[S] Exodus 29:14 --
14"But the flesh of the bull and its hide and its refuse, you shall burn with fire outside the camp; it is a sin offering.
[O] The sin offering of sacrificing the bull was commanded to be burned outside the camp. This command was in line with how Jesus was taken outside the city to be crucified by the Romans (and the Jewish leaders) where Jesus out of complete obedience He became the sin offering for me. God's laws for us do not change over the years and even down to this detail God tells me He is unchanging and will keep His promises for me.
[A] Continue to trust in His sovereignty of the world I live in even though at times I feel like He's out to lunch and I'm all alone waiting outside for His return.
[P] Dear Father, thank You for sending Jesus as the sin offering for my sins. He was the way for You to make me clean from my sin and the way you keep Your promises down to this detail assures me that You are never out to lunch but takes care of me down to the finest details of my life. I praise You wholeheartedly. In Jesus' name. Amen.
From my Life devotional journaling and more (Read Today's Passage)
Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
Monday, January 31, 2011
Sunday, January 30, 2011
When God Scales Up the Ministry
[S] Acts 6:2-4 --
2So the twelve summoned the congregation of the disciples and said, "It is not desirable for us to neglect the word of God in order to serve tables. 3"Therefore, brethren, select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task. 4"But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word."
[O] As the ministry of the twelve disciples expanded they were up against stretching themselves to cover not only the increased number of followers but also the expanded areas of ministry beyond the preaching and teaching of the Word. In today's lingo, they needed to "scale up" and God gave them the wisdom to install seven deacons who were men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom. There weren't just taskmasters but those who may extend the core ministry of the disciples in the same and complementary spirit. Our church is going through this expansion at the moment and God is also leading through the similar wisdom of establishing the core ministry foundations to build up the overall ministry at large. Just like how it must have been exciting period during this early "Acts" phase, God is showering the same excitements as we grow in Him.
[A] Try my best not to get too distracted with the amount of work ahead overwhelming me, but to stay focused on building up those who I'll be collaborating closely with so that there will be a similar sense of co-laboring while sold-out for Christ as with these seven deacons. Although Stephen's ministry seemed to have been aborted "prematurely" what he stood up for transcended through the years up to today. So, it is not what it appears now that's important but how we would stay true to His shepherding and conviction that will bring lasting impact.
[P] Dear Father, I praise You for expanding our ministry at our church. It comes with its own set of challenges and I ask that the leadership of the new expansion of ministry would be wise to lead the congregation to its next level of coming closer to You instead of being lost in the larger crowd. May Your name be lifted up as we go through this transitional phase. In Jesus' name I ask. Amen.devo
2So the twelve summoned the congregation of the disciples and said, "It is not desirable for us to neglect the word of God in order to serve tables. 3"Therefore, brethren, select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task. 4"But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word."
[O] As the ministry of the twelve disciples expanded they were up against stretching themselves to cover not only the increased number of followers but also the expanded areas of ministry beyond the preaching and teaching of the Word. In today's lingo, they needed to "scale up" and God gave them the wisdom to install seven deacons who were men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom. There weren't just taskmasters but those who may extend the core ministry of the disciples in the same and complementary spirit. Our church is going through this expansion at the moment and God is also leading through the similar wisdom of establishing the core ministry foundations to build up the overall ministry at large. Just like how it must have been exciting period during this early "Acts" phase, God is showering the same excitements as we grow in Him.
[A] Try my best not to get too distracted with the amount of work ahead overwhelming me, but to stay focused on building up those who I'll be collaborating closely with so that there will be a similar sense of co-laboring while sold-out for Christ as with these seven deacons. Although Stephen's ministry seemed to have been aborted "prematurely" what he stood up for transcended through the years up to today. So, it is not what it appears now that's important but how we would stay true to His shepherding and conviction that will bring lasting impact.
[P] Dear Father, I praise You for expanding our ministry at our church. It comes with its own set of challenges and I ask that the leadership of the new expansion of ministry would be wise to lead the congregation to its next level of coming closer to You instead of being lost in the larger crowd. May Your name be lifted up as we go through this transitional phase. In Jesus' name I ask. Amen.devo
Who's Got Your Back?
[S] Acts 5:38--
39but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them; or else you may even be found fighting against God."
[O] A very logical thinking here spoken by Gamaliel to other Pharisees that by leaving the apostles of Jesus alone they will find out whether it was a work of men in which case it will diminish, but if it is from God then it will flourish. I see a tremendous significance of being aligned with God's ways and principles in my life as well as partaking in His ministry as there will be oppositions and as long as I'm backed by Him, I should not worry about these stumbling blocks because the oppositions are really against God and not me. This includes times when I feel like my ministry is about to tumble down because if it does and stays that way, then that is an invitation from God for my repentance for building up my own ministry; if what may tumble down initially resurrects by God's miraculous powers, then that is an invitation from God to enter into His overwhelming grace which is the foundation of His ministry. For me it's a win-win situation either way as long as I stick to His principles.
[A] Stay transparent when participating in His ministry by minimizing myself while maximizing the heart of Jesus so that my back is covered by Him. I happened to be facing a challenge in the small group ministry I'm heading up, and this passage was a bull's eye comfort to me to grasp on to.
[P] Dear Jesus, thank You for covering my back because I felt so weak until I read this passage to know that I am confident You got my back and any and all oppositions are really fighting against You and not me. May You increase in me more and more. In Jesus' name. Amen.
39but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them; or else you may even be found fighting against God."
[O] A very logical thinking here spoken by Gamaliel to other Pharisees that by leaving the apostles of Jesus alone they will find out whether it was a work of men in which case it will diminish, but if it is from God then it will flourish. I see a tremendous significance of being aligned with God's ways and principles in my life as well as partaking in His ministry as there will be oppositions and as long as I'm backed by Him, I should not worry about these stumbling blocks because the oppositions are really against God and not me. This includes times when I feel like my ministry is about to tumble down because if it does and stays that way, then that is an invitation from God for my repentance for building up my own ministry; if what may tumble down initially resurrects by God's miraculous powers, then that is an invitation from God to enter into His overwhelming grace which is the foundation of His ministry. For me it's a win-win situation either way as long as I stick to His principles.
[A] Stay transparent when participating in His ministry by minimizing myself while maximizing the heart of Jesus so that my back is covered by Him. I happened to be facing a challenge in the small group ministry I'm heading up, and this passage was a bull's eye comfort to me to grasp on to.
[P] Dear Jesus, thank You for covering my back because I felt so weak until I read this passage to know that I am confident You got my back and any and all oppositions are really fighting against You and not me. May You increase in me more and more. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Labels:
Devotion,
Facing Oppositions,
Lasting Ministry,
Ministry Focus
Friday, January 28, 2011
Bringing Out the Purity
[S] Psalm 12:6 --
6The words of the LORD are pure words;
As silver tried in a furnace on the earth, refined seven times.
[O] This concept of how our walk with God is refined much like refining silver grabs me every time I read it from the Bible because my mind loses the intensity of the refinement process God puts me through in order to bring out the pure image of Him. This process is much more than a casual wishful thinking of becoming refined. I can see that the pure words of the LORD entering my mind and then becoming polluted with my own impurities so I need to through the refining process bring out the purity of His word in me ... seven times (i.e., until I'm purified). This story of The Silversmith's Reflection amazingly parallels God's way of refining me.
[A] Usually this refining process is a challenging one and I tend to focus on the toughness of the process, but I should shift my focus about how passing through such a process will allow my life to reflect God's image because that'll be an indication that my refining process is progressing towards completion.
[P] Dear Father, even though I know this is what I had asked for, it just isn't fun going through it but I want to thank You per 1 Thessalonians 5:18 for refining me. May my life reflect Your smiling face to others through this on-going process. In Jesus' name. Amen.
6The words of the LORD are pure words;
As silver tried in a furnace on the earth, refined seven times.
[O] This concept of how our walk with God is refined much like refining silver grabs me every time I read it from the Bible because my mind loses the intensity of the refinement process God puts me through in order to bring out the pure image of Him. This process is much more than a casual wishful thinking of becoming refined. I can see that the pure words of the LORD entering my mind and then becoming polluted with my own impurities so I need to through the refining process bring out the purity of His word in me ... seven times (i.e., until I'm purified). This story of The Silversmith's Reflection amazingly parallels God's way of refining me.
[A] Usually this refining process is a challenging one and I tend to focus on the toughness of the process, but I should shift my focus about how passing through such a process will allow my life to reflect God's image because that'll be an indication that my refining process is progressing towards completion.
[P] Dear Father, even though I know this is what I had asked for, it just isn't fun going through it but I want to thank You per 1 Thessalonians 5:18 for refining me. May my life reflect Your smiling face to others through this on-going process. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Lameness Leads to Begging
[S] Acts 3:9-10 --
9And all the people saw him walking and praising God; 10and they were taking note of him as being the one who used to sit at the Beautiful Gate of the temple to beg alms, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.
[O] Healing of this lame beggar was recognized by many people as they were filled with wonder and amazement. They did not know how he was able to walk and leap but knew that it was an act of miracle for that to happen to the man. When God is on the move, there is no time to even think about "how" because "what" took place is just so amazing and awesome. When people are on the move, there are so many "who this, and how that" questions dampening the works of God in the end, making us look like this lame beggar. In fact, I feel like him now where I feel immobilized in the small group ministry and feel as if begging for people to come along.
[A] What I need to request from God is to heal me, strengthen my joints, so I may leap up and praise God so others will wonder in amazement something awesome had happened and eventually see that it was God's working in my life based on my faith. It's a matter of time (when) for my lameness to be transformed into a vibrant display of God's wonder.
[P] Dear Jesus, I, too, need the same presence of Your power in v.6: "... In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene--walk!" I want to walk and praise You for what You have, are, and will do in my life so it won't stay in the lame state. In Your precious name. Amen.
9And all the people saw him walking and praising God; 10and they were taking note of him as being the one who used to sit at the Beautiful Gate of the temple to beg alms, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.
[O] Healing of this lame beggar was recognized by many people as they were filled with wonder and amazement. They did not know how he was able to walk and leap but knew that it was an act of miracle for that to happen to the man. When God is on the move, there is no time to even think about "how" because "what" took place is just so amazing and awesome. When people are on the move, there are so many "who this, and how that" questions dampening the works of God in the end, making us look like this lame beggar. In fact, I feel like him now where I feel immobilized in the small group ministry and feel as if begging for people to come along.
[A] What I need to request from God is to heal me, strengthen my joints, so I may leap up and praise God so others will wonder in amazement something awesome had happened and eventually see that it was God's working in my life based on my faith. It's a matter of time (when) for my lameness to be transformed into a vibrant display of God's wonder.
[P] Dear Jesus, I, too, need the same presence of Your power in v.6: "... In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene--walk!" I want to walk and praise You for what You have, are, and will do in my life so it won't stay in the lame state. In Your precious name. Amen.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Shut In by the Wilderness
[S] Exodus 14:3,11 --
3"For Pharaoh will say of the sons of Israel, 'They are wandering aimlessly in the land; the wilderness has shut them in.'
11Then they said to Moses, "Is it because there were no graves in Egypt that you have taken us away to die in the wilderness? Why have you dealt with us in this way, bringing us out of Egypt?
[O] The wilderness hardened Pharaoh's heart but the people's hearts were hardened also and began to grumble with fear from the wilderness in front of them while chasing Egyptians were coming from behind. The situation is such that there is no way out for them. Trapped. But seriously, does grumbling in such a situation help? No. Wishing they were elsewhere does not help either. However, we so easily get into the mode of thinking we can get ourselves out of it by complaining and grumbling. When we are up against impossible situations and all of our attention is on the obstacle itself, the fear drives us to blaming rather than seeking God for His salvation. Pharaoh on the other hand sees this as an opportunity to take advantage of and makes the chase to overtake the Israelites because he thought for sure they are trapped by the wilderness.
[A] It is almost as if God intentionally puts us up against some impossible obstacles to remind us that He is indeed bigger than any "impossible" circumstance we find ourselves in. That is no matter how discouraging or fearful a situation I find myself up against, I need to put my trust in God who is bigger than any of them and can overcome with mighty powers just like how He led the Israelites through the parting Red Sea on dry ground.
[P] Dear Father, forgive me for restricting Your power with my little brain when Your power is amazingly powerful way beyond what I can grasp. Whenever I'm against the "impossible" wilderness, may I turn to You and trust You that You can deliver me from such a situation much like what Daniel's three friends said in Daniel 3:18 -- But even if He does not -- I will not fall away from following Your ways and truth. In Jesus' name. Amen.
3"For Pharaoh will say of the sons of Israel, 'They are wandering aimlessly in the land; the wilderness has shut them in.'
11Then they said to Moses, "Is it because there were no graves in Egypt that you have taken us away to die in the wilderness? Why have you dealt with us in this way, bringing us out of Egypt?
[O] The wilderness hardened Pharaoh's heart but the people's hearts were hardened also and began to grumble with fear from the wilderness in front of them while chasing Egyptians were coming from behind. The situation is such that there is no way out for them. Trapped. But seriously, does grumbling in such a situation help? No. Wishing they were elsewhere does not help either. However, we so easily get into the mode of thinking we can get ourselves out of it by complaining and grumbling. When we are up against impossible situations and all of our attention is on the obstacle itself, the fear drives us to blaming rather than seeking God for His salvation. Pharaoh on the other hand sees this as an opportunity to take advantage of and makes the chase to overtake the Israelites because he thought for sure they are trapped by the wilderness.
[A] It is almost as if God intentionally puts us up against some impossible obstacles to remind us that He is indeed bigger than any "impossible" circumstance we find ourselves in. That is no matter how discouraging or fearful a situation I find myself up against, I need to put my trust in God who is bigger than any of them and can overcome with mighty powers just like how He led the Israelites through the parting Red Sea on dry ground.
[P] Dear Father, forgive me for restricting Your power with my little brain when Your power is amazingly powerful way beyond what I can grasp. Whenever I'm against the "impossible" wilderness, may I turn to You and trust You that You can deliver me from such a situation much like what Daniel's three friends said in Daniel 3:18 -- But even if He does not -- I will not fall away from following Your ways and truth. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Labels:
Complaining,
Devotion,
Grumbling,
Obstacles,
Wilderness Experience
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
One Mind Will Go a Long Way
[S] Acts 1:14 --
14These all with one mind were continually devoting themselves to prayer, along with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.
[O] Praying together corporately powerful but what precedes that is everyone having one mind. Without having this hearts of unity, devoting in prayer together has no meaning other than the outward appearance. One of the cliche we often throw around is "let's pray together" as if it's some sort of a spell we memorize and a genie will come out to do some magical thing for us. But I realize praying together is really more for us to tune our own hearts in one accord in order to bring our body of believers in unity before God and this scene must be something that will put smile on God's face. In the culture when women were not even counted (remember the 5,000 fed by Jesus recorded in John 6 counted only the men) the women (probably led by Mary the mother of Jesus) joined with men to pray continually. Likewise, the foundation of any vibrant ministry is to have one mind.
[A] Promoting one mind within our church requires wisdom and disciplined way of leading the congregation such as effective communication. Prayer and studying word is the default requirement we must hold on to but the practical aspects of embracing people's mind is a pre-requisite ground work that must go on continually. This year, I need to work in this area for our small group ministry such that not only we refine the "program and structure" but to gather more people's hearts in one mindedness.
[P] Dear Father, please gather our church congregation's hearts into one mind just like how you did in this passage so out of such a culture people will naturally pray together in various groups for our ministry and for one another. Please make our community a praying community. In Jesus' name. Amen.
14These all with one mind were continually devoting themselves to prayer, along with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.
[O] Praying together corporately powerful but what precedes that is everyone having one mind. Without having this hearts of unity, devoting in prayer together has no meaning other than the outward appearance. One of the cliche we often throw around is "let's pray together" as if it's some sort of a spell we memorize and a genie will come out to do some magical thing for us. But I realize praying together is really more for us to tune our own hearts in one accord in order to bring our body of believers in unity before God and this scene must be something that will put smile on God's face. In the culture when women were not even counted (remember the 5,000 fed by Jesus recorded in John 6 counted only the men) the women (probably led by Mary the mother of Jesus) joined with men to pray continually. Likewise, the foundation of any vibrant ministry is to have one mind.
[A] Promoting one mind within our church requires wisdom and disciplined way of leading the congregation such as effective communication. Prayer and studying word is the default requirement we must hold on to but the practical aspects of embracing people's mind is a pre-requisite ground work that must go on continually. This year, I need to work in this area for our small group ministry such that not only we refine the "program and structure" but to gather more people's hearts in one mindedness.
[P] Dear Father, please gather our church congregation's hearts into one mind just like how you did in this passage so out of such a culture people will naturally pray together in various groups for our ministry and for one another. Please make our community a praying community. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Monday, January 24, 2011
My Mind Has a Valve
[S] Luke 24:45 --
45Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures,
[O] What sets the Scriptures from other manuscripts is the fact that I cannot understand it with my own efforts no matter how many times I read it because it is God ordained and so He must grant permission for me to comprehend it. As if there is a valve that unless He opens it my mind cannot absorb the meaning of Scriptures. Doing the Life Journal devotion at first was done with my sheer efforts of reading and trying to squeeze out some meaning but I soon found out repeating myself about the same concept limited to what was in my own head. I've been asking God to open my mind so I may understand the truth that He intended for me to grasp.
[A] Continue to start my devotion by praying to God to open my mind to understand the Scriptures.
[P] Dear Jesus, please continue to open my mind that I may understand the depth of your Word and so I may apply them to my life to initiate the transformation You desire in me. May I not try to understand Your word with my own might but rely on Your Spirit as I ask in Your precious name. Amen.
45Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures,
[O] What sets the Scriptures from other manuscripts is the fact that I cannot understand it with my own efforts no matter how many times I read it because it is God ordained and so He must grant permission for me to comprehend it. As if there is a valve that unless He opens it my mind cannot absorb the meaning of Scriptures. Doing the Life Journal devotion at first was done with my sheer efforts of reading and trying to squeeze out some meaning but I soon found out repeating myself about the same concept limited to what was in my own head. I've been asking God to open my mind so I may understand the truth that He intended for me to grasp.
[A] Continue to start my devotion by praying to God to open my mind to understand the Scriptures.
[P] Dear Jesus, please continue to open my mind that I may understand the depth of your Word and so I may apply them to my life to initiate the transformation You desire in me. May I not try to understand Your word with my own might but rely on Your Spirit as I ask in Your precious name. Amen.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Strength to Not Exercise the Power
[S] Luke 23:37 --
37and saying, "If You are the King of the Jews, save Yourself!"
[O] The soldiers who were mocking Jesus demanded to save Himself if He was the King of the Jews. These Roman soldiers were probably all used to exercising power as their profession and could not understand why if Jesus was the King of the Jews, He had to suffer like weakling and be humiliated before them like this. However, it is much easier to exercise power than not, while fully capable, for a greater cause. It would have been not only easier but also meaningless for a King to exercise His power. So even if Jesus was fully capable of saving Himself, He controlled His power to fulfill His purpose of dying as the sacrifice to save mankind.
[A] When in any leadership position, withholding the power delegated to me to carry out my purpose is the model of Jesus that I must remember and follow. As someone once said, He modeled how to be a servant leader, not a strict manager.
[P] Dear Jesus, may my heart be molded to follow after Your leadership model of servant and sacrificial leadership. You withheld Your awesome power in order to walk the path of Calvary to the crucifixion in order to fulfill Your purpose here on earth. Please grant me the same grace and strength and focus to fulfill the purpose You bestowed in my life. In Jesus' name. Amen.
37and saying, "If You are the King of the Jews, save Yourself!"
[O] The soldiers who were mocking Jesus demanded to save Himself if He was the King of the Jews. These Roman soldiers were probably all used to exercising power as their profession and could not understand why if Jesus was the King of the Jews, He had to suffer like weakling and be humiliated before them like this. However, it is much easier to exercise power than not, while fully capable, for a greater cause. It would have been not only easier but also meaningless for a King to exercise His power. So even if Jesus was fully capable of saving Himself, He controlled His power to fulfill His purpose of dying as the sacrifice to save mankind.
[A] When in any leadership position, withholding the power delegated to me to carry out my purpose is the model of Jesus that I must remember and follow. As someone once said, He modeled how to be a servant leader, not a strict manager.
[P] Dear Jesus, may my heart be molded to follow after Your leadership model of servant and sacrificial leadership. You withheld Your awesome power in order to walk the path of Calvary to the crucifixion in order to fulfill Your purpose here on earth. Please grant me the same grace and strength and focus to fulfill the purpose You bestowed in my life. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Getting the Blame as a Leader
[S] Exodus 3:21 --
21They said to them, "May the LORD look upon you and judge you, for you have made us odious in Pharaoh's sight and in the sight of his servants, to put a sword in their hand to kill us."
[O] The Israelite foremen blamed Moses for their persecution from the Egyptians just soon after they had bowed and worshiped God when Moses and Aaron spoke to them about how God is going to rescue them from Egyptian's bondage (Exodus 2:31 -- So the people believed; and when they heard that the LORD was concerned about the sons of Israel and that He had seen their affliction, then they bowed low and worshiped.) We see a similar double standard just before Jesus was crucified when the people sang Hosanna when Jesus entered Jerusalem and then soon after they cried out to crucify Him. In leadership positions, it is inevitable to face this type of extreme attitudes from the followers and these are the toughest to accept because these moments flush down all the efforts put in to lead the followers.
[A] Leadership in God's ministry requires some of these heart-breaking moments just like how Moses experienced it here. Perhaps he was all gung-ho about saving his people by displaying some of these miraculous signs and relied too much on those powers instead of God and this may have been a training period for God to teach him that, but it sure must've been a let-down when he heard these after all he went through to come here after encountering the "burning bush." Just like Moses did, though, I should go directly to God and not to others. Just complain to Him by crying out to Him because He knows exactly where I am.
[P] Dear Father, I realize being in leadership come in a package deal and I need to face some of these challenging moments from the people. May my heart not sink but to look up to You especially during these moments. In Jesus' name. Amen.
21They said to them, "May the LORD look upon you and judge you, for you have made us odious in Pharaoh's sight and in the sight of his servants, to put a sword in their hand to kill us."
[O] The Israelite foremen blamed Moses for their persecution from the Egyptians just soon after they had bowed and worshiped God when Moses and Aaron spoke to them about how God is going to rescue them from Egyptian's bondage (Exodus 2:31 -- So the people believed; and when they heard that the LORD was concerned about the sons of Israel and that He had seen their affliction, then they bowed low and worshiped.) We see a similar double standard just before Jesus was crucified when the people sang Hosanna when Jesus entered Jerusalem and then soon after they cried out to crucify Him. In leadership positions, it is inevitable to face this type of extreme attitudes from the followers and these are the toughest to accept because these moments flush down all the efforts put in to lead the followers.
[A] Leadership in God's ministry requires some of these heart-breaking moments just like how Moses experienced it here. Perhaps he was all gung-ho about saving his people by displaying some of these miraculous signs and relied too much on those powers instead of God and this may have been a training period for God to teach him that, but it sure must've been a let-down when he heard these after all he went through to come here after encountering the "burning bush." Just like Moses did, though, I should go directly to God and not to others. Just complain to Him by crying out to Him because He knows exactly where I am.
[P] Dear Father, I realize being in leadership come in a package deal and I need to face some of these challenging moments from the people. May my heart not sink but to look up to You especially during these moments. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Friday, January 21, 2011
For Whose Name's Sake
[S] Luke 21:12-13 --
12"But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and will persecute you, delivering you to the synagogues and prisons, bringing you before kings and governors for My name's sake.
13"It will lead to an opportunity for your testimony.
[O] The focus of this passage for me was "for My name's sake." Many things will happen as I participate in His ministry -- some good and some I'd gladly avoid -- but more than what's happening on the surface, I must ask a deeper question of have I been keeping Jesus' name right at the core of all my actions/plans because if I did, then all that I face will be done for His name's sake. Only then as stated in verse 13, all I do and encounter will lead to opportunities for testifying God's wondrous works.
[A] It is very challenging to sustain my transparency to let God's image shine through (or reflect His image clearly) especially when going through some humps in ministry. This reminder from Jesus lit up some dark corners today and will continue to engrave this truth in my heart.
[P] Dear Jesus, in all circumstances I face partaking in Your ministry, may my heart be aligned to doing them for Your name's sake and through my determination, please bring forth Your message of Love and Grace. May I totally surrender and lean on Your leadership rather than trying to figure it out on my own efforts. In Your name. Amen.
12"But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and will persecute you, delivering you to the synagogues and prisons, bringing you before kings and governors for My name's sake.
13"It will lead to an opportunity for your testimony.
[O] The focus of this passage for me was "for My name's sake." Many things will happen as I participate in His ministry -- some good and some I'd gladly avoid -- but more than what's happening on the surface, I must ask a deeper question of have I been keeping Jesus' name right at the core of all my actions/plans because if I did, then all that I face will be done for His name's sake. Only then as stated in verse 13, all I do and encounter will lead to opportunities for testifying God's wondrous works.
[A] It is very challenging to sustain my transparency to let God's image shine through (or reflect His image clearly) especially when going through some humps in ministry. This reminder from Jesus lit up some dark corners today and will continue to engrave this truth in my heart.
[P] Dear Jesus, in all circumstances I face partaking in Your ministry, may my heart be aligned to doing them for Your name's sake and through my determination, please bring forth Your message of Love and Grace. May I totally surrender and lean on Your leadership rather than trying to figure it out on my own efforts. In Your name. Amen.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Deeply Respected Leader
[S] Genesis 50:3,7 --
3Now forty days were required for it, for such is the period required for embalming. And the Egyptians wept for him seventy days.
7So Joseph went up to bury his father, and with him went up all the servants of Pharaoh, the elders of his household and all the elders of the land of Egypt,
[O] The word that comes to mind is "respect." The Egyptians respected Joseph and thus Jacob's death was observed with most respect by the whole nation represented by how long they wept by how many of the leaders paid respect to the burial of Jacob. Joseph was forced into this nation as a slave and then accused unfairly into prison, but as he stayed focused on God and His provision, he became the top leader of that nation and God continued to shower favor upon all he did to this point of honoring his father's death. This is a true picture of a man after God's own heart who let Him lead the way through ups and downs of his life's turns.
[A] Stop complaining even if I deserve it. Give thanks to God always, and in all circumstances look on the bright side by asking "what if things could've been worse?" God always provides what's best for me even though I may not see it, so get used to giving Him thanks despite the circumstances I may be in.
[P] Dear God, train me to always see the bright side of my circumstances especially when I seem to have a right to complain. You are the ultimate judge and the provider of my needs and since You will never make mistakes, I am going to thank You for all that come my way from You. In Jesus' name. Amen.
3Now forty days were required for it, for such is the period required for embalming. And the Egyptians wept for him seventy days.
7So Joseph went up to bury his father, and with him went up all the servants of Pharaoh, the elders of his household and all the elders of the land of Egypt,
[O] The word that comes to mind is "respect." The Egyptians respected Joseph and thus Jacob's death was observed with most respect by the whole nation represented by how long they wept by how many of the leaders paid respect to the burial of Jacob. Joseph was forced into this nation as a slave and then accused unfairly into prison, but as he stayed focused on God and His provision, he became the top leader of that nation and God continued to shower favor upon all he did to this point of honoring his father's death. This is a true picture of a man after God's own heart who let Him lead the way through ups and downs of his life's turns.
[A] Stop complaining even if I deserve it. Give thanks to God always, and in all circumstances look on the bright side by asking "what if things could've been worse?" God always provides what's best for me even though I may not see it, so get used to giving Him thanks despite the circumstances I may be in.
[P] Dear God, train me to always see the bright side of my circumstances especially when I seem to have a right to complain. You are the ultimate judge and the provider of my needs and since You will never make mistakes, I am going to thank You for all that come my way from You. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Get In the Way of Jesus
[S] Luke 19:4 --
4So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree in order to see Him, for He was about to pass through that way.
[O] Zaccheus desperately wanted to see Jesus even from a distance so He figured out the path and waited for Jesus to come by there. Being a tax collector, we can assume he was pretty smart and quick thinking. Using his skills he quickly decided that if he cannot fight through the crowd to see Jesus, then he will wait for Him to come by up ahead. In many ways, I say I want to see Jesus every day but that effort is crowded out by hustle and bustle of the day. Learning from Zaccheus, I should try to go find a place where Jesus is going to pass by so I can meet Him there where it may be less crowded and I can have a vantage point of view.
[A] It doesn't take a GPS (navigation tool) to find out where Jesus is going to pass by in my spiritual walk because He used to go to a quiet place to spend the time with His Dad. If I go ahead to my morning devotional place and time, I will see Him and He will invite me into His presence to fill me up with His strength. Stop wondering why I cannot seem to meet Jesus; instead wait for Him ahead in my morning devotional.
[P] Dear Jesus, I desire to meet You and I've learned from Zaccheus that I don't need to fight what's crowding me out but to go ahead to a place where I know you'll pass by, to spend that 1-1 time with You. Thank You for this encouragement to keep on seeking You through my devotional times. In Your name. Amen.
4So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree in order to see Him, for He was about to pass through that way.
[O] Zaccheus desperately wanted to see Jesus even from a distance so He figured out the path and waited for Jesus to come by there. Being a tax collector, we can assume he was pretty smart and quick thinking. Using his skills he quickly decided that if he cannot fight through the crowd to see Jesus, then he will wait for Him to come by up ahead. In many ways, I say I want to see Jesus every day but that effort is crowded out by hustle and bustle of the day. Learning from Zaccheus, I should try to go find a place where Jesus is going to pass by so I can meet Him there where it may be less crowded and I can have a vantage point of view.
[A] It doesn't take a GPS (navigation tool) to find out where Jesus is going to pass by in my spiritual walk because He used to go to a quiet place to spend the time with His Dad. If I go ahead to my morning devotional place and time, I will see Him and He will invite me into His presence to fill me up with His strength. Stop wondering why I cannot seem to meet Jesus; instead wait for Him ahead in my morning devotional.
[P] Dear Jesus, I desire to meet You and I've learned from Zaccheus that I don't need to fight what's crowding me out but to go ahead to a place where I know you'll pass by, to spend that 1-1 time with You. Thank You for this encouragement to keep on seeking You through my devotional times. In Your name. Amen.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Do You Know What You're Missing?
[S] Luke 18:43 --
43Immediately he regained his sight and began following Him, glorifying God; and when all the people saw it, they gave praise to God.
[O] This ex-blind man used to see before because he adamantly requested to "regain" his sight. He knew what it was like to see and desired to restore his sight. Once Jesus restored his vision, he immediately followed Jesus, glorifying God. What a beautiful scene for this man to have restored what he was missing in his life and he gives total credit to God for making that happen. And when God is revealed in such a miracle, others around it will see God also in praise; otherwise, they will see the person (not God) which usually brings forth division or envy more so than praising God.
[A] This ex-blind man impressed me with his dire desire to regain his sight because he knew what he was missing and wanted to badly. I wonder how my own gauge of detecting my spiritual blindedness because I used to see it but no longer see? Am I too distracted with life's concerns that I am not even worried about my impaired spiritual vision?
[P] Dear Jesus, Your requesting this man's desire to regain his sight is a good reminder for me to always check my spiritual vision and detect any areas that are fuzzy or straight out black. Please speak to my heart through Holy Spirit to convict me of these blind spots so I won't just go on with my own life normally. I want to yell out like this man for You to restore my blind spots as You reveal them to me. In Jesus' name. Amen.
43Immediately he regained his sight and began following Him, glorifying God; and when all the people saw it, they gave praise to God.
[O] This ex-blind man used to see before because he adamantly requested to "regain" his sight. He knew what it was like to see and desired to restore his sight. Once Jesus restored his vision, he immediately followed Jesus, glorifying God. What a beautiful scene for this man to have restored what he was missing in his life and he gives total credit to God for making that happen. And when God is revealed in such a miracle, others around it will see God also in praise; otherwise, they will see the person (not God) which usually brings forth division or envy more so than praising God.
[A] This ex-blind man impressed me with his dire desire to regain his sight because he knew what he was missing and wanted to badly. I wonder how my own gauge of detecting my spiritual blindedness because I used to see it but no longer see? Am I too distracted with life's concerns that I am not even worried about my impaired spiritual vision?
[P] Dear Jesus, Your requesting this man's desire to regain his sight is a good reminder for me to always check my spiritual vision and detect any areas that are fuzzy or straight out black. Please speak to my heart through Holy Spirit to convict me of these blind spots so I won't just go on with my own life normally. I want to yell out like this man for You to restore my blind spots as You reveal them to me. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Labels:
Blindness,
Devotion,
Glorifying God,
Miracles,
Praising
Monday, January 17, 2011
Point of Grace
[S] Genesis 42:21 --
21Then they said to one another, "Truly we are guilty concerning our brother, because we saw the distress of his soul when he pleaded with us, yet we would not listen; therefore this distress has come upon us."
[O] This statement of confession made by Joseph's brothers of their crime from about 29 years ago displays God's righteousness and how His righteousness reaches with His grace. All those years, Joseph's brothers must have struggled with the guilt and probably regretted their actions especially as they pictured Joseph's pleading in their minds. Just putting myself in their shoes (sandals) for a second this is really a moment of encountering God's grace revealing my own sins, convicting me to repent -- which is the right response. The brothers responded to this point of grace by repenting of their sins.
[A] When God reveals my sins to repent whether committed yesterday or years ago, I need to resist temptation to justify myself and slip into His point of grace to repent and rejoice for His setting me free. And if appropriate I need to reconcile with parties involved.
[P] Dear Father, Your point of grace poured out to Joseph's brothers who committed a terrible crime touched my heart today. It's really simply awesome and powerful and yet with the beauty of Your loving care. I want to praise You for being such a God in my life. In Jesus' name. Amen.
[Additional Comments]
Timeline for Joseph's life transitions (source):
21Then they said to one another, "Truly we are guilty concerning our brother, because we saw the distress of his soul when he pleaded with us, yet we would not listen; therefore this distress has come upon us."
[O] This statement of confession made by Joseph's brothers of their crime from about 29 years ago displays God's righteousness and how His righteousness reaches with His grace. All those years, Joseph's brothers must have struggled with the guilt and probably regretted their actions especially as they pictured Joseph's pleading in their minds. Just putting myself in their shoes (sandals) for a second this is really a moment of encountering God's grace revealing my own sins, convicting me to repent -- which is the right response. The brothers responded to this point of grace by repenting of their sins.
[A] When God reveals my sins to repent whether committed yesterday or years ago, I need to resist temptation to justify myself and slip into His point of grace to repent and rejoice for His setting me free. And if appropriate I need to reconcile with parties involved.
[P] Dear Father, Your point of grace poured out to Joseph's brothers who committed a terrible crime touched my heart today. It's really simply awesome and powerful and yet with the beauty of Your loving care. I want to praise You for being such a God in my life. In Jesus' name. Amen.
[Additional Comments]
Timeline for Joseph's life transitions (source):
- He was 17 when he was sold into Egypt
- He was 30 when he was made overseer
- He was 39 when his brothers first came to Egypt (second year of the famine, or nine years after being made overseer)
- He was probably 41 or so when the brothers came a second time and Jacob comes to Egypt
- He was 110 when he died
Labels:
Devotion,
Everlasting Love,
Grace,
Guilt,
Repentance
The LORD Was With Him
[S] Genesis 39:2,23 --
2The LORD was with Joseph, so he became a successful man. And he was in the house of his master, the Egyptian.
23The chief jailer did not supervise anything under Joseph's charge because the LORD was with him; and whatever he did, the LORD made to prosper.
[O] Success and prosperity in the society are two top objectives people pursue, however, most people fall short of reaching them because just like in a race not everyone can come in first. Furthermore, even for those who had reached a satisfied level of success or prosperity they will not be satisfied and keeps going for more and more thus they end up feeling like they never succeeded. Contrary to that, Joseph's life even in hostile and unpleasant circumstances reached success (v.2) and prosper (v.23) because the LORD was with him. Not because he came up with a brilliant business plan of a killer app or not because he had a wealth line of heritage. It was this recognition by others of how God was with him brought forth these results.
[A] Am I trying so hard to "succeed" in certain goals in my life? I just need to make sure God is with me and fully give credit to Him for working through me for bringing forth amazing results.
[P] Dear Father, please make my life like Joseph's where Your presence reflected clearly in his life. Just like how the mirror reflects everything, I want to reflect the awesomeness of You rather than trying to reveal myself. When I die, I would like for people to say "The LORD was with Yoon." I humbly ask in Jesus' name. Amen.
2The LORD was with Joseph, so he became a successful man. And he was in the house of his master, the Egyptian.
23The chief jailer did not supervise anything under Joseph's charge because the LORD was with him; and whatever he did, the LORD made to prosper.
[O] Success and prosperity in the society are two top objectives people pursue, however, most people fall short of reaching them because just like in a race not everyone can come in first. Furthermore, even for those who had reached a satisfied level of success or prosperity they will not be satisfied and keeps going for more and more thus they end up feeling like they never succeeded. Contrary to that, Joseph's life even in hostile and unpleasant circumstances reached success (v.2) and prosper (v.23) because the LORD was with him. Not because he came up with a brilliant business plan of a killer app or not because he had a wealth line of heritage. It was this recognition by others of how God was with him brought forth these results.
[A] Am I trying so hard to "succeed" in certain goals in my life? I just need to make sure God is with me and fully give credit to Him for working through me for bringing forth amazing results.
[P] Dear Father, please make my life like Joseph's where Your presence reflected clearly in his life. Just like how the mirror reflects everything, I want to reflect the awesomeness of You rather than trying to reveal myself. When I die, I would like for people to say "The LORD was with Yoon." I humbly ask in Jesus' name. Amen.
Labels:
Devotion,
Prosperity,
Reflection of God's Face,
Success
Saturday, January 15, 2011
But to Keep It In Mind
[S] Genesis 37:8,10-11 --
8Then his brothers said to him, "Are you actually going to reign over us? Or are you really going to rule over us?" So they hated him even more for his dreams and for his words.
10He related it to his father and to his brothers; and his father rebuked him and said to him, "What is this dream that you have had? Shall I and your mother and your brothers actually come to bow ourselves down before you to the ground?" 11His brothers were jealous of him, but his father kept the saying in mind.
[O] Joseph's dream stirred up this family conflict because it sounded absurd especially in that culture for older siblings and father to submit to the younger one in the family. It carried no weight whatsoever despite the fact that it did come from the Lord as everyone found out in the end. I liked how Jacob nevertheless kept Joseph's reporting of his dream in his mind without totally discarding it as nonsense.
As I face many things in life everyday, I also find myself facing some unique situations where it seems so out of place that I want to just ignore it and move onward because it just does not make any sense to even dwell upon it, just like Joseph's dream to his brothers. However, this passage spoke to me about how I need to be prayerful especially to these situations to examine and seek how God may be working in them to reveal His purpose and just like Jacob, keep these in my mind and bring it to my Lord for His shepherding my heart through them.
[A] As I am pondering upon a situation which I can come up with a longer list of why we shouldn't go down that path, I heard God's small voice through this passage about how God's plans and ways are indeed greater than what my tiny brain can come up with. I cannot find a specific verse now re: how God's plans are bigger than mine but Jeremiah 29:11 captures the basic concept of that. The take away in this current situation is how I need to seek for His purpose rather than coming to a conclusion. Keep this in my mind and take the journey down the path to find out what God has in store for us.
[P] Dear Father, I submit to Your wonderful plans for our lives especially when things don't quite seem right, or does not make sense to me. I want to trust You as Jacob did desiring to follow You every day seeking Your guiding hands rather than to come up with a total solution because even if I did find such a solution, I still have to rely on You every moment anyways, so trusting and learning from You take a much higher precedence. Thank You for being the leader of my life. In Jesus' name. Amen.
8Then his brothers said to him, "Are you actually going to reign over us? Or are you really going to rule over us?" So they hated him even more for his dreams and for his words.
10He related it to his father and to his brothers; and his father rebuked him and said to him, "What is this dream that you have had? Shall I and your mother and your brothers actually come to bow ourselves down before you to the ground?" 11His brothers were jealous of him, but his father kept the saying in mind.
[O] Joseph's dream stirred up this family conflict because it sounded absurd especially in that culture for older siblings and father to submit to the younger one in the family. It carried no weight whatsoever despite the fact that it did come from the Lord as everyone found out in the end. I liked how Jacob nevertheless kept Joseph's reporting of his dream in his mind without totally discarding it as nonsense.
As I face many things in life everyday, I also find myself facing some unique situations where it seems so out of place that I want to just ignore it and move onward because it just does not make any sense to even dwell upon it, just like Joseph's dream to his brothers. However, this passage spoke to me about how I need to be prayerful especially to these situations to examine and seek how God may be working in them to reveal His purpose and just like Jacob, keep these in my mind and bring it to my Lord for His shepherding my heart through them.
[A] As I am pondering upon a situation which I can come up with a longer list of why we shouldn't go down that path, I heard God's small voice through this passage about how God's plans and ways are indeed greater than what my tiny brain can come up with. I cannot find a specific verse now re: how God's plans are bigger than mine but Jeremiah 29:11 captures the basic concept of that. The take away in this current situation is how I need to seek for His purpose rather than coming to a conclusion. Keep this in my mind and take the journey down the path to find out what God has in store for us.
[P] Dear Father, I submit to Your wonderful plans for our lives especially when things don't quite seem right, or does not make sense to me. I want to trust You as Jacob did desiring to follow You every day seeking Your guiding hands rather than to come up with a total solution because even if I did find such a solution, I still have to rely on You every moment anyways, so trusting and learning from You take a much higher precedence. Thank You for being the leader of my life. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Counting the Cost of My Cross First
[S] Luke 14:27 --
27"Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.
[O] Two examples follow this verse which point out how critical it is to plan out the cost before taking action; we rarely just jump in without doing any calculation of the resources and costs to accomplish the task at hand much like what we started to do for the church as we are faced with the new year's ministry goals. This is a very much needed exercise to go through. However, underneath all of these goals and processes planned for lies a fundamental "cost" I must consider which is whether I will pay the price of carrying my cross and follow after the path Jesus walked or not. If I am unwilling to meet this cost of action then I shouldn't even bother taking part in the church planning and execution in this new year because I would be fooling myself of doing some great deeds that may just look good.
This article of a teenage boy in Australia sacrificing his own life to save his younger brother and mother moved me because he didn't know how to swim and was very afraid of the water and yet during the split of a second, he made a choice to pay the price overcoming his own fear. Man, just trying to imagine what was going through his head then choked me up.
[A] I remember picking up a book titled: Disciples are Made Not Born because the title said it all. My desire to be Jesus' disciple will take much more than my simple desire. I have to deeply ponder on what price of the cross I must "invest" and be willing to commit to it. It will not be a smooth sailing and yet be willing to go through the storms regardless.
[P] Dear Father, I want to be Jesus' disciple. I know this means more than just saying it and when I face the stormy situation like the teenage boy in the above article, may my faith be large enough to take the right path of carrying my cross for You. In Jesus' name. Amen.
27"Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.
[O] Two examples follow this verse which point out how critical it is to plan out the cost before taking action; we rarely just jump in without doing any calculation of the resources and costs to accomplish the task at hand much like what we started to do for the church as we are faced with the new year's ministry goals. This is a very much needed exercise to go through. However, underneath all of these goals and processes planned for lies a fundamental "cost" I must consider which is whether I will pay the price of carrying my cross and follow after the path Jesus walked or not. If I am unwilling to meet this cost of action then I shouldn't even bother taking part in the church planning and execution in this new year because I would be fooling myself of doing some great deeds that may just look good.
This article of a teenage boy in Australia sacrificing his own life to save his younger brother and mother moved me because he didn't know how to swim and was very afraid of the water and yet during the split of a second, he made a choice to pay the price overcoming his own fear. Man, just trying to imagine what was going through his head then choked me up.
[A] I remember picking up a book titled: Disciples are Made Not Born because the title said it all. My desire to be Jesus' disciple will take much more than my simple desire. I have to deeply ponder on what price of the cross I must "invest" and be willing to commit to it. It will not be a smooth sailing and yet be willing to go through the storms regardless.
[P] Dear Father, I want to be Jesus' disciple. I know this means more than just saying it and when I face the stormy situation like the teenage boy in the above article, may my faith be large enough to take the right path of carrying my cross for You. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Labels:
Devotion,
Discipleship,
Ministry Planning,
Price of Cross,
Sacrifice
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Just Like Comparing Acorn Sizes
[S] Genesis 31:6-7 --
6"You know that I have served your father with all my strength. 7"Yet your father has cheated me and changed my wages ten times; however, God did not allow him to hurt me.
[O] This statement from Jacob is almost funny because he himself ended up where he is now because of his cheating his brother Esau. And later we find out Rachel cheats her own father by hiding the stolen household idol (of all things) right before her father. So, what's the big deal about Laban's cheating Jacob? Everyone's doing the same and all goes around. This was a good reminder for me to know that ways of men are so limited and we end up short-changing ourselves because of our shortfalls. And just like how Jacob concluded that without God we would all be hurting each other more.
[A] Whenever I am irritated by someone else, put that thought on hold and examine my own life to see how much of the same issue I hold. And based on that confess my own shortcomings before God and be sanctified myself. By then I should be more forgiving of the other person.
[P] Dear Father, thank You for teaching me how to re-examine my own life for the exact same issues other people have who offend me. After all, I am born attached with sin, so more than judging others, I myself need more of Your grace and mercy. In Jesus' name. Amen.
6"You know that I have served your father with all my strength. 7"Yet your father has cheated me and changed my wages ten times; however, God did not allow him to hurt me.
[O] This statement from Jacob is almost funny because he himself ended up where he is now because of his cheating his brother Esau. And later we find out Rachel cheats her own father by hiding the stolen household idol (of all things) right before her father. So, what's the big deal about Laban's cheating Jacob? Everyone's doing the same and all goes around. This was a good reminder for me to know that ways of men are so limited and we end up short-changing ourselves because of our shortfalls. And just like how Jacob concluded that without God we would all be hurting each other more.
[A] Whenever I am irritated by someone else, put that thought on hold and examine my own life to see how much of the same issue I hold. And based on that confess my own shortcomings before God and be sanctified myself. By then I should be more forgiving of the other person.
[P] Dear Father, thank You for teaching me how to re-examine my own life for the exact same issues other people have who offend me. After all, I am born attached with sin, so more than judging others, I myself need more of Your grace and mercy. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Labels:
Confession,
Devotion,
Re-examination of My Life,
Repentance,
Sin
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Love-founded Waiting
[S] Genesis 29:20 --
20So Jacob served seven years for Rachel and they seemed to him but a few days because of his love for her.
[O] I just love reading this story because it paints a beautiful picture of the power of love. The not-so-short seven years can seem like just a few days when Jacob was waiting to marry Rachel whom he dearly loved. Switching gears a bit when my love for Jesus becomes the foundation for my participating in His ministry, instead of feeling burdened and drawn out, all should seem like a blip because I do it out of my deepest love for Him. In many ways, my perspective changes when my heart is in love with Jesus. Otherwise, all will seem like chore and no chore is delightful to take on by default.
[A] The small group ministry under way is challenging and at times I feel like it's not going anywhere. I realized based on this passage that such a perspective is due to my lack of love for Jesus. I need to be careful about falling into the ritualistic aspects of ministry rather than centered around the motivation of why I am in His ministry to begin with. Whenever I feel like it's going so slow, I should re-examine my love for Jesus.
[P] Dear Father, Jacob's love for Rachel is a such a great example for me to follow when I serve You because Your ministry is not just a simple walk in the park. It will demand some serious challenges at times and I need to keep my position, and doing that will require me to based it on my love for You. Let my love never run dry. In Jesus' name. Amen.
20So Jacob served seven years for Rachel and they seemed to him but a few days because of his love for her.
[O] I just love reading this story because it paints a beautiful picture of the power of love. The not-so-short seven years can seem like just a few days when Jacob was waiting to marry Rachel whom he dearly loved. Switching gears a bit when my love for Jesus becomes the foundation for my participating in His ministry, instead of feeling burdened and drawn out, all should seem like a blip because I do it out of my deepest love for Him. In many ways, my perspective changes when my heart is in love with Jesus. Otherwise, all will seem like chore and no chore is delightful to take on by default.
[A] The small group ministry under way is challenging and at times I feel like it's not going anywhere. I realized based on this passage that such a perspective is due to my lack of love for Jesus. I need to be careful about falling into the ritualistic aspects of ministry rather than centered around the motivation of why I am in His ministry to begin with. Whenever I feel like it's going so slow, I should re-examine my love for Jesus.
[P] Dear Father, Jacob's love for Rachel is a such a great example for me to follow when I serve You because Your ministry is not just a simple walk in the park. It will demand some serious challenges at times and I need to keep my position, and doing that will require me to based it on my love for You. Let my love never run dry. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Recognizing Dream in My Reality
[S] Genesis 28:16-17 --
16Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, "Surely the LORD is in this place, and I did not know it."
17He was afraid and said, "How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven."
[O] This scene reminded of how often I'm just still dreaming with how good my God is and get excited over what He will do through me but never waking up from that to claim His presence and to proclaim my position within His house in my reality. It's almost as if when I awake from my dream, I forget about God's wonderful promises and visions and go on with my own life.
[A] The lesson I learn from Jacob is to recognize that I am already in God's plan at all times through my ups and downs that I will proclaim my presence right in Bethel. Even though my motives or perspectives may not be 100% aligned with God's, having this posture before God will allow me to see the right ways He desires for me.
[P] Dear Father, I give You gratitude for bringing me into Your house and keeping me there regardless of my circumstances. May I awake from my sleep and say: Surely God is in this place! In Jesus' name. Amen.
16Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, "Surely the LORD is in this place, and I did not know it."
17He was afraid and said, "How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven."
[O] This scene reminded of how often I'm just still dreaming with how good my God is and get excited over what He will do through me but never waking up from that to claim His presence and to proclaim my position within His house in my reality. It's almost as if when I awake from my dream, I forget about God's wonderful promises and visions and go on with my own life.
[A] The lesson I learn from Jacob is to recognize that I am already in God's plan at all times through my ups and downs that I will proclaim my presence right in Bethel. Even though my motives or perspectives may not be 100% aligned with God's, having this posture before God will allow me to see the right ways He desires for me.
[P] Dear Father, I give You gratitude for bringing me into Your house and keeping me there regardless of my circumstances. May I awake from my sleep and say: Surely God is in this place! In Jesus' name. Amen.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Experience the 100X Reaping
[S] Genesis 26:12-13 --
12Now Isaac sowed in that land and reaped in the same year a hundredfold. And the LORD blessed him, 13and the man became rich, and continued to grow richer until he became very wealthy;
[O] This was the land God told Isaac to temporarily stay in but promised to bless him there. God did just that despite Isaac's own efforts to protect himself by hiding his real identity as Rachel's husband (deja vu with his dad). However, in v. 12 I can see that Isaac worked to sow in that land and reaped. In other words, all these blessings did not just fall from the sky. And God added to his richness more for him to become very wealthy. The focus is not about the material wealthy although God allows that to His people but on the fact that based on his sowing and reaping God was able to 100X the harvest and then some.
[A] Here I am going through this temporary region called earth and just like Isaac, God had promised me to bless me and to lead me during the stay here. So, I also need to sow and reap where God's 100X is experienced. Sure I want to be materially wealthy also so I won't be constrained financially for example to involve myself in His ministry, but more so than that, I would want to reap 100X of the spiritual harvest for bringing more souls into God's kingdom. I need not forget that God can bless me in every which way as long as I stick to His side.
[P] Dear Father, Just like Isaac's blessings I ask Your blessings to reside in my family. Please allow our family to experience the 100X harvesting of souls we sow Your seed in. You are the one who can make the seed to grow so I ask that in Your name. Amen.
12Now Isaac sowed in that land and reaped in the same year a hundredfold. And the LORD blessed him, 13and the man became rich, and continued to grow richer until he became very wealthy;
[O] This was the land God told Isaac to temporarily stay in but promised to bless him there. God did just that despite Isaac's own efforts to protect himself by hiding his real identity as Rachel's husband (deja vu with his dad). However, in v. 12 I can see that Isaac worked to sow in that land and reaped. In other words, all these blessings did not just fall from the sky. And God added to his richness more for him to become very wealthy. The focus is not about the material wealthy although God allows that to His people but on the fact that based on his sowing and reaping God was able to 100X the harvest and then some.
[A] Here I am going through this temporary region called earth and just like Isaac, God had promised me to bless me and to lead me during the stay here. So, I also need to sow and reap where God's 100X is experienced. Sure I want to be materially wealthy also so I won't be constrained financially for example to involve myself in His ministry, but more so than that, I would want to reap 100X of the spiritual harvest for bringing more souls into God's kingdom. I need not forget that God can bless me in every which way as long as I stick to His side.
[P] Dear Father, Just like Isaac's blessings I ask Your blessings to reside in my family. Please allow our family to experience the 100X harvesting of souls we sow Your seed in. You are the one who can make the seed to grow so I ask that in Your name. Amen.
Labels:
Devotion,
Reaping Harvest,
Richness,
Sow in Tears,
Wealthiness
Sunday, January 09, 2011
Be Fit For the Kingdom of God
[S] Luke 9:62 --
62But Jesus said to him, "No one, after putting his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God."
[O] The kingdom of God is forward moving and it does not dwell on the past. If you look at our body, it's also designed to move forward and my spiritual life also is designed to go forward. Once I become the son of God, the past is history and I must pave the new paths and create newness in my own life. Paving the path forward requires complete attention and energy such that I really won't have any time to look back as it will jeopardize my forward moving tasks.
[A] Keep my eyes on the Cross and hold my bearing straight through more passionate and constant prayer with God.
[P] Dear Father, I want to keep looking forward and not go zigzag in my spiritual walk with You. I want to keep this by praying constantly with You by making my whole day a continued prayer with You in between all the activities. Please let Your Spirit reign in my life. In Jesus' name. Amen.
62But Jesus said to him, "No one, after putting his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God."
[O] The kingdom of God is forward moving and it does not dwell on the past. If you look at our body, it's also designed to move forward and my spiritual life also is designed to go forward. Once I become the son of God, the past is history and I must pave the new paths and create newness in my own life. Paving the path forward requires complete attention and energy such that I really won't have any time to look back as it will jeopardize my forward moving tasks.
[A] Keep my eyes on the Cross and hold my bearing straight through more passionate and constant prayer with God.
[P] Dear Father, I want to keep looking forward and not go zigzag in my spiritual walk with You. I want to keep this by praying constantly with You by making my whole day a continued prayer with You in between all the activities. Please let Your Spirit reign in my life. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Saturday, January 08, 2011
Recognizing What God Already Provided Me
[S] Genesis 21:19, 22:13 --
19Then God opened her eyes and she saw a well of water; and she went and filled the skin with water and gave the lad a drink.
13Then Abraham raised his eyes and looked, and behold, behind him a ram caught in the thicket by his horns; and Abraham went and took the ram and offered him up for a burnt offering in the place of his son.
[O] In these two instances God allowed them to see His provisions for the circumstances they each were in because in the midst of their crisis moment, they were unable to notice them initially until God opened their eyes -- Hagar needed drinking water and saw the well of water while Abraham in need of a sacrificial animal saw the ram. I am wondering if God's provisions for my needs are already near me but I'm unaware of them. In any event, the key take away is God knows my needs and will provide them. It's a matter of my recognition and giving my gratitude to Him.
[A] Ask God to open my spiritual vision to recognize what He's doing around me. Don't get too focused on my own tasks or struggles such that I won't see what God's already provided for my needs.
[P] Dear Father, thank You for knowing exactly where I am and what needs I have; in fact, thank You for providing what I need the most. May my eyes be looking for Your provision in faith instead of writing off the situation based on my own assessment. You are indeed my God who takes care of me all the time. In Jesus' name. Amen.
19Then God opened her eyes and she saw a well of water; and she went and filled the skin with water and gave the lad a drink.
13Then Abraham raised his eyes and looked, and behold, behind him a ram caught in the thicket by his horns; and Abraham went and took the ram and offered him up for a burnt offering in the place of his son.
[O] In these two instances God allowed them to see His provisions for the circumstances they each were in because in the midst of their crisis moment, they were unable to notice them initially until God opened their eyes -- Hagar needed drinking water and saw the well of water while Abraham in need of a sacrificial animal saw the ram. I am wondering if God's provisions for my needs are already near me but I'm unaware of them. In any event, the key take away is God knows my needs and will provide them. It's a matter of my recognition and giving my gratitude to Him.
[A] Ask God to open my spiritual vision to recognize what He's doing around me. Don't get too focused on my own tasks or struggles such that I won't see what God's already provided for my needs.
[P] Dear Father, thank You for knowing exactly where I am and what needs I have; in fact, thank You for providing what I need the most. May my eyes be looking for Your provision in faith instead of writing off the situation based on my own assessment. You are indeed my God who takes care of me all the time. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Labels:
Devotion,
Following God at Work,
Provision,
Spiritual Vision
Friday, January 07, 2011
Question of Invitation
[S] Genesis 18:14 --
14"Is anything too difficult for the LORD? At the appointed time I will return to you, at this time next year, and Sarah will have a son."
[O] This powerful question is an invitation to take part in the powerful works God is about to carry out. Sarah laughed out of her disbelief of bearing a child at her golden age; practically, no one can argue against the physical limitations we live under in this world but once we lock our lives into those limitations we will never participate in the wondrous works God plans to invite us into. God asks this question -- "Is anything too difficult for the LORD?" -- often not to criticize me for the initial disbelief but awaiting a positive answer to follow like: "No, nothing is too difficult for the Lord, and I want to experience that power."
[A] Whenever I'm against a task too big for my capacity, ask this question and shout it out, "Nothing's too difficult for my God!" Then proceed to surrender my life to His services to experience His working through my life to do what I cannot do alone.
[P] Thank You for being my God who's able to stretch my life beyond my limitations for me to experience Your infinite power. May I have the faith to accept Your invitations in times like these. In Jesus' name. Amen.
14"Is anything too difficult for the LORD? At the appointed time I will return to you, at this time next year, and Sarah will have a son."
[O] This powerful question is an invitation to take part in the powerful works God is about to carry out. Sarah laughed out of her disbelief of bearing a child at her golden age; practically, no one can argue against the physical limitations we live under in this world but once we lock our lives into those limitations we will never participate in the wondrous works God plans to invite us into. God asks this question -- "Is anything too difficult for the LORD?" -- often not to criticize me for the initial disbelief but awaiting a positive answer to follow like: "No, nothing is too difficult for the Lord, and I want to experience that power."
[A] Whenever I'm against a task too big for my capacity, ask this question and shout it out, "Nothing's too difficult for my God!" Then proceed to surrender my life to His services to experience His working through my life to do what I cannot do alone.
[P] Thank You for being my God who's able to stretch my life beyond my limitations for me to experience Your infinite power. May I have the faith to accept Your invitations in times like these. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Thursday, January 06, 2011
God Does Not Use a "Perhaps" Faith
[S] Genesis 16:2 --
2So Sarai said to Abram, "Now behold, the LORD has prevented me from bearing children. Please go in to my maid; perhaps I will obtain children through her." And Abram listened to the voice of Sarai.
[O] Sarai ran into a dead-end road and came up with a solution of her own. I give her the credit for not giving up totally but what concerns me is her conclusion of God's will by saying, "the LORD has prevented me from bearing children." Based on this wrong assumption she further commits wrong actions by letting Abram take Hagar as his wife to bear him a child. In fact, she wasn't even 100% sure about this as she says "perhaps I will obtain children through her." God does not operate on a "perhaps" faith and commitments, however, Abram did not care because he listened to Sarai and followed through with the "wrong" suggestion.
[A] Concluding (or justifying) what God may have decided can lead to dangerous results because that wrong assumption skews the rest of the actions. Based on Sarai's thought process, I need to raise a yellow flag whenever I feel like "perhaps" God will come through. God doesn't work on a chance of faith but on a fully committed faith.
[P] Dear Father, may my faith be completely confident in You such that whenever I feel a sense of "perhaps-ness" that Your Spirit would warn me to stop and re-evaluate the situation to avoid mistakes like Sarai and Abram committed. In Jesus' name. Amen.
2So Sarai said to Abram, "Now behold, the LORD has prevented me from bearing children. Please go in to my maid; perhaps I will obtain children through her." And Abram listened to the voice of Sarai.
[O] Sarai ran into a dead-end road and came up with a solution of her own. I give her the credit for not giving up totally but what concerns me is her conclusion of God's will by saying, "the LORD has prevented me from bearing children." Based on this wrong assumption she further commits wrong actions by letting Abram take Hagar as his wife to bear him a child. In fact, she wasn't even 100% sure about this as she says "perhaps I will obtain children through her." God does not operate on a "perhaps" faith and commitments, however, Abram did not care because he listened to Sarai and followed through with the "wrong" suggestion.
[A] Concluding (or justifying) what God may have decided can lead to dangerous results because that wrong assumption skews the rest of the actions. Based on Sarai's thought process, I need to raise a yellow flag whenever I feel like "perhaps" God will come through. God doesn't work on a chance of faith but on a fully committed faith.
[P] Dear Father, may my faith be completely confident in You such that whenever I feel a sense of "perhaps-ness" that Your Spirit would warn me to stop and re-evaluate the situation to avoid mistakes like Sarai and Abram committed. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Wednesday, January 05, 2011
In Training Now for the Times of Need
[S] Genesis 14:14 --
14When Abram heard that his relative had been taken captive, he led out his trained men, born in his house, three hundred and eighteen, and went in pursuit as far as Dan.
[O] Abram did not start Googling for hired guns when he heard the news. He had in-house trained men for times like these and they must've been like the Navy SEALs because with only 318 men he was able to defeat the army that captured Sodom and Gomorrah. I'm so impressed with Abram's preparedness by training men born in his house (in other translations it says household most likely meaning his own descendants) who are ready to go at moments notice. I'm also trying to train my own children but that's not easy to carry out but this passage encourages me to carry on. I'm also encouraged to carry on training leaders for the small group ministry consistently because there will come a time when in-house trained men/women are needed to run a Godly task.
[A] Preparation for crisis is not going to happen accidentally because it requires faithful training of disciples now and every day. Continue on with training up leaders for small group ministry without discouragements.
[P] Dear Jesus, as You have called Your disciples at the shores of Sea of Galilee please call the small group leaders to step up into the very much needed roles at our church. Please send more of them in order for us to unite our hearts to be trained men like the 318 ment Abram took to rescue Lot and family. In Jesus' name. Amen.
14When Abram heard that his relative had been taken captive, he led out his trained men, born in his house, three hundred and eighteen, and went in pursuit as far as Dan.
[O] Abram did not start Googling for hired guns when he heard the news. He had in-house trained men for times like these and they must've been like the Navy SEALs because with only 318 men he was able to defeat the army that captured Sodom and Gomorrah. I'm so impressed with Abram's preparedness by training men born in his house (in other translations it says household most likely meaning his own descendants) who are ready to go at moments notice. I'm also trying to train my own children but that's not easy to carry out but this passage encourages me to carry on. I'm also encouraged to carry on training leaders for the small group ministry consistently because there will come a time when in-house trained men/women are needed to run a Godly task.
[A] Preparation for crisis is not going to happen accidentally because it requires faithful training of disciples now and every day. Continue on with training up leaders for small group ministry without discouragements.
[P] Dear Jesus, as You have called Your disciples at the shores of Sea of Galilee please call the small group leaders to step up into the very much needed roles at our church. Please send more of them in order for us to unite our hearts to be trained men like the 318 ment Abram took to rescue Lot and family. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Tuesday, January 04, 2011
Don't Forget the Original Calling
[S] Genesis 9:1; 11:8 --
1And God blessed Noah and his sons and said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth.
8So the LORD scattered them abroad from there over the face of the whole earth; and they stopped building the city.
[O] Despite God's charge of filling the earth (Genesis 9:1) the people decided to build a city and stay put in that one location. God was not pleased with that and by confusing them with different languages, He dispersed the people from there over the face of the whole earth. God's commands for us are not just for fun but for real and when we align our lives accordingly, God's wonderful plan will come true; if not, He will find a way for us to follow in the end. Building up of the city itself was not the issue here but their intention of going against God's directions of filling the earth and staying there. They lost the original purpose and took their own paths along the way. When I am doing God's ministry, the task of building up a community (or church) itself is not necessarily the focus but with what purpose I am serving in His ministry. Am I serving blindly so engulfed into building the ministry (or the "city") and losing the focus of Jesus' commands of spreading His goodnews? I constantly need to remind myself of the original purpose for the ministry He's put me in.
[A] I need to be very careful about serving in church ministry in order not to fall into the trap of running programs and forgetting why we're running them for. Daily reading of His word and asking Him to guide my 24 hours/day will be a requirement for me to stay on track without falling into these traps.
[P] Dear Father, please continue to lead my heart such that I will not lose focus of your original purpose for the ministries You put me in charge of, big or small. May I not be like these people who are so involved in building up the city that they lost Your callings. May Your will be done through my obedience and faithfully serving You daily. In Jesus' name. Amen.
1And God blessed Noah and his sons and said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth.
8So the LORD scattered them abroad from there over the face of the whole earth; and they stopped building the city.
[O] Despite God's charge of filling the earth (Genesis 9:1) the people decided to build a city and stay put in that one location. God was not pleased with that and by confusing them with different languages, He dispersed the people from there over the face of the whole earth. God's commands for us are not just for fun but for real and when we align our lives accordingly, God's wonderful plan will come true; if not, He will find a way for us to follow in the end. Building up of the city itself was not the issue here but their intention of going against God's directions of filling the earth and staying there. They lost the original purpose and took their own paths along the way. When I am doing God's ministry, the task of building up a community (or church) itself is not necessarily the focus but with what purpose I am serving in His ministry. Am I serving blindly so engulfed into building the ministry (or the "city") and losing the focus of Jesus' commands of spreading His goodnews? I constantly need to remind myself of the original purpose for the ministry He's put me in.
[A] I need to be very careful about serving in church ministry in order not to fall into the trap of running programs and forgetting why we're running them for. Daily reading of His word and asking Him to guide my 24 hours/day will be a requirement for me to stay on track without falling into these traps.
[P] Dear Father, please continue to lead my heart such that I will not lose focus of your original purpose for the ministries You put me in charge of, big or small. May I not be like these people who are so involved in building up the city that they lost Your callings. May Your will be done through my obedience and faithfully serving You daily. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Monday, January 03, 2011
In Need of God's Full Closure
[S] Genesis 7:16 --
16Those that entered, male and female of all flesh, entered as God had commanded him; and the LORD closed it behind him.
[O] Obedience is our responsibility while completion of His will in our lives is God's "responsibility" as we see here in this passage about how God closed the ark behind after Noah's family did their portion of following the commands of loading up the ark with the animals (v.5 -- Noah did according to all that the LORD had commanded him.). I wish I could've seen how the ark was built and the final product looked like because for a total amateur like Noah to build such an ark to last 150 days floating on water completely water proofed, God must have intervened in building it and as mentioned in this passage, God "closed" the task/project to completion beyond the efforts of men. Likewise, I believe that's how God's ministry at our church is to grow -- all the congregation will do our share of the task with God's leadership until He "closes" them to completion to withstand the time miraculously not because we are the experts at it but amateurs who lean on His expertise 100%.
[A] Leaning on God does not mean slacking off and letting Him do the rest but initially giving my best and then letting God fill what my best still lacks to do God-sized tasks. In light of the small group ministry at church, I feel so inadequate (because my efforts alone are just that) and must transform my mind from forfeiting to give up to surrendering to give into His will. Then I will experience His fulfilling to "close" my meager efforts into a full closure.
[P] Dear Father, let me not think twice about doing Your ministry with my own efforts because I need Your "closure" to complete the tasks You had assigned me to complete. It will never be completed on my own no matter what others say. Thank You for filling the inadequate gap my efforts alone leave behind. In Jesus' name. Amen.
16Those that entered, male and female of all flesh, entered as God had commanded him; and the LORD closed it behind him.
[O] Obedience is our responsibility while completion of His will in our lives is God's "responsibility" as we see here in this passage about how God closed the ark behind after Noah's family did their portion of following the commands of loading up the ark with the animals (v.5 -- Noah did according to all that the LORD had commanded him.). I wish I could've seen how the ark was built and the final product looked like because for a total amateur like Noah to build such an ark to last 150 days floating on water completely water proofed, God must have intervened in building it and as mentioned in this passage, God "closed" the task/project to completion beyond the efforts of men. Likewise, I believe that's how God's ministry at our church is to grow -- all the congregation will do our share of the task with God's leadership until He "closes" them to completion to withstand the time miraculously not because we are the experts at it but amateurs who lean on His expertise 100%.
[A] Leaning on God does not mean slacking off and letting Him do the rest but initially giving my best and then letting God fill what my best still lacks to do God-sized tasks. In light of the small group ministry at church, I feel so inadequate (because my efforts alone are just that) and must transform my mind from forfeiting to give up to surrendering to give into His will. Then I will experience His fulfilling to "close" my meager efforts into a full closure.
[P] Dear Father, let me not think twice about doing Your ministry with my own efforts because I need Your "closure" to complete the tasks You had assigned me to complete. It will never be completed on my own no matter what others say. Thank You for filling the inadequate gap my efforts alone leave behind. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Labels:
Closure,
Devotion,
God-sized Assignments,
Leaning on Jesus
Sunday, January 02, 2011
Price of the Very First Leather Suit
[S] Genesis 3:21 --
21The LORD God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife, and clothed them.
[O] Why did God make this leather clothing for them? After all they are the ones who felt ashamed before God and they already sewn themselves a covering made out of fig tree leaves. In order to make this leather clothing, God had to sacrifice the animal the skin belonged to and perhaps this was the first sacrifice of His creation in order to cover up the sin of man. When He created the world at the end of each day He said they were good to Him so there was none that He created reluctantly set apart to be disposed so the animal used to make this leather covering for Adan and Eve had to give up their lives sacrificially. That same theme continued through Jesus coming to earth to live out a life that did not have to end in a murderous death all for covering our sins. But He did just that for me.
[A] God's love come alive when I lay my life down sacrificially because the DNA of that love from the beginning of man's sin was based on sacrifice of shedding blood. That was all done because God loved man (me). If my heart had captured such a love then willingness to sacrifice must arise from my heart in order to ignite His love coming alive in and through my life.
[P] Dear Father, please kindle the flame of Your love in me as I sacrificially serve Your community starting with my family. May Your message of sacrifice be embedded into my heart deep inside such that I would follow the footsteps of Jesus's sacrificial love for me. In Jesus' name. Amen.
21The LORD God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife, and clothed them.
[O] Why did God make this leather clothing for them? After all they are the ones who felt ashamed before God and they already sewn themselves a covering made out of fig tree leaves. In order to make this leather clothing, God had to sacrifice the animal the skin belonged to and perhaps this was the first sacrifice of His creation in order to cover up the sin of man. When He created the world at the end of each day He said they were good to Him so there was none that He created reluctantly set apart to be disposed so the animal used to make this leather covering for Adan and Eve had to give up their lives sacrificially. That same theme continued through Jesus coming to earth to live out a life that did not have to end in a murderous death all for covering our sins. But He did just that for me.
[A] God's love come alive when I lay my life down sacrificially because the DNA of that love from the beginning of man's sin was based on sacrifice of shedding blood. That was all done because God loved man (me). If my heart had captured such a love then willingness to sacrifice must arise from my heart in order to ignite His love coming alive in and through my life.
[P] Dear Father, please kindle the flame of Your love in me as I sacrificially serve Your community starting with my family. May Your message of sacrifice be embedded into my heart deep inside such that I would follow the footsteps of Jesus's sacrificial love for me. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Saturday, January 01, 2011
Unashamed Nakedness
[S] Genesis 2:25 --
25And the man and his wife were both naked and were not ashamed.
[O] When Adam and Eve had the right relationship with God which was originally intended, they had nothing to hide from God. Not that they could hide anything from God but their conscience was clear before God and so they were not ashamed to be naked. Shamefulness is self-generated, not put on by others because it is the person's awareness of other people's knowledge about him/herself. So a person without any of these knowledge will not have anything to be ashamed of.
[A] How I desire to live a life without any inkling of shame before God who already knows everything about myself. I want to so close to God that even if I am "naked" before Him I would be just business as usual.
[P] Dear Father, please grant me a clean and pure heart such that when I am with You, I would be totally resting in Your presence without worrying about any shame. In Jesus' name. Amen.
25And the man and his wife were both naked and were not ashamed.
[O] When Adam and Eve had the right relationship with God which was originally intended, they had nothing to hide from God. Not that they could hide anything from God but their conscience was clear before God and so they were not ashamed to be naked. Shamefulness is self-generated, not put on by others because it is the person's awareness of other people's knowledge about him/herself. So a person without any of these knowledge will not have anything to be ashamed of.
[A] How I desire to live a life without any inkling of shame before God who already knows everything about myself. I want to so close to God that even if I am "naked" before Him I would be just business as usual.
[P] Dear Father, please grant me a clean and pure heart such that when I am with You, I would be totally resting in Your presence without worrying about any shame. In Jesus' name. Amen.
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