LOVE ONE ANOTHER
(Entry Date : May 16th, 2010)
Scripture
John 13:34 - "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”
Observation
The proper way to live our Christian life is to follow the example of the Lord Jesus Christ in every way possible. As Christians, we are followers of Jesus Christ. We are meant to live as He lived. With His Spirit living within us, we possess a new dynamic and power to enable us to follow our Lord's example. Jesus Christ's love is an example of the love we have to show to others. We have to 'live a life of love', just as Christ loved us.
Application
It's not easy to love everyone. I find myself very different in my character and personality from others and from other Christians. Perhaps he/she has done some wrong to me, or he/she is not the kind of person I would naturally choose as a friend. If I react as a normal human being, I'll show those negative feelings and throw up invisible barriers. But if my thoughts, my eyes is focused and fixed on Jesus and His perfect example of love for others, I find my attitudes changed. Jesus loved me - and loves me still - when my character and personalities are far from what they ought to be. He has forgiven all my sins and yet He still welcomed me, accepted me, and loves me still. With my eyes fixed upon Him and His example, I can also do to others what Jesus has done for me.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, may your Spirit help me fix my thoughts and my eyes upon the Lord Jesus and His example, to forgive, accept and love others the way He loved me. In Jesus Name, Amen!
Recognize God's Voice
(Entry Date : September 20th, 2009)
Scripture
John 10:27 - My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.
Observation
Those who hear God's voice are those who belong to Him-those who have been saved by His Grace through faith in the Lord Jesus. These are the sheep who recognize His voice, because they know Him as their Shepherd and they know His voice. If we are to recognize God's voice, we must belong to Him.
Application
We have the complete Bible, the inspired Word of God, for us to read, study, memorise and meditate on (2 Timothy 3:16-17). When I have a question about a certain topic or decision in my life, I should see what the Bible has to say about it. God's Word will always lead me, and direct me to the truth. I can hear His voice when I spend time in Prayer, Bible study, and meditating on His Word. The more time I spend intimately with God and His Word, the easier it is to recognize His voice and His leading in my life. I should be so familiar with God's Word that when God does speak to me or lead me, it is clear that it is God. He speaks to me primarily through the Scripture, so that I may understand truth. Sometimes, through the Holy Spirit to my conscience, through circumstances, and through other people. But applying what I hear to the truth of Scripture, I can learn to recognize God's Voice.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I thank You and praise You for your Perfect Word. In times of trials, crisis, and temptations, let the Holy Spirit shine upon me as I read your Word that I may understand the truth and be able to hear and recognize your voice clearly, In
Jesus Name, Amen!
Do I Know God?
(Entry Date : July 9th, 2009)
Scripture
John 17:3 Now this is Eternal Life: that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent.
Observation
God gives us eternal life through His son Jesus Christ. Eternal life brings many wonderful benefits, but knowing God is the greatest. To know our God, our creator, made originally in His image, likeness and uniqueness. God wants us to know Him better, through our faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.
Application
I want to know God better through my Lord Jesus. It's in Him that I see God's Glory, for He is the visible image of the invisible God. I believed it must be through His Son and there is no other way. Through the Scripture, the Bible, that I get to know Jesus Christ. If I neglect the Scriptures, God's Word, I hinder my growth in my knowledge of God. I want to know God through the Holy Spirit. He lives in every Christian. He always has fresh light to throw upon the Scriptures to increase my understanding, to deepen my knowledge of God. I get to know God by enjoying fellowship with Him through my quiet time, Regular Prayer, Daily Bible Reading, meeting with other Christians and reading Christian books. With all my heart, I'm determined to follow on to know the Lord, it's the goal above all goals for every Christian.
Prayer
Dear Father, thank You for Jesus that I may be able to know You better. Through His teachings and examples, I'm able to walk with You to the right direction of life. Through the help of the Holy Spirit, who enlightens me in everything I do, to be the person You want me to be. Teach me dear Lord to Have more discipline in reading your Word. I need Jesus in my life that I may always have the Love and the Desire to know You more and more everyday. All these I pray to Jesus Mighty Name, AMEN!
Jesus, Centre Of My Life
Scripture
Matthew 14:29-30 - "Come!" answered Jesus. So Peter got out of the boat and started walking on the water to Jesus. But when he noticed the strong wing, he was afraid and started to sink down in the water."
Observation
The disciples had seen many evidences, proofs on Jesus' miracles. Feeding five thousand men, healing sick people, casting away evil spirits and many more. When they saw Him walking on the water, they were terrified, screamed with fear and even called Him "ghost!" Jesus spoke to them and still, they weren't sure if he is really HIM. Like Peter, when he said to Jesus, "Lord, if it is really you...", he shows his doubt on Jesus.
Application
When I am experiencing problems, trials, challenges and temptations in my everyday living, I often doubt and sometimes I ask, "God, are you with me? Do you watch over me?" I said I believe in God. I believe in Jesus Christ. But when problems come, I started to sink, just like Peter. There are times when I can't cope, I start to lose faith and hope. This world is full challenges, I need to hold on tight to my Lord Jesus. He must be the center of my life. I do believe that He is my only shield. Because Jesus alone will protect me in any kind of evil. With my eyes upon Him, my faith and hope in Him, nothing can goes wrong.
Prayer
Our Heavenly Father, thank you for sending Jesus to be my saviour, for rescuing me from the darkness of my life. In times of trials, challenges and temptations, please turn my eyes to the Lord Jesus, so that I can call upon Him for His Power and Strength to overcome evil. Please give me the courage and discipline that I may always take the appropriate actions as I walk daily with trials and temptations in my life. In Jesus Name...AMEN!