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Month: April 2014 Page 2 of 3

Cross Verbs – Calling to Action :: 5th saying from the Cross

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On April 16, 2014

In Christian, Seven Sayings

This is the 5th post of the series, Cross Verbs >> Calling to Action, which is a look at the 7 sayings of Jesus Christ from the Cross, with an “action” perspective, for faith without action is dead (James 2:17). What is of note is that each saying has a verb in it, implying an action of Jesus Christ, the Lord, and what’s more, is that his action calls for our action.

Saying Five: “I thirst.“
The Cross verb today is “thirst”.

It is no surprise that Jesus physically thirsted after all the agony of torture and the crucifixion that he had endured, but we must be careful to not merely overlook this as just an expression. The Bible records that Jesus expressed his thirst as a way to show that all scripture (prophecy) had to be fulfilled (John 19:28). Jesus’ thirst was to fulfill God’s will in his life. Furthermore, isn’t it ironic to notice, that the one from whom could flow the living waters was now needing to be quenched? The Bible records the Holy Spirit of God to be the living waters that flow from the one who believes in Jesus (John 7:38-39). When Jesus became sin on the Cross (2 Corinthians 5:21), the Holy Spirit of God, that had descended upon him in his baptism, could no longer reside with Christ, for what communion can holiness (righteousness) have with sin (unrighteousness), or light with darkness (2 Corinthians 6:14). So in a spiritual sense, it is extremely likely that Jesus thirsted for the companionship and comfort of the Holy Spirit of God, when he was God forsaken – Father and Holy Spirit forsaken.

Points to ponder:
The Cross verb “thirst” calls us to action – to thirst to fulfill the will and purpose of God, in the physical elements of our life, but more importantly, it is imperative for us to always have a thirst for the Holy Spirit of God. When we sin, God’s Spirit cannot indwell in our lives (1 Samuel 16:14) and our lives can be deemed Ichabod (1 Samuel 4:21). So like David, we need to repent and thirst for a clean heart and God’s right(eous) Spirit within us (Psalm 51:10).
Jesus thirsted so we can thirst. God’s thirst calls for us to thirst. Are you thirsty?

Prayer: Lord, because of my sin, do not forsake  me Lord, for your love is unfailing, your grace indescribable and your mercy unending and enduring. Let me thirst, not just physically, but let me thirst to be renewed by Holy Spirit, so that you are my companionship and comfort constantly.  Lord, let me thirst … as the deer pants for water 

John 19:28 (KJV)
28 After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst.

Cross Verbs – Calling to Action :: 4th saying from the Cross

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On April 15, 2014

In Christian, Seven Sayings

This is the 4th post of the series, Cross Verbs >> Calling to Action, which is a look at the 7 sayings of Jesus Christ from the Cross, with an “action” perspective, for faith without action is dead (James 2:17). What is of note is that each saying has a verb in it, implying an action of Jesus Christ, the Lord, and what’s more, is that his action calls for our action.

Saying Four: Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?
The Cross verbs today is “forsaken”.

Jesus was forsaken by God his father, so that God would not have to forsake us, his children. What is equally important for us to recognize is that Jesus willingly forsook all his glory in heaven for us on earth (Philippians 2:5-8)

Points to ponder:
God was forsaken by God so that he would not have to forsake us (man). Jesus forsook his heavenly glory of much worth for the us, who are fashioned out of the dust of this world.
The Cross verb “forsaken” calls us to action – to forsake the ephemeral and earthly things of this world for the eternal glory that is in the heavens.

Prayer: Eloi Eloi, we thank you for not forsaking us and pray that we have the mind as that of Christ Jesus, one which forsakes. Help us to forsake the worthless things of the world for the glory in the heavens. Lord, let us forsake. 

Mark 15:34 (KJV)
34 And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?

Cross Verbs – Calling to Action :: 3rd saying from the Cross

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On April 14, 2014

In Christian, Seven Sayings

This is the 3rd post of the series, Cross Verbs >> Calling to Action, which is a look at the 7 sayings of Jesus Christ from the Cross, with an “action” perspective, for faith without action is dead (James 2:17). What is of note is that each saying has a verb in it, implying an action of Jesus Christ, the Lord, and what’s more, is that his action calls for our action.

Saying Three: When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home.
The Cross verbs today is “behold”.

To behold is to look or to see.  What is interesting to note, is that Jesus first beheld (saw) his mother and the disciple, whom he loved and then asked his mother to behold her son (the disciple) and the disciple to behold his mother.

Points to ponder:
Jesus looks at us first and then he wants us to look around and see familial relationships that need to be established.
The Cross verb “behold” calls us to action – to behold Christ Jesus first and to behold relationships around us that we need to embrace – relationships of a family. Are we beholding or turning a blind eye, when we ought to look?

Prayer: Lord, let us fix our eyes on you as you have fixed yours on us and let us behold and see the relationship of a family that needs to be established as you have adopted us into yours. Let us behold!

John 19:26-27 (KJV)
26 When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son!
27 Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home.

Cross Verbs – Calling to Action :: 2nd saying from the Cross

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On April 11, 2014

In Christian, Seven Sayings

This is the 2nd post of the series, Cross Verbs >> Calling to Action, which is a look at the 7 sayings of Jesus Christ from the Cross, with an “action” perspective, for faith without action is dead (James 2:17). What is of note is that each saying has a verb in it, implying an action of Jesus Christ, the Lord, and what’s more, is that his action calls for our action.

Saying Two: Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.
The Cross verbs today is “say” and “be with”.

He “said” words of assurance to a sinner who recognized him as Lord and King, so that we can say “true words of assurance” pointing others to where Jesus is, which is paradise.
He assured the sinner who recognized him as Lord and King of “being with” him in his presence, so that we as sinner who recognize Jesus as Lord and King, can also be assured access into God’s presence, so that we can “be with” him, as well.

Points to ponder:
Jesus has the words of eternal life (John 6:68) and he has commanded us to go and teach (say to) all nations, of his blessed assurance. Are you with him, and are his words of eternal life, in you (John 15:7)? Are you abiding in him for without him, we can do nothing (John 15:5).
The Cross verbs “said” and “be with” calls us to action – to say of his sacrifice (Saviorship) and Sovereignty, so that all who believe in him, as Savior and Lord, can be with him, as he most assuredly promised.

Prayer:Let your words remain in me, I pray; and these words of eternal life, let me say – say to all who are not with you, so that they may be with you!

Luke 23:43 (KJV)
43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.

Cross Verbs – Calling to Action :: 1st saying from the Cross

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On April 10, 2014

In Christian, Seven Sayings

This is the 1st post of the series, Cross Verbs >> Calling to Action, which is a look at the 7 sayings of Jesus Christ from the Cross, with an “action” perspective, for faith without action is dead (James 2:17). What is of note is that each saying has a verb in it, implying an action of Jesus Christ, the Lord, and what’s more, is that his action calls for our action.

Saying One: Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do (Luke 23:34).

The Cross verb is “forgive”.
He forgave us, calling to action, our forgiving of others as well.

Points to ponder:
Who do you have to forgive? Make a list of those who have hurt you. This may be a friend, foe or possibly even a family member, and remember, while while we were still sinners, Christ died for us, forgiving us of our sins (Romans 5:8). Thankfully God is not selective in his forgiveness, forgiving some and not others, like some of us are. Imagine, for a moment, what your state would be, if God chooses not to forgive you. He forgave us so we can forgive.

The Cross verb “forgive” call us to action – to forgive.

Prayer: Lord, forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us (Matthew 6:12).

Luke 23:34 (KJV)
34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.

The length of God’s covenant with his creation

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On April 9, 2014

In Christian, Genesis, Through the Bible

Genesis 9:12-17 speaks of the token of the covenant of God with man and all living creatures, to never again destroy them by flood. But what is interesting to note, is that these verses of God, establishes two vital points, apropos the length of God’s covenant with his creation (you and me, included). First, the Bible states that this covenant is for perpetual generations (Genesis 9:12) and secondly this covenant is an everlasting covenant (Genesis 9:16). This was reaffirmed through his prophet Jeremiah where God says that “I have loved you with an everlasting love, and with my lovingkindness, have I drawn you.” (Jeremiah 31:3).

Points to ponder:
The length of God’s covenant with his creatures, including you and me, is everlasting, spanning to not just our forefathers, but us and all subsequent generations. Such is the extent of the love of God  – it is perpetual and everlasting – in other words, to God’s love, there is no end. He has loved us with an everlasting love and with his lovingkindness he has drawn us. Have you drawn closer to God?

Genesis 9:12-17 (KJV)
12 And God said, This is the token of the covenant which I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for perpetual generations:
13 I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth.
14 And it shall come to pass, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the bow shall be seen in the cloud:
15 And I will remember my covenant, which is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall no more become a flood to destroy all flesh.
16 And the bow shall be in the cloud; and I will look upon it, that I may remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is upon the earth.
17 And God said unto Noah, This is the token of the covenant, which I have established between me and all flesh that is upon the earth.

Seeing Rainbows

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On April 8, 2014

In Christian

The rainbow is the token of God’s covenant with mankind and all living creatures, promising that he would never again destroy the world with a flood (Genesis 9:12-17). In other words, the storm would always abate in due course of time, as God has promised.

Interestingly, the Bible records of three individuals who saw rainbows – the first, of course being Noah, the preacher of righteousness (1 Peter 2:5). The second is a prophet, prophet Ezekiel and the third is the proselyte, disciple John. Preacher, Prophet and Proselyte, all see the rainbow and what is even more interesting to note is the time when each of these people saw the rainbow.

Preacher Noah saw the rainbow after the storm (flood) – Genesis 9:12-17
Prophet Ezekiel saw the rainbow in the middle of the storm – Ezekiel 1:28
Proselyte John saw the rainbow before the storm – Revelation 4:3-5

Points to ponder:
As preacher, prophets and proselytes of and for God, we need to be sharing about God’s love and Jesus’ imminent return, when he would return to judge the world and rule over all and when he reigns, it will be peaceful for all storms would have stopped (Isaiah 11:6; Isaiah 32:18). No matter how stormy our lives may be now, we can be sure that the storm would stop and this is because of God’s promise. The question is are you seeing this promise of God, before, during or after the storm. In other words, are you seeing rainbows?

Genesis 9:12-14 (KJV)
12 And God said, This is the token of the covenant which I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for perpetual generations:
13 I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth.
14 And it shall come to pass, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the bow shall be seen in the cloud:
15 And I will remember my covenant, which is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall no more become a flood to destroy all flesh.
16 And the bow shall be in the cloud; and I will look upon it, that I may remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is upon the earth.
17 And God said unto Noah, This is the token of the covenant, which I have established between me and all flesh that is upon the earth.

Ezekiel 1:28 (KJV)
28 As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness round about. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. And when I saw it, I fell upon my face, and I heard a voice of one that spake.

Revelation 4:3-5 (KJV)
3 And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald.
4 And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold.
5 And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.

Rainbow Christianity – Token of the covenant

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On April 7, 2014

In Christian, Genesis, Through the Bible

Genesis 9:12-17 gives the account of God setting a token of his covenant with man and every living creature. The token of the covenant was a bow (rainbow) in the sky. Did you ever wonder about God’s painting in the sky? The colors of the rainbow start with Violet (or Purple), the color of royalty and ends in Red, the color of blood.

Points to ponder:
Just as the rainbow signifies God’s covenant to not destroy his creation totally, Jesus is the token of the covenant of God. On one end of this token is Red – the color of Jesus’ blood signifying the blood of Jesus that cleanseth all sins,and on the other end is Violet/Purple – the color of royalty signifying the Kingship of Jesus and whenever God sees Jesus, God will remember to hold back his righteous wrath and not destroy all of mankind or any of his creation.

Genesis 9:12-17 (KJV)
12 And God said, This is the token of the covenant which I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for perpetual generations:
13 I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth.
14 And it shall come to pass, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the bow shall be seen in the cloud:
15 And I will remember my covenant, which is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall no more become a flood to destroy all flesh.
16 And the bow shall be in the cloud; and I will look upon it, that I may remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is upon the earth.
17 And God said unto Noah, This is the token of the covenant, which I have established between me and all flesh that is upon the earth.

God’s covenant – all inclusive to …

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On April 4, 2014

In Christian, Genesis, Professional Speaking, Through the Bible

Genesis 9:8-17 gives the account of God making a covenant of never again destroying (condemning) the world with water. What is interesting to note it that while we often think of this covenant as having been made between God and Noah, the account actually states that God made this covenant with not just Noah, but with Noah and his sons, and with their children (seed) after them (Genesis 9:8-9). Even more intriguing is that God does not limit his covenant with just man, but includes every living creature (fowl, beast) that came out from the ark (Genesis 9:10,16).

Points to ponder:
God’s covenant is not limited but all inclusive – not just to one generation but to generations that follow – for man and for all living creatures that came out from the ark. All those who came out from the ark were included in God’s covenant. Jesus Christ is the Ark of God who saves and all who are part of him are included in God’s covenant to be never condemned (Romans 8:1).  Are you included in God’s covenant? In other words, have you believed in Jesus Christ?

Genesis 9:8-17 (KJV)
8 And God spake unto Noah, and to his sons with him, saying,
9 And I, behold, I establish my covenant with you, and with your seed after you;
10 And with every living creature that is with you, of the fowl, of the cattle, and of every beast of the earth with you; from all that go out of the ark, to every beast of the earth.
11 And I will establish my covenant with you, neither shall all flesh be cut off any more by the waters of a flood; neither shall there any more be a flood to destroy the earth.
12 And God said, This is the token of the covenant which I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for perpetual generations:
13 I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth.
14 And it shall come to pass, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the bow shall be seen in the cloud:
15 And I will remember my covenant, which is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall no more become a flood to destroy all flesh.
16 And the bow shall be in the cloud; and I will look upon it, that I may remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is upon the earth.
17 And God said unto Noah, This is the token of the covenant, which I have established between me and all flesh that is upon the earth.

Bring forth abundantly

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On April 3, 2014

In Christian, Genesis, Noah's Ark (and Jesus), Through the Bible

God blessed Noah and his sons and told them to be fruitful and to multiply and bring forth abundantly in the earth. Notice how God explicitly commands man to bring forth abundantly in the earth. Abundance implies that their is an excessive degree of plentifulness.

Points to ponder:
Just as Noah and his sons were commanded to bring forth abundantly, we are commanded the same as well. We need to bring forth the fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), and bring it forth abundantly. With The Seed i.e., Jesus Christ (Galatians 3:16) who is sown in us, we must live a life that is pleasing to God, which brings forth, from within (Luke 17:21), thirty, sixty and a hundred fold (Matthew 13:23). Jesus said, that he had come to give life and to give it abundantly (John 10:10). He gave himself to us, so that we can give him to others, and bring many into the kingdom of God, abundantly. Are you and I bringing forth abundantly?

Genesis 9:7 (KJV)
7 And you, be ye fruitful, and multiply; bring forth abundantly in the earth, and multiply therein.

Matthew 13:23 (KJV)
23 But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.

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