The Bible Reading plan; Draw Near; Guide to Greater Intimacy with God has been encouraging, uplifting.
Today I seem to be galloping forward at a fast pace, yet God reminds me, and this question arise, Am I moving to fast that somehow I am missing something?
Looking back, when I first started writing this blog, and much has changed, the person I was and the person I am has grown, God's word seem to breathe life and the words seem to walk off the page and I am still learning, and growing, I am a work in progress. Sometimes its good to step back take a deep breath and view your surrounding, to see the awesomeness of God's great creation, how majestic and intricate his creation. I am so blessed by God. I have much to be thankful and praise God. Thank you Lord.
Journey through life: Learning and Growing in God's Word.
Friday, March 2, 2012
Salvation is a divine interruption in man's heart
Draw Near : Guide to Greater Intimacy with God.
Day 13
TO MAKE A MIRROR
Madame Chiang Kai-shek tells of a young Buddhist monk two thousand years ago who looked pious, clasped his hands, and chanted "Amita Buddha" all day, believing he could thus acquire grace. One day, the Father Prior of the temple sat beside him and began rubbing a piece of stone against a brick. This went on for several days until the young monk asked, "Father Prior, what are you doing?"
"I'm trying to make a mirror," he replied. "But," protested the youth, "you cannot make a mirror of a brick." "That is true," the old man replied, "and it is just as impossible for you to attain grace by chanting all day."
This ancient Chinese story points to this truth: sinners cannot become saints unless their character changes. Paul understood this and frankly told the Philippians to have no confidence in the flesh, that is, not to consider themselves worthy of salvation because they had gone to the right schools, memorized the right things, and chanted the right prayers. Paul learned this from personal experience; he had done all these things, and they had not saved him.
Salvation is a divine interruption in man's heart. In Christ, we are made new creatures and become totally dependent, not on our own fleshly righteousness but on His grace. As the songwriter said, "Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe."
The writer uses this short story, to share Paul's writing to the Philippians "have no confident in the flesh. Meaning we can do nothing on our own, only with God can we attain grace. Paul who was named Saul throught experience. If you read the story of Saul before his transformation on the road to Damascus. Paul persecuted the Christians, he was a devout Jew, a leader in the synagogue. Paul grow up in the Jewish church learning the Laws of Moses, customs and the traditions. After Paul's encounter with Christ on the road to Damascus Paul's character changed. Paul became consume with share God's message that it became his mission and ministry to preach the word of God to the Gentiles. As Individuals we need to make the changes in us and only throught Jesus Christ are we able to attain Grace, and Mercy.
Father God Thank For your Love, Grace, And Mercy. In Jesus Name Amen.
Day 13
TO MAKE A MIRROR
Madame Chiang Kai-shek tells of a young Buddhist monk two thousand years ago who looked pious, clasped his hands, and chanted "Amita Buddha" all day, believing he could thus acquire grace. One day, the Father Prior of the temple sat beside him and began rubbing a piece of stone against a brick. This went on for several days until the young monk asked, "Father Prior, what are you doing?"
"I'm trying to make a mirror," he replied. "But," protested the youth, "you cannot make a mirror of a brick." "That is true," the old man replied, "and it is just as impossible for you to attain grace by chanting all day."
This ancient Chinese story points to this truth: sinners cannot become saints unless their character changes. Paul understood this and frankly told the Philippians to have no confidence in the flesh, that is, not to consider themselves worthy of salvation because they had gone to the right schools, memorized the right things, and chanted the right prayers. Paul learned this from personal experience; he had done all these things, and they had not saved him.
Salvation is a divine interruption in man's heart. In Christ, we are made new creatures and become totally dependent, not on our own fleshly righteousness but on His grace. As the songwriter said, "Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe."
The writer uses this short story, to share Paul's writing to the Philippians "have no confident in the flesh. Meaning we can do nothing on our own, only with God can we attain grace. Paul who was named Saul throught experience. If you read the story of Saul before his transformation on the road to Damascus. Paul persecuted the Christians, he was a devout Jew, a leader in the synagogue. Paul grow up in the Jewish church learning the Laws of Moses, customs and the traditions. After Paul's encounter with Christ on the road to Damascus Paul's character changed. Paul became consume with share God's message that it became his mission and ministry to preach the word of God to the Gentiles. As Individuals we need to make the changes in us and only throught Jesus Christ are we able to attain Grace, and Mercy.
Father God Thank For your Love, Grace, And Mercy. In Jesus Name Amen.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Seeking Our Own
Draw Near: Guide to greater Intimacy with God
Day 12 Used and Abused
Philippians 2:21 For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's.
Today reading the writer writes about a young man whom had gain noteriaty and fame at age 5 won the hearts of Americans in the Walt Disney movie Song of the South. At age 31, Bobby said, "I was carried on a silver platter and dumped into a garbage can." He was bitter because those who liked him as a child actor cared nothing for him when he could no longer entertain them. Shortly after, March 30 1968 Bobby Driscoll die after many years of drug abuse.
In today's society many seek things of the world fame, noteriety, money, status. we are reminded that we need to seek the things which are Jesus Christ.
Matt 6:19-21 (KJV)Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
The Writer and Paul noted; Timothy and Epaphroditus were men with a genuine love for the people of Philippi. Believers must see people as people, being neither awed nor appalled at their veneer.
Father God, Thank for loving me unconditional, help me to show that unconditional love to others even to those that have hurt me. to be genuinely loving and forgiving. In Jesus name amen.
Day 12 Used and Abused
Philippians 2:21 For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's.
Today reading the writer writes about a young man whom had gain noteriaty and fame at age 5 won the hearts of Americans in the Walt Disney movie Song of the South. At age 31, Bobby said, "I was carried on a silver platter and dumped into a garbage can." He was bitter because those who liked him as a child actor cared nothing for him when he could no longer entertain them. Shortly after, March 30 1968 Bobby Driscoll die after many years of drug abuse.
In today's society many seek things of the world fame, noteriety, money, status. we are reminded that we need to seek the things which are Jesus Christ.
Matt 6:19-21 (KJV)Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
The Writer and Paul noted; Timothy and Epaphroditus were men with a genuine love for the people of Philippi. Believers must see people as people, being neither awed nor appalled at their veneer.
Father God, Thank for loving me unconditional, help me to show that unconditional love to others even to those that have hurt me. to be genuinely loving and forgiving. In Jesus name amen.
Draw Near - Rejoice in the Lord - Day -11
Direct Order
As the writer wrote; A cantankerous old lady came through surgery with flying colors. The surgeon sternly told her when she awoke, "In accordance with the rules of this hospital, you will have to walk ten minutes the very first day, and you will be out of here in a week since hospital beds are at a premium." On her first day, the old woman took her steps as ordered and within a few days was walking all over the hospital. Later, her family tried to pay the doctor a bonus for his work.
"Nonsense," he said, "It was just a routine operation." "It's not the operation we're marveling over," said the grandson. "It's her walking. She hasn't taken a step in six years!"
In Paul's letter to The Philippians; Paul left no room for disagreements or arguments; Philippians 2:14 Do All things without murmuring and disputings. Apparently some people respond to direct and firm orders. This scripture is not easy to take, yet it is Scripture.
The writer wrote and Paul says, "all things even things that seem so menial and insignificant.
That ye may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world...(Philippians 2:15).
Thank you Lord for your constant love and mercy. In Jesus name Amen.
As the writer wrote; A cantankerous old lady came through surgery with flying colors. The surgeon sternly told her when she awoke, "In accordance with the rules of this hospital, you will have to walk ten minutes the very first day, and you will be out of here in a week since hospital beds are at a premium." On her first day, the old woman took her steps as ordered and within a few days was walking all over the hospital. Later, her family tried to pay the doctor a bonus for his work.
"Nonsense," he said, "It was just a routine operation." "It's not the operation we're marveling over," said the grandson. "It's her walking. She hasn't taken a step in six years!"
In Paul's letter to The Philippians; Paul left no room for disagreements or arguments; Philippians 2:14 Do All things without murmuring and disputings. Apparently some people respond to direct and firm orders. This scripture is not easy to take, yet it is Scripture.
The writer wrote and Paul says, "all things even things that seem so menial and insignificant.
That ye may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world...(Philippians 2:15).
Thank you Lord for your constant love and mercy. In Jesus name Amen.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Draw Near - Guide to Greater Intimacy with God - Day 10
FORGET THE FACE
Lately I have been reading bible reading plan. It is structure to learn the Word of God, to have a greater knowledge and wisdom of who God Is.
Charles William Eliot, one of the greatest presidents of Harvard University, was born with a serious facial disfigurement. When he was older he became sensitive about his disfigurement, his mother said, "My son, it is not possible for you to get rid of this handicap. His parents consulted the best physicians and they could do nothing for him. But it is possible, with God's help, to grow a soul and mind so big that people will see you through God's Eyes." This is exactly what he did. Today, he is recognized as one of the educators who shaped modern secondary education.
Paul talked about the only begotten Son of God willfully coming to earth and humbling Himself to become a man. He further subjected Himself to the disfigurement of the cross. His life, death, and resurrection force us to look beyond that ugliness to the glory of His salvation. One day every knee will bow before this Lord of lords!
Like the writer of this reading plan wrote; Christ is a prime example of obedience, Jesus lived a life pleasing to his father knowing the ultimate sacrifice. Jesus Christ was an atonement of sin for mankind.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world that whosoever believeth he him should perish, but have eternal life.
John 14:6 Jesus said to him " I am the way the truth and the life No man cometh unto the father except through me.
This reading plan is a year long, a year of growing closer to God, learning to be christlike not only in spirit but also in the flesh being mindful that, Jesus paid the ultimate price.
Father, God Lord Jesus Thank for your Love, and Mercy in Jesus Name Amen.
Lately I have been reading bible reading plan. It is structure to learn the Word of God, to have a greater knowledge and wisdom of who God Is.
Charles William Eliot, one of the greatest presidents of Harvard University, was born with a serious facial disfigurement. When he was older he became sensitive about his disfigurement, his mother said, "My son, it is not possible for you to get rid of this handicap. His parents consulted the best physicians and they could do nothing for him. But it is possible, with God's help, to grow a soul and mind so big that people will see you through God's Eyes." This is exactly what he did. Today, he is recognized as one of the educators who shaped modern secondary education.
Paul talked about the only begotten Son of God willfully coming to earth and humbling Himself to become a man. He further subjected Himself to the disfigurement of the cross. His life, death, and resurrection force us to look beyond that ugliness to the glory of His salvation. One day every knee will bow before this Lord of lords!
Like the writer of this reading plan wrote; Christ is a prime example of obedience, Jesus lived a life pleasing to his father knowing the ultimate sacrifice. Jesus Christ was an atonement of sin for mankind.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world that whosoever believeth he him should perish, but have eternal life.
John 14:6 Jesus said to him " I am the way the truth and the life No man cometh unto the father except through me.
This reading plan is a year long, a year of growing closer to God, learning to be christlike not only in spirit but also in the flesh being mindful that, Jesus paid the ultimate price.
Father, God Lord Jesus Thank for your Love, and Mercy in Jesus Name Amen.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Lack of Understanding; "God's Word"
Read a posting, Appointment with Death - Cancelled; How a devout community prayed for healing for gentlemen name George had stage 2 cancer. How prayers healed this man and he is now cancer free.
Scripture says we are born, than death, and than Judgement. Death is inevitable its a matter of time and only God knows that appointed time. It may seem bizarre or morbed to think about death, yet I can truthfully say
I no longer fear death.
Years ago I feared death, I don't think its death that I feared, my fear was I am not ready and my soul would be in forever darkness. The one question that seem to plague my mind and why I feared Death; was "Is my name written in the book of life." "
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
3:17: For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through him might be saved.
14:6: Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me.
In the last 10 years I have been seeking God, learning, growing, working at drawing closer God. The ultimate goal is to have an intimate relationship with God.
When growing up my parents were very involved in Church, later they fell away. Yet they were persistant and made sure that we went to church. Later my parents return to their first love.
God brought this scripture to mind; Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it. At that young age God was not a real person and Jesus was story book character.. I knew of God but I did not know him, Its an odd statement yet true. As I got older it became God became real only when I need him, It was "God in a box" that I took out on, Special Occasion, and on Sunday's, and when I was in trouble. When all went well, back in the box it went.
Now that I am older the realization Word of God has become exciting, alarming, sad at times, awesome and it comes to life. Scripture that I learned when I was younger I now understand, through God's divine wisdom.. Matthew 6:33 But seek first God's Kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things will be given to you as well.
God wants us to be doers of the word and not just hearers. To have Christian like attitudes in all things. Thank You Lord for your strength, in Jesus name amen..
Scripture says we are born, than death, and than Judgement. Death is inevitable its a matter of time and only God knows that appointed time. It may seem bizarre or morbed to think about death, yet I can truthfully say
I no longer fear death.
Years ago I feared death, I don't think its death that I feared, my fear was I am not ready and my soul would be in forever darkness. The one question that seem to plague my mind and why I feared Death; was "Is my name written in the book of life." "
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
3:17: For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through him might be saved.
14:6: Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me.
In the last 10 years I have been seeking God, learning, growing, working at drawing closer God. The ultimate goal is to have an intimate relationship with God.
When growing up my parents were very involved in Church, later they fell away. Yet they were persistant and made sure that we went to church. Later my parents return to their first love.
God brought this scripture to mind; Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it. At that young age God was not a real person and Jesus was story book character.. I knew of God but I did not know him, Its an odd statement yet true. As I got older it became God became real only when I need him, It was "God in a box" that I took out on, Special Occasion, and on Sunday's, and when I was in trouble. When all went well, back in the box it went.
Now that I am older the realization Word of God has become exciting, alarming, sad at times, awesome and it comes to life. Scripture that I learned when I was younger I now understand, through God's divine wisdom.. Matthew 6:33 But seek first God's Kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things will be given to you as well.
God wants us to be doers of the word and not just hearers. To have Christian like attitudes in all things. Thank You Lord for your strength, in Jesus name amen..
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