by Whitey | Mar 1, 2011 | Thoughts, Uncategorized
After the Israelites left Egypt, they had many challenges ahead of them, the biggest one being to enter and conquer the Promised Land. An army was needed, so the able men were counted and recruited. But an entire tribe, the Levites, was set apart for another purpose: worship. They were a tribe of priests. Worship was so important that the Levites one job was to lead God’s people in worship. The tabernacle and worship were central to the community life of Israel.
Fortunately we don’t have to through a priest or offer sacrifices to get to God today. That’s why Jesus came. But worship is still central to our Christian communities. It’s central to our personal lives as well. Let’s keep that in mind as we go about our business throughout this week, and as we meet together each week in the name our great high priest — our “Levite” — Jesus.
by Whitey | Feb 24, 2011 | Thoughts, Uncategorized
Sometimes the trials and temptations we face can seem overwhelming. We are weak. We are easily defeated. But we are not alone.
“…the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” (vs. 4)
God is stronger. Rely on His strength today. Live in His love. Live through Him. (vs. 9) In His strength and love, we can overcome.
by Whitey | Feb 24, 2011 | Thoughts, Uncategorized
“And this is his commandment: We must believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another, just as he commanded us.” (v. 23)
I love the simplicity of this verse. We tend to complicate things. But this sums up what it means to be a Christian, doesn’t it? Believe in Jesus; love each other. Not always easy. But not complicated either.
Keep it simple.
by Whitey | Feb 22, 2011 | Thoughts, Uncategorized
今日、神様の愛を思い出しました…感謝しています。神様の子供になたことを感謝しています。恵、許し、救い、感謝しています。今日、イエス様の愛の中で生きたいです。神様、助けて導いてください！
by Whitey | Feb 21, 2011 | Thoughts, Uncategorized
“Do not love the world.” (vs.15)
The “love” John talks about here is not really love at all, since the “world” he speaks of is not the people around us but the sinful things of this world. To love those things is a selfishness that ignores not only God’s commands but also His love for us. “For if anyone lives the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” (vs. 15)
The solution, then, to our “love” for the world is found in receiving the Father’s love. May we continue to live in His love — “remain in him” (vs. 27) — today.
by Whitey | Feb 21, 2011 | Thoughts, Uncategorized
At our church we follow a Bible reading plan and share our thoughts via cell phone email. I’ve decided to share my thoughts on a blog as well, thus this new Poserous site. It will be a mix of Japanese and English. Here’s my first post…
昨日、先生たちの励ます話のおかげで、でボワかメールをすることにさました。今から頑張りますが、ときどき英語ばかりで書いて、ごめんなさい。少しずつ日本語で書くようになります。では…
What does it mean to “walk in the light?” I think part of what it means is to live our lives in the open, with no secrets or shame. When God’s light shines on us, we see our sin and feel ashamed. But then Jesus comes in as both the high priest and sacrifice for our sins. Because of this we can live a life free of shame, with no secrets, “in the light” in front of other people. That is how I want to live. Father, let Your light shine on me today.
ロビン
