Gone to China.
Promise to update when I get back.
=D
knee ho ma.
...
yea im a bit ignorant.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
In Jesus Name
Read John 13:1 - 14:31
"I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it." (John 14:12)
"I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it." (John 14:12)
Monday, October 18, 2010
Lazarus
Read John 11:1 - 12:50
Then Jesus looked up and said 'Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here that they may believe that you sent me." When he had said this, Jesus called out in a loud voice, 'Lazarus, come out!' The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them 'Take off the grave clothes and let him go."
Do we believe in raising the dead? Does our faith stretch far enough to pray for the dead? I was in Montana, USA in 2008 with a missions organisation, training to go and outreach in the nation of Taiwan. Our training was held at a local high school and we would drive there everyday up and back. On one occasion we were driving past the same highway intersection and there was all this commotion going on. There was a car accident and a lifeless human body wedged in the car. Our car kept on going. But the other team pulled over and attempted to resuscitate him. He later died. I was wondering to myself if anyone prayed like Jesus did when he raised Lazarus - complete faith that God would deliver. I'm not sure if I could do the same. I even have trouble praying for healing on bandaged legs.
I once heard, that at a revival conference in Taiwan all these ambulances were racing with their sirens to these conferences. Not because people were dehydrating and collapsing at the conference but because these ambulances were transporting dead bodies to be prayed resurrection on them! Could you imagine the level of faith and the bold prayers that were being prayed in that tent!
Well, apparently resurrection of the dead is common in places like China, Indonesia, India where persecution is intense. All they have is Christ which is complete dependence and humility.
I want to be bold and pray for the things Jesus prayed for. To pray for healing, resurrection and providence. I think the key is depending on God to move and not my prayers. And even if nothing happens, God is pleased with that step of faith. Because an accumulation in steps of faith equals walking out in faith! Maybe he wants nothing to happen so that he can strengthen and build our faith. You wouldn't expect a toddler to start running without learning how to crawl and walk first.
Its also interesting how Jesus is never illustrated in the bible to be in a hurry. Even in this scene, he waits two days before going to see Lazarus, "Yet when he heard Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days" (John 11:6). I should recite this verse whenever I'm in a hurry somewhere.
Be bold and courageous. Pray for outlandish things so that God will be glorified. Last Saturday I was talking to two youth at Auburn about the church. I asked them their opinion about church. And he stated "its boring." Following Christ was never meant to be boring. Have we limited and pushed God into a box with our lack of faith? The world wants to see the raw power of God from the church manifested through the holy spirit.
Then Jesus looked up and said 'Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here that they may believe that you sent me." When he had said this, Jesus called out in a loud voice, 'Lazarus, come out!' The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them 'Take off the grave clothes and let him go."
Do we believe in raising the dead? Does our faith stretch far enough to pray for the dead? I was in Montana, USA in 2008 with a missions organisation, training to go and outreach in the nation of Taiwan. Our training was held at a local high school and we would drive there everyday up and back. On one occasion we were driving past the same highway intersection and there was all this commotion going on. There was a car accident and a lifeless human body wedged in the car. Our car kept on going. But the other team pulled over and attempted to resuscitate him. He later died. I was wondering to myself if anyone prayed like Jesus did when he raised Lazarus - complete faith that God would deliver. I'm not sure if I could do the same. I even have trouble praying for healing on bandaged legs.
I once heard, that at a revival conference in Taiwan all these ambulances were racing with their sirens to these conferences. Not because people were dehydrating and collapsing at the conference but because these ambulances were transporting dead bodies to be prayed resurrection on them! Could you imagine the level of faith and the bold prayers that were being prayed in that tent!
Well, apparently resurrection of the dead is common in places like China, Indonesia, India where persecution is intense. All they have is Christ which is complete dependence and humility.
I want to be bold and pray for the things Jesus prayed for. To pray for healing, resurrection and providence. I think the key is depending on God to move and not my prayers. And even if nothing happens, God is pleased with that step of faith. Because an accumulation in steps of faith equals walking out in faith! Maybe he wants nothing to happen so that he can strengthen and build our faith. You wouldn't expect a toddler to start running without learning how to crawl and walk first.
Its also interesting how Jesus is never illustrated in the bible to be in a hurry. Even in this scene, he waits two days before going to see Lazarus, "Yet when he heard Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days" (John 11:6). I should recite this verse whenever I'm in a hurry somewhere.
Be bold and courageous. Pray for outlandish things so that God will be glorified. Last Saturday I was talking to two youth at Auburn about the church. I asked them their opinion about church. And he stated "its boring." Following Christ was never meant to be boring. Have we limited and pushed God into a box with our lack of faith? The world wants to see the raw power of God from the church manifested through the holy spirit.
Monday
Read John 7:1 - 10:42
"As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him 'Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?' 'Neither this man nor his parents sinned,' said Jesus 'but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life. As long as it is day, we must do the work of Him who sent me. Night is coming, when no-one can work. While I am in the world, I am the light of the world." Having said this he spit on the ground, made some saliva and put it on the man's eyes. "Go," He told him 'wash in the pool of Siloam." So the man went and washed and came back home seeing. (John 9:1-7)
Another great and long weekend. Its challenging to keep up to date with this daily QT. I'm already backlogged a couple of days. Well, Saturday we had our missions prep for Indo team and we decided to outreach to a random location. We prayed and then decided to go to Auburn.
We said "hello" to people and spent time loving them and hearing their stories. We came across people from all walks of life, some from Afghan and some young locals. We also came across a young disabled girl and her carer who were enjoying a windy Saturday at the local shopping center. She had some sort of brain disorder which made her body twitch in different places. Two of our sisters approached her to talk and pray for her.
I guess the initial thought is why her? And I guess there is no answer to that. Was she disabled for God to be glorified? Clearly it wasn't due to her or her parents fault as the passage states. One thing the sisters noticed about her was her spirit of joy. Although she was disabled and maybe in some discomfort she was joyful that she was outside on a windy afternoon.
This challenged me - my level of faith. In times of trials and tribulations, am I relying on God to give me strength to get through those times or am I miserable and bitter towards God? Sometimes our own issues and struggles don't appear to be that big compared to the millions of other hurting people out there.
There's also like a guy who lost all his limbs. He goes around preaching hope, his story and motivating people to never give up. He does this illustration where he falls flat on his face and demonstrates that the natural is to stay down and roll around in self pity. But with just using his torso he gets up. Maybe the loss of his limbs had to happen so that God could be glorified. The pain may seem temporary here on Earth but when he gets to heaven I would be safe to assume he will get a new body and a "well done my good and faithful servant."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZVfHoTROgQ
"As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him 'Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?' 'Neither this man nor his parents sinned,' said Jesus 'but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life. As long as it is day, we must do the work of Him who sent me. Night is coming, when no-one can work. While I am in the world, I am the light of the world." Having said this he spit on the ground, made some saliva and put it on the man's eyes. "Go," He told him 'wash in the pool of Siloam." So the man went and washed and came back home seeing. (John 9:1-7)
Another great and long weekend. Its challenging to keep up to date with this daily QT. I'm already backlogged a couple of days. Well, Saturday we had our missions prep for Indo team and we decided to outreach to a random location. We prayed and then decided to go to Auburn.
We said "hello" to people and spent time loving them and hearing their stories. We came across people from all walks of life, some from Afghan and some young locals. We also came across a young disabled girl and her carer who were enjoying a windy Saturday at the local shopping center. She had some sort of brain disorder which made her body twitch in different places. Two of our sisters approached her to talk and pray for her.
I guess the initial thought is why her? And I guess there is no answer to that. Was she disabled for God to be glorified? Clearly it wasn't due to her or her parents fault as the passage states. One thing the sisters noticed about her was her spirit of joy. Although she was disabled and maybe in some discomfort she was joyful that she was outside on a windy afternoon.
This challenged me - my level of faith. In times of trials and tribulations, am I relying on God to give me strength to get through those times or am I miserable and bitter towards God? Sometimes our own issues and struggles don't appear to be that big compared to the millions of other hurting people out there.
There's also like a guy who lost all his limbs. He goes around preaching hope, his story and motivating people to never give up. He does this illustration where he falls flat on his face and demonstrates that the natural is to stay down and roll around in self pity. But with just using his torso he gets up. Maybe the loss of his limbs had to happen so that God could be glorified. The pain may seem temporary here on Earth but when he gets to heaven I would be safe to assume he will get a new body and a "well done my good and faithful servant."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZVfHoTROgQ
Friday, October 15, 2010
Copycat
Read John 5:1 - 6:71
"...I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing because whatever the Father does the Son also does." (John 5:19)
A couple of months earlier this year I was struggling with spiritual dryness. I felt like I didn't feel the power of God activated in my life. It was like trying to force some sort of fruit. This often occurs, and are regular symptoms when you seek the gift and not the giver. You're so caught up in seeing healing's, deliverances, words of knowledge pop out of the sky that you completely forget about the Love of God. It's a common cycle. The more you see spiritual gifts activated in your life the more you drift away from the main thing. It's like when Santa gives a nicely packaged Christmas present to a child. Once they receive it in their hands they lose focus of Santa and the gift becomes their most prized possession.
I found a remedy for this, is to always remain in Him - John 15:5 "If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit, apart from me you can do nothing." And the awesome part about God is that He is always accessible - "...My Father is always at his work to this very day..." (John 5:17). He's even at work when we are asleep (which is great news because i'm about to pass out soon).
If Jesus himself was dependent on God, how much more should we be dependent on God. Give Him room to move. His ways are higher than our ways. For the leaders - our job is to move where people currently are, to where God wants them to be. And if there in a place where God wants them to be....then move on to the next person. ;)
"...I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing because whatever the Father does the Son also does." (John 5:19)
A couple of months earlier this year I was struggling with spiritual dryness. I felt like I didn't feel the power of God activated in my life. It was like trying to force some sort of fruit. This often occurs, and are regular symptoms when you seek the gift and not the giver. You're so caught up in seeing healing's, deliverances, words of knowledge pop out of the sky that you completely forget about the Love of God. It's a common cycle. The more you see spiritual gifts activated in your life the more you drift away from the main thing. It's like when Santa gives a nicely packaged Christmas present to a child. Once they receive it in their hands they lose focus of Santa and the gift becomes their most prized possession.
I found a remedy for this, is to always remain in Him - John 15:5 "If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit, apart from me you can do nothing." And the awesome part about God is that He is always accessible - "...My Father is always at his work to this very day..." (John 5:17). He's even at work when we are asleep (which is great news because i'm about to pass out soon).
If Jesus himself was dependent on God, how much more should we be dependent on God. Give Him room to move. His ways are higher than our ways. For the leaders - our job is to move where people currently are, to where God wants them to be. And if there in a place where God wants them to be....then move on to the next person. ;)
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
The Spirit of Australia - KRock Music Festival (Melbourne)
Read Luke 23:1 - John 4:54
They say Qantas is the "spirit of Australia" but let me say that Australia is the land of the Holy Spirit! Boom! ;) It's been a great weekend. I was down in Melbourne for a Korean Music festival held by Mikkeli entertainment. The main act was an upcoming Rock band called "Nia" (which means perfection in greek...I
think) and also featuring Jayesslee. But it's clear that the majority of the fans were there to see the JSLEE.
I'll be recapping my weekend this post and not so much sharing "revelations" I received from the text so yea enjoy!
It was quite the experience. I had to book myself into a backpackers hotel due to budget constraints with the entertainment company but found myself sleeping on the floor of JSLEE and NIA's apartment because I was so goneskies by the end of the night(s). Anyway the backpackers hotel was called Nomads Industry on A'beckett St in the heart of Melbourne CBD, which I must add is sooo much cooler and chillax than Sydney CBD. They have hook turns, trams and they like the colour green on their buildings. My roomies were three irish blokes straight outta high school wanting to find work here in Aus. Their names were Robin, Olle and some other guy (couldnt really understand their accents). But they spent more time acquainting themselves with my suit case than me which is kinda sad. I wanted to pray for them before I left but everytime I walked in they were always sleeping!
The gig was held on Swanston St in a small yet intimate church which seats approx. 700ppl. The concert was a success with amateur bands curtain raising the event in a battle of the bands format. The MC's were pretty good. JSLEE performed, captured the audience with their original "failure in disguise" and many other great songs such as Bruno Mars' "the way you are." The setup and the backline wasn't that great seeing as it was held in a church. The foldbacks were outdated but JSLEE did very well considering the equipment to their avail. We went shopping the other day at ICONS music shop in west ryde and now have our eyes set on a pair of in-ear monitors to avoid that mess in the future should they need it. NIA came out and rocked the house. Lead singer was good but I cant really tell who sings good or bad. One thing I do know is drums and yea the drummer was solid. Well with Rock, you can't really go wrong. You just stay solid, keep the backbeat and thrash the kit. The drummers in the battle of the bands were so wimpy. I think they were jazz drummers - all caught up in doing these double stroke fills which sounded empty cos the kit wasn't miced up. Man up and hit the drums I say. But yea in saying that I do wanna learn jazz. hohoho. ;)
I've managed to keep up to date with my daily qt's but didn't have the capacity to update. One occasion, I was reading my bible at my hostel when this tall, middle aged man walks up to me and says "what you got there?" and I sheepishly said flicking through the pages "the bible..." and then he sits down and introduces himself. Turns out he's a childrens pastor at the local church but works part time as a courier and was delivering mail when he saw me. I would like to say, he then proceeded to give me the gloriest prophesy ever but he didn't. haha! We just chatted, blessed each other, he gave me some advice and then he went on his way. But I've come to learn that I need to be more bold with the power of the gospel that is in my hands! I made a promise to myself that if someone asks me that question again I'm going to lift the bible high up to the heavens and declare the goodness of Gods word....Nah just joking. But really we should be more confident and bold with the power the gospel contains. Romans 1:16 says "I am not ashamed of the gospel because it is the POWER of God for the salvation of everyone who believes, first for the jew then for the gentile".
I've also been hearing and fb seeing great outpourings God is doing in our mist right now. I was speaking to my good friend sung at mcdonalds last night after basketball and WOW it is srsly praise God. Testimony after testimony. God is clearly at work. Thank you Jesus!!! One thing I felt God pressing on my heart however is unity and to be careful of pride. This is clearly God at work using us broken people to partner in what He is doing. We are merely his tools. He does not have a "favourite" tool. That is not God. He wants to use everybody. That includes us all. And that includes the churches in Sydney. I feel like, for this to be fully blown out we need to start getting other churches involved. I feel like there are churches on the sideline seeing this and becoming discouraged because its not happening to them. I also feel like people need to run their own races. The key is faith. Faith that God has a great plan and purpose for you also. One common and dirty lie the enemy uses is that he often takes what God is doing and twists it so you will be discouraged. For example he takes the outpouring of God right now and twists it to whisper lies that "because you're not experincing these things that God isn't going to use you". That's baloney and you need to rebuke that straight up and bind it in Jesus name. God has plans to prosper you. He has plans to prosper this city and nation for His glory. It is no longer "make like a tree and leave" but "make like a tree and be planted by streams of living water!"
They say Qantas is the "spirit of Australia" but let me say that Australia is the land of the Holy Spirit! Boom! ;) It's been a great weekend. I was down in Melbourne for a Korean Music festival held by Mikkeli entertainment. The main act was an upcoming Rock band called "Nia" (which means perfection in greek...I
think) and also featuring Jayesslee. But it's clear that the majority of the fans were there to see the JSLEE.
I'll be recapping my weekend this post and not so much sharing "revelations" I received from the text so yea enjoy!
It was quite the experience. I had to book myself into a backpackers hotel due to budget constraints with the entertainment company but found myself sleeping on the floor of JSLEE and NIA's apartment because I was so goneskies by the end of the night(s). Anyway the backpackers hotel was called Nomads Industry on A'beckett St in the heart of Melbourne CBD, which I must add is sooo much cooler and chillax than Sydney CBD. They have hook turns, trams and they like the colour green on their buildings. My roomies were three irish blokes straight outta high school wanting to find work here in Aus. Their names were Robin, Olle and some other guy (couldnt really understand their accents). But they spent more time acquainting themselves with my suit case than me which is kinda sad. I wanted to pray for them before I left but everytime I walked in they were always sleeping!
The gig was held on Swanston St in a small yet intimate church which seats approx. 700ppl. The concert was a success with amateur bands curtain raising the event in a battle of the bands format. The MC's were pretty good. JSLEE performed, captured the audience with their original "failure in disguise" and many other great songs such as Bruno Mars' "the way you are." The setup and the backline wasn't that great seeing as it was held in a church. The foldbacks were outdated but JSLEE did very well considering the equipment to their avail. We went shopping the other day at ICONS music shop in west ryde and now have our eyes set on a pair of in-ear monitors to avoid that mess in the future should they need it. NIA came out and rocked the house. Lead singer was good but I cant really tell who sings good or bad. One thing I do know is drums and yea the drummer was solid. Well with Rock, you can't really go wrong. You just stay solid, keep the backbeat and thrash the kit. The drummers in the battle of the bands were so wimpy. I think they were jazz drummers - all caught up in doing these double stroke fills which sounded empty cos the kit wasn't miced up. Man up and hit the drums I say. But yea in saying that I do wanna learn jazz. hohoho. ;)
I've managed to keep up to date with my daily qt's but didn't have the capacity to update. One occasion, I was reading my bible at my hostel when this tall, middle aged man walks up to me and says "what you got there?" and I sheepishly said flicking through the pages "the bible..." and then he sits down and introduces himself. Turns out he's a childrens pastor at the local church but works part time as a courier and was delivering mail when he saw me. I would like to say, he then proceeded to give me the gloriest prophesy ever but he didn't. haha! We just chatted, blessed each other, he gave me some advice and then he went on his way. But I've come to learn that I need to be more bold with the power of the gospel that is in my hands! I made a promise to myself that if someone asks me that question again I'm going to lift the bible high up to the heavens and declare the goodness of Gods word....Nah just joking. But really we should be more confident and bold with the power the gospel contains. Romans 1:16 says "I am not ashamed of the gospel because it is the POWER of God for the salvation of everyone who believes, first for the jew then for the gentile".
I've also been hearing and fb seeing great outpourings God is doing in our mist right now. I was speaking to my good friend sung at mcdonalds last night after basketball and WOW it is srsly praise God. Testimony after testimony. God is clearly at work. Thank you Jesus!!! One thing I felt God pressing on my heart however is unity and to be careful of pride. This is clearly God at work using us broken people to partner in what He is doing. We are merely his tools. He does not have a "favourite" tool. That is not God. He wants to use everybody. That includes us all. And that includes the churches in Sydney. I feel like, for this to be fully blown out we need to start getting other churches involved. I feel like there are churches on the sideline seeing this and becoming discouraged because its not happening to them. I also feel like people need to run their own races. The key is faith. Faith that God has a great plan and purpose for you also. One common and dirty lie the enemy uses is that he often takes what God is doing and twists it so you will be discouraged. For example he takes the outpouring of God right now and twists it to whisper lies that "because you're not experincing these things that God isn't going to use you". That's baloney and you need to rebuke that straight up and bind it in Jesus name. God has plans to prosper you. He has plans to prosper this city and nation for His glory. It is no longer "make like a tree and leave" but "make like a tree and be planted by streams of living water!"
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Work Out
Read Luke 20:1 - 22:71
"Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives and his disciples followed him. On reaching that place he said to them. 'Pray that you will not fall into temptation." (Luke 22:39-40)
As I was meditating on this I rarely pray that I will not fall into temptation. Jesus teaches us to pray "deliver us from the evil one." (Matthew 6:13) He ends the 'Lords prayer' with that line. The ending command is to pray that you will not fall into tempation but to be delivered from the evil one.
When Jesus was at the Mount of Olives pondering about the cup of suffering he was to endure I assume He wanted to opt out "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me, yet not my will, but yours be done." (Luke 22 42). An angel appears to strengthen him and he goes on praying so intensely his sweat becomes blood. WOW! how much temptation must you be under to be able to sweat blood (remembering Jesus was fully man).
In my opinion, prayer is not about how long you pray, but spending time in His presence is essential to be super sensitive and know the instructions of our father. How much time do we spend time with God? 5mins seems like a lifetime to me sometimes.
I often relate my christian life to things that I am most familiar and passionate with. Lets take the game of basketball. The athlete is the christian. The game represents battles in your life (you either win them or lose them). The coach takes the form of your pastor. He draws up plans and plays for us to win games and battles in our lives and wants to win games to impress the owner of the club. Jesus/God is the owner of the basketball team. Ultimately the owner wants us to win games. He has the authority to fire players and coaches. Hence Jesus is the owner.
But lets focus in on the athlete. The athlete is soley responsible for his or her performance. To enhance performance they reguarly work on all areas of their game. The best player is the one who works the hardest. There is no doubt in this. They get up early and go to the gym when everyone else is asleep. I guess the only misrepresentation here is the lack of love between the player and the owner. In any case our spiritual lives are similar. We, as the christian are soley responsible for the health of our walk with Jesus. We can be guided and assited by our pastor but ultimately we have to decide to drink from the flowing river. We have to work on all areas of our spiritual lives that are lacking.
For me it would be spending time with Jesus for extended periods of time. Intimacy is the key. I think one hour a day spending time and praying in his presence is a good start. What areas are you working on?
"Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives and his disciples followed him. On reaching that place he said to them. 'Pray that you will not fall into temptation." (Luke 22:39-40)
As I was meditating on this I rarely pray that I will not fall into temptation. Jesus teaches us to pray "deliver us from the evil one." (Matthew 6:13) He ends the 'Lords prayer' with that line. The ending command is to pray that you will not fall into tempation but to be delivered from the evil one.
When Jesus was at the Mount of Olives pondering about the cup of suffering he was to endure I assume He wanted to opt out "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me, yet not my will, but yours be done." (Luke 22 42). An angel appears to strengthen him and he goes on praying so intensely his sweat becomes blood. WOW! how much temptation must you be under to be able to sweat blood (remembering Jesus was fully man).
In my opinion, prayer is not about how long you pray, but spending time in His presence is essential to be super sensitive and know the instructions of our father. How much time do we spend time with God? 5mins seems like a lifetime to me sometimes.
I often relate my christian life to things that I am most familiar and passionate with. Lets take the game of basketball. The athlete is the christian. The game represents battles in your life (you either win them or lose them). The coach takes the form of your pastor. He draws up plans and plays for us to win games and battles in our lives and wants to win games to impress the owner of the club. Jesus/God is the owner of the basketball team. Ultimately the owner wants us to win games. He has the authority to fire players and coaches. Hence Jesus is the owner.
But lets focus in on the athlete. The athlete is soley responsible for his or her performance. To enhance performance they reguarly work on all areas of their game. The best player is the one who works the hardest. There is no doubt in this. They get up early and go to the gym when everyone else is asleep. I guess the only misrepresentation here is the lack of love between the player and the owner. In any case our spiritual lives are similar. We, as the christian are soley responsible for the health of our walk with Jesus. We can be guided and assited by our pastor but ultimately we have to decide to drink from the flowing river. We have to work on all areas of our spiritual lives that are lacking.
For me it would be spending time with Jesus for extended periods of time. Intimacy is the key. I think one hour a day spending time and praying in his presence is a good start. What areas are you working on?
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Religious Pharisee
Read Luke 15:1 - 19:48
"Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: 'God I thank you that I am not like other men - robbers, evildoers, adulterers - or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get'. But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said 'God have mercy on me, a sinner.' I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled and he who humbles himself will be exalted." (Luke 18:10-14)
No-one is righteous. Not even one. Except God our Father. We are all sinners. We all need to behave in a way that places others before us. Pride vs Humility. I'll bank my money on humility any day of the week. The two words even look like extreme opposites. Pride kinda looks like a gossiping, scheming lion where as humility looks like a gentle, submissive lamb. The two words are actually used to describe both Satan and Christ in the bible. Satan as a prowling lion and Jesus as the saving, atoning lamb for all humanity.
This verse also highlights the religious attitude of the Pharisee. He is boasting about fasting twice a week and tithing. God does not desire sacrifice but a broken and contrite heart. The problem with comforting ourselves in "doing" things for God is that we become prideful and start "doing" ministry and not loving Jesus. I'm not sure about others but i've fallen into the trap where i'll comfort myself by checking off all the events, prayer meetings, praise practices and conferences I attended in a week to make myself a better "christian" than others. Man, I had to repent and we all should if we think in this way. We should not be measuring ourselves or people in the things they do or don't do, or attend and don't attend. Don't be like the religious pharisee. We should rather see them in the eyes of Jesus Christ and not by our own folly human eyes. Our role is not to judge, but to pray and love. Leave the judging to God and not a Pharisee.
"Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: 'God I thank you that I am not like other men - robbers, evildoers, adulterers - or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get'. But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said 'God have mercy on me, a sinner.' I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled and he who humbles himself will be exalted." (Luke 18:10-14)
No-one is righteous. Not even one. Except God our Father. We are all sinners. We all need to behave in a way that places others before us. Pride vs Humility. I'll bank my money on humility any day of the week. The two words even look like extreme opposites. Pride kinda looks like a gossiping, scheming lion where as humility looks like a gentle, submissive lamb. The two words are actually used to describe both Satan and Christ in the bible. Satan as a prowling lion and Jesus as the saving, atoning lamb for all humanity.
This verse also highlights the religious attitude of the Pharisee. He is boasting about fasting twice a week and tithing. God does not desire sacrifice but a broken and contrite heart. The problem with comforting ourselves in "doing" things for God is that we become prideful and start "doing" ministry and not loving Jesus. I'm not sure about others but i've fallen into the trap where i'll comfort myself by checking off all the events, prayer meetings, praise practices and conferences I attended in a week to make myself a better "christian" than others. Man, I had to repent and we all should if we think in this way. We should not be measuring ourselves or people in the things they do or don't do, or attend and don't attend. Don't be like the religious pharisee. We should rather see them in the eyes of Jesus Christ and not by our own folly human eyes. Our role is not to judge, but to pray and love. Leave the judging to God and not a Pharisee.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Count the Cost
Read Luke 13:1 - 14:35
"If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters - yes, even his own life - he cannot be my disciple. And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple." (Luke 14:26-27)
Again, it appears that Jesus is stressing and highlighting the fact that he wants all of us. Jesus does not literally refer to "hate" them but he is demonstrating that one must love Jesus more than their immediate family to be a disciple. In this day in age we have countless discipleship programs. They guarantee results but are they really producing disciples of Jesus Christ?
I have often been on the receiving end of negative feedback that I spend too much time at church and not enough time at home. This is a valid point. Let me make it clear that Jesus does not call us to abandon our families but I presume he is using this as an illustration to consider Him above all things. We should also be more wise with our time. Simply "being" at church does not necessarily translate to being with Jesus. My interpretation of this verse is that we should carefully plan time to minister to our family but not let that be a barrier or hindrance to what God has called us to partner with.
Jesus wants us to surrender everything to Him. Our lives. He wants all of us. Absolutely everything. It was His to begin with. Its kinda like leasing or renting a house to a tenant and them making all these drastic renovations and additions to their discretion. One day the landlord is going to inspect the house. We do not have the authority to do as we please with the life God has given us. It's actually better in his hands than ours. His blueprints are alot more fireproof than ours.
"If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters - yes, even his own life - he cannot be my disciple. And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple." (Luke 14:26-27)
Again, it appears that Jesus is stressing and highlighting the fact that he wants all of us. Jesus does not literally refer to "hate" them but he is demonstrating that one must love Jesus more than their immediate family to be a disciple. In this day in age we have countless discipleship programs. They guarantee results but are they really producing disciples of Jesus Christ?
I have often been on the receiving end of negative feedback that I spend too much time at church and not enough time at home. This is a valid point. Let me make it clear that Jesus does not call us to abandon our families but I presume he is using this as an illustration to consider Him above all things. We should also be more wise with our time. Simply "being" at church does not necessarily translate to being with Jesus. My interpretation of this verse is that we should carefully plan time to minister to our family but not let that be a barrier or hindrance to what God has called us to partner with.
Jesus wants us to surrender everything to Him. Our lives. He wants all of us. Absolutely everything. It was His to begin with. Its kinda like leasing or renting a house to a tenant and them making all these drastic renovations and additions to their discretion. One day the landlord is going to inspect the house. We do not have the authority to do as we please with the life God has given us. It's actually better in his hands than ours. His blueprints are alot more fireproof than ours.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Priority
Read Luke 12:1-59
"I have come to bring fire on the earth and how I wish it was already kindled! But I have a baptism to undergo and how distressed I am until it is completed! Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division. From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other , three against two and two against three. They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law." (Luke 12: 49-53)
To follow Jesus requires we place him above any other realtionship in our lives, even if it means its your own family.
"I have come to bring fire on the earth and how I wish it was already kindled! But I have a baptism to undergo and how distressed I am until it is completed! Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division. From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other , three against two and two against three. They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law." (Luke 12: 49-53)
To follow Jesus requires we place him above any other realtionship in our lives, even if it means its your own family.
Friday, October 1, 2010
The Good Samaritan - CON
Read Luke 10:1 - 11:54
In this episode we see an "expert of the law" asking Jesus who he regards as a "neighbour". He responds with this story;
"A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too a levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he travelled, came where he was, and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. 'look after him' he said 'and when I return I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have."
I think this has been the missing link for an all out revival to be sparked in Australia and the world. To love Jesus, to love ourselves and to love our neighbours. Like really? What if?.. if this generation took this passage and applied it to their lives convicted by the holy spirit. To see radical lovers of Jesus loving on other people? To stop on the side of the road. To inconvenience ourselves as the Samaritan did. This is the depiction of being the hands and feet of Jesus Christ. The Samaritan was a hated foreigner and an outcast. The relgious leaders of the time and the lay associates must of been too busy running to their meetings. But the least expected of them in society tends to him, treats him, puts him in his toyota yaris and into a hotel which costed him two days worth of wages.
At the beginning of the year I felt God was telling me the wave of revival is coming to Australia. It's going to hit the south land of the holy spirit. We are seeing this passage literally flow out onto our streets every Thursday night. But for revival to be fully blown out, I believe it has to be rolled out every single day in every city. I believe the initial wave has already hit. Its clearly evident. I believe the next step is to let the wave take us where it wants us to go. That is - let God take us where He wants us to go. We, as the church need to identify and recognise the powerful move of his spirit right now and ride the wave.
I've always been a big fan of tearing down the walls of our church. Jesus calls us to GO! The enemy isn't threatened much if we sing our happy songs and nod to our motivating sermons if all we do is stay inside our four walls, only to come back seven days later more defeated than the last week. God is raising up an army, a generation to take back what is rightfully His - This city, this nation! His weapon is Love and He's asking us to partner with him. Sign on the dotted line and suit up! Praise be to our Lord Jesus Christ!
In this episode we see an "expert of the law" asking Jesus who he regards as a "neighbour". He responds with this story;
"A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too a levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he travelled, came where he was, and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. 'look after him' he said 'and when I return I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have."
I think this has been the missing link for an all out revival to be sparked in Australia and the world. To love Jesus, to love ourselves and to love our neighbours. Like really? What if?.. if this generation took this passage and applied it to their lives convicted by the holy spirit. To see radical lovers of Jesus loving on other people? To stop on the side of the road. To inconvenience ourselves as the Samaritan did. This is the depiction of being the hands and feet of Jesus Christ. The Samaritan was a hated foreigner and an outcast. The relgious leaders of the time and the lay associates must of been too busy running to their meetings. But the least expected of them in society tends to him, treats him, puts him in his toyota yaris and into a hotel which costed him two days worth of wages.
At the beginning of the year I felt God was telling me the wave of revival is coming to Australia. It's going to hit the south land of the holy spirit. We are seeing this passage literally flow out onto our streets every Thursday night. But for revival to be fully blown out, I believe it has to be rolled out every single day in every city. I believe the initial wave has already hit. Its clearly evident. I believe the next step is to let the wave take us where it wants us to go. That is - let God take us where He wants us to go. We, as the church need to identify and recognise the powerful move of his spirit right now and ride the wave.
I've always been a big fan of tearing down the walls of our church. Jesus calls us to GO! The enemy isn't threatened much if we sing our happy songs and nod to our motivating sermons if all we do is stay inside our four walls, only to come back seven days later more defeated than the last week. God is raising up an army, a generation to take back what is rightfully His - This city, this nation! His weapon is Love and He's asking us to partner with him. Sign on the dotted line and suit up! Praise be to our Lord Jesus Christ!
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