by Whitey | Apr 19, 2011 | Thoughts, Uncategorized
“Then all his disciples deserted him and ran away.” (vs. 50)
How often does this describe me? How often do I keep my mouth shut when I should speak up? Or run away from Christ instead of to Him in my time if need?
The amazing thing is that Jesus didn’t hold it against them. The disciples all ran away and deserted Him in His darkest hour. But after His resurrection, He returned to them. He kept on loving them. And He sent them out as His representatives.
That’s grace.
Lord, may I not take Your grace for granted today. By Your grace, may I not desert You, deny You, betray You or run away.
by Whitey | Apr 16, 2011 | Thoughts, Uncategorized
マルコによる福音書 14:31
“ペテロは力をこめて言った、「たといあなたと一緒に死なねばならなくなっても、あなたを知らないなどとは、決して申しません」。みんなの者もまた、同じようなことを言った。”
このような話を気をつけなければなりません。弟子たちのもんだいは、自分の弱点を見ることができません。プライドですね。難しさも見ることができません。自分の強さで、失敗をします。
私たちもそうです。自分の強さじゃなくて神様の強さでイエス様を守って行きましょう。神様、助けて導いてください。
“But Peter insisted emphatically, ‘Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.’ And all the others said the same.” (vs. 31)
We should be very careful about making these kinds of statements. The problem with Peter and the other disciples here is that they don’t see their own weaknesses. Their emphatic declaration of loyalty is a kind of pride. They don’t seem to realize how hard it will be to keep their word, and that in their own strength they will fail.
And so will we. So will I.
Lord, keep me from becoming proud and stubborn. May my confidence be in YOU, not in myself. By YOUR strength, I will not deny you. May I not stop depending on YOU.
by Whitey | Apr 16, 2011 | Thoughts, Uncategorized
“The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born.” (vs. 21)
Sometimes God works through and with us, as we willingly partner with Him. On the other hand, sometimes He works through us, in spite of us. God used Judas’ betrayal for the greater good. But that does not make Judas’ betrayal, in itself, a good thing. Judas still had a choice. He chose to do wrong. And he suffered for it, as Jesus predicted in this passage.
I don’t know about you, but I would rather be a willing participant in God’s plans. Instead of Judas, may I be like Isaiah, who said “Here am I. Send me.”
by Whitey | Apr 14, 2011 | Thoughts, Uncategorized
将来を見ることができません。今日、死ぬかもしれません。それとも、イエス様は帰るかもしれません。それを知っています。でも、よく覚えません。今日、一生懸命イエス様を見て生きたいです。神様、導いてください。
I can not see the future. I might die today, or Jesus may return. I know this. But I don’t always live in light of these truths. May I not waste this day, but keep my eyes focused on Jesus and follow His leading in my life today.
by Whitey | Apr 12, 2011 | Thoughts, Uncategorized
A passage about “Signs of the End of the Age” could be seen as scary. Or depressing. But what stood out to me this time were these phrases: “do not be alarmed,” (vs. 7) “do not worry,” (vs.11) and “he who stands firms to the end will be saved.” (vs. 13) Jesus is not only warning us; He is also encouraging us. As He says elsewhere, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) Jesus never denied the reality of suffering. He never promised that life would be easy. But He promised that we are not alone. He is with us and He has overcome the world.
Later on Jesus gives us this warning: “For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. So be on your guard; I have told you everything ahead of time.” (vs. 22-23) We live in a world where many claim the name of Christ but live according to their own whims. Religious leaders, calling themselves Christians, teach things that blatantly contradict the clear teachings of Jesus. Unfortunately those outside the Church equate that with true Christianity and are turned away from faith. Perhaps more unfortunately, true believers can be lead astray.
It’s so important to keep our eyes on Jesus. It’s so important to know His Word and keep our relationship to Him strong. Let’s not be overcome. Let’s stay close to the one who has already overcome the world.
by Whitey | Apr 9, 2011 | Thoughts, Uncategorized
“You are not far from the kingdom of God.” – Jesus (Mark 12:34)
This line from Jesus really stands out to me, especially because of who He was talking to at the time. Jesus didn’t usually get along with the teachers of the Law, the religious leaders of His day. They were always focused on the letter of the Law, but usually seemed to miss God’s heart for us in it. And they legalistically enforced their particular, narrow interpretation of the Law.
Yet Jesus complimented this particular teacher.
This guy got it. He agreed with Jesus when He said that the greatest commandments were to love God with everything you have and to love your neighbor as yourself. This teacher understood that love is “more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.” (vs. 33) He knew that it was all about love.
The question is, do we? Do I?
When I’m tempted, is it legalism or fear that keep me from sin? Or is it love? When I do ministry, do I do it out of duty? Or do I really want to worship God and share His love with people?
Jesus, thank You for Your love. Thank You that Your kingdom is all about love. Help me to truly understand and live in that truth. To live in Your love. To live a life of love. Amen.
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