Sharing the Good News

¹⁸ As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with him. ¹⁹ Jesus did not let him, but said, “Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” ²⁰ So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis^[b] how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed.

Mark 5:18-20

Jesus heals a demon possessed man who was socially outcasted by society. After driving out the unclean spirits, the man regains his senses and begs Jesus to follow him. Rather Jesus tells the man to stay and tell his home and his people how much God has shown mercy on him. 

I feel like the importance of the story was not how Jesus healed the man, but how the man responded to Jesus' act of mercy. This man was a social outcast, shun by society to live in the outskirts of civilization. I'm not sure how this man got by, but the fact that he was inflicted by unclean spirits and had supernatural strength meant he had some means of food. Unlike the leopards that forgot about Jesus once they were healed, this man was different, as he begged Jesus for permission to allow him to follow. Rather than allowing this man to follow him, Jesus told him to go and give a testimony to the people about how God showed mercy on him in driving out the demons. I too would be disappointed if I were in the situation when I earnestly wanted to go with Jesus. The man was obedient and did what he was told by sharing his testimony. Though I'm sure he had no visions of grandeur by following Jesus, he forewent his desires, and became obedient even in a situation that might have not been optimal for him. As a result many people were amazed (I'm assuming they were saved). In other stories, such as the young rich man who Jesus calls for to follow, Jesus goes a different route by telling this man stay. It shows me that God's answer for ministry is not always what we envision. Even playing the small parts of being the man who goes back to his hometown to be a testimony of God should be done in faith and obedience. Every little part that God assigns me to shows that this life, my story on this earth is going to be redirected back to God for his glorification. Less of me more of him - even if it means to live a simple life.

Jesus help me to forego my selfish desires. I'm not sure why you had the man stay back instead of following you, but you blessed his life either way by using him as a testimony of your mercy and grace. Thank you for healing me of my sins. And likewise help me to be ecstatic when it comes to share about my faith to other non-believers just as the man in this story has.

In Jesus Name
Amen. 

Routine

Jesus Questioned About Fasting

¹⁸ Now John’s disciples and the Pharisees were fasting. Some people came and asked Jesus, “How is it that John’s disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees are fasting, but yours are not?”
¹⁹ Jesus answered, “How can the guests of the bridegroom fast while he is with them? They cannot, so long as they have him with them.²⁰ But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them, and on that day they will fast.
²¹ “No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment. Otherwise, the new piece will pull away from the old, making the tear worse. ²² And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the wine will burst the skins, and both the wine and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins.”

Mark 2:18-22

Fasting was a sign of piety among the pharisee. There were no Mosianic laws regarding fasting, but over time fasting became a way for the Jewish leaders to express themselves outwardly. Essentially fasting became a religious act rather than the meaning we know today. In this story, Jesus goes against what fasting was established. Jesus was referring to fasting as being an outward sign of devotion to the ceremonial laws for the Pharisees. Fasting occurs in the old testament when God allows famine and disasters to occur. During hardships, the Israelites come back to God in desperation. In verse 20, Jesus talks about a time when he will no longer be with them. During that time, the people will turn to God in fasting. (this is the true meaning of why we fast). Fasting is not a sign of piety, but a sign of desperation. It's our outward expression for our need to be hungry for God. Jesus takes the original meaning of piety and replaces it with the new meaning of desperation. Hence the two cannot mix ~ New wine into an old wineskin will cause it to burst. etc...

Doing life journals lately has been difficult. Ljs has become a routine rather than personal time with God. It has become mindless, and just an expression of my devotion to God rather than me earnestly seeking his Word. I don't think or mediate on what God has been telling me, or if I have, I quickly forget his message. It's become a habit, and the only goal insight for me is to finish this month and keeping to my commitment (doing life journals everyday in October). Regardless, I know God speaks through the Word, as he has over the last several weeks I've been doing LJs, but even then I'm having a difficult time being motivated to take things seriously. I have become like the Pharasees showing my piety outwardly... My desperation for God's word is absent. Maybe it's time to take my faith further and stop being comfortable in my current place. To pray, seek and fast God earnestly...

Jesus forgive me for making this time with you a routine. To read your Words then blatantly ignoring what you have taught me by sinning. Help me to seek you earnestly with a new found desire. Change my mind of habit to a genuine desire to seek you.

In Jesus Name
Amen

Calloused

26“‘Go to this people and say,

“You will be ever hearing but never understanding;

you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.”

27For this people’s heart has become calloused;

they hardly hear with their ears,

and they have closed their eyes.

Otherwise they might see with their eyes,

hear with their ears,

understand with their hearts

and turn, and I would heal them.’^a

Acts 28:26-27

Paul directly quotes from what Isaiah the prophet wrote about in the old testament. Originally the message was for the Jews, but later became available to the gentiles because God's chosen had calloused hearts. The Jews were exposed to God's love from the beginning of creation, yet they still fell away. They also saw the signs and wonders through God's messengers, but it wasn't enough for them to believe. Time and time again, God reached out his hands to his chosen people, but always rejected God. 

This verse is a good reminder to see whether I am at the right place that God intends me to be at. Am I doing all that I can to see and hear everything that God wants me to hear? Is my heart and desires lined up in accordance to God's desires? I know I'm certainly not at the right place of where God wants me to be at. Likewise this message also carries to the brothers and sisters around me. Are they also aligned with God's message? If no... It comes to show that I need to pray more for those lost souls who come to church and as well as myself, until we are made perfect in him once we pass on in this life. 

Jesus forgive me for being calloused. I pray that you would help me to pray more for my brothers and sisters as well as myself. - for their salvation. I pray that you would grant your children the Holy Spirit. I ask that you would remove the scales from our eyes and make clear the distractions from the things around us. Help me to focus on you.

In Jesus Name
Amen

God Who Saves

²⁸ Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?”

²⁹ Paul replied, “Short time or long—I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.”

Acts 26:28-29

In every opportunity, even to the point where his life is at stake, Paul is preaching to an audience about Jesus. Paul gives his testimony of how Jesus saved him from sin regardless of whether the people around him wanted to hear it or not. King Agrippa makes a remark whether or not Paul can persuade him to be a believer. 

Paul's account in front the Sanhedrin gives some valid points on how we as Christians should go about sharing our faith. Whether Paul's life was at stake, he shared his testimony with the crowd even to the point of whether others wanted to hear it or not. Paul was not trying to persuade someone, but simply gave his life account of what happened on the road to Damascus. Lastly, Paul prayed for everyone who was persecuting him that God would change their hearts. Of all people, Paul was an eloquent speaker able to debate or convince others, but in the case of salvation, that strictly comes from God. A short or long message from Paul would not have mattered since it is always God who chooses us from damnation. I am thankful that God chose me... This verse reminds me that I still have many friends that don't know Christ, and it challenges me and urges me more to pray for the lost. 

Jesus I pray for my friends who don't know you. Please help them to know you and to accept you as Lord and Savior. Rule over my life to take every opportunity to share the gospel with unbelievers. Forgive me for my lack of obedience in this matter. I want to serve you the best I can.

In Jesus Name
Amen. 

Hypocrite

23 Paul looked straight at the Sanhedrin and said, “My brothers, I have fulfilled my duty to God in all good conscience to this day.” ² At this the high priest Ananias ordered those standing near Paul to strike him on the mouth. ³ Then Paul said to him, “God will strike you, you whitewashed wall! You sit there to judge me according to the law, yet you yourself violate the law by commanding that I be struck!”

Acts 23:1-3

Paul was brought forth in front of the counsel waiting to be tried for proclaiming the gospel. Ananias, the same high priest that condemned Jesus is bringing judgement onto Paul. Paul insults Ananias by calling him a whitewashed wall. Essentially this is an idiom in the Greek language - "a dirty wall which has been made to look clean". Paul is calling the high priest a hypocrite. 

One of the most demeaning insults one can call another person is a hypocrite. Hypocrisy is when someone says something to condemn, but also practices the said condemnation. Ananias seemed holy and righteous in front of the Jews, but his actions and he's heart spoke of hypocrisy. How can a holy high priest who speaks of God's forgiveness strike another man down? But I realize I too am like Ananias. When I judge or condemn another, I bring judgement to myself. Even thinking to myself about how someone wronged me, doesn't justify my attitude towards that person, as it was Christ who took those sins away and made it his own. In God's eyes I am just as wicked, but even more so since I am not only a sinner of the same action, but now considered a hypocrite. Though the sins might not be the same, the heart of the matter is I shouldn't be a whitewashed wall pretending I'm greater than I am. First thing I need to do is ask God for help in forgiving that person. Secondly is asking God for forgiveness for being a hypocrite. 

Jesus forgive me for thinking I'm better than others. I am a wicked sinful person who shouldn't be judging others. You pressed it upon my heart in this reading that I need forgiveness before anyone else. Cleanse my heart. I ask that you would bring forth peace and allow yourself to be magnified in my life.

In Jesus Name Amen.

A Genuine Relationship

¹³ Some Jews who went around driving out evil spirits tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who were demon-possessed. They would say, “In the name of the Jesus whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out.”¹⁴ Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this. ¹⁵ One day the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you?” ¹⁶ Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding.

Acts 19:13-16

In Ephesus, God was doing amazing miracles through Paul. Handkerchiefs and pieces of clothing touched by Paul would be sent out to the sick as relics of healing. As a result, Paul was widely known within the early churches as a healer and teacher. The only reason why Paul was able to perform healing and miracles was because he knew God and knew that He was the source of it. It was the relationship Paul had with God that gave him these super natural powers. Catching a glimpse of what Paul was doing, a few Jews went around exorcising the evil spirits with the name of Jesus. These imposters did not know Christ, but still used His name to drive out demons like it was a formula to get what they want. As a result they received "such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding" - LOL serves them right...

Not that I want to go around driving out demons, but God is telling me through this verse is to check my heart. Even satan believes in Jesus, but rather is in rebellion. Satan recognizes the dangers of someone who is in tuned with Christ. I've heard stories about how it takes a personal relationship with Jesus to be able to cast out demons in his name. It was the countless hours of prayer and fasting that really affected how God worked through them. It definitely was not some formula like a incantation of a magic spell... To know Christ is to put fear into the enemy. I want to be a warrior for Christ that can I make the gates of hell shake. I want to be in tuned with Jesus so that satan fears God through me. I want to quit being an imposter...

Jesus forgive me for being an imposter. I want me heart to be blazed for you. Like how satan feared Paul, I too want Satan to fear me. Help me to shake the gates of hell by having a closer relationship with you. Let your desires be mine

In Jesus Name Amen.

A Life Not My Own

²² “And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. ²³ I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. ²⁴ However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.

Acts 20:22-24

Paul knew very well that his life was in endanger wherever he went. He knew persecution awaited him, but he pressed on regardless because the Spirit compelled him. Paul did not know God's plans, but had faith that wherever he went God would did dictate where he should be. His life worth was nothing, but rather Jesus and his message of forgiveness and grace was everything. His sole purpose was to testify what Christ has done on the cross, in which Jesus bridged the relationship between the Father and us. 

When I accepted Christ, I knew at an early age what he has done for us on the cross. He became my savior. Christ did not become to ruler of my life until much later when I when through trials and hardships caused by the consequences of my rebellion. Christ's Lordship was not apparent until Paul was stricken with blindness. At that moment when Christ revealed himself to Paul, his spiritual eyes opened. Likewise when I went through the hardships of life, I knew what it really meant to be redeemed through Christ's blood. Paul knew that his life was forfeited when he believed in Christ. He considered his prestige, bloodline, and wealth all garbage when it came in comparison with knowing Christ and serving him. For myself... I still don't know this and still striving to run that race Paul ran 2000 years ago. 

Paul's goals, desires, ambition... all pointed to one thing. Building God's kingdom.

21For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. ~ Phil 1:21

It was all or nothing for Paul. Why do I still hold on to this world expecting to gain?

Jesus forgive me for still holding on to this world. I want to have the fervor that Paul had. To give all of it up for your kingdom. Help me to run the race with all that I have. I want to know you more. 

In Jesus Name
Amen

Not Losing Hope

²⁵ About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. ²⁶ Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose. ²⁷ The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. ²⁸ But Paul shouted, “Don’t harm yourself! We are all here!”

Acts 16:25-28

The way that God governs our life is unpredictable. In Acts 16, Paul and Barnabas gets imprisoned essentially because he exorcised a fortune-telling spirit out of annoyance. As a result, Paul and Barnabas gets flogged and is thrown in prison because of the owners complaint of taking away their livelihood in the fortune telling slave. Rather than this story being more than about Paul and Barnabas having complete faith in God through the twist and turns of life, I feel like this story is more about the jailer. I'm assuming the jailer is a Roman soldier, who is battle harden with the strickest of military training. Those who fail to do their duties as guards will suffer the consequences of the prisoners charges, whether it a beating, or beheadings their lives are at stake. After God freed Paul and Barnabas, the prison guard decides to take his own life out of fear. For some reason Paul and Barnabas, does not leave, but stays within the cells. In this miracle the soldier received Christ and was filled which resulted in a new found joy. When all hope was lost he found the only hope that mattered, which is salvation in Christ. Overjoyed he took in Paul and Barnabas to his home and saved his household. God has an interesting way of saving people. When things seem hopeless, holding on to God is the only option we have. If the soldier went through with his suicide, he wouldn't have the opportunity of Christ's saving powers in his life. If Paul did not rebuke the spirit, the prisoner would not have had the chance to listen to the gospel. All things work for the good of those who love him. For Paul and Barnabas, they could have left the cells, they didn't. God worked out their freedom, as well as the prison guard. I think the importance of this verse was trusting in God when things seemed bleak. Though my life isn't bleak at the moment, I know there will be a time when God tests me and throws me in jail. Will I be faithful like Paul, or lost hope like the prison's initial reaction?

Jesus give me hope when things seem hopeless. Though my life is not bleak at the moment, I pray that you would give me pure faith that when things do become hard, I would trust in you and have hope. Help me not to give up, but to keep praising you within the prison enclosure of my problems when the time occurs.

In Jesus Name
Amen

The Gospel

³⁸ “Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you.³⁹ Through him everyone who believes is set free from every sin, a justification you were not able to obtain under the law of Moses.

Acts 13:38-39

The gospel message in verse 38-39. Christ died on the the cross to free us from our sins [justification]. We respond to his love by showing our love to him through obedience and a renewal of mind [sanctification]. The promise of a perfection when we reach heaven through Christ's sacrifice [glorification]

This verse is a great reminder for my heart to be realigned with what the purpose of my life is for. In all aspect I need to think whether my actions, choices, or thoughts are in accordance to what Christ has done for me on the cross. Because Jesus died on the cross I am no longer subjugated to the laws of Moses, but freed from the bondage of sin. This is truly good news! Why am I not sharing this information with those around me. Holy Spirit help me to be bold.

Jesus forgive me for hogging this information to myself. Let me be someone who is gungho for your kingdom in sharing this information of freedom from sin to others who are still in bondage. I pray that you would present opportunities to share the gospel and to make my surroundings a mission field.

In Jesus Name
AMen

Pride

²¹ On the appointed day Herod, wearing his royal robes, sat on his throne and delivered a public address to the people.²² They shouted, “This is the voice of a god, not of a man.” ²³ Immediately, because Herod did not give praise to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died.

Acts 12:21-23

The cause of Herod's death can be assumed that it was the effects of contracting scabies. This disease putrefied his body and inflicted his mind with psychosis, as the process of his death was slow and excruciating. God struck down Herod because he did not give praise to God. 

Herod was a murder, and the arch enemy of Jesus' birth story. Herod was there at the last moments of Jesus' passion week, as he mocked Jesus when he finally met him face to face... but why did God take so long to smite Herod? Why did God finally act upon Herod's inability to give Him praise rather than punishing him for his evil deeds of murder?? The short answer is.. I believe God gives second, third, four and so on chances. If Herod only repented and believed in Jesus, he wouldn't have endured such hardships. Jesus forgives all, even the murders like Herod. In additional God acts upon Herod in this verse because, God opposes the proud. Pride is what got us kicked out of Eden. Pride is what draws us away from Christ's transforming power, and pride is what I believe is the root of all sin. Pride gets inside and changes our heart to walk away from God. Therefore, I believe this same pride is finally what killed Herod, as he felt threatened by Jesus hence he went on a massacre to murder all the children, only because he felt his kingship would be threatened. God should only be the one in my life to give him all credit. All of my deeds are pointed back to Him who gave me the gifts.

Jesus forgive me of my pride. Forgive me for the sins I've committed. Help me to always remember to give you the just praise, and never take that credit away from you. You gave me talents, abilities, and the heart to do your work at church and with people around me. Let my life be a testament of you. Let pride not enter in my thoughts.

In Jesus Name
Amen

God who Corrects out of Love

¹⁷ “Blessed is the one whom God corrects;
    so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty.^[a]
18 For he wounds, but he also binds up;
    he injures, but his hands also heal.

Job 5:17-18

Eliphaz advice about how it is a blessing for a man to be corrected by God is true, because God does love his children like a father. And like a father he also corrects his children to help them grow properly. Eliphaz's advice to to Job was not accurate because he did commit sin against God. God does correct and rebuke when we fail, but God also allows misfortunes to happen in times of bounty, such as in Job's situation. I believe, even if we walk close to Jesus and we're in bounty, misfortunes happen according to God's timing and his perfect sovereignty. It is to help us focus on the giver not the gift.

There are times when I sin and I know its a sin and there are also times when I walk close to God, but still experience the same unpleasantries. In the recent events, I feel like... I justly do deserve God's punishments for the actions I have committed. I know God will punish me in order to correct my sinful nature. Its like resetting a broken bone. If it isn't addressed, this bone will cause a disfigurement so that it won't be able to function properly. Because God cares for me, I know I must endure the consequences. And likewise, there are times when I do follow close to Jesus, but still experience unpleasantries. It just comes to show that I go through these hardships because God is sovereign and knows what is best for my life. Ultimately he reveals what he wants me to experience in order to help me to grow into a better man of faith.

Jesus forgive me for sinning. I understand when you rebuke it is out of love and I ask that I would be more like you and learn to not repeat the same sin. For when I sin it is once again nailing you on that cross. Help me to take my actions more seriously and be aware/resist the enemies' temptations. 

In Jesus Name
Amen.

Praying for New Believers

¹⁴ When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to Samaria. ¹⁵ When they arrived, they prayed for the new believers there that they might receive the Holy Spirit,¹⁶ because the Holy Spirit had not yet come on any of them; they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. ¹⁷ Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.

Acts 8:14-17

There is an importance of having the Holy Spirit reside within us. In the passage, Peter and John laid hands on the new believers for the Holy Spirit to enter into the lives. Later on in the chapter, Simon talks about wanting the Holy Spirit for personal gain. He is rebuked by Apostles and told to confess his sins of selfish gains. 

When an individual becomes a new believer, they don't automatically obtain the Holy Spirit. Believe and obtaining the Holy Spirit is a process that doesn't happen hand in hand. There must have been some time separation between Philip converting the new believers and when John and Peter praying for the Holy Spirit to enter in the persons' lives. I look at my life and find that there have been moments when I failed to pray for my friends who came to know Christ. I feel guilty that I didn't sit down with them and ask the Holy Spirit to enter in their lives. Without the Holy Spirit our belief in Jesus Christ fails, because they're nothing solidifies his grace that is given to us. Unfortunately these brothers never grasp the personal relationship that the Holy Spirit induces through Jesus Christ. In the future I need to be proactive about asking the Holy Spirit to enter in the lives of new believers, as well as not just let go and allow them to grow on their on. I need to cultivate, guide and direct them to God. 

Jesus forgive me for neglecting my brothers who were new believers. I really did drop the ball on this one God. I pray that you would bring these brothers back to you. Allow the Holy Spirit to enter in their lives. I also pray God that you would be with my non-christian friends. Plant seeds in their lives and water it so that one day they would be ready for the harvest. Prepare me to be a better caretaker for future new believers.  

In Jesus Name
Amen

Being a Good Friend

¹¹ When Job’s three friends, Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite, heard about all the troubles that had come upon him, they set out from their homes and met together by agreement to go and sympathize with him and comfort him. ¹² When they saw him from a distance, they could hardly recognize him; they began to weep aloud, and they tore their robes and sprinkled dust on their heads. ¹³ Then they sat on the ground with him for seven days and seven nights. No one said a word to him, because they saw how great his suffering was.

Job 2:11-13

After Job was struck by calamity, his friends heard of the news and went to Job to comfort him and mourn with him. What I find interesting about this passage was, for seven days and seven nights they did not say a word to him, but rather they just sat on the ground with him. 

A great example of what it means to be a friend. Grieving with someone goes beyond Christian ideals, but can be applicable in a friendship that is secular in nature. Anyone can cry with a brother or sister, but what I find  that lacks in this verse is... why his friends didn't lift up a prayer for Job? They were all speechless, which is good in a way for grieving, but sometimes I feel the best remedy for a brother/sister in need is to pray for them. I wish his friends could have lifted up a prayer for him and encouraged Job to lean on God during these times of trouble. Later in his book they try to find out why his life was in shambles blaming it on an un-repented sin. God allows certain mishaps to happen to test and grow us in faith, but ultimately its up to me to decide what action to take. Whether its to be like Job and still praise him in my sorrows, or to cry and mourn with a brother/sister in comfort, everything should be petitioned to God.

Jesus forgive me for turning my back on people in need and only offer my hand when I feel its in my own benefit to help them. Help me to love unconditionally and go the extra mile like the Samaritan did for the man half dead. Help me to be more like you.

In Jesus Name
Amen

Rejoicing in Suffering for Christ

⁴⁰ His speech persuaded them. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.

⁴¹ The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.⁴² Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.

Act 5:40-42

The Apostles were jailed by the Jewish leaders for preaching the name of Jesus. That night, the angel releases them from their cells and directs them to go back to the temple to preach. Knowing that they will be punished again, the Apostles obey and preach anyhow. Rather than being killed for blasphemy, they are flogged and then released. What strikes me as having amazing faith about the Apostles is - even though they are thrown into jail, they are still willing to go back to where it would be the most dangerous place to be, the temple courts. The move on the Apostle's part might have resulted in a stoning, but regardless they did not fear punishment, but rejoiced in suffering as Jesus suffered.

The cost of suffering for the Apostles was like a badge of honor. Rather than retreated after being released form jail, they had courage to continue to preach in obedience of God. There was no fear of death or pain, only joy when they received the stripes caused by the flogging. Amazing how men like this exist all for the name of Christ. I want to have passion like the Apostles. To be able to endure and find joy in being broken for Christ. If it means I should lose my life, I want have the courage and faith to lay it down for His name.

Jesus help me to have a deeper faith in which I would lay my life for your name. I ask that you would give me a real sense of love for you and not just a cop-out journal entry of how I want to live for you in this moment. I really do desire a deeper relationship with you. Help me Holy Spirit to find that passion for you.

In Jesus name Amen

Follow His Ways

⁷ “For the lips of a priest ought to preserve knowledge, because he is the messenger of the Lord Almighty and people seek instruction from his mouth. ⁸ But you have turned from the way and by your teaching have caused many to stumble; you have violated the covenant with Levi,” says the Lord Almighty. ⁹ “So I have caused you to be despised and humiliated before all the people, because you have not followed my ways but have shown partiality in matters of the law.”

Malachi 2:7-9

The message in Malachi is not pertaining to priest but to everyone. Jesus has appointed all of us as priest, as such we should live like priest of Christ. God rebukes those priest who do not follow His ways and who shows partiality to the matters of the law. 

First of all, I have no fear when it comes to God's wraith. God is the same as he was in the old testament, as he is now. As he warn the priest who do not follow the law, I know I ought to do so out of love not out of fear. Yes God punishes, but his punishment is allowed through the consequences I have make in my sin. But praise Jesus for paving the way for me to follow. It is a hard journey and impossible to do since I am not perfect, but through his grace, my sins are forgiven.  All I need to do is love on Jesus and show love to others around me. The best way to show love to Jesus is obeying his commands the best I can through the Holy Spirit.

Jesus forgive me for my wickedness  Help me to know my knows and confess them to you. Forgive me Jesus for my selfcentered-ness and my undisciplined self. Give me humility and guidance, so that I may faithfully follow you.

In Jesus Name
Amen

Serving Genuinely

¹² When Peter saw this, he said to them: “Fellow Israelites, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? ¹³ The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus. You handed him over to be killed, and you disowned him before Pilate, though he had decided to let him go. ¹⁴ You disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you. ¹⁵ You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this. ¹⁶ By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can all see.

Acts 3:12-16

Peter heals a lame man and the people are astonished praising the servant not the one who gave the servant his power. Peter has some anger in this passage. He knows that the same people who crucified Jesus to the cross are the same ones who are praising Peter for his ability to heal. The crowd is so focused on the miracles that they miss the whole point of who is truly in charge of the miraculous signs. Peter does the right thing and points this healing back to God.

I think I get too caught up in the acts of God rather than who God is. The only purpose I should trust Jesus is what he did on the cross. Too many times, I get influenced by the signs and miracles, but not on the content of why Jesus became man as an sacrificial lamb. Likewise, I need to be more like Peter, as in given credit where the credit is due. God deserves all praise. My gifts, and blessings need to be given back to God not forcefully, but willfully. Peter could have been famous and used that power for his own gain, but he didn't. He knew the greater purpose in his gifts, which was to serve God and build his kingdom. I need to do the same.

Jesus forgive me for getting caught up in the flash of ministry rather than doing it solely for the love of you. I do get caught up in praise, media, or other areas of serving hoping to get noticed and acknowledged by men. I pray you break down my evil desires and change me to be humble. Help me to have a heart of servitude and to serve out of love.

In Jesus Name Amen. 

True Fellowship

The Fellowship of the Believers

⁴² They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.⁴³ Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. ⁴⁴ All the believers were together and had everything in common. ⁴⁵ They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.⁴⁶ Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, ⁴⁷ praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

Acts 2:42-47

After receiving the Holy Spirit, the early believers lived in a way that exemplified Jesus' teaching. 

The description in these verses is what I want Pathway to strive for. Though it sounds unrealistic since all of us are sinners, but I believe one day either in this life or in heaven, I will be able to witness a church that is described in Acts. This type of church only existed because everyone knew God and wanted to obey his commands. If there was a weak link, I'm sure the church would have crumbled. The question is... how can I influence others to live this kind of lifestyle? I know for a fact that.. I myself, am not perfect. To gain and allow others to buy into this idea comes from allow God to change me first. To decrease me for the sake of increasing Him. First.. change me God. Secondly if i'm at a state to be a spiritual faith setter, use me so that my interactions with others will influence them to live more Christ like.

Jesus forgive me for being self centered. Help me Holy Spirit to live more selflessly. Help me to be wise with your money. Thank you for all your blessings. 

In Jesus name 
Amen 

Discernment from the Holy Spirit

²³ So they nominated two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. ²⁴ Then they prayed,“Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen ²⁵ to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.” ²⁶ Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.

Act 1:23-26

This passage was listed as the last time the lots were cast in order to determine God's will. After receiving the Holy Spirit, they did not have a need use this method which was commonly used in the old testament. 

Praise the one above who gave me the Holy Spirit to dwell within. It's a rather silly thought to think that God's will is determined through chance. God is just and all powerful, he does not need chance for us to make choices. The Holy Spirit that dwells in me has the power to lead me, teach me and correct me when I fall away. God no longer lives at the temple, but because he lives in my heart he's always with me. Thank God! Rather than closing off my heart, I need to keep in mind that the HS is always tugging and allow me to move in the direction he wants me to move.

Holy Spirit, lead me, direct me, and teach me. God forgive me for my transgressions of disobedience. Guide me to a place where I can be more obedient to your name.

In Jesus Name
Amen.