Tuesday, January 31, 2006

God With Us! - Matthew 1


And there it is - the pivotal point in history when grace and mercy entered the scene on our behalf. What more important event in the history of the earth than the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ?

I try to imagine what Joseph was going through. Yes, it took a certain kind of man to return to Mary, who "claims" she was impregnated by the spirit of God. Like some of you, I have an enhanced "what if" generator, too. I wonder how it all would have turned out if Joseph was having a particularly bad week and decided that he really didn't want to believe Mary. What if he decided that the humility and shame that was sure to follow if he were to go ahead and marry Mary was too much to ask? What if he ran away and never looked back?

Well - then I wonder if he had much choice in the matter. A) God is all knowing and He probably wouldn't have chosen Joseph "the timid" and B) Joseph did have a certain heavenly visitor who told him how it was going to play out and to not be afraid.

If you know me, you're probably guessing where I'm going (again). Do the words, "It's not about me" sound familiar?
God has a plan. He had to send His one and only Son to rescue mankind. Was anyone going to stop it? The "duh-ciples" tried many times, but even they, in their familiar bungling manner (that I can relate to so much), could not stop Jesus' divine appointment on the cross.

He also has a plan for you and me. We have free will, true enough. But, if we are seeking Him - even though we continue to fall down - He will complete in us what He began.

Thank You, Lord!

peace,
e

Posted by Jaqua (Jāy 'Quāy) at 1:57 PM | | Comments

Monday, January 30, 2006

Worms Among Us! - Jude
In this chapter, Jude (brother of James) is warning us about "godless people have wormed their way in among" us. And yet, we have a job to do here on earth for the short time we're here.

I found my encouragement today in verses 20 - 23:

20 But you, dear friends, must continue to build your lives on the foundation of your holy faith. And continue to pray as you are directed by the Holy Spirit. 21 Live in such a way that God's love can bless you as you wait for the eternal life that our Lord Jesus Christ in his mercy is going to give you. 22 Show mercy to those whose faith is wavering. 23 Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. There are still others to whom you need to show mercy, but be careful that you aren't contaminated by their sins.

Build up our faith, Lord, and direct us by the Holy Spirit today. - amen

(Tomorrow's chapter: Matthew 1)

peace,
e

Posted by Jaqua (Jāy 'Quāy) at 8:23 PM | | Comments

Sunday, January 29, 2006

...a world where everyone is right with God. - 2 Peter 3


I drank that in for a few moments...a world where everyone is right with God.

Can you even imagine that? I've heard people describe all the splendor of heaven - the streets of gold so pure you can see through it - a beautiful pearl for gates - colors I have never seen - mansions - but I have a difficult time relating to all that. I know it will be spectacular and breathtaking.

Heaven for me is a place with no more good bye, no more pain, no more tears. These things I can relate to - and long for with everything I have.
We can have abundant life here on earth, but this world is not right with God. So, we have difficult times.

Peter's encouragement to me in this chapter was in verses 11 - 14:

11 Since everything around us is going to melt away, what holy, godly lives you should be living! 12 You should look forward to that day and hurry it along – the day when God will set the heavens on fire and the elements will melt away in the flames. 13 But we are looking forward to the new heavens and new earth he has promised, a world where everyone is right with God. 14 And so, dear friends, while you are waiting for these things to happen, make every effort to live a pure and blameless life. And be at peace with God.

Are you at peace with God?

peace,
e

Posted by Jaqua (Jāy 'Quāy) at 5:54 PM | | Comments

Saturday, January 28, 2006

Glorious Ones! - 2 Peter 2

Have you ever heard someone say, "If there's a God in heaven, how come he let so many people die in the hurricaine?" or "How can a loving God allow so many people to die from that Tsunami?"

As I read this chapter, I couldn't help think of all the disasters this past year, and the war, and all the bombings. How many people died in 2005?

Then, I read in this chapter:

4 For God did not spare even the angels when they sinned; he threw them into hell, in gloomy caves and darkness until the judgment day. 5 And God did not spare the ancient world – except for Noah and his family of seven. Noah warned the world of God's righteous judgment. Then God destroyed the whole world of ungodly people with a vast flood. 6 Later, he turned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into heaps of ashes and swept them off the face of the earth. He made them an example of what will happen to ungodly people.

It frightens me when Pat Robertson makes some of the statements he makes. However, sometimes he's only saying out lout (to millions of people on TV, many of which are looking for bold statements they can twist) what I'm sometimes thinking.

The truth is, God is holy. He cannot tolerate sin...period. He has called us to be holy. Sin must be punished. Is it so hard to believe that God would allow the ocean to cause us to wake up by sweeping out a city so filthy it has been called a modern day Sodom & Gamorrah?

I must admit that I grow more and more concerned for the moral decay in our country, and in our world. When I read Pete's description of those false teachers in this chapter, I couldn't help thinking about our world today. Read the verses below and see if they don't describe some of the leaders and politicians and wealthy in the world today:

10 ...These people are proud and arrogant, daring even to scoff at the glorious ones without so much as trembling.

12 ...They laugh at the terrifying powers they know so little about, and they will be destroyed along with them.

13 ...They love to indulge in evil pleasures in broad daylight. ...They revel in deceitfulness while they feast with you.

14 They commit adultery with their eyes, and their lust is never satisfied. They make a game of luring unstable people into sin. They train themselves to be greedy; they are doomed and cursed.

18 They brag about themselves with empty, foolish boasting. With lustful desire as their bait, they lure back into sin those who have just escaped from such wicked living.

19 They promise freedom, but they themselves are slaves to sin and corruption. For you are a slave to whatever controls you.

The really good news is that God will protect us - the glorious ones! Did you catch that in verse 10 & 11?

9 So you see, the Lord knows how to rescue godly people from their trials, even while punishing the wicked right up until the day of judgment. 10 He is especially hard on those who follow their own evil, lustful desires and who despise authority. These people are proud and arrogant, daring even to scoff at the glorious ones without so much as trembling. 11 But the angels, even though they are far greater in power and strength than these false teachers, never speak out disrespectfully against the glorious ones.

Wow. Hold on to your faith, glorious ones! You can see from this chapter alone how much is at stake. And, you can see how much God loves you. Hold on to your faith in these end times. Your reward is not far off...

peace,
e

Posted by Jaqua (Jāy 'Quāy) at 10:16 AM | | Comments

Friday, January 27, 2006

Trust His Promises - 2 Peter 1

Ever get the feeling that you can't succeed as a Christian? Ever get the feeling that you will never make it?

Well, the good news is that it's not about you!

There are so many self-help books and sermons and ministries and video programs that try to teach us how to grow as a Christian. Unfortunately, many of the focus on what WE must do. Pete gives us a different approach. He says in this chapter that it's a simple matter of applying the benefits of God's promises.

Here's the progression:

verse 2 - May God bless you with special favor and wonderful peace as you come to know Jesus
verse 3 - As we know Jesus better, He gives us everything we need
verse 4 - He gives us promises that we'd escape the decadence around us
verse 5 - Apply these promises, then faith produces moral exellence
- Moral excellence leads to knowing God better
verse 6 - Knowing God better leads to self-control
- Self-control leads to patient endurance
- Patient endurance leads to godliness
verse 7 - Godliness leads to love for other Christians
- Finally you will grow to have genuine love for everyone

What's the beginning? God blessing us with His special favor and wonderful peace. What's the end? Genuine love for everyone.

Sometimes I try to jump in the middle and pray for self-control. I work on it. I make promises. I put tools in place. I try to set up accountability. I fail. Sometimes I try to improve my patience. I pray for patience. I memorize scripture. I listen to how-to CDs. I have others pray for me. I fail.

Today's encouragement is to TRUST GOD MORE. Don't pray for guidance. Don't pray for patience. Don't pray for peace.

Pray for more trust.

Get to know His promises. Trust in His promises. Get to know Him. Allow Him to change you as you apply these promises in your life.

It goes against everything in us as men, but God has called us to receive his own glory and goodness (verse 3).

peace,
e

Posted by Jaqua (Jāy 'Quāy) at 9:06 AM | | Comments

Thursday, January 26, 2006

The Flock & The Lion - 1 Peter 5


As I read today's chapter, I immediately thought of Wildmen and what God has put together.

2 Care for the flock of God entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly – not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. 3 Don't lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your good example. 4 And when the head Shepherd comes, your reward will be a never-ending share in his glory and honor.

I'm no pastor or elder. I don't work on the staff at a church. But, I do feel that God has brought me together with the leaders of Wildmen and that my responsibility to those men is much like what Pete is talking about here. Especially since we've branched out and started a Wildmen at another location, I feel God is using us (me) to open the hearts and eyes of many men who are seeking to have victory in this life. And, I will admit, there are times when the extra time it takes to prepare and pray and email these men leaves me feeling a bit selfish. There are times when I don't even want to do it any more.

But, this chapter speaks volumes. I'm to do this not for what I will get out of it, but because I'm eager to serve God. I AM eager to serve God - but it's easy to loose sight of what that means.

Who has God put you in charge over? Your wife? Your family? The men in your small group? What about those people at your work? What about those people who bring you your coffee at Denny's? Do you think about being a good example then? I know this chapter is to elders in the church, but are we not called to be prophet, priest & king of our homes? Maybe I'm way off on this, but I know God is speaking to me about serving Him by serving others - and not just those in my obvious Christian circles.

The other thing I want to mention in this chapter is verse 8:

8 Be careful! Watch out for attacks from the devil, your great enemy. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for some victim to devour.

This is always a good reminder for us. Satan, like lions, prowls around for those he's been able to isolate and injure. When he spots someone out there on their own, perhaps weakened by recent emotional hardships, financial difficulties, harsh words from a loved one, divorce, illness, unforgiveness, bitterness, etc., that's who he pounces upon - and destroys. We need each other. We need a place to be honest and real. Confession and repentance leading to restoration are key to our survival.

We need You, God! Thank You for the reminder today of how much we need You and how much we need each other.
peace,
e

P.S. - This is the last chapter of 1 Peter. Tomorrow, we start in II Peter. See ya in the Word!

Posted by Jaqua (Jāy 'Quāy) at 1:01 PM | | Comments

Monday, January 23, 2006

Follow in His Steps - I Peter 2


Wow (again). I wish I would have read I Peter 1 yesterday because these 2 chapters together is almost too much to handle! Isn't it amazing how reading God's Word give you what you need - when you need it?!

Today, I'd like to start at the end of the chapter (skipping over my thoughts on tons of great stuff in this chapter). Look at verse 21:

21 This suffering is all part of what God has called you to. Christ, who suffered for you, is your example. Follow in his steps.

Follow in His steps:

22 He never sinned, and he never deceived anyone. 23 He did not retaliate when he was insulted. When he suffered, he did not threaten to get even. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly.

As I read this morning, I may have realized something about myself. I think I can attribute much of my "suffering" (though nothing compared to what Christ had to go through) to my inability (refusal?) to not let it bother me. I mean, sometimes I think I may in some wierd way enjoy the "attention" of my discomfort. No, I do not enjoy what is happening to me. I do not enjoy the anger or the disappointment. I wish it would all go away. I don't enjoy feeling rejected or unloved or not good enough. I wish I could somehow turn all that around.

But, I am called to be like Christ. I think I must post these two verses (22, 23) everywhere I go: at work, at home, in the car, on my cell phone.

Jesus, help me to be like You - to follow in Your steps.

peace,
e

Posted by Jaqua (Jāy 'Quāy) at 9:23 AM | | Comments

Joy! - I Peter 1


Wow. Was anyone else uplifted by this chapter? God knows it's exactly what I needed for my usual Monday morning lul. Just look at verse 2:

2 God the Father chose you long ago, and the Spirit has made you holy. As a result, you have obeyed Jesus Christ and are cleansed by his blood.May you have more and more of God's special favor and wonderful peace.

Peter is writing to Christians ("God's chosen people") here...and the good news: we have nothing to do with it. 1) God chose us. 2) The Spirit made us holy. 3) That's why we obey Jesus Christ. 4) That's why He cleanses us by His blood. And, 5) We can have more and more of God's special favor and wonderful peace!

I dont' know about you, but that's got me fired up. Praise God! "We" are not even mentioned in there anywhere. We can't screw it up - do you see that? Satan would love to make us think that we can, but because of Jesus, we have won the victory.

Okay, you ask - if I have won the victory, why does it seem to difficult, this Christian life. Why the heartache, why the depression, why the temptation, why the failures, why the pain?

Peter continues:

6 So be truly glad! There is wonderful joy ahead, even though it is necessary for you to endure many trials for a while. 7 These trials are only to test your faith, to show that it is strong and pure. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold – and your faith is far more precious to God than mere gold. So if your faith remains strong after being tried by fiery trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. 8 You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him, you trust him; and even now you are happy with a glorious, inexpressible joy.

I will be the first one to admit, gents, that joy is something I have not been associated with much lately...and, "happy with a glorious, inexpressible joy?" well - I long for that. It's easy for me to let "things" get to me and rob me of my joy. However, today as I read, I am again reminded how little I have to do with "the big picture." And, that is:

1) God chose me. 2) The Spirit made me holy. 3) That's why I obey Jesus Christ. 4) That's why He cleanses me by His blood. And, 5) I can have more and more of God's special favor and wonderful peace!

Thank You, Lord!

peace!
e

Posted by Jaqua (Jāy 'Quāy) at 9:01 AM | | Comments

Saturday, January 21, 2006

The Cost - John 21


Today, we end our reading in the book of John. And, we tie up several important stories (at least for me anyway).

We have that second miraculous catch of fish that brings us full circle. Remember when the disciples first met Christ? It was after they had been fishing all night and caught nothing. After they met Jesus and heart Him teach the people on the beach, He asked them to go fishing. Reluctantly, they agreed - only to catch the biggest catch in their careers. Until today, that is - when Jesus did it again at the end of His time here on earth.

Then, we see Jesus forgiving Peter - 3 times. That seems to correspond with the 3 times Peter denied Jesus.

As I read today, verses 18-19 jumped out at me:

18 The truth is, when you were young, you were able to do as you liked and go wherever you wanted to. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and others will direct you and take you where you don't want to go." 19 Jesus said this to let him know what kind of death he would die to glorify God. Then Jesus told him, "Follow me."

As Peter would soon find out, there's a cost to follow Jesus Christ...a significant cost. In Peter's case, it would require his life. Jesus is saying that while he is young he can move about on his own, but there will come a day when his freedom will be removed. As we know, Peter was martyred.

What's the cost for you? The familiar question comes to mind: "If you were accused of being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?"

Lord, while I'm able, please increase my faith. That way, when the time comes I will be ready to follow You no matter what the cost. Keep us flexible and soft-hearted, Lord, to hear You. Keep us teachable and accountable to each other as we grow.

Tomorrow's reading: We start 1 Peter. See you in the Word!

peace,
e

Posted by Jaqua (Jāy 'Quāy) at 8:35 AM | | Comments

Friday, January 20, 2006

I Believe! - John 20


As we begin to wrap up the book of John, my thoughts turn to how it must have been in those times. I started thinking about how cül it must have been to be living, walking and talking with Jesus. How different would it be to have actually seen Jesus heal the sick and raise dead people to life? How would I be changed if I had seen His body there on the cross? Would I need proof, like Thomas had to feel the wounds himself? Would I have run and hid, like Peter, and denied Him to protect myself?

Then, I read in John 20 where Jesus talked to Thomas about this:

29 Then Jesus told him, "You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who haven't seen me and believe anyway."

And, I read where Jesus breathed on them the Holy Spirit:

22 Then he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit."

And, I realized that what Jesus said in chapter 16 - that it's better that Jesus left so we can have the Holy Spirit. I got all giddy when I thought about the fact that God has made it possible to live INSIDE OF ME! Guys, we will all be rewarded for our faith in Jesus - because we've never seen Him, yet we still believe. And, the best part is, it's not even about the rewards, they're just an added perk!

Thank You, Jesus, for all You've done and for all You went through to redeem us. I believe in You, Lord!

peace,
e

Posted by Jaqua (Jāy 'Quāy) at 9:51 AM | | Comments

Thursday, January 19, 2006

Exactly As It Is - John 19


In chapter 19 of the book of John, the writer describes the scene the day Jesus was crucified.

I was drawn to Pilate and the trap he found himself in. All around him, the Jewish leaders and people they incited were in a frenzy to see Jesus crucified. Pilate tried to placate them by having Jesus flogged to the very brink of death. He tries to tell the people that he finds no basis for a charge against Jesus - He's done nothing wrong!

I see now that Pilate was touched. Pilate realizes that this man is extraordinary and when his attempts to free him fail, we see him scrambling to find a way to be free of any blame. He proclaims Jesus' innocence (v.4). He physically tries to release Jesus but he is unable:

12 Then Pilate tried to release him, but the Jewish leaders told him, "If you release this man, you are not a friend of Caesar. Anyone who declares himself a king is a rebel against Caesar."

He then turns the contempt upon the Jews - unknowingly under the control of God - and he says, "Behold your King." And, in a final act of denial, the Jewish leaders shout words that continue to echo today:

15b "We have no king but Caesar," the leading priests shouted back.

Did you notice the sign?:

19 And Pilate posted a sign over him that read, "Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews."

The Jewish leaders came back and requested that the sign be changed to "He said, I am King of the Jews" but Pilate refused. Furthermore, Pilate makes a statement that makes me sure he understood who Jesus was:

22 Pilate replied, "What I have written, I have written. It stays exactly as it is."

It says exactly as it is. Again, I see a man caught in a trap - an internal conflict so disturbing and profound. He recognizes the authority and true nature of Jesus, but is unable to use his own authority as governor to change it. Are the Jews in control? Is Pilate in control? No - it had to happen this way. No one could change it, not the Jewish leaders, not Pilate.

And, thank God that it happened exactly as it did!

Thank You, Jesus!
peace,
e

Posted by Jaqua (Jāy 'Quāy) at 9:57 AM | | Comments

Wednesday, January 18, 2006

Denied! - John 18


I just can't help thinking how disappointed Jesus must have been in His diciples during these few days. The mystery of God knowing all things vs. our free will swirl in my mind.

Many times when I read about Peter's denial, different thoughts go through my head. Perhaps I dwell on this scene in Jesus' final days because of my tendancy to deny Him in my own life. I can relate to Peter - and not just because of this one situation.

Today as I read the account of Peter's denial - my mind started thinking about how quickly and "innocently" the scene played out. I imagine it was dark, and there was confusion all around. Peter's emotions had the best of him as evidenced by his jittery attempt to cut the head off of one of the soldiers in the garden. It was cold outside and his mind was probably spinning trying to weigh the impact of the events of the past few days.

Suddenly, and from my perspective very subtly, Peter is accused of knowing Jesus. Three times, in a few moments time, Peter was required to respond to this accusation. Three times, without realizing that what Jesus told him not long ago would happen, Peter denied even knowing Jesus.

Can I bring up those infamous 4 words again? "It's not about me" Did Peter have a choice to not deny Jesus? If he would have stood his ground and boldly proclaimed his love and loyalty for Jesus, would he have been killed? Would Jesus have been made a liar?

Still, Peter had to live with the guilt of what he had done - even after he told Jesus to His fact that he would follow Him to prison or to death. Busted!

But, Jesus knew just what to do. I never realized until I started doing the show, "The Rock & The Rabbi" that there is a special meaning embedded into scripture in relationship with Peter's denial and when Jesus asked Peter "Do you love me" three times. Peter denied Jesus three times, Jesus asked Peter three times - in order to demonstrate to Peter in a powerful way that Jesus forgave him.

It happened so fast. Kind of like it happens to me today. I have an opportunity to stand up for what I believe, but to protect myself, or because I'm in a hurry, or because of any number of reasons, the moment passes and I'm left with disappointment in myself. How good to know that God is in control and that He IS love.

The encouragement today is - look for those moments and redeem the time. Take a chance and see how He can bless you and those around you.

peace,
e

Posted by Jaqua (Jāy 'Quāy) at 10:29 AM | | Comments

Monday, January 16, 2006

Overcomer - John 16


(I'm back in town so I've got some catching up to do. Here's today's post:)

Try to put yourself in the shoes (sandals?) of the disciples as Jesus is speaking to them about His leaving. They have been completely uprooted, leaving everything behind, forsaking family, friends and careers to follow Jesus for 3 years. Now, He’s telling them (in verses 1-4) that they will be thrown out of church and people will try to kill them! They depended upon Jesus for everything. They were drawn to Him. They were compelled to do so.

One of the most amazing miracles of what Jesus did was the gift of the Holy Spirit. Today, we enjoy the benefits of having God the Holy Spirit inside of us – guiding and convicting, comforting and challenging, revealing and encouraging. The disciples didn’t have that. All they had was Jesus. Imagine their surprise when He suddenly tells them He must go away.

In verse 7 He tells them:

7 But it is actually best for you that I go away, because if I don't, the Counselor won't come. If I do go away, he will come because I will send him to you.

They must have been very confused (again). “Who is this Counselor?” “Where is Jesus going?” “How could it possibly be better for me that Jesus goes away?” I’m sure the disciples thought they would have been much happier with Jesus along side all the way – until they grow old together. I’m sure there was much sadness at the thought of being scattered – of being separated from Jesus.

But, as I’m reminded each day, it wasn’t about them. It’s about God’s glorification and His plan being accomplished through and in us. It’s not always easy. Sometimes, it seems like it’s never easy anymore. But Jesus put it best:

33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world."

He has overcome the world. If we are in Him, we have overcome the world.

peace,
e

Posted by Jaqua (Jāy 'Quāy) at 12:06 PM | | Comments

Monday, January 09, 2006

Guilty Because You Claim You Can See - John 9


Wow - I got so excited when I read this chapter. What a great example of Jesus' power and authority.

First, a question. Do you get the feeling that Jesus intentionally healed people on the Sabbath to irritate the religious leaders? Or, do you think we just are not hearing about all the other examples of Jesus' healing on a daily basis?

I love verses 39-41. Jesus heard what had happened to the blind man - he got thrown out of the synagogue because he told the truth about what Jesus did - and he got a bit snippy (which I loved). The blind man just got done confessing to Jesus that he believed!

39 Then Jesus told him, "I have come to judge the world. I have come to give sight to the blind and to show those who think they see that they are blind." 40 The Pharisees who were standing there heard him and asked, "Are you saying we are blind?" 41 "If you were blind, you wouldn't be guilty," Jesus replied. "But you remain guilty because you claim you can see.

Look at it again: If you were blind, you wouldn't be guilty, but you remain guilty because you claim you can see.

Pride & humility. Some of the religious leaders believed Jesus was the Messiah - but we hear much about those who were too proud and too comfortable in their "religiosity" to accept the fact. Their eyes were blind because their hearts were hard and their minds were closed.

Lord, keep my heart soft and my mind open to what You are doing. I confess that You are God and You are holy. There is nothing You cannot do. Thank You for the sight You have given me. Continue to show me Your ways. -amen

peace,
e

Posted by Jaqua (Jāy 'Quāy) at 11:45 AM | | Comments

Saturday, January 07, 2006

He IS in control - John 7



Here it is again! Jesus is making it clear that we have less to do with all this than we might think.

Jesus secretly attends the festival of shelters - a celebration that occurs about 6 months after Passover where the Jews stay in tents to remind them of theeir days in misery in the wilderness. After a bit, he is found in the Temple teaching. Soon, the leaders try to have him arrested, but no one can touch Him:

30 Then the leaders tried to arrest him; but no one laid a hand on him, because his time had not yet come.

Do you see the power being displayed for us here? Look at these verses:

45 The Temple guards who had been sent to arrest him returned to the leading priests and Pharisees. "Why didn't you bring him in?" they demanded. 46 "We have never heard anyone talk like this!" the guards responded.

Do they think they can actually do anything out of turn or without permission of God? They clearly have no idea who He is.

Once again, I'm made more aware of my limitations and of the mighty power of God. His plan will be carried out. The Jewish leaders think they are acting all of their own, but this is the plan that has been begun. They are simply fulfilling the scriptures.

I'm so thankful to have been called by God. I'm thankful that He knows my future and has plans for me. I know He has given us free will and we do make wrong choices, but because of what Jesus did - and all the difficulties He went through that we read about in books like John, we can have the victory. He IS in control.

peace,
e

Posted by Jaqua (Jāy 'Quāy) at 5:16 PM | | Comments

Friday, January 06, 2006

Where Else Would I Go? - John 6



As I read this chapter again this morning, I was disgusted at the people's comments. Look at the progression:

14 When the people saw this miraculous sign, they exclaimed, "Surely, he is the Prophet we have been expecting!"

30 They replied, "You must show us a miraculous sign if you want us to believe in you. What will you do for us?

34 "Sir," they said, "give us that bread every day of our lives."

41 Then the people began to murmur in disagreement because he had said, "I am the bread from heaven." 42 They said, "This is Jesus, the son of Joseph. We know his father and mother. How can he say, 'I came down from heaven'?"

As long as they were fed and shown miracles, they would believe. The minute it required some kind of faith, they murmur (I love that word) and eventually deserted Jesus altogether.

Do you ever think about why God gave us the Bible in the first place? As I read it, sometimes I wonder why God chose to put certain verses in there for us. In this case, it seems obvious. If those people who saw the miracles and got fed by Jesus that day were so easily discouraged, what about us today? All we have is faith. We've never seen Him do a miracle. We've never seen His face. We've never sat before Him as He teaches. How do we keep the faith?

I go back to my four favorite words: "It's Not About Me." It's not easy for me to understand, but Jesus says it a few times in this chapter:

44 For people can't come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them to me, and at the last day I will raise them from the dead.

63 It is the Spirit who gives eternal life. Human effort accomplishes nothing.

I love Peter's response when Jesus asks the disciples if they will desert Him, too - "To whom would we go?" No one else loves us like Jesus.

Lord, this seems like a difficult teaching - about faith, about communion with you. Increase my faith - and the faith of my brothers as we journey to know You better. Thank You again for Your Word.

peace,
e

Posted by Jaqua (Jāy 'Quāy) at 7:37 AM | | Comments

Thursday, January 05, 2006

God IS love - John 5


Okay, first I must apologize for the confusing post on Luke 5. We're studying John right now and either I was too sleepy this morning or God wanted me to read Luke and John today. Either way, I'm leaving the Luke post anyway because I got a lot out of it. Here's the official daily post for John:

Every time I read the story of the poor man at the pool of Bethesda, I feel pity. Yet I always wonder how he tried for 38 years (that's only 13,870 attempts) to get into the pool when it bubbled with healing power. Okay, granted - maybe he was not there for the whole 38 years of his illness, we aren't told exactly how long he'd been there, but I can't help thinking that if he were really determined...

I do know there are a lot of hurting and sick people out there and Jesus is again walking slowly through the crowd seeking them out. This is in my mind not a place where you went when you wanted to hang out by the pool. But, Jesus was drawn there.

Imagine how this man's life was changed. This man was given a new lease on life. His first challenge was with the religious leaders who charged him with carrying his mat on the Sabbath day. I love the way Jesus responds to them:

19 Jesus replied, "I assure you, the Son can do nothing by himself. He does only what he sees the Father doing. Whatever the Father does, the Son also does. 20 For the Father loves the Son and tells him everything he is doing, and the Son will do far greater things than healing this man. You will be astonished at what he does."

No matter the circumstances or the cost, Jesus is always looking for opportunities to love, heal and forgive. Why? Because that’s what His father does. God doesn’t just love, He IS love. He is defined by the word. And, like Jesus says here, the best is yet to come.

Peace,
e

Posted by Jaqua (Jāy 'Quāy) at 10:30 AM | | Comments

New Wine - Luke 5


The story of the great miraculous catch of fish has special meaning to me. When I first started rehearsing for "The Rock & The Rabbi" I was told the story of how that show came about. The short version is: Gary Richardson was sitting in a restaurant talking with some of his friends when one of them mentioned to Gary that there were actually 2 miraculous catches of fish. They checked it out and sure enough, there's this one, and one at the end of Jesus' ministry on earth. If you never read with chronology in mind, you might miss it. So, the framework of the show was born, as the show starts with this catch of fish and ends with the other.

Can you imagine being there that morning? The guys had been out fishing all night and hadn't caught anything. Defeated, they head back for shore only to find Jesus teaching to a huge crowd of people. I love how it plays out after Jesus finishes what he has to tell the crowd. He tells Peter to get back in the boats because they were all going fishing again! I love Peter's response:

5 "Master," Simon replied, "we worked hard all last night and didn't catch a thing. But if you say so, we'll try again."

That's just like Jesus - always using the unlikely or seemingly insignificant to frame up His most amazing teaching moments. I wish I could train myself to listen to His still, small voice more often. I have a feeling I miss out on many teaching moments.

The other thing that stands out in this chapter is in verse 39:

39 But no one who drinks the old wine seems to want the fresh and the new. 'The old is better,' they say."

I had to get this from my comentary (Life Application New Testament Commentary), but it's good.

The Christian church was never meant to be a sect or adaptation of Judaism. Instead, Christ fulfills the intent of the Old Testament Scripture. The law reveals the nature and will of God; Jesus Christ reveals the nature and will of God. But while the law could only point out sin and condemn people, Jesus Christ gave His life to bring forgiveness of sin and salvation. These parables speak of Jesus' entire mission and the new era He inaugurated by His entrance into human history.

The new wine was the newness of the gospel as exemplified in the person of Jesus Christ. Like old wineskins, the Pharisees and indeed the entire religious system of Judaism had become too rigid to accept Jesus who could not be contained in their traditions or rules. Their understanding of faithfulness to the law had become unsuitable for the fresh, dynamic power of Christ's message. They were the self-appointed guardians of the "old garment" and the "old wineskins."

Change is never easy. Our very nature is comfortable with the known. The encouragement today is to step out into the unknown - take an adventure. Where's your adventure: forgiveness? witnessing? purity? dBrag? excellence at work? excellence as a husband or father?

peace!
e

Posted by Jaqua (Jāy 'Quāy) at 7:45 AM | | Comments

Wednesday, January 04, 2006

True Worship - John 4


The Samaritan woman at the well is a beautiful story of conversion. Every time I read it I'm reminded of the role of harvester that is required of me. This story effectively disarms most excuses I usually can think of when it comes to my personal evangelism. See if you've used any of these:

- "But Lord, this person will never come to know You no matter how hard I try."She was a Samaritan woman whom Jews despised. Jesus showed the disciples (and us) many times that there is no place for respectors of persons.

- "But Lord, I don't know what to say - I don't know the scriptures well enough."His message was so simple: "Woman, how would you like water that will make it so you'll never thirst again?" It was His act of knowledge that impressed the woman - got her attention. We may not be able to do miracles like prophetic discernment, but the point is - it's what Jesus does, not us. Share with people what He's done for you and they'll want to know Him!

- "But Lord, I hardly know this person"Jesus walked slowly through the crowd. I love that thought. He looked for opportunities to minister. We must look for opportunities - or pray for them. He took time to sit with her and establish a relationship. I find myself in such a hurry that I think I don't have time to even say hello, let alone stop and really talk to people.

Now, the powerhouse for me in this chapter is verse 23:

23 But the time is coming and is already here when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for anyone who will worship him that way.

The "time" He is referring to is when Jesus fulfills His purpose on earth - to die a cruel death on the cross. Now, He is seated in heaven and God is looking for people to believe and worship Him for all He is. Look at Hebrews 12:2:

2 He was willing to die a shameful death on the cross because of the joy he knew would be his afterward. Now he is seated in the place of highest honor beside God's throne in heaven.
Up until now, this woman (and all good Samaritans and many Jews) associated worship with a place - the temple. When Jesus gave His life, His temple became us! Now, the temple is in us. So, worship is where we are - anywhere and anytime and in any form we choose to stop and focus on God. It's not a song - it's a lifestyle.

Any attempt to return to some form or some place is not what Jesus was talking about. I know people that worship 'worship' and there are many who go through the motions - depending upon the emotion in the music...but God is seeking those who genuinely worhip Him in their heart, and for no other reason but love and adoration - worship - for Him.

Worship Him today with all your heart.

peace,
e

Posted by Jaqua (Jāy 'Quāy) at 1:33 PM | | Comments

Sunday, January 01, 2006

In the Beginning...John 1


Well, here we are at the beginning of 2006. How appropriate that we start with John 1:


1 In the beginning the Word already existed. He was with God, and he was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 He created everything there is. Nothing exists that he didn't make. 4 Life itself was in him, and this life gives light to everyone.
I was especially drawn to verses 3 and 4. Everything that is, was created by Him. There is so much to glean from these few verses…about life, about light, about God.

We started this journey back on April 18th last year and with the current plan, we’ll finish the New Testament in April this year. Plus, we’ve gone through I & II Samuel, Job, and Haggai in the OT. Wow, what a year it has been.

I am refreshing my commitment to read God’s Word every day and to be accountable for it with my brothers. Actually, it’s probably better to say I’m refreshing my commitment to seeking Him through prayer and reading His Word. There were days this past year that my daily reading became nothing more than ritual and forced. I don’t want to be legalistic and I don’t want to boast about having read the Bible each day. I just want more faith. I want to know Him…everything about Him. The more I know Him, the more I live.

For me, the dBrag works. For you, one of the many Bible reading plans might work better. I need the accountability factor (as much as I hate to admit it). Whatever it is, I encourage you all to examine your commitment to reading His Word every day…for no other reason than getting to know Him better. Like it says in verse 5:
5 The light shines through the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.

Want to live in the light? Life in Jesus gives light to everyone. The more we seek Him, the more we’ll know Him (faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God). The more we know Him, the easier it is to live in the light.

Why not join us in this daily quest for God. Just get an accountability partner (or group), read a chapter a day, and then email your thoughts to each other. It only takes about 5-15 minutes and it can really make a huge difference in your day. For more information, check out www.dbrag.org.

Peace!
e

Posted by Jaqua (Jāy 'Quāy) at 8:28 PM | | Comments

About me

  • I'm Jaqua (Jāy 'Quāy)
  • From Tampa, Florida, United States
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Reading Schedule

9/22/2006 - Esther 10
9/23/2006 - Psalms 24
9/24/2006 - Psalms 25
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9/30/2006 - Psalms 31
10/1/2006 - COMING SOON!
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