Devotions: Matthew 26:1-5

Religious Leaders Plot to Kill Jesus

Points:
After Jesus gave the parables to the people, he told his disciples that in two days, during the Passover feast, the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified. At this moment, the chief priests and elders of the people assembled in the palace of the Caiaphas, the high priest. There they plotted to arrest Jesus and kill him in some way. But they did not want to do this during the Passover feast for fear of rioting by the people.

Problems:
The problems I see in this passage are that the religious leaders care more for their own positions than the word of God. They want to get rid of this "Jesus" who was causing them so much trouble. The problem is, Jesus will only become even more of a problem to them after his death and resurrection.

Parallels:
Mark 14:1,2; Luke 22:1-11

Promises:
Here Jesus is fulfilling the prophecies of the old testament and God's promise of a Savior for His people. Jesus promises to fulfill this promise.

Perils:
There is only one glaring peril I see in this pasage and that is for those who are plotting Jesus' death. They don't seem too worried that by killing the Son of God, that they will seal their fate for eternal life. To me, they are like the Egyptians whose hearts were hardened by God preceding the exodus of the Jews. God did this to show His power over men and the earth.

Precepts:
The precept or command I find in this passage is that of John 3:16 where God sent His beloved son to die for our sins. And whoever believes in him will have everlasting and eternal life.

Applications:
I can apply this mesage in my life today by believing what Jesus said and accept him as my savior. His sacrifice on the cross was for everyone and I am saddened by those who reject him and what he endured to bridge the chasm of sin between man and God.

Please Pray for Christians in Tanzania

NEW PRAYER BULLETIN: TANZANIA PASTOR KILLED

February 27, 2013

Dear Friends: A new Prayer Bulletin entitled "Tanzania Pastor Killed" has been added. Pastor Matayo Kachili was beheaded on Feb. 11 by radical Muslims who became enraged because Christians were not adhering to Sharia when butchering meat. Halal (permissible) meat is produced through ritual slaughter with the words "Bismillah allahu akbar" (the name of Allah the greatest) said over the animal. The Christians had investigated the laws of Tanzania and found that slaughtering animals was not restricted to Muslims only. ... Download Bulletin   Thanks for the prayers everyone. This news is extremely personal for me and my family because we actually sponsor a child in Tanzania through Compassion International. I hope this violence doesn't spill over into his area and that God protects him from the carnage.

Verse of the Day

Genesis 1:26 (NIV)

Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground."

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Verse of the Day

John 1:16 (NIV)

From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another.

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Devotions: Matthew 25:31-46

Jesus Tells About Final Judgement:

Points:
Jesus begins this story by saying, "When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. All the nations will be gathered before him and he will separate the people from one another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats". Jesus goes on to say that the sheep will be to the right and the goats will be on the left. The sheep will be the chosen ones (blessed by the Father) because they:

1. Fed those who were hungry
2. Gave water to those in thirst
3. Gave shelter to strangers
4. Clothed the unclothed
5. Cared for the sick
6. Visited those in prison

Jesus then says that, "Whatever you did for the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me". Those that did these things will receive their inheritance. While those who did not do these things, he says, "Depart from me, whatever you did not do for the least of these, you did not do for me. Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.

Problems:
The problems I see in this passage have to do with selfish people who do not care for other people and only for themselves. They will be cast out into eternal punishment. But those who do care for their fellow man will receive their heavenly reward.

Parallels:
Ezekiel 34:17,20; 1 Corinthians 15:50; Revelations 13:8; Hebrews 13:2; James 2:15, 16; 2 Timothy 1:16; Mark 9:43, 48; Jude 7; 2 Peter 2:4

Promises:
In this passage Jesus promises those who have remained righteous and care for their fellow man a place in the kingdom of heaven, but also promises eternal punishment for those who are too selfish and think only of themselves.

Perils:
This passage contains perils pertaining to those who do not or cannot change their ways and start seeing that every person was created in God's image. Each individual is a special creation of His. To not care about others is to not care about the one who created them.

Precepts
The precepts or command I see in this passage is about the greatest commandment Jesus gave and that is to love the Lord God with all your heart, your strength, your mind, and your spirit. The second precept is to love your neighbor as yourself. If we truly followed these commandments, then we would do everything we possibly could for the "least" of our brothers.

Applications:
I can apply this message in my life today by abiding in Jesus' words and keeping the commandments he has set forth to love the Lord my God with all my strength, all my mind, all spirit, and all my heart. I will also love my neighbor as myself and give of myself, my resources to those who were created in God's image and who do not have. I can volunteer at a homeless shelter and give of my time for a prison ministry. I can share God's word into the community to better gauge its needs. I can become selfless.

Verse of the Day

Acts 3:19 (NIV)

Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord,

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Devotions: Matthew 25:14-30

Jesus Tells of the Parable of the Loaned Money

Points:
Jesus continues talking about the kingdom of heaven and gives an example of a "man going on a journey". The man had three servants and to each one he entrusted different sums of money. The first servant was given five talents and when the master returned, the servant had doubled that amount to 10. The master was pleased and wanted to share his "happiness". The second servant had been given two talents and when the master returned, the servant had doubled his amount to four. Again the master was pleased and offered to share his happiness with the servant. The third servant was given charge of one talent and he was afraid. He dug a hole and buried the money in the ground. When the master returned, the servant told him that he knew he was a "hard man" because he harvests where he has not sown and gathered where he had not scattered seed. "So I dug a hole in the ground and buried your money. See here is what belongs to you". The master was furious with the servant. He told him that if he knew he was a hard man, then he should have at least deposited the money in a bank and drawn interest on it until his return. The master called the servant wicked and lazy. His money was taken from him and given to the servant with 10 talents. Jesus then says this, "For everyone who has will be given more and will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him. And throw that worthless servant outside into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth."

Parallels:
Luke 19:12; Matthew 18:24,25; 18:23;24:45,47; 8:12

Promises: 
The talents represent any type of resource we may have and that we should invest in those resources. Jesus is promising us that if we can be trusted with the small things, then we can be trusted with even more. The issue is not what we have, but how well we use what we have. Jesus promises us the kingdom of heaven if we invest our resources wisely while waiting for his return.

Perils:
The parable of the loaned money gives examples of the perils that await those who do not use their resources wisely while waiting for Jesus' return. Those "wicked and lazy" servants will have what is theirs given to those who have an abundance. Then they will be cast outside where there will be "weeping and gnashing of teeth".

Precepts:
The command or precept I see in this passage is that I should use my resources diligently and wisely while waiting for Jesus' return. I need to grow my resources and have an abundance by that time. If I only have what God has given me without wisely investing it, I will be at a loss. I can use my time, money, or other things to invest in God's work and make it prosperous here on earth.

Applications:
I can apply this message in my life today by using the resources God has given me to grow into an abundance. I can volunteer my time at a homeless shelter, help feed those needing food, and donate whatever resources I have into helping others. When I do this, my countenance will increase and my investment in God's work will return to me rewards in the kingdom of heaven.

Verse of the Day

Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV)

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

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Verse of the Day

Jude 1:20 (NIV)

But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit.

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Devotions: Matthew 25:1-13

Jesus Tells the Parable of the Ten Bridesmaids:

Points:
Jesus explains the kingdom of heaven will be like 10 virgins who took lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom, only five were wise and five were foolish. The wise virgins took extra oil for their lamps because they did not know the exact hour that the bridegroom would arrive. However, the five foolish virgins did not take extra oil. "The bridegroom was a long time coming, and they became drowsy and fell asleep." According to Jesus' parable, the bridegroom came at the midnight hour for his brides and the cry rang out that the bridegroom was there and to go out and meet him. But, the foolish virgins were out of oil and asked to borrow some from the wiser women. The wise virgins refused to give up any of their oil for fear there might not be enough for all of them. They told the foolish girls to go and buy more oil for their lamps. While the women were out buying more oil, the bridegroom arrived and only those who were there went with him to "the wedding banquet". Then the door was shut and nobody else was allowed in. When the other women arrived from  buying their oil, they were not let in. They were not known to the bridegroom. "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour."

Problems:
The five foolish virgins are indicative of the problems with those who do not keep watch and are prepared when the bridegroom arrives. It will be like this in Jesus' second coming. Since we do not know the day or hour, we must be responsible for our own spiritual condition. We will not be able to "loan" our faith and preparedness to anyone else. It is solely their responsibility. When we are prepared, we will be met with Jesus' open arms and allowed into the kingdom of heaven. We will be known to him.  

Parallels:
Revelations 19:7 (For the wedding of the lamb has come and his bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean was given to her to wear). 1Thessolonians 5:6 (So then let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled).

Promises:
In this parable of the 10 bridesmaids, Jesus promises those who are faithful and prepared will be allowed into the kingdom of heaven and promises those who are not prepared will not be granted access. These people will not be known to the bridegroom. Those who remain watchful will not be able to loan the others any of their oil.

Perils:
I see the perils in this passage as those that are not applied to being watchful and being ready for Jesus' return. Those who need to go out and buy more oil will not be here when he does return and will not be allowed into the kingdom of heaven.

Precepts:
The command or precept I see in this passage has to do with remaining watchful. Being ever vigilant and faithful that Jesus will keep his promise to return and reward those who have been expecting him. "Remain watchful, faithful, and believe that the bridegroom will return when least expected and those who have remained loyal will receive their rewards by being granted front row seats in the kingdom of heaven."

Applications:
I can apply this message in my life today by remaining watchful for Jesus' return to earth. I will stay the course, fight the good fight, and be prepared with extra oil for my lamp. I will not need to go to K-Mart and buy any more and I will not loan any out to others. I feel that I will be rewarded for my faithfulness by entering the kingdom of heaven if I do these things. I am ready Lord.

Verse of the Day

1 Samuel 2:2 (NIV)

"There is no one holy like the LORD; there is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God.

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Verse of the Day

2 Timothy 4:7 (NIV)

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

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Be a Voice Prayer Request

NEW PRAYER BULLETIN: VIETNAM DECREE	February 20, 2013
Dear Friends: A new Prayer Bulletin entitled "Vietnam Decree" has been added. Christian leaders in Vietnam are concerned that the passage of Decree 92/2012/ND-CP on Nov. 8, 2012, will further complicate efforts by Christians to meet and worship. The decree, which took effect on Jan. 1, details how to implement the Ordinance on Religion and Belief of 2004. Under the ordinance, registration is required to conduct religious "activities," such as worship, prayer and expression of religious faith. ... Download Bulletin Please logon to the Be-A-Voice Network site to learn about this and other prayer needs.

Devotions: Matthew 24:36-51

Jesus Tells About Remaining Watchful

Points:
Jesus continues his teaching of the end times and lets everyone know that, "No one knows about that day, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father". Jesus then relates the comparison between Noah and the flood and how the people of that time didn't really take him seriously. He says it will be the same for his second coming. "...and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away". Then Jesus says something interesting here - he begins talking of the rapture and how two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. Then he tells his disciples to "keep watch". Because we do not know the day or hour this will happen, we must be ever vigilant. Jesus tells them of the homeowner who was away when the thief came in and stole his things. If he had known when the thief would come, he would have been there to watch over his belongings. Jesus tells his disciples that the Son of Man "will come at an hour when you do not expect him". Also, just to give them a better understanding of how it will be, Jesus tells his disciples that the servant who is doing what he is supposed to be doing while the master is away, will reap the benefits. "I tell you the truth, he will be put in charge of all his possessions." On the other hand, Jesus gives an example of the wicked servant who gives into violence and drunkenness. That servant will "be cut to pieces" and find himself assigned "a place with the hypocrites, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth". 

Problems:
The problems I see in this passage comes from what Jesus says about Noah and how nobody took him seriously about the flood. It will be the same when Jesus returns - there will be multitudes of people unaware that the end times are at hand and they will pay the consequences. I find the allusion to the rapture also problematic for those left behind. Will they even notice that a supernatural occurrence is at hand and turn their lives over to God, or will they seize the opportunity to rob, loot, and plunder? From what I experience on a day-to-day basis, I would hope the former, but expect the latter.

Parallels:
Mark 13:32-37; Luke 21:34-38

Promises:
The promises from Jesus I find in this passage are of being rewarded for being obedient and faithful. The parable of the faithful servant tells me that those who remain dedicated to God will receive their rewards earlier than those who are lukewarm. The promise is that we shall be put in charge and be lifted up, but on the opposite side of the coin, the promise to those who are unfaithful will be very unpleasant to say the least.

Perils:
Jesus has basically told his disciples that they will be rewarded for staying the course, but has given details of what will happen to those who refuse to turn their lives around and live for him. He has made it very clear that peril awaits those who do not remain watchful and risk being "assigned with the hypocrites, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth".

Precepts:
Jesus' commands obedience in this passage, not from just one or two people; not just from his disciples, but from all men. I see the command as this, "Obey, keep watchful, and remain faithful while I am away and you will be richly rewarded on my return".

Applications:
I can apply this message in my life today by heeding Jesus' words and remaining watchful. I will believe what he says as truth and look forward to his return. I know that if I follow Jesus' teachings, I will receive my reward in heaven.

Verse of the Day

Proverbs 13:12 (NIV)

Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.

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Devotions: Matthew 24:26-35

Jesus Tells About His Return

Points:
Jesus is telling his disciples about His return and speaks about how it will be obvious to everyone what is happening. He says, "For as lightening that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man". Jesus continues to give details of what will happen at that time and describes a very somber awakening - "Immediately after the distress of those days; the sun will be darkened and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken. At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations of the earth will mourn." Jesus tells his disciples that the people will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky "with power and great glory". Angels will sound trumpets announcing the arrival of the Son of Man. Jesus goes on to give an analogy of a fig tree that will signal the coming such as when the twigs of the tree become tender and the leaves come out, "you know that summer is near". "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away."

Problems:
Jesus says many things here about the second coming and specifically how "the nations of the earth will mourn". This is because they will suddenly realize that the Bible is true and that they are about to be held accountable for the lives that they've led. It's going to be a rude awakening for a lot of people on that day.

Parallels:
Mark 13:24-31; Luke 21:25-33

Promises:
Jesus promises that His words are true and they will never "pass away". The earth is only temporary and will, at some point, pass away. He also mentions that heaven will pass away and and obviously He is speaking of the prophecy of Revelations. If so, then there will be a new heaven and a new earth. "Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea" (Revelation 21:1).

Perils:
The perils I see in this passage stem from the people not believing Jesus' words and see him as a prophet; not the Messiah. This is what Jesus means when he says, "and all the nations of the earth will mourn". And again, the signs that Jesus talks about will be pretty evident that something major is happening. I would just bet that there will be a lot of conversions on the day of Jesus' second coming.

Precepts: 
The command or precept that jumps out to me in this passage is that we should believe what Jesus is saying as truth and make every effort to prepare for His second coming because we really don't know when that day will be. Instead of being a "Doomsday Prepper" and burying ourselves in bunkers with guns, ammo, and food, the Christian bunkers will be  a never failing faith in our Lord, our arsenal consists of the Word of God as written in the Bible, and our nourishment comes from spiritual fulfillment of our souls through the Son who provides to us life-giving water.

Applications:
I can apply this message in my life today by believing in Jesus' teachings and words as truths. I will stay focused on Him to manage what I do not understand and remain faithful. I see evidence every day of the signs Jesus spoke about in this passage and know that the fig tree twigs are growing tender. The leaves on the tree are starting to open. I know Jesus could come at any time and I will be ready by sheltering myself in my bunker, preparing my arsenal, and by gathering my nourishment.  

Verse of the Day

Jonah 2:2 (NIV)

He said: "In my distress I called to the LORD, and he answered me. From the depths of the grave I called for help, and you listened to my cry.

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Verse of the Day

Zephaniah 3:17 (NIV)

The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing."

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Devotions: John 4:27-38

Jesus' Disciples Arrive at the Well

Points:
Jesus' disciples arrive at the well and see him talking with a woman. Although  they were surprised at this, none of them asked him why or what they were discussing. The woman went back to her village and told everyone of the man at the well "who told her everything" she ever did. Then she asks them, "can this be the Messiah"? At this a steady stream from the village went to see Jesus. During all this, the disciples were trying to get Jesus to eat something, but he told them that he had food they did not know about. Of course they were confused, then Jesus told them that he receives nourishment from doing God's will and finishing His work. Jesus then tells the disciples a parable of the fields and how the harvest is ripening and will be ready four months from now. "The harvesters are paid good wages and the fruit they harvest is people brought to eternal life. What joy awaits both the planter and the harvester alike!" Jesus then tells the disciples that he had sent them to a harvest they didn't plant, "others had already done the work, and you will gather the harvest".

Problems:
Problems arise between Jesus and the disciples when they do not understand what Jesus is doing and why he is doing it. This also holds true to other followers because, if the chosen few cannot discern what Jesus is trying to tell them, who then among men would be able to understand? Jesus gives them parables of harvests and planting and works miracles before their eyes so they will understand and believe he is the Messiah - Son of God.

Parallels:
Matthew 12:23; 23:7; 19:29; Luke 6:13; Mark 11:25; 9:5; 14:45

Perils:
The perils I see in this passage, is when people think they are not good enough to speak to a "righteous" person such as Jesus. The woman at the well told Jesus that she was a Samaritan and that he was a Jew. They had differences of opinions on how and where to worship, but Jesus explained the basics to her and she understood. The woman was also of questionable character having been married five times and now living with a man who was not her husband. Yet, Jesus broke down the traditional barriers and accepted her as she was.

Precepts:
The commands I see here are that we are to harvest what has been planted. Even though someone else has planted the seed, we can still harvest those men and women who have been ripening over time. I feel that just because we as Christians do not initially bring God's word to others, there is still a chance we will happen along in their lives just as their fields are ready. They may have been raised in the church, but have fallen away, then we set an example of God's love for them that they are ready to receive. "Others have already done the work and we will gather the harvest."

Applications:
I can apply this message in my life today by being an example of Christ and ready to gather the harvest from those who may have been disillusioned by religion or have been struggling with doubts, or those who have questions. I know that by staying in the word and trying to model my life after Christ, people will know there is something different about me and that living by faith is not such a scary thing. I pray every day for the strength to be that beacon for God that others look at and say, "This guy has something that I want. I've been struggling for years with questions about becoming a follower of Christ and have seen so many contradictions out there that it doesn't sound any different than what I have now, but this guy John really makes me want to have a relationship with the Father and be open to receiving His love, grace and mercy."

God I Need You Now!

I love hearing this song on the radio and was fortunate enough to find it on YouTube. It says almost everything I have been thinking at least once throughout the day and just really like the way it's done. Hope everyone else finds it as enjoyable.... I     

Verse of the Day

1 Corinthians 13:4-8 (NIV)

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.

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Prayer Request - Columbia Widow Killed

Wed., 13 Feb 2013 16:40:07 -0800
Subject: New Prayer Bulletin: Colombia Widow Killed

NEW PRAYER BULLETIN: COLOMBIA WIDOW KILLED	February 13, 2013
Dear Friends: A new Prayer Bulletin entitled "Colombia Widow Killed" has been added. Alicia Castilla, a widow and mother of three, was killed four months after the National Liberation Army (ELN) demanded she leave her home in Arauca. On Jan. 7, ELN assassins entered her home and shot her in front of her father, children and a visiting pastor. Before leaving, the guerrillas told Castilla's 18-year-old son, Hernán, that the rest of the family had three days to leave the region. After that, they would return and kill other family members one by one. ... Download Bulletin Please logon to the Be-A-Voice Network site to learn about this and other prayer needs.
Copyright © 2008 Be-A-Voice Network www.Be-A-Voice.net     PERSECUTION.com     Tell a Friend

Love the Lord Your God

I found this gem while surfing through sermons online. I thought it would be prudent to share it here....

By Debi Hull 12/13/2009



LOVE the Lord your God
with all your HEART and with all your SOUL
and with all your STRENGTH and with all your MIND,
and love your NEIGHBOR as yourself.
Luke 10:27

As we walk on a wooded path, along a beach, or anywhere in the natural splendor of what Our Father has created, we search for peace in a troubled world. Tonight, I thought about the desperation that was in my heart, suffering from food poisoning, feeling concern and sorrow and revulsion at the state of the world around me. Suddenly I felt pressure under my right foot, so blunt I thought it would go all the way through the thin sole of my moccasin. Frustrated and somewhat uncomfortable, I dug the rock from the ridges of my shoe, and I found a small stone, somewhat irregular in shape. Looking at the pebble closer, I saw that it was a dark brownish red color, and heart shaped. I knew in an instant that this was like a message and an embrace from my Heavenly father. It was at that moment that I knew that the message was that we must find beauty and dignity in all things that occur in nature, because they exist in the nature that Our Heavenly father has created.



In terms of the scripture I started this writing with, Christians must understand that this statement is unique in the teachings of Jesus. It is the only passage in the Gospels in which He used the word "commandment" in reference to something He said. In all his other uses of the word, He was referring to the Law of Moses. Furthermore, everything else He said in the Gospels can be considered teachings based on the Law and the Prophets. Only this commandment is exclusively that of the Lord Jesus Christ, Himself.

 It is also noteworthy when, where, and to whom Jesus gave this commandment. He was speaking in the Upper Room at the Last Supper. Judas Iscariot had already left when He said it. Jesus gave this commandment to no one else but His Disciples. Through them, He gave it to the Church.

The full implications of this new commandment are rarely fully understood and taught among Christians today. And the greatest failure of the Church today is failure to obey it.

"Love Your Neighbor As Yourself"

Since Jesus said told the Pharisees that the above commandment is the second greatest, it follows that in the commandment to "love one another", He was saying something that went far beyond loving your neighbor. Just what did He mean?

There are limitations to the requirements of the commandment to "love your neighbor as yourself". St. Paul identifies the parameters of obedience to this in Romans 13:9 & 10, summing them up with the words,

"Love worketh no ill to his neighbor: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law."

Obedience to this commandment is mostly passive in operation. It is, as Paul shows in this passage, more a matter of what we don't do then it is of what we do. The same is true of the Golden Rule.

There is one thing that is not implied in the Golden Rule, which is implied in the Commandment to "Love One Another". It is that we should make an ongoing practice of being servants only to our fellow Christians. However in Mark 16:15 (New International Version)
“He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.” In this passage, Jesus is instructing his Apostles to spread the gospel. The gospel was not merely words, but the account of living faith, and active deeds. If we are to spread the world, and obey the greatest commandment Christ Jesus gives us, we must walk in His light, and work to spread that light, to every living creature with the exuberance and joy of the spirit in which the gift was bestowed upon us.

Love one another, and spread His word with joy. The world is rife with tribulation. Love and support one another has He has always loved and supported us.

Verse of the Day

1 John 4:7 (NIV)

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.

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Verse of the Day

John 13:34 (NIV)

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.

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Devotions: John 4:1-26

Jesus Talks to a Woman at the Well

Points:
The Pharisees had heard that Jesus was now baptizing more people than  John the Baptist, but it was Jesus' disciples who were baptizing. Jesus found out that the Pharisees knew and he left Judea and went back to Galilee. As he traveled through Samaria, he came to a town called Sychar - near where Jacob had given Joseph a plot of land. Jacob's well was still there and Jesus sat down by the well. There was a Samaritan woman who had arrived to get water from the well and Jesus asks here if she would give him a drink. She said, "but you are a Jew and I am a Samaritan. How can you ask me for a drink"? This is when Jesus told her about the gift of God and who it is that asks her for a drink. "You would have asked him and he would have given you living water." The woman was understandably confused and she says to Jesus, "You have nothing to draw with and the well is deep". Then she asks Jesus where she could get this "living water" and asks him if he is greater than Jacob who built the well. Jesus then explains to the woman that whoever drinks of this water will become thirsty again, but "whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." Then the woman asks for the water he speaks of that she may not be thirsty.

Jesus then tells the woman to go and get her husband and come back, but the woman says she does not have a husband. Then Jesus tells her that she is correct in saying that because she actually has five husbands and that the man she is with now is not her husband. This impresses the woman and she calls Jesus a prophet, then she says her people worship on the mountain here in Samaria, but the Jews say the place to worship is in Jerusalem. Jesus then tells the woman that Samaritans worship what they do not know and that a time will come when you shall worship the Father, not on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. "Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth." The woman doesn't sound like she believes Jesus when he says this and she tells him that the Messiah is coming and he will explain everything to them. Then Jesus tells her, "I who speak to you am he."

Problems:
The problems I see in this passage is that, even though Jesus Christ - the Messiah - is talking face to face with someone and revealing God's plan for them, they still do not see that he is actually the one on whom they are waiting. She was still skeptical even after Jesus told her of the living water. This just seems typical of the people of that time. They thought they knew God, but were not listening to Him. Of course this isn't any different than it is today. The problem is that many people who say they are Christians, believers, and followers still do not have that relationship with Him that would let them know when He is actually speaking to them. They do not know God's voice.

Parallels:
Genesis 33:19; Joshua24:32; Isaiah 2:3; 44:3; Malachi 1:11; 1 timothy 2:8; 2 Kings 17:28-41; Romans 9:4,5; Philippians 3:3

Perils:
The perils I find in this passage are that, even though people will say they believe, they do not have a relationship with God. They do not know His voice and will be easily led astray by false prophets or even soothsayers for that matter. They might believe in "spiritualism" but not in the true God; creator of the universe. To me, these are "lukewarm" Christians who do not really know what to believe until someone tells them. I know because I used to be one of these people.

Precepts:
Commands in this text, to me, say to have a relationship with the Father and be able to know His voice. When God speaks to someone, there should be no doubt who it is. Our Pastor at church on Sunday said that when the second coming of Christ happens - we will know about it. There won't be any doubt as to who it is and what is taking place. We won't need to hear about it second hand from someone else. This should be the way we know God's voice and the only way to do this is to have that relationship with Him.

Applications:
I can apply this message in my life today by building on my relationship with the Lord and knowing what it is that He says to me. I will remain faithful to the only true living God and have comfort in knowing that when I seek Him with all my heart in an effort to draw closer to Him, He in turn draws closer to me. Thank you JESUS!

Verse of the Day

Mark 12:31 (NIV)

The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these."

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Verse of the Day

Colossians 3:9-10 (NIV)

Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.

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Devotions: John 3:22-36

John The Baptist Tells More About Jesus

Points:
Jesus and his disciples went out to the Judean countryside to baptize. John the Baptist was also baptizing people at Aenon near Salim. There was plenty of water there and no shortage of people wanting to get baptized. There an agument broke out among some of John's disciples and "a certain Jew". They came to John and told him that "the one you testified about" was also baptizing and a lot of people were going to him. John told them that a man can only receive what is given from heaven. "I am not the Christ but am sent ahead of him. The bride belongs to the bridegroom." Then John says something very memorable here. "He must become greater; I must become less". John tells his disciples that the one who comes from heaven is above all. He says that Jesus is offering his testimony, but nobody is listening and no one accepts it. But, "the man who has acccepted it has certified that God is truthful". John  then  tells his disciples that the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, "for God gives spirit without limit". John goes on to say that the Father loves the Son and has put everything in his hands. "Whover believes the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on him".

Problems:
The problems I see in this passage comes from followers of John. For so long John the Baptist has been prophesying and paving the way for Jesus, that now his followers must be handed off to the Messiah, the Christ, and the true Son of God. It's alost as if there were two different camps. One for John and the other for Jesus. I think John did a good job of letting his followers know that the real Son of God was walking among them and that they needed to heed his words.

Parallels:
Matthew 28:18

Perils:
The perils in this passage hinge on a divided view of things. It would be easy for John's disciples to just keep following him out of love and dismiss everything Jesus had to offer. On the other hand, John was well known and accepted for being a prophet. So, if John the Baptist was saying that the Christ was actually here and now, people would have probably listened.

Precepts:
The major precept I'm getting from this passage is that I am to believe that Jesus is the Son of God. And, if I accept his words spoken by God as truth, then I will have eternal life.

Applicatons:  
I can apply this message in my life today by believing that Jesus is truly the Son of God sent to earth to die for my sins. He is my intercessor for God and through Him I can speak directly to God. No one comes to the Father except through Jesus Christ

Verse of the Day

Malachi 1:11 (NIV)

My name will be great among the nations, from the rising to the setting of the sun. In every place incense and pure offerings will be brought to my name, because my name will be great among the nations," says the LORD Almighty.

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Devotions: John 3:1-21

Nicodemus Visits Jesus at Night

Points:

     Nicodemus was a "man of the Pharisees" and a member of the ruling council. He came to Jesus at night and said to him that they knew he was a teacher who has come from God. He said this because of the miracles he saw Jesus perform. Jesus then said to him, "I tell you the truth no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again". This statement perplexed Nicodemus and he asked how someone could be born again "when he is old". "Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb to be born". Jesus then told him that a man must be born of water and spirit. "Flesh gives birth to flesh, but  the Spirit gives birth to spirit". Jesus then analogizes the blowing wind and how nobody can tell where it comes from or where it is going, but we can hear it. He says this is the same for everyone born of the Spirit. Again Nicodemus isn't folllowing what Jesus is trying to tell him. Jesus tries explaining that he is telling Nicodemus of earthly things and he still doesn't get it, so then how will he understand when Jesus speaks of heavenly things. Then he says, "No one has gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven - the Son of Man".

     "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son that whoever believes in him shall not perish but to have eternal life. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe in him is condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only son". Then Jesus told Nicodemus that light has come into the world, but men love the darkness because their deeds are evil. "Everyone who does evil hates the light and will not come into the light for fear of his deeds being exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light so that it may be seen plainly that what he does has been done through God".

Problems:
     The obvious problems I see in this passage comes from misunderstanding from Nicodemus. Not knowing how to be born again in the Spirit and then him not understanding the analogy of the wind to the Spirit. Other problems involve the light that has come into the world, but men would rather stay in the darkness because they do not want their evil deeds exposed. They basically shun God to keep doing what they do.

Parallels:
Acts 2:22; 10:38; Proverbs 30:4; Ephesians 4:8-10; Numbers 21:8,9; Romans 5:8; Ephesians 5:11, 13

Perils:
     The perils in this passage are many and stem from Jesus' telling Nicodemus that "no one will see heaven unless they are born again". This is a new concept for everyone in this time period and hard to grasp. Coaxing men out of the drakness and into the light is another obstacle Jesus has to encounter. If these wicked men do not come out of the darkness and be born again, they will never see the kingdom of heaven. They are condemned already.

Precepts:
     The precepts or cammands I see in this passage is that I should believe that God loved me enough to send his one and only Son for my sins. I should believe that, unless I am born again through water and Spirit that I will not see the kingdome of heaven. I should come out of the darkness and into the light, so that everything I do is done through God.

Applications:
     I can apply this message in my life today by believing that God sent His one and only Son to die for my sins. I have been born again into the light through water and the Spirit and that everything I do is done through God. I will put God first in my life because when I do this, everything else is taken care of. Praise God!

Verse of the Day

Jeremiah 31:31 (NIV)

"The time is coming," declares the LORD, "when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah.

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Verse of the Day

     

Joel 2:12-13 (NIV)

"Even now," declares the LORD, "return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning." Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.

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Devotions: John 2:1-25

Points:
On the third day there was a wedding in Cana. Jesus' mother and all the disciples were there for the wedding. The wine ran out and Jesus' mother told him. Jesus said, "Dear woman, why do you involve me? My time has not yet come". The servants were told to follow Jesus' instructions and filled six large stone jars with water. They then drew some out and took it to the master of the banquet. They did as instructed and the master of the banquet tasted the wine that had moments earlier just been plain water. He told the bridegroom that it was "choice" wine. This is one of the first of the many miraculous signs that Jesus would perform in Cana in Galilee. By doing this, he revealed his glory and the disciples put their faith in him. Form here Jesus and his disciples went to the temple in Capernaum. There Jesus found men selling cattle, sheep, and doves. "So he made  a whip out of cords" and began thrashing these merchants in the temple courts, effectively driving them out. He scattered the coins of the money changers and turned over their tables. "How dare you turn my Father's house into a market!" This made some of the people there angry and they demanded to know by what authority Jesus was acting. Jesus then told them, "Destroy this temple and I will rebuild it in three days.." Of course these people were skeptical when  they knew that it took 46 years to build the temple. But Jesus was talking about his body as the temple. Even though people saw the miraculous signs Jesus had given them and they believed in his name, he also knew he could not "entrust himself to them". He knew all men and did not need need man's testimony about man, for he knew what was in man.

Problems:
The problems I see here are how the merchants had turned the temple into a market place. They were disrespecting the place of worship. They were disrespecting God's house. And, even though there were many people who witnessed Jesus' miracles, Jesus did not want their  praise. He knew this was praise from men for a man and not praise for the Son of God.

Parallels:
Mark 7:3,4; Matthew 12:46; Deuteronomy 16:1-6; Luke 2:49; Psalms 69:9; Matthew 26:61; 27; 40; Mark 14:58; 1 Corinthians 6:19; Luke 24:5-8

Perils:
Perils I see here are how Christians can get so complacent with their worship that they are not aware of the commercialization of the church. Satan comes in many forms and a slow, insidious transformation of the mind is where he will attack. The merchants in the temple did not show up over night, it was a steady progression of compromises that led to the day Jesus ran them out.

Precepts:
The precept or command I see in this passage is that Jesus is saying to keep the places of worship holy and pure. It shouldn't become a marketplace for buying and selling items unrelated to God or worshiping God. I think he is saying that the church should remain free of commercialization because this is where Satan can make a stronghold and corrupt the temple's purpose.

Apps:
I can apply this message in my life today by keeping the temple holy and pure. I will rebuke commercialism in the sanctity of the church and respect God in His house. I will, by example, let others know that it is not right to turn the church into a marketplace for goods that serve only to line the pockets of those attending.

Devotions: John 1:19-51

Points:
Jewish leaders thought John the Baptist was the Messiah, but John "did not fail to confess" that he was not the Christ, not Elijah, and not even a prophet. So, when questioned about who he really was, John told the leaders, "I am a voice of one calling out in the desert, Make straight the way of the Lord." When asked about his baptisms, John had this to say, "I baptize with water, but among you stands one you do not know. He is the one who comes after me, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie." John saw Jesus approaching and said, "Look, the lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world". At this point John gave his testimony of how he saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a "dove" and remain on him. John points out here that the one who sent him to baptize with water had told him of this person. The disciples begin to follow Jesus and tell each other that they have found the Messiah. Jesus found Philip and told him to follow. Philip told Nathanial, but Nathanial was skeptical and said, "Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?"

Problems:
It would seem that the Jewish leaders started out on a skipe hunt looking for the Messiah in John the Baptist. They asked him if he was the Messiah, I think to make life miserable for him. On the other hand, regular men saw the real Messiah and recognized Him right away.

Parallels:
Matthew 3:1-12; Mark 1:1-8; Luke 3:1-18

Promises:
John baptized with water, but Jesus baptizes in the Holy Spirit. Jesus told Nathanial that he would "see much greater things than this" while telling him about the fig tree. I believe this a promise Jesus makes to all those who believe in Him.

Perils:
The meeting between Jesus and John the Baptist will set in motion the way in which the Jewish leaders will learn of Jesus and the coming fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies.

Precepts:
The command I find in this passage is to believe in Jesus as Messiah. Jesus told Nathanial that he would see "heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man". If I follow Jesus' example and believe who he says he is, I too will be able to see these things.

Apps:
I can apply this message in my life today by believing in Jesus' promise of everlasting and eternal life. He is the truth, the light, and the way. He was sent here as God incarnate to die for my sins. I will praise His Holy name and let my life be a beacon for Him.

Christophanies and the Old Testament

I had been reading about how Jesus may have appeared to others in the Old Testament before his Incarnation here on Earth. I'm talking about people like Melchizedek, who was considered a "King Priest", or how the "Angel of the Lord" visited Hagar on her way back to Egypt. These are just two accounts of when Jesus may have made appearances for God as messenger. I've heard others even say that it was Jesus who walked with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. (The logic here is that no one can see God as He truly is). I had discussed this with my wife and she sees this as heresy, or some type of heretic doctrine that doesn't line up "biblically". She is under the impression that Jesus would not (or could not) be seen (or be sent) before His birth, death, and resurrection. as chronicled in the New Testament. But, I was really intrigued with this idea of Jesus making appearances before then and I didn't want to chase some crazy idea down a rabbit hole until I had more information on the subject. So I turned to the Internet....

There's not much on the subject of Christophany online, except to say that some people think it's possible. Depending on what school of thought one bought in to, there might be some basis to it actually being a fact. So, the next thing I did was turn to our our corporate religious doctrine - Pentecostal and more specifically the Assemblies of God Doctrine regarding this belief. I think the Internet is the coolest invention since sliced bread and I found the Assemblies of God website and began my search. It's really pretty cool. The following is an excerpt from from an "Enrichment Journal" found on the AoG website entitled Bible Doctrines: The Deity of the Lord Jesus Christ

Prior to that great coming of God in a new way into human history, the Word was
eternally in existence, functioning as the Revealer of God. It is very probable that the
theophanies (divine appearances) of the Old Testament were in reality
“Christophanies,” since in His preexistent state, Christ’s brief encounters with
people to reveal God’s will would be in perfect accord with His office work as
Revealer. Consider for example such passages as Genesis 21:17-20; 48:16; and
Exodus 23:20. In these passages “the angel of the Lord” is clearly identified as
Deity, yet distinguished from God the Father. Genesis 48:16 specifically refers to the
heavenly messenger as one who “redeemed” (KJV), or “delivered” (NIV). In other
passages where the angel of the Lord is both identified with God and distinguished
from Him, or where the angel of the Lord receives worship (as in Judg. 13:16-22), it
seems obvious that the angel was a manifestation of Christ.2 Such Old Testament
manifestations of the Second Person of the Trinity point forward to the Incarnation,
when Christ would come to make His dwelling among the people of this world.

Some fear that identifying the angel of the Lord with Christ would take away from
the uniqueness of Christ’s New Testament incarnation. However, that uniqueness
involves Christ’s full identification with humanity in His birth, life, ministry, death,
and resurrection. No temporary preincarnate manifestation takes away from that
uniqueness.

I thought this was neat, but I still haven't talked with our Pastor about it. For all I know this could just mean that there are other "Bible Doctrines" out there that are not in line with what the AoG agrees with. Anyway, for me, it was a little bit of proof that I may not need to be chasing just a crazy, heretical ideology.  


Reference: http://enrichmentjournal.ag.org/extra/BibleDoctrines_Chapter3.pdf