Posted by ru4jc @ Sat 14 Apr, 07, 12:21PM under Doing ACTS
Doing ACTS
Accept the Word
Friday : 13th April 2007
Read : John 11:21-27
21 Now Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You.”
23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.”
24 Martha said to Him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”
25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. 26 And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?”
27 She said to Him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”
1. What do you say to Jesus’ question: “Do you believe this?” (v 26)
Because we live in the modern world, and because we have read the facts that remain (from the Bible), we can surely or will surely say that we believe what He says. However, it might be different if we were actually living in those days, where the actual event was actually taking place.
God has given much hope, joy and meaning of living because of the resurrection promise. By knowing that Christ lives again (after the death), it gives us the hope to believe that someday, after our physical death, we will continue on in eternity with the Father, because of faith in Jesus Christ.
We have to live like Christ, be like Him, for the world to see Him and know Him. “Beholding” in this context means to hold in high esteem, or honour. If we regard someone highly, we will surely not do anything shameful or embarrassing to the one we honour. Likewise, if we are children of God, we carry His name in the places we go, the people we meet. We may notice some people who carry labels of Christianity (i.e. t-shirts with Christian quotes and phrases, wear a big tag “I love Jesus”, etc), but live completely otherwise. Or we could choose to be silent in our words, but speak strongly with our character, even sometimes when placed in situations we could be compromised. Our stand in Him need never be shaken, we stand for truth, and truth will prevail.
Most of us have fears; fear of heights, fear of the night (darkness), fear of insects, fear of blood, fearof spiders, etc. One of the most common fears is the fear of death. The fear of death grips many people. But by knowing and trusting the power of the resurrection (which is the power of God), we know that someday, we shall rise again in Him, those who sleep in Christ will rise. Death no longer is an enemy, it may be the first death (and the only death we could know), but after that, we face eternity with joy and gladness. This is our blessed assurance.
live out your Christian life?
Ephesians 3:20 – “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly, abundantly, above all that we could ever ask or think, according to the power which is at work within us”
The power is working within us. Now if we know of the grace that is given us, that if God can do exceedingly more, think exceedingly more, perform exceedingly more, that what our minds could possibly imagine, we would probably be living as victors (because God is on our side). And God promises that He who began a good work within us, will be faithful to complete until the day of Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:6). If this is so, why should we fear? God will be our portion and lot, to always give us victory. After all, He made us more than conquerors through Christ that strengthens us (Romans 8:37).
God has a purpose for everything, and according to His perfect timing. We understand from John 11 that Jesus has deliberately waited an extra 2 days (vv6), with the aim of, revealing God’s glory. And God always does it in style. Jesus puts it in vv15 of chapter 11, that He was glad He wasn’t there, because the glory of God was to be shown so that they may believe. And it was, for their sakes (vv15). And when they had come to the tomb, Lazarus had been dead for 4 days. No one could possibly picture in their mind or even fathom what they were about to see. Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, and he lived again! We believe in the power of God, that He is able to bring about life in the “deadest” situations in life, because He is the resurrection and the life. And God is always with us.
Thank God for the hope of resurrection - be specific about what it means to you!
2. Pray for all your non-Christian friends who came for your Easter Hunt Cell
Outreach. Pray that they will believe! (Be sure to pray for them by name).
3. Pray for your cell Dream Project. Pray for unity and impact in the community.
- If you have completed it, pray the impact will continue on.
- If your team is facing challenges, commit to God that challenge and trust Him to
bless your project! (Don’t give up!)
Share testimonies today in your CG how the Easter has been to you and what God did
to you and your CG effort.
Accept the Word
Friday : 13th April 2007
Read : John 11:21-27
21 Now Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You.”
23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.”
24 Martha said to Him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”
25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. 26 And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?”
27 She said to Him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”
Contemplation
1. What do you say to Jesus’ question: “Do you believe this?” (v 26)
Because we live in the modern world, and because we have read the facts that remain (from the Bible), we can surely or will surely say that we believe what He says. However, it might be different if we were actually living in those days, where the actual event was actually taking place.
2. What difference has your faith in the resurrected Christ made in your life?
God has given much hope, joy and meaning of living because of the resurrection promise. By knowing that Christ lives again (after the death), it gives us the hope to believe that someday, after our physical death, we will continue on in eternity with the Father, because of faith in Jesus Christ.
3. How do you “behold” Him in your life? What evidences have you found helpful in showing friends that Christ is alive today.
We have to live like Christ, be like Him, for the world to see Him and know Him. “Beholding” in this context means to hold in high esteem, or honour. If we regard someone highly, we will surely not do anything shameful or embarrassing to the one we honour. Likewise, if we are children of God, we carry His name in the places we go, the people we meet. We may notice some people who carry labels of Christianity (i.e. t-shirts with Christian quotes and phrases, wear a big tag “I love Jesus”, etc), but live completely otherwise. Or we could choose to be silent in our words, but speak strongly with our character, even sometimes when placed in situations we could be compromised. Our stand in Him need never be shaken, we stand for truth, and truth will prevail.
4. How does the resurrected power of Christ give you hope and courage to overcome your fears and doubt? (Share one example if you can in your cell group).
Most of us have fears; fear of heights, fear of the night (darkness), fear of insects, fear of blood, fearof spiders, etc. One of the most common fears is the fear of death. The fear of death grips many people. But by knowing and trusting the power of the resurrection (which is the power of God), we know that someday, we shall rise again in Him, those who sleep in Christ will rise. Death no longer is an enemy, it may be the first death (and the only death we could know), but after that, we face eternity with joy and gladness. This is our blessed assurance.
5. Read Ephesians 3:20. In who is the power working? How does this truth help you to
live out your Christian life?
Ephesians 3:20 – “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly, abundantly, above all that we could ever ask or think, according to the power which is at work within us”
The power is working within us. Now if we know of the grace that is given us, that if God can do exceedingly more, think exceedingly more, perform exceedingly more, that what our minds could possibly imagine, we would probably be living as victors (because God is on our side). And God promises that He who began a good work within us, will be faithful to complete until the day of Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:6). If this is so, why should we fear? God will be our portion and lot, to always give us victory. After all, He made us more than conquerors through Christ that strengthens us (Romans 8:37).
6. How does the story of Lazarus’ resurrection give you hope? (You may share individually how the story helped you personally).
God has a purpose for everything, and according to His perfect timing. We understand from John 11 that Jesus has deliberately waited an extra 2 days (vv6), with the aim of, revealing God’s glory. And God always does it in style. Jesus puts it in vv15 of chapter 11, that He was glad He wasn’t there, because the glory of God was to be shown so that they may believe. And it was, for their sakes (vv15). And when they had come to the tomb, Lazarus had been dead for 4 days. No one could possibly picture in their mind or even fathom what they were about to see. Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, and he lived again! We believe in the power of God, that He is able to bring about life in the “deadest” situations in life, because He is the resurrection and the life. And God is always with us.
Take Action
Thank God for the hope of resurrection - be specific about what it means to you!
2. Pray for all your non-Christian friends who came for your Easter Hunt Cell
Outreach. Pray that they will believe! (Be sure to pray for them by name).
3. Pray for your cell Dream Project. Pray for unity and impact in the community.
- If you have completed it, pray the impact will continue on.
- If your team is facing challenges, commit to God that challenge and trust Him to
bless your project! (Don’t give up!)
Share
Share testimonies today in your CG how the Easter has been to you and what God did
to you and your CG effort.
Posted by ru4jc @ Mon 04 Dec, 06, 08:29PM under Doing ACTS
As we enter into a week of prayer and fasting, we want to first of all engage into this week in a dedicated posture of prayer and with an intensified passion to seek the Lord in the spiritual discipline of fasting. Use the ACTS material both to help you connect to His Word and heart and to engage in heart wrenching prayer before Jesus.
Mark 9:1-13
Jesus Transfigured on the Mount
1 And He said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that there are some standing here who will not taste death till they see the kingdom of God present with power.”
2 Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John, and led them up on a high mountain apart by themselves; and He was transfigured before them. 3 His clothes became shining, exceedingly white, like snow, such as no launderer on earth can whiten them. 4 And Elijah appeared to them with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus. 5 Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; and let us make three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah”— 6 because he did not know what to say, for they were greatly afraid.
7 And a cloud came and overshadowed them; and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!” 8 Suddenly, when they had looked around, they saw no one anymore, but only Jesus with themselves.
9 Now as they came down from the mountain, He commanded them that they should tell no one the things they had seen, till the Son of Man had risen from the dead. 10 So they kept this word to themselves, questioning what the rising from the dead meant.
11 And they asked Him, saying, “Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?”
12 Then He answered and told them, “Indeed, Elijah is coming first and restores all things. And how is it written concerning the Son of Man, that He must suffer many things and be treated with contempt? 13 But I say to you that Elijah has also come, and they did to him whatever they wished, as it is written of him.”
1. How many days has it been since Jesus’ discourse with the disciples? (v. 2) It has been after 6 days.
2. In your own words describe how Jesus’ appearance and clothes were changed. What do you think God was doing when He allowed us to witness what Jesus was going through? From Scripture, we know that His clothes became white, whiter than anything, greater than what any launderer can achieve. It is as the glory shone, and such was the splendour that was never seen by anyone before. It was certainly a transformation to behold!
3. In the amazing encounter, God has a plan for us to listen and hear what was happening more than be involved in God’s work (Read v 6 & 7)
a. Peter’s behaviour seems contrary to God’s desire for him to listen!
b. How can we miss what God is doing in a great spiritual encounter when we end up trying to ‘help’ God (v 6) rather than just listen and enjoy His work for us? (v 7) Peter did (said) something that he didn’t know, because he was afraid. But God spoke and affirms that Jesus is the only One we ought to follow.
c. When God takes us to a great spiritual high, it always begins with Jesus (v 1) and after the ‘high’ is over, it ends with Jesus – He is central to all our spiritual mountain top experiences! (v 8)
d. Can you notice that after such a spectacular encounter with Christ, Moses and Elijah, they were still not connected to God’s full counsel and plan? (v 10) Why? Could this happen to us like to the disciples? Any example? Surely it is possible. We don’t allow a revelation to sink in, for us to understand fully the plan and purpose of God, because of immaturity or hardened hearts, or minds that are always seeking it’s own ways (of deciphering issues or hidden things). Our minds cannot be compared to the mind of God.
4. The disciples just encountered a supernatural revelation of Jesus Christ. The following is obvious about this revelation:
a. It was revealed in a dedicated spiritual retreat.
b. It was given to those who were willing to ‘go away’ alone and ‘be away’ alone with the Lord.
c. It was not a human effort or orchestration.
d. It was an intimate and personalized revelation that affirms Jesus’ Messiahship (not to be revealed until His death & resurrection). It is a revelation to affirm the disciples’ faith and foundation further.
Summary:
We just have to take time to get away and be with Jesus, spending time in His presence and see His majesty. After all, it is all about Jesus, His resurrection and glory. When you feel disconnected or discouraged, being in the presence of God sharpens our minds and refocuses our attention to the purposes of God. Our hearts need to be open, so that when we seek Him, He will be found (Jeremiah 29:13). That’s when we can allow ourselves to be vessels where God can reveal His incomparable glory!
"Supernatural Revelation" - Doing ACTS (Monday 12/4/06)
Scripture Reading:
Mark 9:1-13
Jesus Transfigured on the Mount
1 And He said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that there are some standing here who will not taste death till they see the kingdom of God present with power.”2 Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John, and led them up on a high mountain apart by themselves; and He was transfigured before them. 3 His clothes became shining, exceedingly white, like snow, such as no launderer on earth can whiten them. 4 And Elijah appeared to them with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus. 5 Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; and let us make three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah”— 6 because he did not know what to say, for they were greatly afraid.
7 And a cloud came and overshadowed them; and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!” 8 Suddenly, when they had looked around, they saw no one anymore, but only Jesus with themselves.
9 Now as they came down from the mountain, He commanded them that they should tell no one the things they had seen, till the Son of Man had risen from the dead. 10 So they kept this word to themselves, questioning what the rising from the dead meant.
11 And they asked Him, saying, “Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?”
12 Then He answered and told them, “Indeed, Elijah is coming first and restores all things. And how is it written concerning the Son of Man, that He must suffer many things and be treated with contempt? 13 But I say to you that Elijah has also come, and they did to him whatever they wished, as it is written of him.”
1. How many days has it been since Jesus’ discourse with the disciples? (v. 2) It has been after 6 days.
2. In your own words describe how Jesus’ appearance and clothes were changed. What do you think God was doing when He allowed us to witness what Jesus was going through? From Scripture, we know that His clothes became white, whiter than anything, greater than what any launderer can achieve. It is as the glory shone, and such was the splendour that was never seen by anyone before. It was certainly a transformation to behold!
3. In the amazing encounter, God has a plan for us to listen and hear what was happening more than be involved in God’s work (Read v 6 & 7)
a. Peter’s behaviour seems contrary to God’s desire for him to listen!
b. How can we miss what God is doing in a great spiritual encounter when we end up trying to ‘help’ God (v 6) rather than just listen and enjoy His work for us? (v 7) Peter did (said) something that he didn’t know, because he was afraid. But God spoke and affirms that Jesus is the only One we ought to follow.
c. When God takes us to a great spiritual high, it always begins with Jesus (v 1) and after the ‘high’ is over, it ends with Jesus – He is central to all our spiritual mountain top experiences! (v 8)
d. Can you notice that after such a spectacular encounter with Christ, Moses and Elijah, they were still not connected to God’s full counsel and plan? (v 10) Why? Could this happen to us like to the disciples? Any example? Surely it is possible. We don’t allow a revelation to sink in, for us to understand fully the plan and purpose of God, because of immaturity or hardened hearts, or minds that are always seeking it’s own ways (of deciphering issues or hidden things). Our minds cannot be compared to the mind of God.
4. The disciples just encountered a supernatural revelation of Jesus Christ. The following is obvious about this revelation:
a. It was revealed in a dedicated spiritual retreat.
b. It was given to those who were willing to ‘go away’ alone and ‘be away’ alone with the Lord.
c. It was not a human effort or orchestration.
d. It was an intimate and personalized revelation that affirms Jesus’ Messiahship (not to be revealed until His death & resurrection). It is a revelation to affirm the disciples’ faith and foundation further.
Summary:
We just have to take time to get away and be with Jesus, spending time in His presence and see His majesty. After all, it is all about Jesus, His resurrection and glory. When you feel disconnected or discouraged, being in the presence of God sharpens our minds and refocuses our attention to the purposes of God. Our hearts need to be open, so that when we seek Him, He will be found (Jeremiah 29:13). That’s when we can allow ourselves to be vessels where God can reveal His incomparable glory!
Posted by ru4jc @ Fri 01 Dec, 06, 05:08PM under Doing ACTS
"Spiritual Blindness to Physical Blindness" - Doing ACTS (Thursday 11/30/06)
Scripture Reading
Mark 8:22-26
22 Then He came to Bethsaida; and they brought a blind man to Him, and begged Him to touch him. 23 So He took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the town. And when He had spit on his eyes and put His hands on him, He asked him if he saw anything.
24 And he looked up and said, “I see men like trees, walking.”
25 Then He put His hands on his eyes again and made him look up. And he was restored and saw everyone clearly. 26 Then He sent him away to his house, saying, “Neither go into the town, nor tell anyone in the town.”
1. In the remainder of our passage Mark moves from spiritual to physical blindness.
2. When some people brought a blind man, why did Jesus lead him outside the village? Seems very unusual.
a. Read Matthew 11:20-21. The Bible says Jesus denounced (condemned) cities where most miracles were done and for their unbelief and refusal to repent. Which towns were condemned? 20 Then He began to rebuke the cities in which most of His mighty works had been done, because they did not repent: 21 “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes (Matthew 11:20-21). Chorazin and Bethsaida. These cities are mentioned to be towns of lack of faith and cities that refuse to repent. Mark 8:22 records Jesus entering Bethsaida.
b. Jesus went back to a city which He had denounced and that was why He took the man out of the city. Where people are without faith, Jesus will not perform miracles (eg. Mark 6:5-6). Unbelief brings spiritual blindness. Jesus took the man out of town because the town refused to believe. 5 Now He could do no mighty work there, except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them. 6 And He marveled because of their unbelief. Then He went about the villages in a circuit, teaching. (Mark 6:5-6)
c. Jesus went back to a place of unbelief. Can you see His heart and compassion to help those with unbelief and hardened hearts, like the disciples? Are you walking in unbelief? Open your heart. Get ready for a visitation. The Scriptures always speak about God intention that all be saved, and that none perish. God loves the people, and will always find ways to reach the lost.
3. Jesus spit on his eyes and put His hands on the blind man. Why do you think Jesus used this method? Some hints:
a. Every healing is different, because every person is different.
b. Touch = His compassionate approach. Spittle on the eye was perhaps to communicate His intention to the blind man whose sense of touch was heightened.
4. Why the 2nd touch? (v.23) So many answers can be given. One answer is because we go through so much change in our lives that He doesn’t want us to fear from asking Him for one more touch! We need one more touch from Jesus for our diseases, our fears, our lack, our unbelief, our disappointments and others. Why do you think the 2nd touch? It could be because God wanted to demonstrate that He wants to touch us, to assure us that He is always reachable. It could also be that in the point of need, the sense of touch would bring about such warmness, that words can do so little. God is interested to reach us, to fill us, assure us.
5. Jesus did not send the men back to the village. Why? Could it be because of their unbelief, faithlessness and unrepentant heart? (Read again Matt 11:20-21). Jesus didn’t want the man to live in an atmosphere of unbelief, lest he will move from physical blindness to spiritual blindness! 20 Then He began to rebuke the cities in which most of His mighty works had been done, because they did not repent: 21 “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes (Matthew 11:20-21). You change with the environment around you. Things take effect once we associate ourselves with the conditions we are subjected to. Take for instance, if you soak the sponge into water, it will be soaked with water. It contains the substance where the sponge got soaked into. Likewise, continual exposure to faithlessness can bring about faithlessness (even when the initial state may be full of faith!)
Scripture Reading
Mark 8:22-26
22 Then He came to Bethsaida; and they brought a blind man to Him, and begged Him to touch him. 23 So He took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the town. And when He had spit on his eyes and put His hands on him, He asked him if he saw anything.
24 And he looked up and said, “I see men like trees, walking.”
25 Then He put His hands on his eyes again and made him look up. And he was restored and saw everyone clearly. 26 Then He sent him away to his house, saying, “Neither go into the town, nor tell anyone in the town.”
1. In the remainder of our passage Mark moves from spiritual to physical blindness.
2. When some people brought a blind man, why did Jesus lead him outside the village? Seems very unusual.
a. Read Matthew 11:20-21. The Bible says Jesus denounced (condemned) cities where most miracles were done and for their unbelief and refusal to repent. Which towns were condemned? 20 Then He began to rebuke the cities in which most of His mighty works had been done, because they did not repent: 21 “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes (Matthew 11:20-21). Chorazin and Bethsaida. These cities are mentioned to be towns of lack of faith and cities that refuse to repent. Mark 8:22 records Jesus entering Bethsaida.
b. Jesus went back to a city which He had denounced and that was why He took the man out of the city. Where people are without faith, Jesus will not perform miracles (eg. Mark 6:5-6). Unbelief brings spiritual blindness. Jesus took the man out of town because the town refused to believe. 5 Now He could do no mighty work there, except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them. 6 And He marveled because of their unbelief. Then He went about the villages in a circuit, teaching. (Mark 6:5-6)
c. Jesus went back to a place of unbelief. Can you see His heart and compassion to help those with unbelief and hardened hearts, like the disciples? Are you walking in unbelief? Open your heart. Get ready for a visitation. The Scriptures always speak about God intention that all be saved, and that none perish. God loves the people, and will always find ways to reach the lost.
3. Jesus spit on his eyes and put His hands on the blind man. Why do you think Jesus used this method? Some hints:
a. Every healing is different, because every person is different.
b. Touch = His compassionate approach. Spittle on the eye was perhaps to communicate His intention to the blind man whose sense of touch was heightened.
4. Why the 2nd touch? (v.23) So many answers can be given. One answer is because we go through so much change in our lives that He doesn’t want us to fear from asking Him for one more touch! We need one more touch from Jesus for our diseases, our fears, our lack, our unbelief, our disappointments and others. Why do you think the 2nd touch? It could be because God wanted to demonstrate that He wants to touch us, to assure us that He is always reachable. It could also be that in the point of need, the sense of touch would bring about such warmness, that words can do so little. God is interested to reach us, to fill us, assure us.
5. Jesus did not send the men back to the village. Why? Could it be because of their unbelief, faithlessness and unrepentant heart? (Read again Matt 11:20-21). Jesus didn’t want the man to live in an atmosphere of unbelief, lest he will move from physical blindness to spiritual blindness! 20 Then He began to rebuke the cities in which most of His mighty works had been done, because they did not repent: 21 “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes (Matthew 11:20-21). You change with the environment around you. Things take effect once we associate ourselves with the conditions we are subjected to. Take for instance, if you soak the sponge into water, it will be soaked with water. It contains the substance where the sponge got soaked into. Likewise, continual exposure to faithlessness can bring about faithlessness (even when the initial state may be full of faith!)
Posted by ru4jc @ Fri 01 Dec, 06, 08:12AM under Doing ACTS
"Our Pre-Occupation" - Doing ACTS (Wednesday 11/29/06)
Scripture Reading
Mark 8:16-21
16 And they reasoned among themselves, saying, “ It is because we have no bread.”
17 But Jesus, being aware of it, said to them, “Why do you reason because you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive nor understand? Is your heart still hardened? 18 Having eyes, do you not see? And having ears, do you not hear? And do you not remember? 19 When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of fragments did you take up?”
They said to Him, “Twelve.”
20 “Also, when I broke the seven for the four thousand, how many large baskets full of fragments did you take up?”
And they said, “Seven.”
21 So He said to them, “How is it you do not understand?”
1. The disciples thought Jesus was talking about bread (v. 16) when He mentions about the yeast about the yeast of the Pharisees and Herod. They thought they were being scolded for their lack of foresight (not packing bread for the journey), but Jesus was much more concerned about their lack of faith. Looking at this whole scenario, we can see that Jesus was rebuking them for their lack of faith. However, I view it as a continual lesson for the disciples – through examples seen by the eye. Jesus was demonstrating that the miracle working wonders of God can also be exercised, given in thanks and praise from Whom all blessings flow. Just like little children pick things up quickly through observation, this was the time the disciples, being little in their faith, was looking at the Master at work.
2. In a series of eight questions, He rebukes them for their lack of spiritual perception and failure to learn from either of His feeding miracles.
a. What are the eight questions of Jesus to His disciples (Mark 8:17-21)
1. Why do you reason because you have no bread?
2. Do you not yet perceive nor understand?
3. Is your heart still hardened?
4. Having eyes, do you not see? And having ears, do you not hear?
5. And do you not remember?
6. When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of fragments did you take up?
7. Also, when I broke the seven for the four thousand, how many large baskets full of fragments did you take up?
8. How is it you do not understand?
b. Why do you think the disciples still cannot see what Jesus was doing when He fed the 4000 and the 5000? The disciples still were very much depending on their own wisdom and strength, which resulted in failure to see what can only be done in faith. 2 Corinthians 5:7 records that we are to ‘walk by faith, and not by sight’. With that in mind, we can either be walking in sight, or by faith.
c. What was Jesus’ words to them when they failed to understand the feeding of the 5000? Read Mark 6:52. What about when they failed to understand the feeding of the 4000, what was Jesus’ rebuke to them? Read Mark 8:17. So we can safely conclude that their problem was hardened heart! For they had not understood about the loaves, because their heart was hardened. (Mark 6:52) Jesus, being aware of it, said to them, “Why do you reason because you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive nor understand? Is your heart still hardened? (Mark 8:17) The disciples still could not see beyond the human limitation, and lacked faith.
d. What does Hebrews say if we have hardened hearts? Read Hebrews 4:3; 3:7-11; 3:12-19. For we who have believed do enter that rest, as He has said: “ So I swore in My wrath, ‘ They shall not enter My rest,’’ although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. (Hebrews 4:3)
7 Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says: “ Today, if you will hear His voice, 8 Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, In the day of trial in the wilderness, 9 Where your fathers tested Me, tried Me, And saw My works forty years. 10 Therefore I was angry with that generation, And said, ‘They always go astray in their heart, And they have not known My ways.’ 11 So I swore in My wrath, ‘ They shall not enter My rest.’ (Hebrews 3:7-11)
12 Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; 13 but exhort one another daily, while it is called “Today,” lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. 14 For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end, 15 while it is said: “ Today, if you will hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.” 16 For who, having heard, rebelled? Indeed, was it not all who came out of Egypt, led by Moses? 17 Now with whom was He angry forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose corpses fell in the wilderness? 18 And to whom did He swear that they would not enter His rest, but to those who did not obey? 19 So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief. (Hebrews 3:12-19)
Scriptures are self-explanatory.
e. According to William Lane, “Repeated exposure to Jesus’ teaching and mighty works had not led to reflection on their significance but to a basic insensitivity and dullness” (Lane 281). They continue to be pre-occupied with temporal concerns such as bread, distance and money instead of trusting the great Provider who was right there with them in the boat!
Scripture Reading
Mark 8:16-21
16 And they reasoned among themselves, saying, “ It is because we have no bread.”
17 But Jesus, being aware of it, said to them, “Why do you reason because you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive nor understand? Is your heart still hardened? 18 Having eyes, do you not see? And having ears, do you not hear? And do you not remember? 19 When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of fragments did you take up?”
They said to Him, “Twelve.”
20 “Also, when I broke the seven for the four thousand, how many large baskets full of fragments did you take up?”
And they said, “Seven.”
21 So He said to them, “How is it you do not understand?”
1. The disciples thought Jesus was talking about bread (v. 16) when He mentions about the yeast about the yeast of the Pharisees and Herod. They thought they were being scolded for their lack of foresight (not packing bread for the journey), but Jesus was much more concerned about their lack of faith. Looking at this whole scenario, we can see that Jesus was rebuking them for their lack of faith. However, I view it as a continual lesson for the disciples – through examples seen by the eye. Jesus was demonstrating that the miracle working wonders of God can also be exercised, given in thanks and praise from Whom all blessings flow. Just like little children pick things up quickly through observation, this was the time the disciples, being little in their faith, was looking at the Master at work.
2. In a series of eight questions, He rebukes them for their lack of spiritual perception and failure to learn from either of His feeding miracles.
a. What are the eight questions of Jesus to His disciples (Mark 8:17-21)
1. Why do you reason because you have no bread?
2. Do you not yet perceive nor understand?
3. Is your heart still hardened?
4. Having eyes, do you not see? And having ears, do you not hear?
5. And do you not remember?
6. When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of fragments did you take up?
7. Also, when I broke the seven for the four thousand, how many large baskets full of fragments did you take up?
8. How is it you do not understand?
b. Why do you think the disciples still cannot see what Jesus was doing when He fed the 4000 and the 5000? The disciples still were very much depending on their own wisdom and strength, which resulted in failure to see what can only be done in faith. 2 Corinthians 5:7 records that we are to ‘walk by faith, and not by sight’. With that in mind, we can either be walking in sight, or by faith.
c. What was Jesus’ words to them when they failed to understand the feeding of the 5000? Read Mark 6:52. What about when they failed to understand the feeding of the 4000, what was Jesus’ rebuke to them? Read Mark 8:17. So we can safely conclude that their problem was hardened heart! For they had not understood about the loaves, because their heart was hardened. (Mark 6:52) Jesus, being aware of it, said to them, “Why do you reason because you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive nor understand? Is your heart still hardened? (Mark 8:17) The disciples still could not see beyond the human limitation, and lacked faith.
d. What does Hebrews say if we have hardened hearts? Read Hebrews 4:3; 3:7-11; 3:12-19. For we who have believed do enter that rest, as He has said: “ So I swore in My wrath, ‘ They shall not enter My rest,’’ although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. (Hebrews 4:3)
7 Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says: “ Today, if you will hear His voice, 8 Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, In the day of trial in the wilderness, 9 Where your fathers tested Me, tried Me, And saw My works forty years. 10 Therefore I was angry with that generation, And said, ‘They always go astray in their heart, And they have not known My ways.’ 11 So I swore in My wrath, ‘ They shall not enter My rest.’ (Hebrews 3:7-11)
12 Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; 13 but exhort one another daily, while it is called “Today,” lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. 14 For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end, 15 while it is said: “ Today, if you will hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.” 16 For who, having heard, rebelled? Indeed, was it not all who came out of Egypt, led by Moses? 17 Now with whom was He angry forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose corpses fell in the wilderness? 18 And to whom did He swear that they would not enter His rest, but to those who did not obey? 19 So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief. (Hebrews 3:12-19)
Scriptures are self-explanatory.
e. According to William Lane, “Repeated exposure to Jesus’ teaching and mighty works had not led to reflection on their significance but to a basic insensitivity and dullness” (Lane 281). They continue to be pre-occupied with temporal concerns such as bread, distance and money instead of trusting the great Provider who was right there with them in the boat!
Posted by ru4jc @ Tue 28 Nov, 06, 11:21PM under Doing ACTS
Dear All,
This is today’s sharing on ACTS. I hope that all of you will be blessed to know that faith is “a substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). As you meditate on this subject, may the Holy Spirit inspire you to find out what is hypocrisy and perhaps, expose any of it (if we have participated in non-active pursuit of faith). God bless.
"Where is your faith?" - Doing ACTS (Tuesday 11/28/06)
The Pharisees Seek a Sign
11 Then the Pharisees came out and began to dispute with Him, seeking from Him a sign from heaven, testing Him. 12 But He sighed deeply in His spirit, and said, “Why does this generation seek a sign? Assuredly, I say to you, no sign shall be given to this generation.”
Beware of the Leaven of the Pharisees and Herod
13 And He left them, and getting into the boat again, departed to the other side. 14 Now the disciples had forgotten to take bread, and they did not have more than one loaf with them in the boat. 15 Then He charged them, saying, “Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.”
1. Jesus talked about the yeast of the Pharisees also in another reference. Read Luke 12:1. What is the yeast of the Pharisees? In our reading today, Jesus also spoke about the yeast of the Pharisees (Mark 8:15). Luke 12:1 In the meantime, when an innumerable multitude of people had gathered together, so that they trampled one another, He began to say to His disciples first of all, “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. So, Jesus summed up the yeast of the Pharisees: Hypocrisy.
Summary: UNBELIEF à HARDENED HEART à HYPOCRISY (Yeast of the Pharisees) à FORM OF GODLINESS & WITHOUT POWER (that’s why they are always looking for power, miracles and signs) à NO REST. Hebrews3:12 Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; 13 but exhort one another daily, while it is called “Today,” lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. 14 For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end, 15 while it is said: “ Today, if you will hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.”
Roland
This is today’s sharing on ACTS. I hope that all of you will be blessed to know that faith is “a substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). As you meditate on this subject, may the Holy Spirit inspire you to find out what is hypocrisy and perhaps, expose any of it (if we have participated in non-active pursuit of faith). God bless.
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"Where is your faith?" - Doing ACTS (Tuesday 11/28/06)
Bible Reading: Mark 8:14-15 (Read also Mark 8:11-13)
The Pharisees Seek a Sign
11 Then the Pharisees came out and began to dispute with Him, seeking from Him a sign from heaven, testing Him. 12 But He sighed deeply in His spirit, and said, “Why does this generation seek a sign? Assuredly, I say to you, no sign shall be given to this generation.”
Beware of the Leaven of the Pharisees and Herod
13 And He left them, and getting into the boat again, departed to the other side. 14 Now the disciples had forgotten to take bread, and they did not have more than one loaf with them in the boat. 15 Then He charged them, saying, “Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.”
Questions:
1. Jesus talked about the yeast of the Pharisees also in another reference. Read Luke 12:1. What is the yeast of the Pharisees? In our reading today, Jesus also spoke about the yeast of the Pharisees (Mark 8:15). Luke 12:1 In the meantime, when an innumerable multitude of people had gathered together, so that they trampled one another, He began to say to His disciples first of all, “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. So, Jesus summed up the yeast of the Pharisees: Hypocrisy.
2. Hypocrisy of the Pharisees is a pretentious living. They have a form of godliness but no power to justify the godliness. Jesus talked about the yeast of the Pharisees after He left a group of Pharisees who demanded for a sign from Him (Mark 8:11-13). 11 Then the Pharisees came out and began to dispute with Him, seeking from Him a sign from heaven, testing Him. 12 But He sighed deeply in His spirit, and said, “Why does this generation seek a sign? Assuredly, I say to you, no sign shall be given to this generation.” 13 And He left them, and getting into the boat again, departed to the other side.
3. The Pharisees don’t seem to reconcile the quality of godliness and the display of a faith-filled and a life of powerful living. Why? They are more concerned about the natural outward form of religion and thus producing only a form of godliness (not real godliness). Could this be because of their UNBELIEF? Yes, because they could not see the Miracle-Maker God: Jesus. They may have witnessed the signs and wonders, but were not able to identify them as God’s miraculous acts. They were content at their eloquence in the Scriptures, and were proud that they “knew” the Word of God in their heads, but never allowing it to take effect in the heart.
4. Read what the Scripture say about unbelief? Read Hebrews 3:12-15. Unbelief (hardened heart) is termed as sin’s deceitfulness. So the Pharisees’ unbelief leads to a hardened heart which leads to loss of faith which leads to only having a form of godliness and without power!
Summary: UNBELIEF à HARDENED HEART à HYPOCRISY (Yeast of the Pharisees) à FORM OF GODLINESS & WITHOUT POWER (that’s why they are always looking for power, miracles and signs) à NO REST. Hebrews3:12 Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; 13 but exhort one another daily, while it is called “Today,” lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. 14 For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end, 15 while it is said: “ Today, if you will hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.”
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Agape,
Roland
Posted by ru4jc @ Mon 27 Nov, 06, 10:08PM under Doing ACTS
"Seed of Miracle" – Doing ACTS – Monday 11/27/06
Scripture Reading
Mark 8
Feeding the Four Thousand
1 In those days, the multitude being very great and having nothing to eat, Jesus called His disciples to Him and said to them, 2 “I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now continued with Me three days and have nothing to eat. 3 And if I send them away hungry to their own houses, they will faint on the way; for some of them have come from afar.”4 Then His disciples answered Him, “How can one satisfy these people with bread here in the wilderness?”
5 He asked them, “How many loaves do you have?”
And they said, “Seven.”
6 So He commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground. And He took the seven loaves and gave thanks, broke them and gave them to His disciples to set before them; and they set them before the multitude. 7 They also had a few small fish; and having blessed them, He said to set them also before them. 8 So they ate and were filled, and they took up seven large baskets of leftover fragments. 9 Now those who had eaten were about four thousand. And He sent them away, 10 immediately got into the boat with His disciples, and came to the region of Dalmanutha.
The Pharisees Seek a Sign
11 Then the Pharisees came out and began to dispute with Him, seeking from Him a sign from heaven, testing Him. 12 But He sighed deeply in His spirit, and said, “Why does this generation seek a sign? Assuredly, I say to you, no sign shall be given to this generation.”
Beware of the Leaven of the Pharisees and Herod
13 And He left them, and getting into the boat again, departed to the other side.
- VV2 – Do you notice the willingness of the crowd in this passage? They were willing to spend time with Jesus to the point that they went on 3 days without food. How willing are you to spend time with Jesus? (vv2 “I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now continued with Me three days and have nothing to eat.) From this passage, Jesus has compassion for the crowd as they were following Him through the places for 3 days, and they had nothing to eat. Thus, it was clear that the people were desperate for Him. And with such hunger and thirst for God, they went on without food, because they just wanted more of Him.
- Remember Jesus fed the 5000 in chapter 6:30-44. From v1-5, Jesus was giving the disciples opportunity to respond to a need and wanting them to meet the need based on their previous experience on feeding a huge crowd. (30 Then the apostles gathered to Jesus and told Him all things, both what they had done and what they had taught. 31 And He said to them, “Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” For there were many coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat. 32 So they departed to a deserted place in the boat by themselves.
33 But the multitudes[a] saw them departing, and many knew Him and ran there on foot from all the cities. They arrived before them and came together to Him. 34 And Jesus, when He came out, saw a great multitude and was moved with compassion for them, because they were like sheep not having a shepherd. So He began to teach them many things.) - What was Jesus feeling towards the crowd? (vv2) – Jesus has compassion on the crowd.
- What might happen if they don’t eat? (vv3) – They might fall ill, faint, due to lack of energy from lack of food.
- What was the disciples’ response? (vv4) – (4 Then His disciples answered Him, “How can one satisfy these people with bread here in the wilderness?”)
- What different obstacle did they point out in the feeding of the 4000 (Mark 8:4)? What obstacle did they feel in the feeding of the 5000 (Mark 6:37)? – Mark6:37 But He answered and said to them, “You give them something to eat.” And they said to Him, “Shall we go and buy two hundred denarii worth of bread and give them something to eat?” Referring to item c, it seems like bread alone would not satisfy the need of the people, and that they would need something more. The feeding of the 5000 was more the resources (bread and fish), while the feeding of the 4000 seemed to be more than just bread and fish.
- What do you gather from their response? That the disciples still were not convinced from the experience of miracle they seen from Mark 6.
- What was Jesus’ solution to the need? (vv5) Jesus was looking for a seed for a miracle. What was the seed? (Read vv5b) - 5 He asked them, “How many loaves do you have?” The medium in use here is what are the substance available. Jesus asked for what was available – so that He can use it to display God’s miracle. Something must be visible.
- Why is it the disciples did not see the “seed” for a miracle? What is the “seed” around you that you might not notice for a miracle? Look harder! (God to Moses: Exodus 4:2 – What ‘seed’ did Moses have?) - 2 So the LORD said to him, “What is that in your hand?” He said, “A rod.” They cannot see because of hardness of heart – they were still learning from Jesus, the Miracle-Maker.
- Describe the greatness of this miracle by seeing the outcome of it from vv6-9. 6 So He commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground. And He took the seven loaves and gave thanks, broke them and gave them to His disciples to set before them; and they set them before the multitude. 7 They also had a few small fish; and having blessed them, He said to set them also before them. 8 So they ate and were filled, and they took up seven large baskets of leftover fragments. 9 Now those who had eaten were about four thousand. And He sent them away. There were many leftovers they gathered from the miracle seen. God showed them that there is multiplication when we offer up from a willing heart.
- From v11-12: What is it the Pharisees missed? Why is it they wanted a sign and what would have been their seed to miracle? Read John 20:29 - 29 Jesus said to him, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” The Pharisees just couldn’t see, because they were hard at heart. They sought to see miracles that was evident to the eyes, but there wasn’t change of heart, even in viewing the miracle. They missed it.
Posted by ru4jc @ Fri 15 Sep, 06, 05:24PM under Doing ACTS
Dear All,
Greetings in Jesus' most precious and wonderful name. Sorry this came out a little late. But I found today's message to be very interesting, about pressing on, persevering in prayer. The meditation today is titled "Perseverance in Prayer". Be blessed...
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Luke 18:1-8
1 Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart, 2 saying: “There was in a certain city a judge who did not fear God nor regard man. 3 Now there was a widow in that city; and she came to him, saying, ‘Get justice for me from my adversary.’ 4 And he would not for a while; but afterward he said within himself, ‘Though I do not fear God nor regard man, 5 yet because this widow troubles me I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.’”
6 Then the Lord said, “Hear what the unjust judge said. 7 And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them? 8 I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?”
6 Then the Lord said, “Hear what the unjust judge said. 7 And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them? 8 I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?”
Daniel 10:12-13
12 Then he said to me, “Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard; and I have come because of your words. 13 But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days; and behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left alone there with the kings of Persia.
It is not enough to begin to pray, nor to pray aright; nor is it enough to continue for a time to pray; but we must patiently believe, continue in prayer until we obtain an answer. George Mueller
1. The most important characteristic seen in the widow and Daniel was they persevered in prayer. Though the widow did not show sign of praying, but the act of pressing on, was what Jesus was presenting. And Jesus said that for the elect's sake, would He not come and avenge speedily? It is showing that we must come by persevering in prayer, pressing deep into touching the heart of God by not giving up and continually pray until we see something happen.
2. Yes, God heard them! How do we know? Daniel 10:12 says that in the day you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard...
3.
John 15:2
2 Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.
Personal reflection on what we need God to help us in, areas where we need to be pruned, that we can be effective in prayer.
4.
a) Answers to prayers doesn't always appear immediately. Sometimes, prayer for something is over a period of time, of sowing and placing value and time to just intercede for God to move and make His way sovereign.
b) Any sharing would be great. Prayer perseverance has some praise reports. Do share.
c) I suppose that they knew what they were looking for, what they really wanted God to move in. If we are passionate, we will not let go until we see something happen. Perhaps it could be a situation in your life that now calls for answer, press in and press on.
d) Luke 18:8b - Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?”
(i) Hebrews 11:6 says that without faith, it is impossible to please God. In prayer, we need to have these raised to God in faith. It means nothing if it is spoken out of just duty and no heart in it. Faith is, by definition, the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1).
(ii)
Romans 10:17
17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
It comes by a continual hearing / declaration of the word of God, spoken into our lives.
(iii) Meditation on the word of God grants us insight in several areas:
- What God says about Himself...
- What God says about me/for me to be...
- What God wants me to do...
- What God wants me to stay away from...
- What God has promised me...
- What God says of the future...
By knowing what God says, it will help you to pray more 'accurately', with the understanding of God and what He says, not our minds on it's assumptions.
5.
(i)
Luke 24:29
29 But they constrained Him, saying, “Abide with us, for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent.” And He went in to stay with them.
Acts 1:4
4 And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which,” He said, “you have heard from Me;
- The disciples waited until the Promise of God came...
(ii)
Exodus 17:12-13
12 But Moses’ hands became heavy; so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it. And Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. 13 So Joshua defeated Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.
- He kept it up as long as the children of Israel needed to fight. The battle wasn't over, Moses had to keep his hands up.
(iii)
Joshua 8:26
26 For Joshua did not draw back his hand, with which he stretched out the spear, until he had utterly destroyed all the inhabitants of Ai.
- Like (ii), Joshua held it out for as long as the battle endured.
(iv)
1 Kings 18:44
44 Then it came to pass the seventh time, that he said, “There is a cloud, as small as a man’s hand, rising out of the sea!” So he said, “Go up, say to Ahab, ‘Prepare your chariot, and go down before the rain stops you.’”
- According to this passage of Scripture, even though the promise was given, Elijah needed to pray. Pray for rain. 7 times he asked his servant to look if rain was coming, and it was the 7th time that the servant saw a cloud so small, but it was certainly a sign God was coming through.
Summary:
How long must we persevere?
From study, we know in order for us to reach the answer to prayer, we need to keep staying on in prayer until we see something happen. PUSH - Pray Until Something Happens. Don't stop...
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I hope you had a good read. May we continue to persevere in prayer until we see God break through. We will be discussing this tonight in CG.
See you all later. God bless!
Agape,
Roland
"Success in the Kingdom is building into the lives of others..."
Posted by ru4jc @ Thu 14 Sep, 06, 04:24PM under Doing ACTS
Dear All,
The title for today's meditation is "Pleading & Argument Before God". Today's meditation is taken from several Scripture passages. They are listed below. I hope you will find this helpful in bringing our prayers and request before God, in the heart of wanting to see our prayers prevail. God bless your meditation.
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Isaiah 1:18
18 “ Come now, and let us reason together,”
Says the LORD,
“ Though your sins are like scarlet,
They shall be as white as snow;
Though they are red like crimson,
They shall be as wool.
Says the LORD,
“ Though your sins are like scarlet,
They shall be as white as snow;
Though they are red like crimson,
They shall be as wool.
Isaiah 41:21
21 “ Present your case,” says the LORD.
“ Bring forth your strong reasons,” says the King of Jacob.
“ Bring forth your strong reasons,” says the King of Jacob.
Job 23:3-5
3 Oh, that I knew where I might find Him,
That I might come to His seat!
That I might come to His seat!
4 I would present my case before Him,
And fill my mouth with arguments.
And fill my mouth with arguments.
5 I would know the words which He would answer me,
And understand what He would say to me.
And understand what He would say to me.
Genesis 18:22-33
22 Then the men turned away from there and went toward Sodom, but Abraham still stood before the LORD. 23 And Abraham came near and said, “Would You also destroy the righteous with the wicked? 24 Suppose there were fifty righteous within the city; would You also destroy the place and not spare it for the fifty righteous that were in it? 25 Far be it from You to do such a thing as this, to slay the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous should be as the wicked; far be it from You! Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?”
26 So the LORD said, “If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare all the place for their sakes.”
27 Then Abraham answered and said, “Indeed now, I who am but dust and ashes have taken it upon myself to speak to the Lord: 28 Suppose there were five less than the fifty righteous; would You destroy all of the city for lack of five?”
So He said, “If I find there forty-five, I will not destroy it.”
29 And he spoke to Him yet again and said, “Suppose there should be forty found there?”
So He said, “I will not do it for the sake of forty.”
30 Then he said, “Let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak: Suppose thirty should be found there?”
So He said, “I will not do it if I find thirty there.”
31 And he said, “Indeed now, I have taken it upon myself to speak to the Lord: Suppose twenty should be found there?”
So He said, “I will not destroy it for the sake of twenty.”
32 Then he said, “Let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak but once more: Suppose ten should be found there?”
And He said, “I will not destroy it for the sake of ten.” 33 So the LORD went His way as soon as He had finished speaking with Abraham; and Abraham returned to his place.
26 So the LORD said, “If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare all the place for their sakes.”
27 Then Abraham answered and said, “Indeed now, I who am but dust and ashes have taken it upon myself to speak to the Lord: 28 Suppose there were five less than the fifty righteous; would You destroy all of the city for lack of five?”
So He said, “If I find there forty-five, I will not destroy it.”
29 And he spoke to Him yet again and said, “Suppose there should be forty found there?”
So He said, “I will not do it for the sake of forty.”
30 Then he said, “Let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak: Suppose thirty should be found there?”
So He said, “I will not do it if I find thirty there.”
31 And he said, “Indeed now, I have taken it upon myself to speak to the Lord: Suppose twenty should be found there?”
So He said, “I will not destroy it for the sake of twenty.”
32 Then he said, “Let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak but once more: Suppose ten should be found there?”
And He said, “I will not destroy it for the sake of ten.” 33 So the LORD went His way as soon as He had finished speaking with Abraham; and Abraham returned to his place.
There is a sense in which prevaling with God can take the form of holy-reasoning - yes, even presenting holy arguments before God. Spurgeon once preached: "The man who has in his mouth full of arguments in prayer shall soon have his mouth full of benediction in answered prayer. This holy argumentation with God is not done in a negative, complaining spirit or a critical heart, but of a heart burning with love for God, for His name and for His glory.
1. God seems to be interested to in hearing us, and reasoning with Him. It's not that He likes a challenge, but sometimes you need that sort of approach to come to a point of trying to understand why. Does God resent our argumentative attitude? Take a father-child relationship, where do you think comes a place for us to debate/discuss with them? In the place of close relationships, we can approach God and make it a point to pour our heart's desire (with no meaning of disrespect), but out of concern and love for Him.
2. Abraham knew what he was looking for. In this case, he was there to plead for God's mercy over the wicked nation of Sodom. What do you have in your heart to plead God for? What's pressing you to see Him move? Are you driven to ask God to stop in His tracks so that mercy can be shown where judgment has been pronounced?
3.
a) Text reference taken from vv25, "Far be it from You to do such a thing as this, to slay the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous should be as the wicked; far be it from You! Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?”"
b) Text reference taken from vv23, "And Abraham came near and said, “Would You also destroy the righteous with the wicked?" and vv25, "Far be it from You to do such a thing as this, to slay the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous should be as the wicked; far be it from You! Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?”"
c) Text reference taken from vv25, "Far be it from You to do such a thing as this, to slay the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous should be as the wicked; far be it from You! Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?”"
d) Best reference is Genesis 18:23-25, "23 And Abraham came near and said, “Would You also destroy the righteous with the wicked? 24 Suppose there were fifty righteous within the city; would You also destroy the place and not spare it for the fifty righteous that were in it? 25 Far be it from You to do such a thing as this, to slay the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous should be as the wicked; far be it from You! Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?”"
4.
James 2:23
23 And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.”And he was called the friend of God.
How is your relationship with God? Relate this to your relationship with your earthly parent/father, how does intimacy support the case of bringing a need to the daddy with the response that comes thereafter? Some food for thought...
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I hope you had a blessed read. Take greatest care, and may the thoughts and meditation above help us to pursue God in prayer.
God bless!
Agape,
Roland
"Success in the Kingdom is building into the lives of others..."
Posted by ru4jc @ Wed 13 Sep, 06, 04:39PM under Doing ACTS
Dear All,
Today's topic is one that would challenge you, to see that when there are somethings that are hard pressing you, you can continue persevering in God through prayer. That's what we call persevering prayer. The title for today's meditation is "Prevaling in Prayer". May God bless the meditation of His Word.
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Genesis 32:9-31
9 Then Jacob said, “O God of my father Abraham and God of my father Isaac, the LORD who said to me, ‘Return to your country and to your family, and I will deal well with you’: 10 I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies and of all the truth which You have shown Your servant; for I crossed over this Jordan with my staff, and now I have become two companies. 11 Deliver me, I pray, from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau; for I fear him, lest he come and attack me and the mother with the children. 12 For You said, ‘I will surely treat you well, and make your descendants as the sand of the sea, which cannot be numbered for multitude.’”
13 So he lodged there that same night, and took what came to his hand as a present for Esau his brother: 14 two hundred female goats and twenty male goats, two hundred ewes and twenty rams, 15 thirty milk camels with their colts, forty cows and ten bulls, twenty female donkeys and ten foals. 16 Then he delivered them to the hand of his servants, every drove by itself, and said to his servants, “Pass over before me, and put some distance between successive droves.” 17 And he commanded the first one, saying, “When Esau my brother meets you and asks you, saying, ‘To whom do you belong, and where are you going? Whose are these in front of you?’ 18 then you shall say, ‘They are your servant Jacob’s. It is a present sent to my lord Esau; and behold, he also is behind us.’” 19 So he commanded the second, the third, and all who followed the droves, saying, “In this manner you shall speak to Esau when you find him; 20 and also say, ‘Behold, your servant Jacob is behind us.’” For he said, “I will appease him with the present that goes before me, and afterward I will see his face; perhaps he will accept me.” 21 So the present went on over before him, but he himself lodged that night in the camp.
13 So he lodged there that same night, and took what came to his hand as a present for Esau his brother: 14 two hundred female goats and twenty male goats, two hundred ewes and twenty rams, 15 thirty milk camels with their colts, forty cows and ten bulls, twenty female donkeys and ten foals. 16 Then he delivered them to the hand of his servants, every drove by itself, and said to his servants, “Pass over before me, and put some distance between successive droves.” 17 And he commanded the first one, saying, “When Esau my brother meets you and asks you, saying, ‘To whom do you belong, and where are you going? Whose are these in front of you?’ 18 then you shall say, ‘They are your servant Jacob’s. It is a present sent to my lord Esau; and behold, he also is behind us.’” 19 So he commanded the second, the third, and all who followed the droves, saying, “In this manner you shall speak to Esau when you find him; 20 and also say, ‘Behold, your servant Jacob is behind us.’” For he said, “I will appease him with the present that goes before me, and afterward I will see his face; perhaps he will accept me.” 21 So the present went on over before him, but he himself lodged that night in the camp.
Wrestling With God
22 And he arose that night and took his two wives, his two female servants, and his eleven sons, and crossed over the ford of Jabbok. 23 He took them, sent them over the brook, and sent over what he had. 24 Then Jacob was left alone; and a Man wrestled with him until the breaking of day. 25 Now when He saw that He did not prevail against him, He touched the socket of his hip; and the socket of Jacob’s hip was out of joint as He wrestled with him. 26 And He said, “Let Me go, for the day breaks.”
But he said, “I will not let You go unless You bless me!”
27 So He said to him, “What is your name?”
He said, “Jacob.”
28 And He said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel; for you have struggled with God and with men, and have prevailed.”
29 Then Jacob asked, saying, “Tell me Your name, I pray.”
And He said, “Why is it that you ask about My name?” And He blessed him there.
30 So Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: “For I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.” 31 Just as he crossed over Penuel the sun rose on him, and he limped on his hip.
22 And he arose that night and took his two wives, his two female servants, and his eleven sons, and crossed over the ford of Jabbok. 23 He took them, sent them over the brook, and sent over what he had. 24 Then Jacob was left alone; and a Man wrestled with him until the breaking of day. 25 Now when He saw that He did not prevail against him, He touched the socket of his hip; and the socket of Jacob’s hip was out of joint as He wrestled with him. 26 And He said, “Let Me go, for the day breaks.”
But he said, “I will not let You go unless You bless me!”
27 So He said to him, “What is your name?”
He said, “Jacob.”
28 And He said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel; for you have struggled with God and with men, and have prevailed.”
29 Then Jacob asked, saying, “Tell me Your name, I pray.”
And He said, “Why is it that you ask about My name?” And He blessed him there.
30 So Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: “For I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.” 31 Just as he crossed over Penuel the sun rose on him, and he limped on his hip.
Prevaling may involve God's most perfect time. Only God knows at which point of time there would be the greatest spiritual return and the most strategic advantage to His Kingdom from your receiving the answer to your prayer. To prevail involves being spiritually strong, committed to prayer goals and persevering until God's answer of victory is received. Prevaling prayer involves prevaling over ourselves, situation, other people, and satan.
1.
Genesis 31:3
3 Then the LORD said to Jacob, “Return to the land of your fathers and to your family, and I will be with you.”
vv9 of chapter 32 repeats the promise of God to Jacob. Now, even when we know the promise of God for our lives, we still need to persevere and pray on, until we prevail. We cannot just sit on the issue, and expect things to happen, because we know, prayer changes things.
2. Jacob was so fearful of Esau, his brother, after robbing him of his blessings from their father, Isaac. In Jacob's mind, he thought that Esau is on a mission to kill him. Jacob could wrestle with his own conscience to get him back on his feet. Or, he could come before God and ask for His touch over the situation.
Jacob had come to a point of just needing to trust God. There was nothing that he could do to change anything. Only God could do something now. When faced with a difficult future, take on this stance, that God knows what the future holds for us, because He holds the future. Remind God of His faithfulness and promise, because it is on this basis that Jacob pleaded with God to go with him, as the promise was that it would be well with him.
3.
Genesis 32:6
6 Then the messengers returned to Jacob, saying, “We came to your brother Esau, and he also is coming to meet you, and four hundred men are with him.”
They say, the greater threat you are to the kingdom of darkness, the likelihood of you getting attacks are greater as well. The may be an army coming against you, but remember 1 John 4:4, which says that He that is in you is greater than he that is in the world.
4. Prayer is an important tool, it is our communication pathway to the Father. If we do not use this tool to reach the resource of heaven, it means we are going by our own strength. Where do you turn to in your need? Do you try with your strength first, then when all else fails, turn to Jesus? Or would it be wiser to turn to Him first, because He knows everything?
I'm sure we all know Jacob had to wrestle with himself and with God, because he was really uncertain, of what is coming his way. The only way now, is to plead God for His mercy and touch. Prevaling prayer is one that does not give up, like Jacob. He didn't let go of God (in the angel), until He blessed him. We too need to pray and plead in that manner.
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I hope you had a blessed read. May God fill you with all the grace of heaven to know that He is not too far away, He is just a prayer away. And even with that, He wants us to persevere, and not give up. God wants to pour out His blessings.
Have a blessed day. God bless!
Agape,
Roland
"Success in the Kingdom is building into the lives of others..."
Posted by ru4jc @ Tue 12 Sep, 06, 04:19PM under Doing ACTS
Dear All,
How are you doing on a Tueaday? I hope that things are running well, and that His grace accompanies you in all you do. Today's Doing ACTS is titled "The Throne Life". May the contents bless you as you walk close to Him.
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Hebrews 4:14-16
14 Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
1. The first action we can take is of course, to come! vv16 says to come boldly to the throne...
2.
1 Peter 5:10
10 But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.
We know that God's throne is that of grace and mercy, because it's at that place where we obtain the grace and mercy for living.
3. We are called to approach the throne boldly, means we need to be assured that He is accessible. Just like a child would know how to approach a daddy, likewise, this is how our heavenly Father would want us to approach Him.
4.
Revelations 3:21
21 To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.
Galatians 2:20
20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
Ephsians 2:6
6 and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, ...
These verses tell us that we have access to the throne room of God, on these merits:
(i) one who overcomes (sins) - this does not connote the fact of combat against sin by our natural strength, but the continual infilling of the Spirit of God
(ii) the new self - by crucifying the old self (desires that run contrary to the will of God). God is a Holy God, and those who come must come holy...
(iii) raised by God's wonderful grace - Ephesians 2 speaks about us being saved by grace through faith, not that of ours, lest we should boast, but it's the gift of God. And our own works cannot earn us salvation, only by the blood of Jesus.
5. If you know you are a son or daughter of God, your access to the throne of God is inexhaustible. The place is as open to you as a house you stay in. One may say, God is a righteous God. Yes, we have a place for that, and God is also a God of love. In all of God's perfect qualities, He welcomes us just like a Daddy, waiting for His children to come to Him and bringing our prayers and needs before Him.
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May these meditations help you see that prayer is as coming to Daddy and seeking Him, not the gifts He brings. He longs to answer us.
Have a blessed week. God bless!
Agape,
Roland
"Success in the Kingdom is building into the lives of others..."
Posted by ru4jc @ Mon 11 Sep, 06, 04:18PM under Doing ACTS
Dear All,
I hope that all of you are starting on a new week with much passion to love God, and His people. I just want to encourage you to stand strong in His Word, and let His word richly bless you, to encourage you, and build you.
Today's ACTS is titled "Sin of Prayerlessness".
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The sin of prayerlessness is one of the easiest sins to commit. It is a sin against man and a sin against God. You can sin not only by doing what is wrong but by not doing what is right.
James 4:17
17 Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.
Luke 12:47
47 And that servant who knew his master’s will, and did not prepare himself or do according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.
1.
a)
1 Thessalonians 5:17 - Pray without ceasing.
Matthew 6:5 - “And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.
God wills for us to pray, (i) without ceasing, and (ii) in the secret. Steven Curtis Chapman puts it in his song, let us pray, that anytime of the day, it is the right time. I attach the song lyrics, for you to know the will of living a prayerful life.
b) For your individual reflection...
c)
1 Samuel 12:23
23 Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you; but I will teach you the good and the right way.
2.
a) ...far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you...
b) Job 30:25 - Have I not wept for him who was in trouble? Has not my soul grieved for the poor?
This man cries to God for those in trouble. When we don't lift up prayers for the needs we see around us, that means we don't care about the needs around us. Remember the 2 great commandments? First, loving God, and then, loving man. ...love your neighbours as yourself...
How would you deduce this then? If we do not love ourselves, then we don't need to love others. But if we do... you think...
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May God grant you understanding of His Word today. Continue to meditate on it...
God bless you all.
Agape,
Roland
"Success in the Kingdom is building into the lives of others..."
Posted by ru4jc @ Wed 06 Sep, 06, 04:17PM under Doing ACTS
Dear All,
Here is the meditation for today's Doing ACTS. The title is "He is Faithful".
Ruth 3:18
=======
18 Then she said, “Sit still, my daughter, until you know how the matter will turn out; for the man will not rest until he has concluded the matter this day.”
1.
a) Waiting keeps you from the answer, or tasting the answer to your request. It's a place that tests your patience. How do you like waiting? No one likes to wait. You'll feel anxious, wanting to see or receive the response to our wait.
b) I suppose Ruth would have lots of things running through her mind; what would the future be like, what's the wait for, etc.
c) Naomi asked Ruth to wait, and sit still. That means, no turning around and doubting, or feeling anxious. The assurance is, Boaz will do something, he will not rest until the matter is concluded.
d) If you knew who you submitted your prayer to, the One who owns the whole universe, you would be assured that He will come through to you, in the exact moment you have the need.
2. Hebrews 10:19-23 says :-
19 Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, 21 and having a High Priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.
The Scriptures tell us that He who promised is faithful. He will deliver.
3. We learn that if we will just trust, and not doubt, we will surely see Him come true. Not struggling in our own wisdom or strength.
***********************************************************************************************************************
I hope you were blessed by the lesson. God wants you to know He loves you, and will come through to you in your point of need.
God bless!
Agape,
Roland
"Success in the Kingdom is building into the lives of others..."
Posted by ru4jc @ Tue 05 Sep, 06, 04:16PM under Doing ACTS
Dear All,
For your Doing ACTS today, the title is "Rest & Grace". I encourage you to take some time to meditate on the study, may it enrich your life.
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Ruth 3:13-17
13 Stay this night, and in the morning it shall be that if he will perform the duty of a close relative for you—good; let him do it. But if he does not want to perform the duty for you, then I will perform the duty for you, as the LORD lives! Lie down until morning.”
14 So she lay at his feet until morning, and she arose before one could recognize another. Then he said, “Do not let it be known that the woman came to the threshing floor.” 15 Also he said, “Bring the shawl that is on you and hold it.” And when she held it, he measured six ephahs of barley, and laid it on her. Then she[a] went into the city.
16 When she came to her mother-in-law, she said, “Is that you, my daughter?”
Then she told her all that the man had done for her. 17 And she said, “These six ephahs of barley he gave me; for he said to me, ‘Do not go empty-handed to your mother-in-law.’”
14 So she lay at his feet until morning, and she arose before one could recognize another. Then he said, “Do not let it be known that the woman came to the threshing floor.” 15 Also he said, “Bring the shawl that is on you and hold it.” And when she held it, he measured six ephahs of barley, and laid it on her. Then she[a] went into the city.
16 When she came to her mother-in-law, she said, “Is that you, my daughter?”
Then she told her all that the man had done for her. 17 And she said, “These six ephahs of barley he gave me; for he said to me, ‘Do not go empty-handed to your mother-in-law.’”
1.
a) Laying at the feet of Boaz, she certainly did not show signs of discomfort. She wouldn't have been tossing and turning, entertaining thoughts of uncertainty about the future. vv14 says that she lay at his feet until morning, clearly shows that she was not moved by the uncertainty, but still waited patiently for an answer.
b) What possibly can cause us to not be able to enter into that rest? Unbelief. Lack of faith in God. Hebrews 4 says that the word was not of value to them because they didn't combine it with faith. Hebrews 11:6 says that without faith it is impossible to please God. The opposite of faith is fear, and when fear comes in, you cannot find God's rest. Perfect love casts out all fear (1 John 4:18).
c) Ruth was to rest in the threshing floor (a place of testing and trial). In application, sometimes when we go through hard times, we must take courage to know that if we had willfully submitted to God, in surrender, we need not struggle. God is our peace, and our strength. Matthew 11:28 - just come to God, we will find His rest.
2.
a) Sometimes when we strive hard to obtain something, we tire ourselves out, and find that we have actually been working things out with our own strength. Things would be different if we had known the rest in Christ. Matthew 11:28-30 says, "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” The connotation of work from the yoke is shown in this passage, but in Him, we have all sufficiency. His Word tells us that His grace is always sufficient for us. 2 Corinthians 9:8 says that God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. You will see His abundance, when you learn to rest in Him.
b) Experience is a good teacher, because it takes you through the circumstance, and helps you on finding the resources to meet the need in the given circumstance. Head knowledge is different, it only takes you through the notion of learning, without the action. So, what are we doing about the knowledge we received? Translate it into action? The key to finding God's abundance is learning to rest in His promise, not in our own strength. He is more than enough.
*******************************************************************************
I encourage you all to continue studying these lessons, and meditate on them. Pastor Sam spend many hours writing these devotional weekly.
God bless you all.
Agape,
Roland
"Success in the Kingdom is building into the lives of others..."
Posted by ru4jc @ Mon 04 Sep, 06, 04:14PM under Doing ACTS
Dear All,
Just wanted to share some stuff about doing ACTS. They (the answers) correspond to the questions in your booklet.
Let me know if you have any questions, alright? God bless!
Commitment to Christ (Ruth 3:9-12)
********************************
9 "Who are you?" he asked.
"I am your servant Ruth," she said. "Spread the corner of your garment over me, since you are a kinsman-redeemer."
"I am your servant Ruth," she said. "Spread the corner of your garment over me, since you are a kinsman-redeemer."
10 "The LORD bless you, my daughter," he replied. "This kindness is greater than that which you showed earlier: You have not run after the younger men, whether rich or poor. 11 And now, my daughter, don't be afraid. I will do for you all you ask. All my fellow townsmen know that you are a woman of noble character. 12 Although it is true that I am near of kin, there is a kinsman-redeemer nearer than I.
1.
a) How do you think Jesus sees you?
This is a question that would reflect on how well we know our God. The measure of how well we know our God is traced on how well we understand what His word says about us. Are we not His beloved, treasured possession, a royal priesthood, the apple of His eye, and more?
b) Boaz noticed Ruth not going after young men or riches, truly shows that it's not the outward that should be the attraction of our affections. We need to look into the heart, the same way God tells Samuel, in the selection of the next king after King Saul. God looks at the heart. So, the best way to look at someone before judging is always based on personality, not possession.
c) Boaz said, "don't be afraid. I will do for you all you ask." It is the assurance that even as we rely on Jesus, first of all, we know we are not to fear. God will come and meet us at our point of need. He will supply in accordance to our expectation.
d) Maybe you're at a point of not knowing whether your petitions are reaching heaven or not, but remember that we are washed in the blood of Jesus. The requirements spelt out by the study:
i) She was a woman of noble or excellent character.
ii) She laid her life down at Boaz' feet.
iii) She submitted her life and will to Boaz' good hands.
iv) She washed herself - Ruth 3:3 (keeping in the Word)
v) She was called to anoint herself - Ruth 3:3 (keeping with the Holy Spirit's power)
vi) Told to put on the best clothes - Ruth 3:3 (keeping in holiness and righteousness)
vii) She was a woman of faith - following Naomi after her husband's death and in faith, trusted Boaz
**************************************************************************************************
I encourage you to study and meditate on this study today, and it will enrich your life. God bless you all, thanks for following through with Doing ACTS!
Agape,
Roland
"Success in the Kingdom is building into the lives of others..."
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