Today's Reading: Matthew 17: 9-13
**For a simple and good way of Daily Devotion method please click this link: Subject Shifting Devotion.pdf.
Please click this link to read Matthew 17: 9-13
Bible Study
Today's passage is a wonderful example of the sandwich structure happens so often in the Gospel of Mark, or what we call the ABA structure.
A The Cross, Sufferings, Accusation, Darkness (Matthew 16: 21-28)
B The Relationship, Supports, Appreciation, Light (Matthew 17: 1-8)
A The Cross, Sufferings, Accusation, Darkness (Matthew 17: 9-13)
We, as true disciples of Christ can't get rid of the Cross, sufferings and accusation. Because our role is like what John the Baptist was doing:
1. Living a lifestyle of Christlikness.
2. Having the same calling as Jesus:
Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near. Matthew 3:2; 4:17
Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near. Matthew 3:2; 4:17
3. Pointing others to Jesus.
4. Prepared to have sufferings, to be accused and killed.
But, but, listen carefully! We can get rid of the darkness if we follow Jesus pattern to be high up on the mountain each day to enter into an intimate personal relationship with God. If we follow that daily patter of Jesus then we will be always in the light, being blessed by God and be able to do His Kingdom ministry!
Well, or you can choose following the worldly pattern living a self-centered life thinking that you can get everything you want but in fact living in darkness and hopeless everyday!
Choose wisely!
Let's have a time to be still and give the Holy Spirit space to speak through the passage of scripture we have just read. Offer this time up to Jesus as you listen to him, while listening to "Gabriel's Oboe"
Spiritual Journal
What I heard from Jesus today is: You can't get rid of the Cross, but you can get rid of darkness!
What I received from Jesus today is a good confirmation of why sometimes we have to face with sufferings and accusation as John the Baptist and Jesus had. It is such a good confirmation especially now I am about to leave Pawleys Island to go back to Vancouver in two hours time after our Annual bishops and clergy retreat, a good one indeed. For the past 11 months, we, the Anglican Mission in the Americas has been heavily attacked and accused. It is not by human effort because no human can do that to a Christian organization in that magnitude. It is exactly the same as what Jesus says in John 10:10:
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy;
I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
Praise the Lord that we are secure, safe and heading for a bright new future into His Kingdom ministry!
It's always Satan's work in the history of mankind to deceive God's children to kill each others. Those Christians leaders who have kept on accusing us are just 'victims' in the course of a severe spiritual warfare but they just do not know yet! Hope they know someday!
It's Jesus work to prepare us to be able to face those sufferings and accusation, take the Cross, get rid of the darkness the Devil wants to pour down on us but to enter into the light, appreciation, encouragement and being strengthened everyday pointing others to Jesus. To lead the way for others to experience that Easter and Pentecost has come!
It's always Satan's work in the history of mankind to deceive God's children to kill each others. Those Christians leaders who have kept on accusing us are just 'victims' in the course of a severe spiritual warfare but they just do not know yet! Hope they know someday!
It's Jesus work to prepare us to be able to face those sufferings and accusation, take the Cross, get rid of the darkness the Devil wants to pour down on us but to enter into the light, appreciation, encouragement and being strengthened everyday pointing others to Jesus. To lead the way for others to experience that Easter and Pentecost has come!
Arise and shine, warriors of Jesus!
Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank you for giving a chance to us each day to get rid of darkness entering in your light. Help us to be willing to take up our cross each day to be a John the Baptist to point others to you that we can share the power and glory of your Kingdom ministry. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.
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