Archive for the ‘The book of John’ Category

Spiritual Training 19 December 2011

Posted: December 19, 2011 in Acceptance, Bible Study, Encourgement, Inspiration, Personal Growth, Spiritual Training, The book of John, trust in the Lord with all your heart, Uncategorized, Under Gods Command
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Under Gods Command
Most of the People Do Not Believe in Jesus

John 12:37-41 Even after Jesus had done all these miraculous signs in their presence, they still would not believe in him. This was to fulfill the word of Isaiah the prophet. “Lord, who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?”
For this reason they could not believe, because, as Isaiah says elsewhere: “He has blinded their eyes and deadened their hearts, so they can neither see with their eyes, nor understand with their hearts, nor turn and I would heal them.”

People in Jesus time, like those in the time of Isaiah, would not believe despite the evidence (12:37). As a result, God hardened their hearts. Does that mean God intentionally prevented these people from believing in him? No, he simply confirmed their own choices. After a lifetime of resisting God, they had become so set in their ways that they wouldn’t even try to understand Jesus message. For such people, it is virtually impossible to come to God-their hearts have been permanently hardened. Other instances of hardened hearts because of constant stubbornness are recorded in Exodus 9:12, Romans 1:24-28, and 2 Thessalonians 2:8-12.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; (6) in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight.

Spiritual Training16 December 2011

Posted: December 16, 2011 in Acceptance, Bible Study, Encourgement, Inspiration, Personal Growth, Spiritual Training, The book of John, trust in the Lord with all your heart, Uncategorized, Under Gods Command
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Most of the People Do Not Believe in Jesus

John 12:37-38 Even after Jesus had done all these miraculous signs in their presence, they still would not believe in him.  This was to fulfill the word of Isaiah the prophet.  “Lord, who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?” 

Jesus had performed many miracles, but most people still didn’t believe in him.  Likewise, many today won’t believe despite all God does.  Don’t be discouraged if your witness for Christ doesn’t turn as many to him as you’d like.  Your job is to continue as a faithful witness.  You are responsible to reach out to others, but they are responsible for their own decisions.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; (6) in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight

Spiritual Training 15 December 2011

Posted: December 15, 2011 in Acceptance, Battle of the Mind, Beliefs, better than life, Bible Study, business pratices, Encourgement, Inspiration, Personal Growth, Spiritual Training, The book of John, trust in the Lord with all your heart, Uncategorized, Under Gods Command
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Jesus Explains Why He Must Die

John 12:35-36 Then Jesus told them, “You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. The man who walks in the dark does not know where he is going. Put your trust in the light while you have it, so that you may become sons of light.” When he had finished speaking Jesus left and hid himself from them.

Jesus said he would be with them in person for only a short time, and they should take advantage of his presence while they had it. Like a light shining in a dark place, he would point out the way they should walk. If they walked in his light, they would become “sons of light” revealing the truth and pointing people to God. As Christians, we are to be Christ’s light bearers, letting his light shine through us. How brightly is your light shining? Can others see Christ in your actions?

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; (6) in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight.

Spiritual Training 14 December 2011

Posted: December 14, 2011 in Acceptance, Bible Study, Encourgement, Inspiration, Personal Growth, Spiritual Training, The book of John, trust in the Lord with all your heart, Uncategorized, Under Gods Command
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Jesus Explains Why He Must Die

John 12:27-31 – Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name!” Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and will glorify it again.” The crowd that was there and heard it said it had thundered; others said an angel had spoken to him.
Jesus said, “This voice was for your benefit, not mine. Now is the time for judgment on this world,” now the prince of this world will be driven out.

The prince of this would is Satan, an angel who rebelled against God, Satan is real, not symbolic, and is constantly working against God and those who obey him. Satan tempted Eve in the Garden and persuaded her to sin; he tempted Jesus in the desert and did not persuade him to fall. Satan has great power, but people can be delivered from his reign of spiritual darkness because of Christ’s victory on the cross. Satan is powerful, but Jesus is much more powerful. Jesus resurrection shattered Satan’s deathly power. To overcome Satan we need faithful allegiance to God’s Word, determination to stay away from sin, and the support of other believers.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; (6) in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight.

Spiritual Training 09 December 2011

Posted: December 9, 2011 in Bible Study, Spiritual Training, The book of John, trust in the Lord with all your heart, Uncategorized, Under Gods Command
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Jesus Rides into Jerusalem on a Young Donkey

John 12: 14-17 Jesus found a young donkey and sat upon it, as it is written, “Do not be afraid, O Daughter of Zion; see, your King is coming, seated on a donkey’s colt.”

At first his disciples did not understand all this. Only after Jesus was glorified did they realize that these things had been written about him and that they had done these things to him.  Now the crowd that was with him when he called Lazarus from the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to spread the word. Many people, because they had heard that he had given this miraculous sign, went out to meet him. So the Pharisees said to one another, “See, this is getting us nowhere. Look how the whole world has gone after him!”

On Palm Sunday we celebrate Jesus Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem as Lord of lords and King of Peace.

After Jesus resurrection, the disciples understood for the first time many of the prophecies that they had missed long the way. Jesus words and actions took on new meaning and made more sense. In retrospect, the disciples saw how Jesus had led them into a deeper and better understanding of his truth. Stop now and think about the events in your life leading up to where you are now. How has God led you to this point? As you grow older, you will look back and see God’s involvement more clearly than you do now.

The people flocked to Jesus because they had heard about his great miracle in raising Lazarus from the dead. Their adoration was short lived and their commitment shallow, for in a few days they would do nothing to stop his crucifixion. Devotion based only on curiosity or popularity fades quickly. Are you a fan or follow of Jesus Christ that is the question we need to ask ourselves.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; (6) in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight.

Spiritual Training 08 December 2011 / Proverbs 8:32-36 Wisdom for the Soul

Posted: December 8, 2011 in Acceptance, Battle of the Mind, Bible Study, Churches in Maryland, Daily Motivation, Encourgement, Fear of rejection, government policies, Human Suffering, Inspiration, Spiritual Training, The book of John, trust in the Lord with all your heart, Uncategorized, Under Gods Command
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Under Gods Command
Jesus Rides into Jerusalem on a Young Donkey

John 12: 12-15 The next day the great crowd that had come for the Feast heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, “Hosanna!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Blessed is the King of Israel!” Jesus found a young donkey and sat upon it, as it is written, “Do not be afraid, O Daughter of Zion; see, your King is coming, seated on a donkey’s colt.”

Jesus began his last week on earth by riding into Jerusalem on a donkey under a canopy of palm branches, with crowds hailing him as their king. To announce that he was indeed the Messiah, Jesus chose a time when all Israel would be gathered at Jerusalem, a place where huge crowds could see him, and a way of proclaiming his mission that was unmistakable. On Palm Sunday we celebrate Jesus Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem as Lord of lords and King of Peace.

The people who were praising God for giving them a King had the wrong idea about Jesus. They were sure he would be a national leader who would restore their nation to its former glory, and thus they were deaf to the words of their prophets and blind to Jesus real mission. When it became apparent that Jesus was not going to fulfill their hopes, many people turned against him.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; (6) in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight.

Under Gods Command

Proverbs 8:32-36 “Now then, my sons listen to me; blessed are those who keep my ways. Listen to my instruction and be wise; do not ignore it. Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway. For whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the LORD. But whoever fails to find me harms himself; all who hate me love death.”

God approves of those who listen to wisdom’s counsel. Those who hate wisdom love death. Wisdom should affect every aspect of one’s life, from beginning to end. Be sure to open all corners of your life to God’s direction and guidance.

Spiritual Training 07 December 2011

Posted: December 7, 2011 in Bible Study, Justice, Security, and Happiness, Personal Growth, Security, Spiritual Training, The book of John, trust in the Lord with all your heart, Under Gods Command
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John 12:9-11 Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. So the chief priest made plans to kill Lazarus as well, for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and putting their faith in him.

The chief priests blindness and hardness of heart caused them to sink ever deeper into sin. They rejected the Messiah and planned to kill him, and then plotted to murder Lazarus as well. One sin leads to another. From the Jewish leaders point of view, they could accuse Jesus of blasphemy because he claimed equality with God. But Lazarus had done nothing of the kind. They wanted Lazarus dead simply because he was a living witness to Jesus power. This is a warning to us to avoid sin. Sin leads to more sin, a downward spiral that can be stopped only by repentance and the power of the Holy Spirit to change our behavior.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; (6) in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight.

Spiritual Training 06 December 2011

Posted: December 6, 2011 in Bible Study, Spiritual Training, The book of John, trust in the Lord with all your heart, Uncategorized, Under Gods Command
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John 12: 3 Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, and expensive perfume, she poured it on Jesus feet and wiped his feet with her hair.  Ant the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. 

 John 12:4-6 But one of his disciples Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him objected, why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor?  It was worth a year’s wages.  He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money, he used to help himself to what was put into it.   

John 12:7-8 “Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial.  You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”

Judas used a pious phrase to hide his true motives.  But Jesus knew what was in his heart.  Judas’s life had become a lie, and the devil was gaining more and more control over him.  Satan is the father of lies, and a lying character opens the door to his influence.  Jesus knowledge of us should make us want to keep our actions consistent with our words.  Because we have nothing to fear with him, we should have nothing to hide.

This act and Jesus response to it do not teach us to ignore the poor so we can spend money extravagantly for Christ.  This was a unique act for a specific occasion, and anointing that anticipated Jesus burial and a public declaration of faith in him as Messiah.  Jesus words should have taught Judas a valuable lesson about the worth of money.  Unfortunately, Judas did not take heed; soon he would sell his Master’s life for 30 pieces of silver.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; (6) in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight.  

Proverbs 5:3-10 Wisdom for the Soul

Posted: December 5, 2011 in Acceptance, Battle of the Mind, Beliefs, better than life, Bible Study, business pratices, Churches in Maryland, clean break, Daily Motivation, Dear Woman, Encourgement, evil men, Fear, Fear of rejection, Fellowship, fools, government policies, Happiness, Healing, Human Suffering, Inspiration, Jesus Answer, Job Opportunity, Justice, Security, and Happiness, Personal Growth, rebukes, Scripture Memory, Security, Self-Talk, Sudden disaster, The book of John, trust in the Lord with all your heart, Uncategorized, valid criticism, winning
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Under Gods Command 

Proverbs 5:3-10 – For the lips of an adulterous drip honey, and her speech is smoother than oil, but in the end she is bitter as gall, sharp as a double-edge sword.  Her feet go down to death; her steps lead straight to the grave.  She gives no thought to the way of life; her paths are crooked, but she knows it not. Now then, my sons listen to me; do not turn aside from what I say.  Keep to a path far from her; do not go near the door of her house, lest you give your best strength to others and your years to one who is cruel, lest strangers feast on your wealth and your toil enrich another man’s house.   

This “adulteress” is a prostitute.  Proverbs includes many warnings against illicit sex for several reasons.  First, a prostitute’s charm is used as an example of any temptation to do wrong or to leave the pursuit of wisdom.  Second, sexual immorality of any kind was and still is extremely dangerous.  It destroys family life.  It erodes a person’s ability to love.  It degrades human beings and turns them into objects.  It can lead to disease.  It can result in unwanted children. Third, sexual immorality is against God’s law.

Any person should be on guard against those who use flattery and smooth speech (lips that drip honey) that would lead him or her into sin.  The best advice is to take a detour and even avoid conversation with such people.

Spiritual Training 05 December 2011

Posted: December 5, 2011 in Bible Study, Encourgement, Spiritual Training, The book of John, trust in the Lord with all your heart, Uncategorized, Under Gods Command
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Under Gods Command

 John 12: 1-3 Six days before the Passover, Jesus arrived at Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead.  Here a dinner was given in Jesus honor.  Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him.  Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, and expensive perfume, she poured it on Jesus feet and wiped his feet with her hair.  Ant the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.   

John 12:4-6 But one of his disciples Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him objected, why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor?  It was worth a year’s wages.  He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money, he used to help himself to what was put into it.   

Judas often dipped into the disciples’ money bag for his own use.  Jesus knew what Judas was doing, but never did or said anything about it.  Similarly, when we choose the way of sin.  God may not immediately do anything to stop us, but this does not mean he approves of our actions.  What we deserve will come.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; (6) in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight.  

 

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