walk.
I find these 3 verses very important for healing in our own lives. Verse 9 states that Paul saw that the man had faith and healed him, and this is important because without faith and trust in God we can accomplish nothing, and cannot be healed.
Unfortunately the people of the town learned of the healing and began to worship P. and B. as gods in stead of praising the true God. So, P. and B. began to explain that they were just people too, and the true healer was God. The provider of rain and crops for the nations. Then, the Jews returned and won over the crowd and stoned Paul to what they believed was death and dragged him out of the town. But, through the power of God he got up and lived. The next day P. and B. left the city and proceeded to travel around more and preach the Word. They gathered many more disciples and the disciples learned that they would have to go through many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God.
Acts 15
This chapter jumps right into debates and disputes about whether all of these Gentiles had to be circumcised in order to be truly saved. P. and B., after much debate were appointed to go seek the council of the elders and the apostles. This goes to show, that not even Paul and B. had all the answers, which shows that it is okay for us to ask questions about God, and our beliefs. Once they returned they spoke of how the Gentiles were saved through faith and instead of judging them, they were to accept them and tell them to refrain from worshiping idols and sinful habits. Chapter 15 ends with a disagreement between Paul and Barnabas over who to bring with them to visit the new believers, and it ends with them parting ways. Its interesting to see that even among the two of them, not everything they believed personally aligned with the other.
Today I will be covering chapters 13-15 of Acts. At the beginning of this chapter Saul and Barnabas begin their journey with the church of Antioch. They fast and are prayed for before the Holy Spirit sends them off to Cyprus. They traveled a very long journey keep in mind... There was no such thing as cars back then. Saul and Barnabas run into someone I find to be very interesting, because of what does happen to him, as well as his name (Bar-Jesus). That just speaks evil to me against our Lord and Savior, not to mention he is a sourcer :O. His punishment for his lies and deceit was blindness, which has more than one meaning behind it. Not only does it show that he could now no longer see the light of day, but he was also spiritually blind. And the only way that he was going to fix that was to learn who the true Lord is.
Now I know it can get confusing sometimes with all the names that get thrown around, but why do you think that in the book of the Bible it was important to mention Paul being called Saul, but then to also switch between names throughout the chapter?
Most of this chapter is focused around Paul aka Saul speaking to the people about the life of Jesus, and what God did for us by sending his son to die on the cross for us. Towards the end of this chapter in verse 45 we see that the Jews have now entered the picture, jealous of the attention that Paul and Barnabas are getting. 45 When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy. They began to contradict what Paul was saying and heaped abuse on him.
We then see Paul answers boldly and tells them that they are the chosen ones and were to be spoken to first, however sadly they do not believe in Jesus and rejected him. So Paul and B. return to the Jews. If you were a Jew during that time, try and think of how it would have been to live in their shoes, imagine believing that your Messiah still hadn't come and that Jesus was not the one.
Acts 14
In chapter 14 of Acts things start off violent, and don't seem to get much better among the Jews and Gentiles. After learning of a plot against them B. and P. fled Iconium, to protect them selves against the plotted stoning. Could you imagine living somewhere or going somewhere and talking about Jesus, only to learn that people were plotting to kill you with rocks? Crazy. After escaping the Lystra Paul and B. met a lame man who had never walked, 8 In Lystra there sat a man who was lame. He had been that way from birth and had never walked. 9 He listened to Paul as he was speaking. Paul looked directly at him, saw that he had faith to be healed 10 and called out, “Stand up on your feet!” At that, the man jumped up and began to walk.
I find these 3 verses very important for healing in our own lives. Verse 9 states that Paul saw that the man had faith and healed him, and this is important because without faith and trust in God we can accomplish nothing, and cannot be healed.
Unfortunately the people of the town learned of the healing and began to worship P. and B. as gods in stead of praising the true God. So, P. and B. began to explain that they were just people too, and the true healer was God. The provider of rain and crops for the nations. Then, the Jews returned and won over the crowd and stoned Paul to what they believed was death and dragged him out of the town. But, through the power of God he got up and lived. The next day P. and B. left the city and proceeded to travel around more and preach the Word. They gathered many more disciples and the disciples learned that they would have to go through many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God.
Acts 15
This chapter jumps right into debates and disputes about whether all of these Gentiles had to be circumcised in order to be truly saved. P. and B., after much debate were appointed to go seek the council of the elders and the apostles. This goes to show, that not even Paul and B. had all the answers, which shows that it is okay for us to ask questions about God, and our beliefs. Once they returned they spoke of how the Gentiles were saved through faith and instead of judging them, they were to accept them and tell them to refrain from worshiping idols and sinful habits. Chapter 15 ends with a disagreement between Paul and Barnabas over who to bring with them to visit the new believers, and it ends with them parting ways. Its interesting to see that even among the two of them, not everything they believed personally aligned with the other.
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
Acts 7-9
First of all, I am so sorry for being late. Just another example of how imperfect we humans are, you know?
Hey, did you guys know that Acts is the only book of the bible that connects the gospels to the rest of the new testament? And without Acts we'd kinda be lost.
Anyways, the entirety of chapter 7 is basically Stephan recounting the events that happened with Abraham and his linage all the way down to Moses. I believe the theme for this chapter is trusting God. Stephan gave all these examples of men who came before them and how they fully trusted God and devoted their entire lives to him. And not only did Abraham and his sons trust God, Stephan did too. Just by telling all of those stories to those men , he trusted God, even though he knew he would be persecuted for it. And even while he was being stoned, he was trusting God. That takes a lot of guts right there. Has there ever been a time that you trusted God even though you were really scared? And did it help you to feel any better?
Chapters 8 and 9 focus on Saul and his persecution against Christians, and the apostles spreading the good news of Jesus. So we have two opposing forces working at the same time here. The apostles were trying to spread Christianity while Saul was.... well, he was doing the opposite. 8 talks about the 2 different conversions of Simon the Sorcerer and the Ethiopian.
Chapter 9 is the famous story of how Saul became Paul. He was walking along a dirt road when Jesus appeared to him and, well, you guys know the rest. Sometimes I wish the God would be that obvious with me. Like, if I'm asking for answers, I wish he would just flash "Look Here!" signs or blind me or something so that I know he's got an answer for me.
But the transformation between Saul and Paul is a HUGE one. To go from killing Christians to becoming one seems impossible. But everything is possible with God. Have you ever been through a huge transformation like that? Or have you seen a friend or loved one do so?
No matter what changes you go through or are currently going through, make sure to seek God throughout them. Because if you do, them you'll know you are going in the right direction.
Hey, did you guys know that Acts is the only book of the bible that connects the gospels to the rest of the new testament? And without Acts we'd kinda be lost.
Anyways, the entirety of chapter 7 is basically Stephan recounting the events that happened with Abraham and his linage all the way down to Moses. I believe the theme for this chapter is trusting God. Stephan gave all these examples of men who came before them and how they fully trusted God and devoted their entire lives to him. And not only did Abraham and his sons trust God, Stephan did too. Just by telling all of those stories to those men , he trusted God, even though he knew he would be persecuted for it. And even while he was being stoned, he was trusting God. That takes a lot of guts right there. Has there ever been a time that you trusted God even though you were really scared? And did it help you to feel any better?
Chapters 8 and 9 focus on Saul and his persecution against Christians, and the apostles spreading the good news of Jesus. So we have two opposing forces working at the same time here. The apostles were trying to spread Christianity while Saul was.... well, he was doing the opposite. 8 talks about the 2 different conversions of Simon the Sorcerer and the Ethiopian.
Chapter 9 is the famous story of how Saul became Paul. He was walking along a dirt road when Jesus appeared to him and, well, you guys know the rest. Sometimes I wish the God would be that obvious with me. Like, if I'm asking for answers, I wish he would just flash "Look Here!" signs or blind me or something so that I know he's got an answer for me.
But the transformation between Saul and Paul is a HUGE one. To go from killing Christians to becoming one seems impossible. But everything is possible with God. Have you ever been through a huge transformation like that? Or have you seen a friend or loved one do so?
No matter what changes you go through or are currently going through, make sure to seek God throughout them. Because if you do, them you'll know you are going in the right direction.
Sunday, June 8, 2014
Acts 4-6 (Monday June 9th)
The Apostles where doing good, they where healing people, but in the name of Jesus!!
That irritated the leaders of the day, why do you think that is?
In acts chapter 4 we see number of things worth taking note of:
1. We see how the spiritual leaders of that day did not really care about the well-being of their people.
2. We see how the spirit of antichrist was already working, even in the religious people.
3. We see the boldness that the disciples had when they stood up against that spirit of antichrist (in of all people the religious leaders). At one point they said "Jesus the Christ, the one whom you crucified" . That's not the best way to win someone over.
4.We see that the disciples had confidence in their God, they had power, they had evidence of Gods word by the anointing they had.
5. We see they were put in jail for doing good.
6. NOTE: Acts 4:24-30 prayer, what was Gods response? The place was shaken then, they received great power, great grace, great unity, and none of them lacked ANYTHING.
Chapter 5
Oh yeah, Ananias and Sapphira. If THAT story does not make you say "Hum", nothing will. Good thing this was in the Old Testament... That would never happen in the New Testament! Wait, that was in the New Testament! What?
The idea here is that they did it because they wanted to save face and "look" like good godly people, religious. It was not in their heart. God wants real. Period. In front of people, in front of him. How many times do WE feel the pressure (temptation) to "put a face on" in front of others, because we have the thought that every one else is perfect and I am not so I have to fake it in front of others? Who cares what others think, if they are that shallow to judge you when your real, they have bigger issues than what they think of you.
Lyrics from a song I love:
Now Granny said: Sonny, stick to your guns,"If you believe in something, no matter what,
"'Cause it's better to be hated for who you are, than be loved for who your not".
Let this burn in your soul like a tattoo.
What do YOU think about this very interesting passage?
Might we expect to see such things happen again as we come to the end of this age?
ANY ideas about the REST of the chapter? It is all very good!! Lots of signs and wonders, lots of jail time... FUN FUN FUN!!
Chapter 6
The choosing of those to "work tables"(really serve in the administration of service to people so the disciples could not be busy with stuff but perform their call of God).
Interesting here in verse 8 that they picked a guy who was full of faith and power and did great wonders and miracles... and he did not fuss about it. If you had that type of a resume, don't you think it a waste to use your "powers" to wait tables??? Stephen must have been a very humble guy...
Question: Do you think your self to be a humble person? What does humble REALLY look like?
Jesus said the GREATEST is the servant. If your doing what God wants you to do and you are where God wants you to be, it does not mater what your doing or how much anointing you have. YOUR doing Gods will because you said YES.
Then, what do you know? He gets martyred by a guy named Saul...hum...The guy just waits on table and then he is killed. What a life huh?
Do you think people in America will ever get martyred for Jesus?
Do you think persecution will ever come to America?
What IS persecution?
One definition of persecution is: a program or campaign to exterminate, drive away, or subjugate (to bring under control) a people because of their religion,race, or beliefs: the persecutions of Christians by the Romans.
Is there a need to persecute Christians in America? Why or Why not?
Saturday, June 7, 2014
Acts 1-3 (June 8)
Acts 1-3 has the story of Pentecost in it - did you know TODAY is Pentecost. Pretty cool.
Acts 1
In verse 3 it says "......appearing to them during 40 days....." How many other "40 days" are there in the Bible and what do you think the significance is of 40 days? First youth to answer that correctlyin a post wins a $5 Starbucks gift card. The significance portion of the question will be based on what you think - consider what was happening during the other "40 days" moments in the Bible and then tell me what you think they have in common.
In verse 6 I think it is interesting that they still don't get it - they think Jesus was coming to do something political. After everything they saw they STILL didn't get it.
Acts 2
Imagine, if you can, that this is the first time you have every heard this story. How completely amazing and unbelievable. And WE can have this same power. A POWER so amazing can come and dwell in us - giving us a "different language" and such wisdom and anointing! Peter stands and gives the most compelling sermon where 3000 came to believe in Jesus. This is Peter! The one that was so afraid that he denied Jesus 3 times just a few weeks earlier. WOW. Do you have this power living in you?
Verse 42, I believe, gives us a snapshot of what the New Testament church should look like....devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching, to fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayers. That's it in a nutshell! And Vs 43 says that fear came on everyone, and many signs and wonders were being performed through the apostles. I truly believe if we LIVED verse 42, then verse 43 would happen in our midst.
Acts 3
Immediately they begin healing those around them. And Peter takes every opportunity to speak to the Jewish people about who Jesus is compared to the Old Testament. He was always compelling them to believe, repent and be saved.
Acts 1
In verse 3 it says "......appearing to them during 40 days....." How many other "40 days" are there in the Bible and what do you think the significance is of 40 days? First youth to answer that correctlyin a post wins a $5 Starbucks gift card. The significance portion of the question will be based on what you think - consider what was happening during the other "40 days" moments in the Bible and then tell me what you think they have in common.
In verse 6 I think it is interesting that they still don't get it - they think Jesus was coming to do something political. After everything they saw they STILL didn't get it.
Acts 2
Imagine, if you can, that this is the first time you have every heard this story. How completely amazing and unbelievable. And WE can have this same power. A POWER so amazing can come and dwell in us - giving us a "different language" and such wisdom and anointing! Peter stands and gives the most compelling sermon where 3000 came to believe in Jesus. This is Peter! The one that was so afraid that he denied Jesus 3 times just a few weeks earlier. WOW. Do you have this power living in you?
Verse 42, I believe, gives us a snapshot of what the New Testament church should look like....devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching, to fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayers. That's it in a nutshell! And Vs 43 says that fear came on everyone, and many signs and wonders were being performed through the apostles. I truly believe if we LIVED verse 42, then verse 43 would happen in our midst.
Acts 3
Immediately they begin healing those around them. And Peter takes every opportunity to speak to the Jewish people about who Jesus is compared to the Old Testament. He was always compelling them to believe, repent and be saved.
John 19-21 (June 7)
Hello everybody! I'm really impressed by your participation in reading The Word every day and by your insightful comments and take on the material. The thing I love most about reading The Bible is that it doesn't matter how many times you read it, it will always speak to you. That's because The Bible is living; it's God speaking to you right now! Isn't that amazing?! Now on to today's chapters:
John 19 - Things get really ugly. Everyone has turned against Jesus and we all know what's going to happen.
John 19 - Things get really ugly. Everyone has turned against Jesus and we all know what's going to happen.
- Verse 11 - Jesus tells Pilate that he has no power at all unless it had been given to Pilate from above. Therefore the one who delivered Me (Jesus) to you has the greater sin.
- What does this mean to you?
- Verses 31 -37 - This is the proof that Jesus did in fact die. This is very important because of what happens in 3 days.
John 20 - Jesus is risen! This whole chapter features multiple instances of Jesus being witnessed alive, after he had already been crucified and dead. What other religion can claim this? What other religion has a risen savior?
- Vesre 23 - Jesus breathes on the disciples and gives them The Holy Spirit.
- Do you have The Holy Spirit?
John 21 - Jesus is back to his old ways, doing miracles
- Verse 6 - Jesus fills their nets with fish
- Verse 14 - Further proof that Jesus is resurrected - This is the third time Jesus shows himself to the disciples. There's no mistaking who He is or the fact that He is now alive!
- Verses 15 - 17 - Jesus tell them 3 times "feed my sheep". What does this mean?
- Verses 24 and 25 - Further proof and testimony of Jesus. I love verse 25 because it's basically saying, these are just the important highlights. Jesus did so much more but there's not enough room in the world to contain all the books that would be written, if you wrote down everything.
Think about that last statement!
Thursday, June 5, 2014
John16-18 Friday June 6th 2014
John 16-18 Friday June 6th 2014
Here we go. In John 16; Jesus, is talking to his disciples. He is preparing them for his physical life to be ended and that they may loose their life also. Jesus, tells them that he will send a helper. Who is the helper that will be sent to them? Right the Holy Spirit. Jesus makes clear that the Holy Spirit will only guide them as he does today by the word of Jesus. Sorrow will turn to Joy vs:16 why do you think the disciples questioned what was being said to them? Was it clarified to them? vs:25 Jesus has overcome the world. Yes I love this. Look at vs28-33 It clicks for the disciples. Have you ever had a situation that you need more clarification? And it takes a couple of times for"light bulb" to turn on and you get it? I have.
In John 17, this where Jesus ask God to glorify him. Why would Jesus do this? Was he making it easier for the disciples and us now to be able to connect to God? I think so this was one of his request to God before he went all he did for us. In vs:6-26 Jesus does this love prayer over his disciples and all believers. That is so intense, he knew me before I was born. He, prayed to God, for us right before he was setup to die. (thousands of years before we came) Mind blown.
John 18, at the entrance of a garden. The garden was Gethsemane( this means oil press) at the foot hill of Mount Olive. If you look up Gethsemane you can find some photos of what the garden looks like today and it is suppose to have some of the oldest know olive trees. Just a side note. I often wonder what was going through Judas mind when I read this. We all know it was the will of God. But did God cover his heart and eyes so that he had no feeling and was blind in what he was about to do? As we go to vs: 4-11 Jesus,asked who they were looking for? They said Jesus and with three simple words they all fell to the ground wow. What were they? We also read that Peter denies Jesus three times. In the last part Jesus is put before the high priest, I love how Jesus is point blank or he answers a question with a question. They get so mad they put him before Pilate. Did you read the part where the priest would not go in the palace. Because if they did they would not be clean and would miss the passover meal. I really LOL that Max, asked me what was so funny? I told him. And explained that pass over was a big feast like Thanksgiving. Jesus( the lamb pure as snow) was given up for Barabbas was a very bad dude. Hope you enjoyed this.
Kaylene
In John 17, this where Jesus ask God to glorify him. Why would Jesus do this? Was he making it easier for the disciples and us now to be able to connect to God? I think so this was one of his request to God before he went all he did for us. In vs:6-26 Jesus does this love prayer over his disciples and all believers. That is so intense, he knew me before I was born. He, prayed to God, for us right before he was setup to die. (thousands of years before we came) Mind blown.
John 18, at the entrance of a garden. The garden was Gethsemane( this means oil press) at the foot hill of Mount Olive. If you look up Gethsemane you can find some photos of what the garden looks like today and it is suppose to have some of the oldest know olive trees. Just a side note. I often wonder what was going through Judas mind when I read this. We all know it was the will of God. But did God cover his heart and eyes so that he had no feeling and was blind in what he was about to do? As we go to vs: 4-11 Jesus,asked who they were looking for? They said Jesus and with three simple words they all fell to the ground wow. What were they? We also read that Peter denies Jesus three times. In the last part Jesus is put before the high priest, I love how Jesus is point blank or he answers a question with a question. They get so mad they put him before Pilate. Did you read the part where the priest would not go in the palace. Because if they did they would not be clean and would miss the passover meal. I really LOL that Max, asked me what was so funny? I told him. And explained that pass over was a big feast like Thanksgiving. Jesus( the lamb pure as snow) was given up for Barabbas was a very bad dude. Hope you enjoyed this.
Kaylene
John 13-15 (Thursday June 5th)
Welcome to the blog everyone!
Today I will be discussing The Last Supper, as this is what
John Chapter 13 is about. To me this chapter brings out much sadness in my
heart, but also gratitude for Jesus giving up his life for all of us. What
amazes me about this whole chapter is how even in His final hours Jesus was
still teaching His disciples and still showed love the two people in the room
that would play a role in his death on the cross. It amazes me so much that he
knew that Judas would betray him that very night after the supper, yet he still
loved him and washed his feet. In verse 34 Jesus says “ A new command I give
you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” What
Jesus said here perfectly describes what he was doing the whole time he was on
Earth, and even that night at supper. Just because someone has wronged you or
they aren’t the best person, does not mean you should ever be mean back or not
love them. Now I ask in verse 23, whom do you think “the one whom Jesus loved”
was speaking of? Now the answer is known but if you don’t know it; it will be a
good research assignment!
One of the first things that stand out to me in chapter 14
is verse 6 “Jesus answered, “”I am the way the truth and the life. No one comes
to the Father except through me.”” This is a very important verse because it
follows the verses of Jesus speaking about Heaven and how he is headed there to
prepare a place for them. This goes back
to what we were all taking about Sunday night (if you were at the Fowlers). The
topic arose about the bumper sticker Coexist, which basic stands for all
religions lead to the same place. Which we known to be incorrect, but the point
is these religions out there all believe that they have gods and offerings that
are going to get them into heaven. But Jesus just stated that the only way to
Heaven is through Him. Ask yourself, do you truly know Jesus? Or are you trying
to find another way to Heaven, not just through religions, but also through
idols and worldly things. Remember, our salvation is not justified through good
works, but through the salvation of our Lord and Savior. If we truly love Him,
we must obey His commands. And when we do follow his commands we will be filled
with the spirit of truth!
I really enjoyed reading John chapter 15 again; this chapter
speaks about trying to go our own way, and doing things with out Jesus. Its
important to remember that it may seem like were doing okay when we stray from
Jesus but, we will soon find out that its temporary and that the true way to be
happy and be blessed is by living in the ways of Jesus. We will be rewarded
greatly if we just do as he wishes, and just as he said in chapter 13 to love
one another as Jesus loves us. He states it again in verse 12. One of the very
important verses in this chapter is verse 5 “I am the vine; you are the branches.
If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you
can do nothing.” This verse doesn’t say apart from me you can accomplish some
things. No, it says apart from me you can accomplish nothing. Keeping that in
mind, what can you start doing today to make sure you are including Jesus in
your decisions and life?
Wednesday, June 4, 2014
John 10-12 (June 4th)
One of the first things that stuck out to me reading the first chapter (10) is that Jesus was a crafty little ninja. In verse 39 it literally says " 39 Again they tried to seize him, but he escaped their grasp." Obviously this is a little funny (heck its hilarious) but the thing that really gets me is how anti-religious Jesus was. He didn't stop to pray and ask God "Lord help these people to not kill me" or "Father put conviction in their hearts so they know I'm the messiah". He simply gets away from them. I think a lot of the time we as christians (me a lot, don't worry) get religious about situations and think things like "God my day is going bad and I'm so sad help me to be happy" or "God do you have me in this situation for a purpose" but it is not always the case. While these things aren't bad by any means, we need to have discernment and wisdom with every situation. If I'm not happy or having a bad day think about positive things and learn to be thankful for what you have instead of what you don't, or maybe im in this situation because im a human being and I can get into sticky situations all on my own. We need to live lives of prayer but also use the things God already gave us (like our mind) and use both in our day to day lives.
Ok this next chapter is one of my top 10 stories in the bible, so lets dive in. This next chapter tells of a man lazarus who was said to be a follower of Jesus and brother to Mary and Martha. So Jesus is going around healing people and Mary and Martha sent word for Jesus and said "Jesus our brother, the one you love, is sick" and Jesus tells the disciples that he is dead and then he stays where he was for two more days. After the two days, Jesus and the disciples head over to Lazarus' side of town. They get there and they're told Lazarus has passed away and has been in the tomb for 4 days: here is where one of my favorite verses in the bible are. It simply says "35 Jesus wept." Now why is this verse so cool? Its so amazing to me that even though Jesus knew He was gonna raise lazarus up he spent time grieving with Mary and Martha. Firstly that says to me how important it is to spend time grieving but most importantly Jesus cares how we feel and even though he knows the outcome of your story/situation of the struggles you're going through, He will be there with you experiencing the emotions with you the way a best friend would. That is so huge to me. It really shows how much Jesus really does care for every little thing that happens in your life. He cares more than we could ever know.
Once again in chapter 12 you see another example of Jesus being un-religious. Mary took a pint of expensive perfume and poured it on Jesus' feet and Judas tells him why did you let her do that? It was worth a years wages and we could've sold it given it to the poor. Jesus tells them there will always be poor but you won't always have me. This is another pointer about being religious. We have to learn to use the Holy Spirit and then use our natural discernment for every situation.
Keagan
Keagan
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