Quite a character isn’t she? “Yes, very lavish in her demonstration of love for Jesus: Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair Jn 12:3(ESV). It is amazing how Jesus completely transforms a woman.” Or how a woman completely embraces her Lord. “How do you mean?”
Looking at the dinner setting it seems everything was under control and she really wasn’t needed. “How do you mean?” So they gave a dinner for him there. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those reclining with him at table Jn 12:2(ESV). Serving had been taken care of by Martha, and Lazarus was keeping Jesus company, it seemed there was really nothing left, nothing for her to do. “I think housekeeping was not one of her strengths because the last time serving was abandoned by her.” Who knows; but have you ever been in that situation where it looks like there’s nothing for you to do, that some who are more experienced than you are already taking care of the obvious, but you just want to express your love to Jesus? “You’re right. Several times; at home and fellowship, as though I have two left hands.” Well in that situation unfettered expression of love for Jesus may be what God really needs you to do, a deed that the house became filled with the fragrance of the perfume Jn 12:2(ISV).
“You mean God wanted her to do that?” Well meaning people may regard such actions on your part as a waste but you know, her “waste” was actually preparing Jesus for His burial. When she poured this perfume on my body, she was preparing me for burial Mat 26:12(ISV). “Yes, o. She ministered directly to Jesus, truly Whatever presents itself for you to do, do it with all your might, because there is no work, planning, knowledge, or skill in the grave where you're going Ecc 9:10(GW). ”
That’s not all; remember she had a terrible past? Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out Lk 8:2(ESV). Those with terrible pasts often run faster than people who think they never sinned. “Yes, in one offering she gave close to a year’s salary. Stayed with Jesus on the way and on Calvary, was the first to see Him on resurrection morning…” What of you? “How?” Are you running faster like her or were you always righteous? Do you think you were forgiven little? So I'm telling you that her sins, as many as they are, have been forgiven, and that's why she has shown such great love. But the one to whom little is forgiven loves little. Lk 7:47(ISV).
What memorial will there be of your love for Jesus?
Thursday 31 March 2011
Saturday 26 March 2011
I don’t know what to say Week 13, 2011
“My mind is a bit blank thinking of what to use to tell others about my faith.” It happens to so many of us when trying to tell others about Jesus. Even Paul, big and experienced as we see him, used to ask people to pray for him to know what to say also: And pray also for me, that God will give me a message when I am ready to speak, so that I may speak boldly and make known the gospel's secret Eph 6:19(GNB). “Really?” Yes, it’s not how eloquent you are. I mean not how well you speak but the presence of God with you: When I talked with you or preached, I didn't try to prove anything by sounding wise. I simply let God's Spirit show his power 1Cor 2:4(CEV).
“I’m still scared.”Look, the woman at the well just said "Come and see a man who told me everything I have ever done! Could he be the Messiah?"Jn 4:29(CEV) nothing is as powerful as a testimony of a known sinner. “I am shy to give my testimony.” Why? It is an invitation you are giving; a discovery worth sharing. Andrew and Phillip both used the same thing: their testimony and the Holy Spirit brought men to salvation.
“Supposing I am asked a question I can’t answer; many of the people can ask serious questions and I am afraid I may not know the answer to any.” Have you not noticed Phillip was in that situation also? And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see Jn 1:46(KJV). Simply invite them to “Come and see”. Our part is to do the inviting the convincing is done by the Holy Spirit.
“I might get things wrong...” How do you mean? “Suppose I say something not totally correct in my message?” Do you really want to witness or are you just giving excuses? “No please don’t say that: I really want to witness.” Ok; I will ask you this: was Phillip totally correct in what he said to Nathanael? Philip found Nathaniel and told him, "We have found the man about whom Moses in the Law and the Prophets wrote-Jesus, the son of Joseph, from Nazareth." Jn 1:45(ISV). “I don’t get it. What was wrong?” Is Jesus the son of Joseph really? “Well no.” God used Phillip despite his being less than accurate.
“Wow. I feel better now; so it doesn’t matter if I say wrong inaccurate things, eh?” Of course it matters, but God is able to use us despite our short comings and mistakes for His glory.
Now, go! I will help you to speak, and I will tell you what to say Ex 4:12 (GNB)
“I’m still scared.”Look, the woman at the well just said "Come and see a man who told me everything I have ever done! Could he be the Messiah?"Jn 4:29(CEV) nothing is as powerful as a testimony of a known sinner. “I am shy to give my testimony.” Why? It is an invitation you are giving; a discovery worth sharing. Andrew and Phillip both used the same thing: their testimony and the Holy Spirit brought men to salvation.
“Supposing I am asked a question I can’t answer; many of the people can ask serious questions and I am afraid I may not know the answer to any.” Have you not noticed Phillip was in that situation also? And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see Jn 1:46(KJV). Simply invite them to “Come and see”. Our part is to do the inviting the convincing is done by the Holy Spirit.
“I might get things wrong...” How do you mean? “Suppose I say something not totally correct in my message?” Do you really want to witness or are you just giving excuses? “No please don’t say that: I really want to witness.” Ok; I will ask you this: was Phillip totally correct in what he said to Nathanael? Philip found Nathaniel and told him, "We have found the man about whom Moses in the Law and the Prophets wrote-Jesus, the son of Joseph, from Nazareth." Jn 1:45(ISV). “I don’t get it. What was wrong?” Is Jesus the son of Joseph really? “Well no.” God used Phillip despite his being less than accurate.
“Wow. I feel better now; so it doesn’t matter if I say wrong inaccurate things, eh?” Of course it matters, but God is able to use us despite our short comings and mistakes for His glory.
Now, go! I will help you to speak, and I will tell you what to say Ex 4:12 (GNB)
Saturday 19 March 2011
Where is the fire? Week 12, 2011
“Seriously I have little desire to talk to people about Jesus. It’s not like I do not believe in Him, but I have kind of cooled down from that initial time when I would tell those I had opportunity to.” What do you mean? “Well initially I used to pray that God gives me an opening and people would ask me something like, “There’s something different about you; what is it?” and then I would tell them about Jesus but that has kind of waned.” Don’t you hear the cry of the unbelievers’ punishment? And you feel normal, no unease, and no unrest inside you? “What cry?” "Is it nothing to you, all you who pass by? Look and see if there is any sorrow like my sorrow, which was brought upon me, which the LORD inflicted on the day of his fierce anger.” Lam 1:12(ESV).
“Yes, in fact I sometimes I see those rushing off to witness as perhaps being overeager, you know, maybe they should slow down a bit?”Are you not moved when you see unbelievers wallowing in sin and reaping the consequences? “Am I supposed to?” Ah, while Paul was waiting for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him as he saw that the city was full of idols. So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the devout persons, and in the marketplace every day with those who happened to be there Act 17:16-17(ESV). “It used to be but now…”
If your spirit is no longer provoked by sin around you unto evangelism then I have to ask, where is the fire? “What fire?” If I say, "I will not mention him, or speak any more in his name," there is in my heart as it were a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I am weary with holding it in, and I cannot Jer 20:9(ESV). This fire was in Jeremiah, in Paul, and in those who are filled with the Spirit.
“Well maybe I am not. I am no apostle nor do I regard myself a prophet. I’m just a layperson; not ordained.” What of Elihu who is not introduced as a priest or prophet? For I am full of words; the spirit within me constrains me. Behold, my belly is like wine that has no vent; like new wineskins ready to burst. I must speak, that I may find relief; I must open my lips and answer Job 32:18-20(ESV). I think we need to pray. It is the word of God inside that created the fire. If men like Jeremiah couldn’t hold it in when they tried is the word still in you? Is not my word like fire, declares the LORD, and like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces? Jer 23:29
“Yes, in fact I sometimes I see those rushing off to witness as perhaps being overeager, you know, maybe they should slow down a bit?”Are you not moved when you see unbelievers wallowing in sin and reaping the consequences? “Am I supposed to?” Ah, while Paul was waiting for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him as he saw that the city was full of idols. So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the devout persons, and in the marketplace every day with those who happened to be there Act 17:16-17(ESV). “It used to be but now…”
If your spirit is no longer provoked by sin around you unto evangelism then I have to ask, where is the fire? “What fire?” If I say, "I will not mention him, or speak any more in his name," there is in my heart as it were a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I am weary with holding it in, and I cannot Jer 20:9(ESV). This fire was in Jeremiah, in Paul, and in those who are filled with the Spirit.
“Well maybe I am not. I am no apostle nor do I regard myself a prophet. I’m just a layperson; not ordained.” What of Elihu who is not introduced as a priest or prophet? For I am full of words; the spirit within me constrains me. Behold, my belly is like wine that has no vent; like new wineskins ready to burst. I must speak, that I may find relief; I must open my lips and answer Job 32:18-20(ESV). I think we need to pray. It is the word of God inside that created the fire. If men like Jeremiah couldn’t hold it in when they tried is the word still in you? Is not my word like fire, declares the LORD, and like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces? Jer 23:29
Friday 11 March 2011
Women preachers week 11, 2011
“Me I don’t listen to them, they should learn quietly or stay in Sunday school.” Ah why now? “You people are spoiling church, bringing in wrong things. Why should a woman preach or teach?” Let me ask. To whom did Jesus say But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses … Act 1:8(ISV)? “That one is very easy now: the 11 disciples. See their names are even written in Acts 1:13: read it.” Is that so? Also read the next verse. With one mind all of them kept devoting themselves to prayer, along with the women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers Act 1:14(ISV). Women have been disciples of Jesus, travelling around with Him as well as the 12 (Lk8:1-2) and when Jesus spoke to the disciples saying: I will send you the Spirit who comes from the Father and shows what is true. The Spirit will help you and will tell you about me. Then you will also tell others about me, because you have been with me from the beginning. Jn 15:26, 27(CEV) the women were included. When the Holy Spirit fell upon 120 disciples it included these women who were waiting and Mary Jesus’ mother.
“So what does 1Co 14:34(ISV) mean when it says the women must keep silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak out, but must place themselves in submission, as the law also says?” Whatever it means cannot contradict what Jesus encourages women to do. This passage you are quoting has as its context church order and family living. You must interpret scripture with scripture so as not to err; God expects women to tell even men about salvation. “There you are; wherever did God do that?” Have you considered the woman at the well then left her waterpot and went into the city and said to the men, Come see a man who told me all things that I ever did. Is this One not the Christ? Jn 4:28, 29(MKJV)? In fact she had not been baptised in the Holy Spirit yet and was terribly effective. “She was a gentile, a Samaritan who was too forward. Jesus didn’t ask her. You know some people would jump out and start talking when Jesus told them keep quiet, don’t tell anyone. I know my bible o.” Do you know angels and Jesus instruct women to tell men about His resurrection? The angel spoke to the women “Go quickly now, and tell his disciples, 'He has been raised from death…” "Do not be afraid," Jesus said to them. "Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me." Mt 28:5, 7, 10(MKJV)
“So what does 1Co 14:34(ISV) mean when it says the women must keep silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak out, but must place themselves in submission, as the law also says?” Whatever it means cannot contradict what Jesus encourages women to do. This passage you are quoting has as its context church order and family living. You must interpret scripture with scripture so as not to err; God expects women to tell even men about salvation. “There you are; wherever did God do that?” Have you considered the woman at the well then left her waterpot and went into the city and said to the men, Come see a man who told me all things that I ever did. Is this One not the Christ? Jn 4:28, 29(MKJV)? In fact she had not been baptised in the Holy Spirit yet and was terribly effective. “She was a gentile, a Samaritan who was too forward. Jesus didn’t ask her. You know some people would jump out and start talking when Jesus told them keep quiet, don’t tell anyone. I know my bible o.” Do you know angels and Jesus instruct women to tell men about His resurrection? The angel spoke to the women “Go quickly now, and tell his disciples, 'He has been raised from death…” "Do not be afraid," Jesus said to them. "Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me." Mt 28:5, 7, 10(MKJV)
Saturday 5 March 2011
Go join this chariot week 10, 2011
“Some people make a mess of evangelism. Ever heard of the barber who draped a customer, took the blade and asked “Are you ready to die now and meet God?” The customer became terrified tore off the drape and fled! I’m not going to be like that.” I agree that was tactless, but that’s no reason for not telling people about your faith in Jesus: but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,1Pt 3:15(ESV)
“I don’t really feel like preaching these days. I guess I’ll just wait until God tells me to.” I don’t understand. How do you want God to tell you? The command has already been given. “Well like God spoke specifically to Phillip about the Ethiopian eunuch. Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, "Get up and go south by the road that leads from Jerusalem to Gaza. This is a desert road." So he got up and went. Now an Ethiopian eunuch was there Act 8:26-27(ISV).”
You missed something: the angel never said to Phillip “preach to the eunuch.” “Eh, I said the Spirit asked him to do so, not the angel.” Well the Spirit did not say that either: just asked him to join the chariot. The Spirit said to Philip, "Go to that chariot and stay close to it." So Philip ran up to it and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah out loud. He asked, "Do you understand what you're reading?" Act 8:29, 30(ISV)
“I don’t get it. Was it not to tell about Jesus that he was sent there?” Yes it was. I point this out because you are waiting for “a voice from God” before you witness. Phillip knew Jesus said to them, "So wherever you go in the world, tell everyone the Good News…” Mar 16:15(GW). Jesus has already asked all believers to bear witness so he didn’t ask “Lord should I talk to him about Jesus?” but seized the opportunity.
“Well no angel has asked me to get to a desert road yet.” I see. Let me ask you something: is it God that gave you this trade, was it God that brought these customers to buy from you? “Yes, I pray for customers daily” And the place you are living in, is it the Lord that led you there? “Of course yes!” So what are you waiting for? Go join this chariot!
And the Lord spoke to Paul in the night by a vision, Do not be afraid, but speak, and be not silent. For I am with you Act 18:9-10(MKJV)
“I don’t really feel like preaching these days. I guess I’ll just wait until God tells me to.” I don’t understand. How do you want God to tell you? The command has already been given. “Well like God spoke specifically to Phillip about the Ethiopian eunuch. Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, "Get up and go south by the road that leads from Jerusalem to Gaza. This is a desert road." So he got up and went. Now an Ethiopian eunuch was there Act 8:26-27(ISV).”
You missed something: the angel never said to Phillip “preach to the eunuch.” “Eh, I said the Spirit asked him to do so, not the angel.” Well the Spirit did not say that either: just asked him to join the chariot. The Spirit said to Philip, "Go to that chariot and stay close to it." So Philip ran up to it and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah out loud. He asked, "Do you understand what you're reading?" Act 8:29, 30(ISV)
“I don’t get it. Was it not to tell about Jesus that he was sent there?” Yes it was. I point this out because you are waiting for “a voice from God” before you witness. Phillip knew Jesus said to them, "So wherever you go in the world, tell everyone the Good News…” Mar 16:15(GW). Jesus has already asked all believers to bear witness so he didn’t ask “Lord should I talk to him about Jesus?” but seized the opportunity.
“Well no angel has asked me to get to a desert road yet.” I see. Let me ask you something: is it God that gave you this trade, was it God that brought these customers to buy from you? “Yes, I pray for customers daily” And the place you are living in, is it the Lord that led you there? “Of course yes!” So what are you waiting for? Go join this chariot!
And the Lord spoke to Paul in the night by a vision, Do not be afraid, but speak, and be not silent. For I am with you Act 18:9-10(MKJV)
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