Hate vs Love

Hate is "in". Love is "out". Meanness and vindictiveness are trending. Unknowingly, or knowingly, even Christians have been deceived that it's okay to hate because "it is right". Jesus followers, however, are called to love. Remember ,"Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister." -1 John 4:20-21 This is one sign of the end of the age found in Matthew 24:10-13. "At that time ,many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved." Let's not let love grow cold. Let's love even those who are unlovable, that one person who is like sandpaper, that person who is malicious, that person who has crossed the line too many times, that person who has committed a sin even you cannot forgive. Why? Because, hey! That person was created by God and Jesus died for her too. 
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Open Doors

1 Corinthians 16:9

"...because a great door for effective work has opened up for me, and there are many who oppose me."

Isn't it sad when someone is doing well at work, or in school, and yet there will be a few people who will find a way to discredit him or make his work harder that it already is? Crab mentality!

Paul encountered the same situation. He saw an opportunity in Ephesus to do great work for the Kingdom, but he acknowledged that many would not, or rather, did not want him to succeed. Despite the opposition, he courageously, in faith, decided to pursue this opportunity, knowing that it was an open door from God.

May we always have open eyes and hearts to know where You are leading us, just like Paul, Lord. May we courageously follow You despite knowing that there will be people who will make things hard for us. And, may we already claim victory in the name of Your Son, Jesus.

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The Young Man Who Ran

Mark 14:51-51

"A young man, wearing nothing but a linen garment, was following Jesus. When they seized him, he fled naked, leaving his garment behind."

Once again, an anonymous person. He, however, must have some importance to merit a mention in the gospel. Who was he?Why did he have only a linen garment (in NLT, a long linen shirt)? Why no cloak, considering it might have been chilly at night?

Maybe he was about to rest for the night when he saw the group going towards Gethsemane. Maybe he wanted just to see this Jesus who was so popular. So he ran out of his house and in his haste that he forgot to put on his cloak.

But his curiosity turned awry. What he thought was just a curious crowd following Jesus was actually an angry armed mob (most likely hyped up by the Pharisees) that had set out to arrest Jesus. SIDE NOTE: The chief priests, teachers of the law and elders were such cowards for sending a mob to arrest Jesus 1) at night 2) in an isolated place 3) armed with swords and clubs.

The disciples ALL fled and deserted him, thinking that they too will be arrested. Maybe the mob wanted to arrest them but, because they all had fled, they pounced on the poor young man. A case of mistaken identity? A case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. In his fear, he did everything he could do to escape, even getting out of his garment and flee naked.

What lesson can we learn from this young man? I'm still mulling on this one.

A Lamp on a Stand

Luke 8:16 "No one lights a lamp and hides it in a jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, he puts it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light."

We have a lamp in our sala. A gift from a friend, given long time ago. It hasn't been lit for quite some time because we feel that there is no need for its light. There are other light fixtures that do the job of illuminating the house in specific areas. So, it stands in a corner, adorned with hanging turquoise and gold ornaments as dictated by design trends. Its wire has been rolled away and it remains unlit, a mere accessory for the room.

Somehow it represents my testimony of the Gospel. It's pretty and people notice it, but the question I need to ask is this: Have I rolled away the means for the Gospel to shed light on those lives who need to hear it? How long has it been since I've actually led someone in prayer to accept Jesus in her heart and receive the gift of salvation? Shouldn't I plug in once again to the Source of Light?

Lord, give me, by Your Holy Spirit, a renewed boldness to proclaim the Gospel of Salvation.

Keeping Watch

Mark 14:37

"Then He returned to His disciples and found them sleeping. 'Simon,' he said,'are you asleep? Could ypu not keep watch for one more hour?'"

Jesus narrated several parables about waiting and keeping watch. the most well-known is The Parable of the Ten Virgins".

Jesus asks us to also keep watch. It is not for a very long time, just "an hour". of course we do not know how long that "hour" really is but the point is we should stay awake, be alert, keep watch for His coming.

Just before this, Peter and his friends stoutly insisted that they would not disown Jesus when the time came. They knew of the plot of the Pharisees to have Jesus arrested. Yet when Jesus went to pray in the Garden of gethsemane, they were not able to guard Him properly. They fell asleep!

Lord, please strengthen me with Your strength so that I will be alert and keep watch for Your coming.

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Judas and God's Will

Matthew 14:21

"The Son of Man will go 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."

There have been thousands of prophecies on Jesus' sacrificial death for our sake. But Judas was never in those prophecies. God's will to sacrifice Jesus would have pushed through even without Judas' help. In fact, early on, the Pharisees already were plotting to have Jesus arrested.

So why has the name of Judas been associated with betrayal and greed? It is because of SIN.

Did Jesus want him to be the fallguy? I don't believe it. Jesus loved His disciples. he handpicked them. He knew that he was going to die for their sins even before they new it. He loved Judas for sure and even tried to warn him. "Woe to that man..." but Judas hardened his heart and chose silver over the gold that Jesus offered.

Some people say -- and I was one of them -- that Judas was created to sin the sin of betrayal. They say that if Judas had not betrayed Jesus, the plan of God would not have pushed through. This is not possible because...well..God is God! Even before Judas was even born, God;s plan for salvation through Jesus was already in motion. Even without Judas' betrayal, His plan would have its fulfillment.

So why is the story of Judas so important to us? it shows us the frailty of our humanness. Even after knowing Jesus so intimately over 3 years, after being a front-row witness to Jesus' compassion and His miracles, after sitting at His feet listening to His teachings, Judas succumbed to temptation and sinned.

We must always guard our hearts and minds against the enemy who prowls like a hungry lion waiting to pounce on the weakest in the herd.

I also believe that Jesus forgave Judas -- "Father, forgive them for they know not what they're doing." In Matthew 27:3, it says "When Jesus was condemned, he (Judas) was seized with remorse (he was sorry), and returned the thirty pieces of silver (he tried to make things right, repentance".

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Victory in His Will

Matthew 6:10
"THY WILL BE DONE."

Many times we end our narration about some form of misery with "bahala na ang Diyos", "If its His will we cannot do anything". According to Chris Tiegreen in "At His Feet", however, THEY WILL BE DONE is not a feeble resignation to God's will. Rather we should pray it in boldness as an assault on the gates of hell. It is a call to arms against the will of the enemy. A battle royale between the evil will of the devil versus the Holy Will of God. We know already who is the victor.

I never saw this verse in this light@ From a weary end to a prayer, it is in essence a declaration of victory!

Jesus prayed this when He taught the disciples to pray. It is at the beginning of the "Lord's Prayer" --

"Our Father, who art in Heaven Hallowed be Thy Name Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done..."

And again He prayed in Gethsemane, knowing the horrors that He was going to go through. He said --

"But not my will, but Yours."

It is a recognition of God's supremacy, His sovereign will that is perfect and holy, and powerful. By praying "Thy will be done", I am submit to His plans, foresee only His goodness in the outcome, and proclaim the victory that is solely His.

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Seeing through Blind Bartimaeus

Mark 10:46-52

There are so many insights from the story of the Blind Bartimaeus which we can learn from.

1. We must be bold in calling out to Jesus.
He was beggar and he was blind. He was used to being ignored or even stepped on. But when he learned that Jesus was passing his way, he began to shout.

2. We must persist even when others tell us otherwise.
People around him told him to shut up, but he refused. He knew that this was his one golden chance to ask Jesus to heal him.

3. We must be eager/willing to take that leap to go near to Jesus.
Jesus heard his persistent calling and stopped, and called for him. Bartimaeus immediately did these --

a. threw his cloak aside
b. jumped to his feet
c. came to Jesus
d. followed Jesus

The cloak during these times was a valuable piece of clothing, especially for a beggar who has to stay outside. It protected him from the hot sun during the day and kept him warm at night. In his happiness to be called by Jesus, he threw aside his cloak. When Jesus calls us, do we throw aside the things that we hold dear?

In his excitement, Bartimaeus jumped to his feet. After being seated on his spot on the road for so long, his joints must have been stiff already, yet, in his eagerness and happiness in being called by Jesus, he immediately jumped up and ran. Are we just as excited when Jesus calls us to do something for Him or do we drag our feet, moving at our normal pace?

When he finally came to Jesus, Jesus asked him, "What do you ant me to do for you?" It is only when we draw near to Jesus and stand before him in prayer that we can pour out our heart's desires.

Then Bartimaeus, having been healed, followed Jesus. he didn't go back to his old spot to beg, to his old way of life. He had a new purpose in his life and that he was to follow the One who had healed him and had given him a new life.

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Being Timid in Our Faith

Matthew 26:58 "But Peter followed him at a distance, right up to the courtyard of the high priest. He entered and sat down with the guards to see the outcome."

Peter was afraid and confused. Jesus was just arrested and the disciples have scattered, afraid thay they too will be arrested. Despite him staunchly pronouncing that Jesus was the Messiah, Son of God, Peter was suddenly timid in his faith. He followed Jesus at a distance.

How many times have I been like Peter? When conversations veer towards beliefs, do I stand firm and affirm that yes, I believe in Jesus as my Saviour and Lord? Or do I stand aside, and follow Jesus only at a safe distance?
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Musings

Not everything that God gives us is to be understood; it is just to believed and received.

Sparrows by His Pool

Luke 12:6-7
Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed even the hairs on your head are numbered. DO NOT BE AFRAID; you are worth more than many sparrows.

In the past, my morning devotions were done inside the house at my dining table. Unfortunately, with the tv set blaring bad to worse news in the background, it was hard for me to focus on the Good News, and hear God's voice.

As I kept praying to God for more intimacy with Him, the Lord led me to the garden, BY HIS POOL. Here, by His pool I have found what I have been seeking -- solace with my Father, and His assurance in the sparrows.

In the early morning hours, birds flit about the trees in the garden, and at times even perch near me to sing a happy song. At times though a bird would screech rather than sing, and I wonder what he is upset about. Whether in their singing or screeching, I find so much comfort in hearing them as I meditate on God's word. Their chirping is a song of praise to their Creator who provides for them. And, He has promised His provision for me as well!

I am worth more than many sparrows! Even the very hairs of my head are numbered! How closely then the Lord knows me and watches over me! A truly assuring thought.

As I sigh in content in the presence of my God, He sends me a slight cool breeze as if to caress my cheek. I am not forgotten. I am loved. I will not be afraid.

What do you want Me to do?

Mark 10:36 and 51 Jesus asked this questions two times. The first time was to James and John, sons of Zebedee, who wanted Jesus to appoint them to sit at His right and left in His glory. To this, Jesus answered that it was not for Him to grant this because those places already belong to someone else.

The second time was to the blind beggar, Bartimaeus, who asked to receive his sight, and immediately Jesus healed him.

Some insights can be drawn from these two stories.

1. Jesus lovingly asks us the same question: What do you want me to do for you? He most certainly knows what we need -- even before we even know it -- and what is in our hearts but He asks us anyway.

2. If it is not in accordance to the Father's will and plan, He will not grant it. In the case of James and John, something was already established in God's Kingdom: places for certain people which Jesus would not change in obedience to the Father. SIDE NOTE: I also think their request was a bit presumptuous and mixed with pride. But then again, we all have sinned in this way.

3. If we ask in faith and humility, Jesus will grant our request. He gently told Bartimaeus "Your faith has healed you."

Jesus is Coming

We must wait in hope for both Jesus' Second Coming and for our own homecoming.

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Plugging into the Source

Mark 9:23-24

A man brought his son who was possessed to Jesus and told Him that His disciples were unable to live out the demon. He said “But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” Jesus answered “IF YOU CAN? Everything is possible for him who believes.” You can only imagine Jesus asking this question with one eyebrow raised.

God’s power is undoubted; but our access to it lies in our own belief.

The father immediately exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my belief!”

God is our source of everything and our belief, our faith and trust in Him allows us to tap into that Source. We plug in.
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On Being Dull

Mark 8:14-21

Jesus had just fed the 5000 men and also another 4000. He had healed many and yet the Pharisees asked for a sign from heaven. Even His own disciples who were witness to all that He had done were being “dull” – seeing but without understanding what was happening around them. When He warned them about the “yeast of the Pharisees”, they thought he was referring to the fact that they had only one loaf of bread amongst them. And Jesus, in exasperation, said: Do you not see or understand? Are your hearts hardened? Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear?

How many times have we been like the disciples? He has manifest His power and grace in our lives so many times in the past, and we are witnesses to the fulfilment of His promises. Despite all these, we sigh in despair and worry. We are afraid.

Lord, make me SEE with my eyes and HEAR with my ears. Soften my HEART; make me understand that You alone are God. You are in control and in You alone I rest.

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Come Away with God

Mark 6:30-32 "The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them: "Come with Me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest." So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place."

The disciples had just come back driving out demons and healing the sick. They were exhilarated for sure over the new power that they had; they were, after all, just simple folk, yet here they were being followed by thousands. Jesus knew what was going on in their heads and hearts. They were tired and hungry also so Jesus told them in verse 31 what to do. It was like He was putting up His hands and telling them, "Whoa! Wait a minute!"

His prescription applies to us today. We get caught up with all the things we have to do. We feel heady when we succeed. We move at such a hurried pace that at times we forget to eat. Jesus tells us--

1. Come with Me
2. by yourselves
3. to a quiet place
4. and get some rest

In another verse (Matthew 11:28), Jesus tells us, "Come to me all who labor and I will give you rest." it is in Jesus where we can find rest for our souls but we need to do something first. We are told to COME. There is an intention in this word, our will complying with His will.

While Bible study, fellowship with believers and worship services are wonderful, we must find times to be BY OURSELVES with Jesus. A one-on-one time is intimate and develops our relationship with Him. It deepens our understanding of His love for us.

We won't be able to hear Him over the din and distractions of the world. We need to seek Him out in a QUIET PLACE where we can fully focus on Him. Its like having a date with your spouse -- you usually choose a place that is quiet when you just want to talk.

REST, the kid that refreshes the soul and gives peace, can only come from Jesus. He tells us, "BE STILL and know that I am God." (Psalm 46:10) When the full impact of the knowledge of WHO He is is realized, how can we NOT surrender our willfulness? But our humanness still makes us doubt, worry and struggle. REST can only be found in Christ. We only need to allow ourselves to go when he says "Come with me...".

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That "Certain Man"

Matthew 26:17-19

On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Where do you want us to make preparations for you to eat the Passover?" He replied, "Go into the city to a CERTAIN MAN and tell him, 'The Teacher says: My appointed time is near. I am going to celebrate the Passover with my disciples at your house.'" So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them and prepared the Passover.

I have read this story many times over and it was only recently it struck me: Who was this unnamed CERTAIN MAN who readily allowed his house to be used by Jesus? Did he know who Jesus was? Was he already a believer? Why was he never mentioned by name, yet Jesus specifically wanted to celebrate the Passover in his house? And, this CERTAIN MAN immediately complied!

May I be like that certain man who immediately obeys Jesus, allowing Him to use me, my talents and resources for His purpose, never seeking recognition from others. Unnamed, unheralded, unrecognized, this certain man did something important -- he opened his home to Jesus. May I do the same!

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