- Published on
John 20:30-31
And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book;
but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.
but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.
The most important part of these two verses is the phrase ‘in His Name’. We know that in the Bible, a name represents the essential nature of the individual or group. Thus, as true followers of Jesus the Christ, we are following in His nature — we must ‘be as He is’.
When we pray — and Paul says we should pray without ceasing [1 Thessalonians 5:17] — we pray in Jesus name. Indeed, we may find ourselves in constant communion with the Holy Spirit without realising it. This meditation is not the place to discuss all aspects of our prayer life, but I must say that I have found benefit to my spirit; found a greater power and a stronger connection to Jesus when I believe myself to be praying in His name. Even saying the words, brings an energy to spoken prayer.
John makes it plain that life in the Spirit is only possible if we are filled with Jesus’ nature, Jesus’ Holy Spirit. In this way we are raised up into His Holiness — holy as He is Holy. The word used by John for life is the Greek ‘Zoe’, a translation of which says ‘life, real and genuine, a life active and vigorous, devoted to God, blessed, in the portion even in this world of those who put their trust in Christ, but after the resurrection to be consummated by new accessions (among them a more perfect body), and to last for ever.’ This is ‘being as He is’ and we know it, we can feel it.
John chapter 20 is revealed as the summation of Jesus’ purpose and the pattern that He establishes for His ongoing work in us after His resurrection. Through Him we are given new life, and here we see the spiritual path till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; [Ephesians 4:13]
When we pray — and Paul says we should pray without ceasing [1 Thessalonians 5:17] — we pray in Jesus name. Indeed, we may find ourselves in constant communion with the Holy Spirit without realising it. This meditation is not the place to discuss all aspects of our prayer life, but I must say that I have found benefit to my spirit; found a greater power and a stronger connection to Jesus when I believe myself to be praying in His name. Even saying the words, brings an energy to spoken prayer.
John makes it plain that life in the Spirit is only possible if we are filled with Jesus’ nature, Jesus’ Holy Spirit. In this way we are raised up into His Holiness — holy as He is Holy. The word used by John for life is the Greek ‘Zoe’, a translation of which says ‘life, real and genuine, a life active and vigorous, devoted to God, blessed, in the portion even in this world of those who put their trust in Christ, but after the resurrection to be consummated by new accessions (among them a more perfect body), and to last for ever.’ This is ‘being as He is’ and we know it, we can feel it.
John chapter 20 is revealed as the summation of Jesus’ purpose and the pattern that He establishes for His ongoing work in us after His resurrection. Through Him we are given new life, and here we see the spiritual path till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; [Ephesians 4:13]
- When the stone is rolled away from our old life and the light shines in the darkness we are released from our old life into a new spirit-filled way of being.
- Even if we have known the religious life, the Holy Spirit comes as such a revelation, a life that we begin to mature into, with our Lord’s inaudible voice speaking to our inmost being. You cannot touch it, shape it or save it. Instead He touches, shapes and saves you — but only as you allow.
- The learning process continues as you begin understanding His presence in the midst of you, driving out fear and bringing peace.
- Such is the glorious mystery of His presence, that even as we believe, yet we can doubt. Can it really be true? The voice of our old life can try to infiltrate and insinuate its way back in. That is where our work begins in earnest — by co-labouring with Christ to keep us in His Way, hearing and obeying His truth, which will nurture and blossom into the fullness of His Life.
- These four steps are His creative work, which are covered and sealed by His amazing grace unto us. But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift. [Ephesians 4:7]
MEDITATE ON THESE THINGS
JOHN 10:10-11
I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
"I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.“
1 JOHN 3:1-3
Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him.
Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.
And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.
I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
"I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.“
1 JOHN 3:1-3
Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him.
Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.
And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.
SPIRIT LEAD ME — Michael Ketterer + Influence Music
PRAYER requires FAITH
STATE DEFINITELY TO yourself the things that are confused; note the things that are not clear black and white. There are no problems at all over right and wrong. Human life is not made up of right and wrong, but of things which are not quite clear. Stand in faith that what Jesus said is true — everyone who asks receives. If the friendship of God is shrouded and it looks as if He is not going to do anything, then remain mute. The real problems are very heavy. Remember, God has bigger issues at stake on the ground of redemption than the particular setting in which we ask.
[from ‘The Place of Help’ by Oswald Chambers]
[from ‘The Place of Help’ by Oswald Chambers]
LISTEN TO THIS MEDITATION BY CLICKING ON ‘DOWNLOAD FILE’ BELOW
COMING NEXT … #497 WATCH THEREFORE
- Published on
John 20:24-29
Now Thomas, called the Twin, one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came.The other disciples therefore said to him, "We have seen the Lord." So he said to them, "Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe."
And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, "Peace to you!"
Then He said to Thomas, "Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing."
And Thomas answered and said to Him, "My Lord and my God!"
Jesus said to him, "Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."
And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, "Peace to you!"
Then He said to Thomas, "Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing."
And Thomas answered and said to Him, "My Lord and my God!"
Jesus said to him, "Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."
John 20 is Jesus’ lesson to us on the basics of Resurrection Life — the life in the Kingdom of Heaven, which is ours to partake of now, if we will so choose, and when we reach verse 24, we come to the story of Thomas, called ‘The Twin’, meaning that he was called Thomas. His name means ‘twin’, or ‘two’. It therefore seems right that he is known as ‘Doubting Thomas’, because he was in two minds about the truth of the Resurrection.
Jesus says to him Do not be unbelieving, but believing. This seemed to me to be overstating the point somewhat, but I know that every word in Scripture is there for a reason. It seems obvious that you are believing if you are not in unbelief, but for our Lord to say it in this way implies that there is a middle ground, a prevarication between belief and unbelief. That half-way house must be doubt, or “I believe, but…”. Jesus is saying that there can be no buts.
We either go into this with our whole heart afire with faith, or we be not faithful. The Lord knows why we can struggle with faith and look for proof to convince us that we are doing the right thing — but that is not faith. Jesus says to Thomas that he is blessed because he has seen Jesus. Thomas has his proof. However, many more have not seen, but have faith and belief through hearing only. Hearing by the Holy Spirit.
Jesus is giving us a major lesson here, in what it means to follow Him. Hear His word and obey it. It is only by obedience to the Word of God that we can enter into His kingdom; His presence and His rest.
Jesus says to him Do not be unbelieving, but believing. This seemed to me to be overstating the point somewhat, but I know that every word in Scripture is there for a reason. It seems obvious that you are believing if you are not in unbelief, but for our Lord to say it in this way implies that there is a middle ground, a prevarication between belief and unbelief. That half-way house must be doubt, or “I believe, but…”. Jesus is saying that there can be no buts.
We either go into this with our whole heart afire with faith, or we be not faithful. The Lord knows why we can struggle with faith and look for proof to convince us that we are doing the right thing — but that is not faith. Jesus says to Thomas that he is blessed because he has seen Jesus. Thomas has his proof. However, many more have not seen, but have faith and belief through hearing only. Hearing by the Holy Spirit.
Jesus is giving us a major lesson here, in what it means to follow Him. Hear His word and obey it. It is only by obedience to the Word of God that we can enter into His kingdom; His presence and His rest.
MEDITATE ON THESE THINGS
HEBREWS 3:16-19 and HEBREWS 4:1-3
For who, having heard, rebelled? Indeed, was it not all who came out of Egypt, led by Moses?
Now with whom was He angry forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose corpses fell in the wilderness?
And to whom did He swear that they would not enter His rest, but to those who did not obey?
So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief. Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest, let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it.
For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it.
For we who have believed do enter that rest, as He has said:
"So I swore in My wrath,
'They shall not enter My rest,'"
although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.
For who, having heard, rebelled? Indeed, was it not all who came out of Egypt, led by Moses?
Now with whom was He angry forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose corpses fell in the wilderness?
And to whom did He swear that they would not enter His rest, but to those who did not obey?
So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief. Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest, let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it.
For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it.
For we who have believed do enter that rest, as He has said:
"So I swore in My wrath,
'They shall not enter My rest,'"
although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.
BE STILL MY SOUL (IN YOU I REST) — Kari Jobe
PRAYER requires DISCIPLINE
WE ARE ALL Pharisees until we are willing to learn to intercede. We must go into heaven backwards; that phrase means we must grow into doing some definite thing by praying, not by seeing. To learn this lesson of handling a thing by prayer properly is to enter a very severe school. The duty of Christians is not to themselves or to others, but to Christ.
[from ‘If You Will Ask’ by Oswald Chambers]
[from ‘If You Will Ask’ by Oswald Chambers]
LISTEN TO THIS MEDITATION BY CLICKING ON ‘DOWNLOAD FILE’ BELOW
COMING NEXT … #496 LIFE IN HIS NAME
- Published on
John 20:19-23
Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, "Peace be with you."
When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord.
So Jesus said to them again, "Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you."
And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit.
If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained."
When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord.
So Jesus said to them again, "Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you."
And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit.
If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained."
In our meditation ‘Touch Me Not’, we saw that Jesus — after the Resurrection — appearing first of all, to Mary Magdalene. In my experience, and listening to so many stories from strong and faithful believers, it is often the woman who sees Jesus before the man does. Why should that be? It is my view, that Jesus knows the heart of a man (meaning men and women) and knows that the woman hears more readily than the man. I know of some men who would disagree with this, but it is possible that this proves the point.
Jesus now appears to the disciples, the same day at evening. Verse 20 is one that I have returned to many times. Here is what I wrote about it in January 2017 …
Jesus now appears to the disciples, the same day at evening. Verse 20 is one that I have returned to many times. Here is what I wrote about it in January 2017 …
Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week; that is to say, in the beginning, for the evening and the morning was the first day. Jesus appears in the midst, just as His presence is in the midst of us as we gather today (this same day; now) in His name. And in His presence is peace. He imparts to the disciples, as to us now, His peace. The words are actually peace unto you; 'be' is an insertion by the translator, which I feel moderates the strength of it [the statement]. The ‘peace’ is Jesus Himself; His Presence.
The doors were shut — this is an internal work that Jesus does. He works in our hearts; in our spirit, and from His Spirit. It is His gift to us. He stands in the midst of us and brings peace. We know it; we feel it. He also knows that despite all He has said to us, we live in fear a lot of the time. The disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews means that we often live in fear of man, of what others may do, or try to do to us. Know that when Jesus stands in the midst of us, His presence — when we pray or seek Him, either personally or in the gathering — brings peace.
It does not end there, for He desires to draw us closer into a relationship with Him. Receive the Holy Spirit..
I confess that I found that difficult. Despite the baptism in the Holy Spirit, I felt little or nothing beyond a sense of anticipation, which seemed unfulfilled. I do not know why, but I believe this was because I was trying to make it happen; striving to receive that precious gift. But one day the gift arrived when not sought, and I found myself speaking in tongues and with growing understanding. I made the mistake of thinking that I must do something, that this had to be earned. But Jesus says receive. In other words, ‘open your heart and accept the gift’.
It does not end there, for He desires to draw us closer into a relationship with Him. Receive the Holy Spirit..
I confess that I found that difficult. Despite the baptism in the Holy Spirit, I felt little or nothing beyond a sense of anticipation, which seemed unfulfilled. I do not know why, but I believe this was because I was trying to make it happen; striving to receive that precious gift. But one day the gift arrived when not sought, and I found myself speaking in tongues and with growing understanding. I made the mistake of thinking that I must do something, that this had to be earned. But Jesus says receive. In other words, ‘open your heart and accept the gift’.
MEDITATE ON THESE THINGS
JOHN 2:23-25
Now when He was in Jerusalem at the Passover, during the feast, many believed in His name when they saw the signs which He did.
But Jesus did not commit Himself to them, because He knew all men,
and had no need that anyone should testify of man, for He knew what was in man.
Now when He was in Jerusalem at the Passover, during the feast, many believed in His name when they saw the signs which He did.
But Jesus did not commit Himself to them, because He knew all men,
and had no need that anyone should testify of man, for He knew what was in man.
HOLY SPIRIT RAIN DOWN — Hillsong
PRAYER requires DISCIPLINE
ALL CHRISTIANS WITH any experience at all have had a vision of some fundamental truth, either about the Atonement or the Holy Spirit or sin, and it is at the peril of their souls that they lose the vision. By prayer and determination we have to form the habit of keeping ourselves soaked in the vision God has given.
The difficulty with the majority of us is that we will not seek to apprehend the vision; we get glimpses of it and then leave it alone. "I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision," says Paul.
It is one of the saddest things to see men and women who have had visions of truth but have failed to apprehend them, and it is on this line that judgment comes. It is not a question of intellectual discernment or of knowing how to present the vision to others, but of seeking to apprehend the vision so that it may apprehend us.
[from ‘The Psychology of Sin’ by Oswald Chambers]
The difficulty with the majority of us is that we will not seek to apprehend the vision; we get glimpses of it and then leave it alone. "I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision," says Paul.
It is one of the saddest things to see men and women who have had visions of truth but have failed to apprehend them, and it is on this line that judgment comes. It is not a question of intellectual discernment or of knowing how to present the vision to others, but of seeking to apprehend the vision so that it may apprehend us.
[from ‘The Psychology of Sin’ by Oswald Chambers]
LISTEN TO THIS MEDITATION BY CLICKING ON ‘DOWNLOAD FILE’ BELOW
COMING NEXT… #495 DO NOT BE UNBELIEVING
- Published on
John 20:11-18
But Mary stood outside by the tomb weeping, and as she wept she stooped down and looked into the tomb.
And she saw two angels in white sitting, one at the head and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.
Then they said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping?" She said to them, "Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him."
Now when she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, and did not know that it was Jesus.
Jesus said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?" She, supposing Him to be the gardener, said to Him, "Sir, if You have carried Him away, tell me where You have laid Him, and I will take Him away."
Jesus said to her, "Mary!" She turned and said to Him, "Rabboni!" (which is to say, Teacher).
Jesus said to her, "Do not cling to Me, for I have not yet ascended to My Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and to My God and your God.'"
Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that He had spoken these things to her.
And she saw two angels in white sitting, one at the head and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.
Then they said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping?" She said to them, "Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him."
Now when she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, and did not know that it was Jesus.
Jesus said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?" She, supposing Him to be the gardener, said to Him, "Sir, if You have carried Him away, tell me where You have laid Him, and I will take Him away."
Jesus said to her, "Mary!" She turned and said to Him, "Rabboni!" (which is to say, Teacher).
Jesus said to her, "Do not cling to Me, for I have not yet ascended to My Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and to My God and your God.'"
Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that He had spoken these things to her.
‘Do not cling to me.’ The King James Version says ‘Touch Me not’, and of course we ask, why does Jesus say this? He touches so many who need healed, and scripture invites us to ‘reach out and touch The Lord.’ [See Matthew 9:20-22]. Jesus gives the reason as ‘for I have not yet ascended to The Father.’
We have much to take from this, and an understanding of what Mary Magdalene’s actions reveal is important in this regard. Here are three points to consider.
Mary was the one person who was seeking Jesus. Seek, and you will find. Faith is a basic requirement for finding, and it was Mary’s unquestioning faith that brought her to first see Jesus risen. She saw Him before any of the other disciples, and indeed she was a disciple, as were many others, even although she was not numbered among the twelve.
Some sources say that Jesus would not allow her touch because He was establishing that from the moment of His Resurrection, any bond must be of the heart and not of the physical, a joining or a touching in the Holy Spirit. Jesus stresses this by saying that He goes to My Father and to your Father, to My God and your God, confirming that He is ‘the Way’ for us to have that eternal connection with Father God.
We have much to take from this, and an understanding of what Mary Magdalene’s actions reveal is important in this regard. Here are three points to consider.
- When Mary looked into the tomb — after John and Simon Peter had gone to their homes — she saw two angels in white sitting, one at the head and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. Neither John nor Peter report seeing the angels.
- The angels are placed as they are described in Exodus 20 — And the cherubim shall stretch out their wings above, covering the mercy seat with their wings, and they shall face one another; the faces of the cherubim shall be toward the mercy seat.
- Mary sees Jesus but does not recognise Him until He calls her by name. Her natural reaction is to reach out and touch Him, to connect with her Saviour, but Jesus says “Do not fasten on to Me. It is not the time for that now and the others must see me before I go to be with Father God.”
Mary was the one person who was seeking Jesus. Seek, and you will find. Faith is a basic requirement for finding, and it was Mary’s unquestioning faith that brought her to first see Jesus risen. She saw Him before any of the other disciples, and indeed she was a disciple, as were many others, even although she was not numbered among the twelve.
Some sources say that Jesus would not allow her touch because He was establishing that from the moment of His Resurrection, any bond must be of the heart and not of the physical, a joining or a touching in the Holy Spirit. Jesus stresses this by saying that He goes to My Father and to your Father, to My God and your God, confirming that He is ‘the Way’ for us to have that eternal connection with Father God.
MEDITATE ON THESE THINGS
MATTHEW 9:20-22
And suddenly, a woman who had a flow of blood for twelve years came from behind and touched the hem of His garment.
For she said to herself, "If only I may touch His garment, I shall be made well."
But Jesus turned around, and when He saw her He said, "Be of good cheer, daughter; your faith has made you well." And the woman was made well from that hour.
LUKE 11:9-10
"So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.
For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.
And suddenly, a woman who had a flow of blood for twelve years came from behind and touched the hem of His garment.
For she said to herself, "If only I may touch His garment, I shall be made well."
But Jesus turned around, and when He saw her He said, "Be of good cheer, daughter; your faith has made you well." And the woman was made well from that hour.
LUKE 11:9-10
"So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.
For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.
I SPEAK JESUS — Charity Gayle (featuring Steven Musso)
— as heard at our Tuesday Gathering on 24th January 2023 — Thank you, Rosanna --
— as heard at our Tuesday Gathering on 24th January 2023 — Thank you, Rosanna --
PRAYER requires DISCIPLINE
SOAK AND SOAK and soak continually in the one great truth of which you have had a vision; take it to bed with you, sleep with it, rise up in the morning with it, continually bring your imagination into captivity to it, and slowly and surely as the months and years go by God will make you one of His specialists in that particular truth.
[from ‘The Philosophy of Sin’ by Oswald Chambers]
[from ‘The Philosophy of Sin’ by Oswald Chambers]
LISTEN TO THIS MEDITATION BY CLICKING ON ’DOWNLOAD FILE’ BELOW
COMING NEXT… #494 RECEIVE THE HOLY SPIRIT
- Published on
John 20:1-10
Now the first day of the week Mary Magdalene went to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb.
Then she ran and came to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and said to them, "They have taken away the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid Him."
Peter therefore went out, and the other disciple, and were going to the tomb.
So they both ran together, and the other disciple outran Peter and came to the tomb first.
And he, stooping down and looking in, saw the linen cloths lying there; yet he did not go in.
Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb; and he saw the linen cloths lying there,
and the handkerchief that had been around His head, not lying with the linen cloths, but folded together in a place by itself.
Then the other disciple, who came to the tomb first, went in also; and he saw and believed.
For as yet they did not know the Scripture, that He must rise again from the dead.
Then the disciples went away again to their own homes.
Then she ran and came to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and said to them, "They have taken away the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid Him."
Peter therefore went out, and the other disciple, and were going to the tomb.
So they both ran together, and the other disciple outran Peter and came to the tomb first.
And he, stooping down and looking in, saw the linen cloths lying there; yet he did not go in.
Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb; and he saw the linen cloths lying there,
and the handkerchief that had been around His head, not lying with the linen cloths, but folded together in a place by itself.
Then the other disciple, who came to the tomb first, went in also; and he saw and believed.
For as yet they did not know the Scripture, that He must rise again from the dead.
Then the disciples went away again to their own homes.
John’s account of finding Jesus’ tomb — the stone rolled away — is low key, personal, compared to the other gospels, all of which mention angels in some form or another. John does not — at least not here — but as the disciple whom Jesus loved, he races ahead and is first to arrive, with Simon Peter — who had denied Jesus — following. However, Simon Peter is typically the bolder and enters the tomb first.
This part of the Resurrection story shows us the dawning of an awe-inspiring revelation — for the disciples, but also for us. It shows the movement from the darkness — while it was still dark -- to the light and an awakening to understanding — when the sun had risen (see Mark 16:2). This moment was so staggering that they could not immediately take it in, instead returning to their homes to consider what might have happened.
And what had they to think on? The stone taken away; Jesus gone and His linen cloths laid aside, with the handkerchief from around His head neatly folded and placed separately. These three things gave evidence of something unique, indeed cataclysmic. These things speak of His earthly presence. They are no longer necessary as He has translated to a higher realm. Significantly, the handkerchief which held His head is separate, neatly folded, ordered. I believe that this is a picture for us of Jesus the man, now becoming pure Spirit — Holy Spirit.
Our Lord Jesus has entered a time of transition. He is with us and with Father God, as He was in life — leaving us but not yet with the Father. Why is this? What does this mean? At this point, all we can say is that the stone had been taken away. For us, the tomb is opened; His death opens the door beyond the grave to new and eternal life. Where Jesus goes, we are meant to follow. So be it.
This part of the Resurrection story shows us the dawning of an awe-inspiring revelation — for the disciples, but also for us. It shows the movement from the darkness — while it was still dark -- to the light and an awakening to understanding — when the sun had risen (see Mark 16:2). This moment was so staggering that they could not immediately take it in, instead returning to their homes to consider what might have happened.
And what had they to think on? The stone taken away; Jesus gone and His linen cloths laid aside, with the handkerchief from around His head neatly folded and placed separately. These three things gave evidence of something unique, indeed cataclysmic. These things speak of His earthly presence. They are no longer necessary as He has translated to a higher realm. Significantly, the handkerchief which held His head is separate, neatly folded, ordered. I believe that this is a picture for us of Jesus the man, now becoming pure Spirit — Holy Spirit.
Our Lord Jesus has entered a time of transition. He is with us and with Father God, as He was in life — leaving us but not yet with the Father. Why is this? What does this mean? At this point, all we can say is that the stone had been taken away. For us, the tomb is opened; His death opens the door beyond the grave to new and eternal life. Where Jesus goes, we are meant to follow. So be it.
MEDITATE ON THESE THINGS
MARK 16:1-5
Now when the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, that they might come and anoint Him.
Very early in the morning, on the first day of the week, they came to the tomb when the sun had risen.
And they said among themselves, "Who will roll away the stone from the door of the tomb for us?"
But when they looked up, they saw that the stone had been rolled away—for it was very large.
And entering the tomb, they saw a young man clothed in a long white robe sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed.
Now when the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, that they might come and anoint Him.
Very early in the morning, on the first day of the week, they came to the tomb when the sun had risen.
And they said among themselves, "Who will roll away the stone from the door of the tomb for us?"
But when they looked up, they saw that the stone had been rolled away—for it was very large.
And entering the tomb, they saw a young man clothed in a long white robe sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed.
THE STONE IS ROLLED AWAY — Kate Simmonds (and Colin Webster)
PRAYER requires DESIRE
THINK OF THE last thing you prayed about — were you devoted to your desire or to God?
Determined to get some gift of the Spirit or to get at God?
[from ‘My Utmost For His Highest’]
Determined to get some gift of the Spirit or to get at God?
[from ‘My Utmost For His Highest’]
LISTEN TO THIS MEDITATION BY CLICKING ON ‘DOWNLOAD FILE’ BELOW
COMING NEXT … #493 TOUCH ME NOT
- Published on
Philippians 3:7-8
But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ.
Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ
Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ
Paul states that he has suffered the loss of all things to gain Christ. What he is saying to us clearly, is that all else should be to us of no consequence; we need to know and be rightly related to our Lord Jesus Christ. He distills into two short verses, the essence of the Book of Job.
Job is a debate over 42 chapters of why the world is as it is, and why God doesn’t intervene in our lives and make everything fine. I am in pain and troubled. “Heal me, Lord!” In other words, “Grant my every desire!” If God became merely a wish-fulfilment entity, He becomes no different from the genie in ‘Aladdin’ — there to serve those with the lamp — while the reality in the life of every believer is to serve God. Otherwise, He be not God at all.
Serving another is always a higher calling, and requires diligence and commitment. Most of all it requires love — love of the task before you can help, but ultimately it means love for the one served. Serving requires putting your own needs aside, even to the point of suffering.
Job, as did Paul, learned that it was not enough to follow; we must be prepared to lose all. As Job says “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him.“ [Job 13:15] The result will always be great gain.
Job is a debate over 42 chapters of why the world is as it is, and why God doesn’t intervene in our lives and make everything fine. I am in pain and troubled. “Heal me, Lord!” In other words, “Grant my every desire!” If God became merely a wish-fulfilment entity, He becomes no different from the genie in ‘Aladdin’ — there to serve those with the lamp — while the reality in the life of every believer is to serve God. Otherwise, He be not God at all.
Serving another is always a higher calling, and requires diligence and commitment. Most of all it requires love — love of the task before you can help, but ultimately it means love for the one served. Serving requires putting your own needs aside, even to the point of suffering.
Job, as did Paul, learned that it was not enough to follow; we must be prepared to lose all. As Job says “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him.“ [Job 13:15] The result will always be great gain.
MEDITATE ON THESE THINGS
JOB 42:9-11
So Eliphaz the Temanite and Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite went and did as the LORD commanded them; for the LORD had accepted Job.
And the LORD restored Job's losses when he prayed for his friends. Indeed the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before.
Then all his brothers, all his sisters, and all those who had been his acquaintances before, came to him and ate food with him in his house; and they consoled him and comforted him for all the adversity that the LORD had brought upon him. Each one gave him a piece of silver and each a ring of gold.
So Eliphaz the Temanite and Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite went and did as the LORD commanded them; for the LORD had accepted Job.
And the LORD restored Job's losses when he prayed for his friends. Indeed the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before.
Then all his brothers, all his sisters, and all those who had been his acquaintances before, came to him and ate food with him in his house; and they consoled him and comforted him for all the adversity that the LORD had brought upon him. Each one gave him a piece of silver and each a ring of gold.
FOR ME TO LIVE IS CHRIST, TO DIE IS GAIN
PRAYER requires DESIRE
“AND WHEN YOU pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites, For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.”
Watch your motive; does it arise from a real enchantment? (The word hypocrites here is really "play actors.") The main idea in the region of religion is — your eyes upon God, not on men. Do not have as your motive the desire to be known as a praying man. Get an inner chamber in which to pray where no one knows you are praying, shut the door and talk to God in secret. Have no other motive than to know your Father in heaven.
[from ‘My Utmost For His Highest’ by Oswald Chambers]
Watch your motive; does it arise from a real enchantment? (The word hypocrites here is really "play actors.") The main idea in the region of religion is — your eyes upon God, not on men. Do not have as your motive the desire to be known as a praying man. Get an inner chamber in which to pray where no one knows you are praying, shut the door and talk to God in secret. Have no other motive than to know your Father in heaven.
[from ‘My Utmost For His Highest’ by Oswald Chambers]
LISTEN TO THIS MEDITATION BY CLICKING ON ‘DOWNLOAD FILE’ BELOW
COMING NEXT… #492 THE STONE TAKEN AWAY
- Published on
Revelation 21:4-5
Then He who sat on the throne said, "Behold, I make all things new." And He said to me, "Write, for these words are true and faithful."
And He said to me, "It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts.
And He said to me, "It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts.
A new year. A new day. “A new day is dawning, the light is shining forth”. That is a promise that The Lord extends to His people. He says unequivocally Behold, I make all things new. And how much more can there be, but all things. And He says these words are true and faithful. Who can doubt it? Jesus tells us this on many occasions in Scripture, and all we need to see is that He speaks the truth.
ALL THINGS
And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all. [Ephesians 1:22-23] Paul shows us on numerous occasions how Jesus is our all in all. I haven’t studied this systematically, but it seems to me that Paul majors on the all things of our Lord.
Witness this from Philippians 4:13 … I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. And of course — we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. [Romans 8:28] We must remember of course the context here. Many take that first part — all things work together for good -- without applying the all-important qualifying statements — that it applies to those who love God, and further, to those who are called according to His purpose. Therefore, I must know what His purpose is, in my life.
ALL THINGS NEW
‘New’ in Revelation 21, means to ‘regenerate’ — effectively to restore, to heal and to return to wholeness. This is the truth of our Lord Jesus Christ. He finds us where we are now and returns us to the garden, where we can walk with Him, learn from Him and feel His presence. This is God’s purpose — to know and worship Him, and to have faith and belief in His promises.
ALL THINGS
And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all. [Ephesians 1:22-23] Paul shows us on numerous occasions how Jesus is our all in all. I haven’t studied this systematically, but it seems to me that Paul majors on the all things of our Lord.
Witness this from Philippians 4:13 … I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. And of course — we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. [Romans 8:28] We must remember of course the context here. Many take that first part — all things work together for good -- without applying the all-important qualifying statements — that it applies to those who love God, and further, to those who are called according to His purpose. Therefore, I must know what His purpose is, in my life.
ALL THINGS NEW
‘New’ in Revelation 21, means to ‘regenerate’ — effectively to restore, to heal and to return to wholeness. This is the truth of our Lord Jesus Christ. He finds us where we are now and returns us to the garden, where we can walk with Him, learn from Him and feel His presence. This is God’s purpose — to know and worship Him, and to have faith and belief in His promises.
MEDITATE ON THESE THINGS
2 CORINTHIANS 4:13-15
And since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, "I believed and therefore I spoke," we also believe and therefore speak,
knowing that He who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus, and will present us with you.
For all things are for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God.
And since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, "I believed and therefore I spoke," we also believe and therefore speak,
knowing that He who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus, and will present us with you.
For all things are for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God.
ALL THINGS NEW — Elevation Worship
PRAYER requires DESIRE
IF WE ARE ever free from the sense of need, it is not because the Holy Spirit has satisfied us, but because we have been satisfied with as much as we have. "A man's reach should exceed his grasp." A sense of need is one of the greatest benedictions because it keeps our life rightly related to Jesus Christ.
[from ‘If Ye Shall Ask’ by Oswald Chambers.]
[from ‘If Ye Shall Ask’ by Oswald Chambers.]
LISTEN TO THIS MEDITATION BY CLICKING ON ‘DOWNLOAD FILE’ BELOW
COMING NEXT … (491) LOSS OF ALL THINGS
- Published on
I decided to head out just before dusk to the sea. I simply needed to breathe the sea air, and listen to the gentle lap of the tide coming in. The last cry of the gulls. A moment just to be, at the end of a day. A day I will never see again. Such magical wonder in that.
As I strolled, I thought about things, you know, the things that matter. I have noted in these last days, that mostly we look forward. Rarely able, to truly be in the moment. Early winter, we were looking forward to Christmas, for some with great anticipation, and naturally, and sadly for some, not.
Christmas came and went. And now, we look to Spring. To 'plans'. Busy, busy, busy, perhaps not in the doing, but in our minds. When will we learn. l ask myself. Someone close shared this …
As I strolled, I thought about things, you know, the things that matter. I have noted in these last days, that mostly we look forward. Rarely able, to truly be in the moment. Early winter, we were looking forward to Christmas, for some with great anticipation, and naturally, and sadly for some, not.
Christmas came and went. And now, we look to Spring. To 'plans'. Busy, busy, busy, perhaps not in the doing, but in our minds. When will we learn. l ask myself. Someone close shared this …
"As human beings we can become so busy with the 'doing' of life that subconsciously the 'being' part of who we are has disappeared.
We live in an increasingly stressful world with its expectations and pressures, and not least while having to handle difficult and painful circumstances. Where does all the pain go? It does not simply disappear. We need time to 'be' to process feelings and thoughts, and see how negative beliefs and controls can create their own hidden cycle of problems if we have no time to listen"
This friend speaks a lot of wisdom. And, as a counsellor we agree on much. Let's not wish Winter away, but embrace this season in all its teachings. It was given to us for a reason. A time to be still and listen. And, to look for the light where it may be found.
Gill Stewart
MEDITATE ON THESE THINGS
1 CORINTHIANS 15:51-52
Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed— in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet.
For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed— in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet.
For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
KEEP ME IN THE MOMENT —Jeremy Camp
LISTEN TO THIS MEDITATION BY CLICKING ON ’DOWNLOAD FILE’ BELOW
COMING NEXT … (490) ALL THINGS NEW
- Published on
Mark 8:22-26
Then He came to Bethsaida; and they brought a blind man to Him, and begged Him to touch him.
So He took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the town. And when He had spit on his eyes and put His hands on him, He asked him if he saw anything.
And he looked up and said, "I see men like trees, walking."
Then He put His hands on his eyes again and made him look up. And he was restored and saw everyone clearly.
Then He sent him away to his house, saying, "Neither go into the town, nor tell anyone in the town."
So He took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the town. And when He had spit on his eyes and put His hands on him, He asked him if he saw anything.
And he looked up and said, "I see men like trees, walking."
Then He put His hands on his eyes again and made him look up. And he was restored and saw everyone clearly.
Then He sent him away to his house, saying, "Neither go into the town, nor tell anyone in the town."
A few days ago, I listened to Ellel Ministries ‘Let’s Talk’ podcast in which the lines from Mark 8 came up in connection with Andy and Cath Taylor’s topic, which was ‘Out of Apathy’. I had never seen this connection made in that way and I felt led to look at these verses, headed ‘A blind man healed at Bethsaida’.
Looking at the way this passage is phrased, I noticed that the blind man did not approach Jesus of his own accord, but was taken before our Lord by believing friends. This is the only passage that I can think of where the healing was not complete when Jesus responded to the cry. The point is that the cry was not from the blind man himself. We always doubt the enthusiasms and convictions of those around us. We like to discover the source for ourselves.
In my own case, I can testify that my coming to know the Holy Spirit was not an instant conversion, but a slow growing to understanding. It was not a doubting of Christ, but of myself. A feeling that I would not measure up. It took me quite a while to realise that I did not have to pass an entrance exam. It was seeing through a glass, darkly instead of immediately appreciating the light from heaven.
Too often we take the word of friends or family on trust and we find disappointment, because our perspective is not the same as theirs. When we are approached by Jesus with His amazing promises — the gifts of faith and love — we can easily question such riches. Is that doubt? I suspect that we can feel it is more a case of faith is for others but that I am undeserving. Faith itself is a gift from God; friends can only offer their glimpse of heaven.
What this story reveals is that Jesus knows when we do not see clearly — when we see men like trees, walking — and He touches us again and makes us look up to the heavens until we see clearly and unambiguously. We are restored to a condition of unconditional connection to Christ Jesus. His is indeed an amazing grace. Only then can we ask, seek and take the step to knock on His door — and He is the door.
Looking at the way this passage is phrased, I noticed that the blind man did not approach Jesus of his own accord, but was taken before our Lord by believing friends. This is the only passage that I can think of where the healing was not complete when Jesus responded to the cry. The point is that the cry was not from the blind man himself. We always doubt the enthusiasms and convictions of those around us. We like to discover the source for ourselves.
In my own case, I can testify that my coming to know the Holy Spirit was not an instant conversion, but a slow growing to understanding. It was not a doubting of Christ, but of myself. A feeling that I would not measure up. It took me quite a while to realise that I did not have to pass an entrance exam. It was seeing through a glass, darkly instead of immediately appreciating the light from heaven.
Too often we take the word of friends or family on trust and we find disappointment, because our perspective is not the same as theirs. When we are approached by Jesus with His amazing promises — the gifts of faith and love — we can easily question such riches. Is that doubt? I suspect that we can feel it is more a case of faith is for others but that I am undeserving. Faith itself is a gift from God; friends can only offer their glimpse of heaven.
What this story reveals is that Jesus knows when we do not see clearly — when we see men like trees, walking — and He touches us again and makes us look up to the heavens until we see clearly and unambiguously. We are restored to a condition of unconditional connection to Christ Jesus. His is indeed an amazing grace. Only then can we ask, seek and take the step to knock on His door — and He is the door.
MEDITATE ON THESE THINGS
Amazing grace,
How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found;
Was blind, but now I see.
’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed.
Through many dangers, toils and snares,
I have already come;
’Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.
The Lord has promised good to me,
His Word my hope secures;
He will my Shield and Portion be,
As long as life endures.
Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess, within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.
The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
The sun forbear to shine;
But God, who called me here below,
Will be forever mine.
When we’ve been there ten thousand year
Bright shining as the sun,
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise
Than when we’d first begun.
How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found;
Was blind, but now I see.
’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed.
Through many dangers, toils and snares,
I have already come;
’Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.
The Lord has promised good to me,
His Word my hope secures;
He will my Shield and Portion be,
As long as life endures.
Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess, within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.
The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
The sun forbear to shine;
But God, who called me here below,
Will be forever mine.
When we’ve been there ten thousand year
Bright shining as the sun,
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise
Than when we’d first begun.
JOHN NEWTON (1772)
AMAZING GRACE/HE IS LORD — Steph Macleod with Celtic Worship & Friends
PRAYER requires DESIRE
A GREAT MANY people do not pray because they do not feel any sense of need.
The sign that the Holy Spirit is in us is that we realise, not that we are full, but that we are empty. There is a sense of absolute need. We come across people who try us, circumstances that are difficult, conditions that are perplexing, and all these things awaken a dumb sense of need, which is a sign that the Holy Spirit is there.
[from ‘If You Shall Ask’ by Oswald Chambers]
The sign that the Holy Spirit is in us is that we realise, not that we are full, but that we are empty. There is a sense of absolute need. We come across people who try us, circumstances that are difficult, conditions that are perplexing, and all these things awaken a dumb sense of need, which is a sign that the Holy Spirit is there.
[from ‘If You Shall Ask’ by Oswald Chambers]
LISTEN TO THIS MEDITATION BY CLICKING ON ‘DOWNLOAD FILE’ BELOW
COMING NEXT… (489) LIVING IN THE MOMENT
- Published on
‘WISE MEN FROM THE EAST’
Matthew 2:1-2
Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem,
saying, "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him."
saying, "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him."
Scripture makes no mention of three kings. In various versions I have looked at, we see ‘wise men’ mentioned most often. The Amplified Bible has ‘astrologers’ bracketed after wise men, while others show ‘magi’, ‘mages’, ‘scholars’ and ‘spiritual priests’. The word translated as ‘wise men’ is a name given by the Chaldeans, Medes and Persians to teachers, priests, physicians, astrologers, seers, soothsayers, sorcerers and interpreters of dreams as well as the other interpretations already mentioned. But not kings.
As already suggested, there is a sense that any who follow Jesus are embodied in the three kings — and indeed the shepherds. That they are both shown at His birth reveals that they are aspects of His nature. We are to be wise as kings, and as caring as shepherds. As kings we acknowledge Him as King of kings, and as shepherds we recognise Him as the Great Shepherd of the sheep.
He will raise us to be Kings and Priests in His service, and to worship Him. The ‘kings’ are thought by some to represent the nations of the earth and bring gifts which reveal that they recognise the divine and holy nature of the Christ child, as well as His purpose for all mankind. Priests — another translation of ‘wise men’ — is the call to ministry, whatever aspect that the Holy Spirit has revealed in you. These are attributes of the true believer.
These last years have seen a great intensifying of troubles afflicting this earth — a pandemic, wars, environmental disasters on an unprecedented scale, climate change, economic chaos, and food shortages, rising crime levels, mental health issues and fuel poverty. All this and more, coincident with a steep decline in religious faith (at least in the ‘enlightened’ West).
Are these the products of ‘the end of days’? Perhaps. It seems more than enough to be going on with. LUKE 21:26 says men's hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken, when referring to the coming of the Son of Man. But Our Lord tells us not to fear such things. If we are true to Him, discerning the times and coming before Him as believers, worshipping and paying tribute — giving adoration indeed — then Let not your heart be troubled.
Jesus said “And where I go you know, and the way you know." Now we must walk in His way as the kings that He has raised us to be.
As already suggested, there is a sense that any who follow Jesus are embodied in the three kings — and indeed the shepherds. That they are both shown at His birth reveals that they are aspects of His nature. We are to be wise as kings, and as caring as shepherds. As kings we acknowledge Him as King of kings, and as shepherds we recognise Him as the Great Shepherd of the sheep.
He will raise us to be Kings and Priests in His service, and to worship Him. The ‘kings’ are thought by some to represent the nations of the earth and bring gifts which reveal that they recognise the divine and holy nature of the Christ child, as well as His purpose for all mankind. Priests — another translation of ‘wise men’ — is the call to ministry, whatever aspect that the Holy Spirit has revealed in you. These are attributes of the true believer.
These last years have seen a great intensifying of troubles afflicting this earth — a pandemic, wars, environmental disasters on an unprecedented scale, climate change, economic chaos, and food shortages, rising crime levels, mental health issues and fuel poverty. All this and more, coincident with a steep decline in religious faith (at least in the ‘enlightened’ West).
Are these the products of ‘the end of days’? Perhaps. It seems more than enough to be going on with. LUKE 21:26 says men's hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken, when referring to the coming of the Son of Man. But Our Lord tells us not to fear such things. If we are true to Him, discerning the times and coming before Him as believers, worshipping and paying tribute — giving adoration indeed — then Let not your heart be troubled.
Jesus said “And where I go you know, and the way you know." Now we must walk in His way as the kings that He has raised us to be.
MEDITATE ON THESE THINGS
REVELATION 1:4-6
John, to the seven churches which are in Asia:
Grace to you and peace from Him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven Spirits who are before His throne, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth.
To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
John, to the seven churches which are in Asia:
Grace to you and peace from Him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven Spirits who are before His throne, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth.
To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
WE THREE KINGS — Moya Brennan
PRAYER requires CONCENTRATION
IT IS AT first difficult to learn a new and better way of breathing, consequently we are conscious of it for a time, but it is merely consciousness of what will by habit become an unconscious possession. So in the better and new way of breathing spiritually in prayer, we shall be conscious of forming the habit, but it will soon pass into normal spiritual health.
[from ‘Christian Discipline Vol 2’ by Oswald Chambers]
[from ‘Christian Discipline Vol 2’ by Oswald Chambers]