23 Now while he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Festival, many people saw the signs he was performing and believed in his name.[d] 24 But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all people. 25 He did not need any testimony about mankind, for he knew what was in each person.
John 2:23-25
The people only believed because of what they saw, but it was still not enough for them to hold their faith when it came time for Jesus to be crucified. I would imagine these same people who believed in Jesus as their savior turned their backs on him when it was unpopular to believe in Christ. Hence Jesus knew their hearts - he knew all people on a personal level and knew the fallacies of our human nature.
Initially, I started believing in Christ because it was the popular thing to do. I remember watching my peers accepting him and to fit in I said the prayers during one of my Sunday school sessions. I didn't understand what it meant to completely surrender to Christ and to follow Him until the very end. Even Peter, the rock, fell away when it became unpopular to stand firm with Christ. Without the Holy Spirit, I too will fail, so I need to take a measure of what it means to stand with Christ even when its unpopular. I need to examine my heart and see if my love for Jesus is genuine. Don't just follow when its easy, but follow Him and allow Jesus to entrust me when things are difficult. Gal 1:10 comes into mind, as I should please God not men. I need to stand firm in Christ even when I want to be accepted by men. Following Christ should be the road that people will come and hate you for. I haven't been living much of that life.
Jesus forgive me for taking my faith in you lightly. Holy Spirit come into my life so that my faith will become pure. Help me to see beyond the superficial signs, but allow the change inside out, so that when it becomes difficult to follow you, I would stand firm and walk alongside you.
In Jesus Name
Amen
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Monday, July 30, 2012
Amazing Grace
17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
~John 1:17
How amazing is the gospel? After spending the last 2 months in an in depth study of the gospel I can see clearly now why there is need for the gospel in our lives. I feel as if the scales from my eyes were lifted as I got a better handle of what it means to be truly free through Christ's grace. During this last mission trip, God has shown me the true intent of what he wanted me to accomplish during the mission trip. Through the training, the message from Pastor Tony at BIC and the general conviction for the need to come home, I know now what I must do. Thank you Jesus for setting me free from sin and please help me to spread the truth within the body of believers at Pathway.
Jesus,
Thank you for your grace and truth that we are no longer slaves to sin, but free by your grace. You made me righteous when we were and still are sinners by believing in your resurrecting power. Holy Spirit, help me to love you more, so that my actions will be come an overflow of that love. Allow me diligence and a new found fire to ignite the dry spiritual lives of the people I'm surrounded by. I pray God that you do the work and just allow me to be the hands and feet of that Gospel message.
In Jesus Name
Amen
~John 1:17
How amazing is the gospel? After spending the last 2 months in an in depth study of the gospel I can see clearly now why there is need for the gospel in our lives. I feel as if the scales from my eyes were lifted as I got a better handle of what it means to be truly free through Christ's grace. During this last mission trip, God has shown me the true intent of what he wanted me to accomplish during the mission trip. Through the training, the message from Pastor Tony at BIC and the general conviction for the need to come home, I know now what I must do. Thank you Jesus for setting me free from sin and please help me to spread the truth within the body of believers at Pathway.
Jesus,
Thank you for your grace and truth that we are no longer slaves to sin, but free by your grace. You made me righteous when we were and still are sinners by believing in your resurrecting power. Holy Spirit, help me to love you more, so that my actions will be come an overflow of that love. Allow me diligence and a new found fire to ignite the dry spiritual lives of the people I'm surrounded by. I pray God that you do the work and just allow me to be the hands and feet of that Gospel message.
In Jesus Name
Amen
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Brother love
Philemon 1:17-19 NIV84
So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me. I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand. I will pay it back–not to mention that you owe me your very self.
The man that Paul sends back to Philemon is no longer considered worthless. During his time with Paul, he must have gained value enough to be of worth. I would imagine that the man that stayed with Paul was discipled and trained by him to have gained worth.
Two things come into mind when reading this passage. First Paul takes upon whatever misdeeds this individual has made. He puts his reputation up for this individual. This guy might have been some sort of scoundrel to the people that Paul was writing to. Secondly, the man that was with Paul was changed by the spirit. No longer is he of no worth to both Paul and Philemon, but now he is worth more to both. During his stay with Paul he must have gained some spiritual fruit for Paul to have wanted him to stay with him. What I'm taking away from this passage is that... I need to be like Paul and not judge people based on their past. Secondly, I need to be able to put myself on the line for a brother even if it means paying off their debt. That is what Christ like love is. To no judge based on their past misdeeds, but to go as far put myself on the line.
Jesus help me to be more like you and give grace to those that aren't at the right spiritual stage. But really who am I to judge that in itself. It is only you that can judge the content of a man's character. I just ask that you help me to lay down myself for a brother like Paul did. To even take up his debt if it means that brother or sister would be able to walk away free. I ask for your strength. And I repent if i had any notion that I could do this on my own and in my own strength.
In Jesus Name
Amen.
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