Proverbs 18

18:1 "Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment."

*I'm reminded of the importance of not becoming lone-rangers, but being/staying a part of a church community. I realize that church community is not just for good times with good food, but for the sake of keeping each accountable - spiritually in-check. With each passing year as a Christian, I become more and more thankful that I have my spiritual family to keep me from going astray, give me good council, and the occasional loving rebukes.

But it's not just my church family that I appreciate, I also realize the importance of staying connected to people in general. Where would we be without our good friends and family? I'd definitely be a confused, messed up and utterly depressed adult with no purpose in life. I see how God has used each person in my life in some strategic way to break me, shape me and help me become who I am today.

I'm truly thankful for the people in my life who have helped me find my way and stay grounded.

John 2:5

2:5 "His mother said to the servants, "Whatever He says to you, do it."
2:7 "Jesus said to them, "Fill the waterpots with water." And they filled them up to the brim."

I never realized this before, but today as I read it over again, this revelation hit me... these verses are about OBEDIENCE!

"Whatever He says to you, DO IT!" - It's that instant obedience to do whatever He asks of us right away. Not a week or two later, a month or year, but right away when He asks us to do something...for we are now God's slave of righteousness (Rom 6:18,22)

And we see how the servants obey right away when Jesus tells them to fill up the waterpots (2:7)
We too, as servants (NASB)/ministers (NKJV) of God, must have this willing obedience that obeys instantly. I long to get to that place of RADICAL OBEDIENCE that never questions, doubts or compromises.

LORD, GIVE ME RADICAL OBEDIENCE~!



* Side-Note: This is the 1st recorded miracle that Jesus performs (turning water into wine)

Study of John

5/1/11- God tells me to read, study, meditate on the Book of John.

I've been disobeying His 1 yr. word to "BLOG IT"...
I cannot ignore it anymore.
I know I am to teach and share the revelations He has been giving me.
* P. Daniel once shared his story: he knew he was going to teach the Word one day and he really wanted to teach, but had no listeners.
So he created a blog and wrote everything he received, faithfully stewarding all revelations he received.
God honored his faithfulness and now he's sharing/teaching all that he had blogged and stored up over the years.

I must honor His word and obey now.
I cannot expect to keep asking God for what He wants me to do when I haven't obeyed what He's already asked of me. I need to steward and honor His revelations faithfully first.
But I fear teaching...(James 3)

John 18 NASB

"Jesus therefore said to Peter, "Put the sword into the sheath; the cup which the Father has given Me, shall I not drink it?" (John 18: 11) 

As Jesus is about to be bound and taken captive, Simon Peter tries to prevent it by pulling out his sword and cutting the ear off the high priest's slave's ear. 

However, Jesus did not long to be set free, but commanded Peter to put his sword away.  Jesus knew what He had to accomplish. It was to be taken captive like a lamb to be slaughtered and beaten for our transgressions (Isaiah 53:7-8) He also knew that the only way to receive the cup His Father gave Him, which I believe is the power to give eternal life was to be crucified and offered as a sacrifice.  

Jesus desired to die for us because He knew what awaited Him in Heaven. He knew that He would be given the cup of eternal life and power, which He could then give to us.  He deliberately stopped Peter from helping him escape and allowed them to lead Him to death. He set His mind to the things above (Colossians 3:2) ... drinking from the cup His Father gave Him. 

John 17 NASB

"They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; Thy word is truth. As Thou didst send Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world." (John 17: 16-18)

Everytime I read this passage, I feel a sense of peace knowing that Jesus Himself prays for us declaring the truth that we are not of this world.  It makes enduring and persevering through the temptations of this world that much easier.  Each time I find myself getting bothered by something of this world, I just declare this truth and tell myself over and over again that I am not of this world just as Jesus is also not of this world. And suddenly I find the strength to stomp on the obstacle/temptation of this world that I am not even a part of.  Thank You Jesus that I am not of this world, but merely IN IT temporarily until we go home to You! 

John 16 (NASB)

"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace.  In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world." (John 17:33)

Why are we cowering behind fear, insecurity, doubt, anxiety, stress...??!!

We have a Helper, the Holy Spirit of truth whom Jesus has sent (John 17:7 & 13) & the Lord Jesus Himself who declares that He has overcome the world!! 

As I'm declaring this verse at this very moment, I feel His boldness and power rising up inside of me! 

This is so awesome! We have Jesus who has overcome THE WORLD living inside of us! Whom shall I fear?? No one! Nothing! But I will take courage. For Jesus has overcome the world!! 

John 15

"No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made know to you." (John 15:15)

A slave is not free to have a relationship outside of works with its master.  However, we are no longer called slaves, but called friends of Jesus! Imagine how a slave who had been in bondage would act the minute he is told that he is now free and called a friend! I totally picture him so excited to be a part of his new friends life.  I want nothing more than to get to know my new friend who has counted me worthy to be His friend! He makes all His ways, plans, works know to us. For we are His friends now! Take advantage of this great friendship that is now available to us!