Mark 1-4

note: Nikke and I are doing 4 chapters a night instead of 2 while reading Mark.

Angie's Thoughts

Mark 4:21-23

A Lamp on a Stand
He said to them, "Do you bring in a lamp to put it under a bowl or a bed? Instead, don't you put it on its stand? For whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open. If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear."

What are we to man if we are filled with the Holy Spirit but we hush our faith? If we don't show it to the world and make disciples of ourselves? And also hold other followers of Christ accountable to their faith..

We can help bring light into the darkness but often times I think people are a little afraid of that. Afraid that people won't agree with you.. that people won't like you that people will talk about you behind your back .. or maybe they'll even confront you with questions you don't know how to answer. I know I've been like that...

But the Lord has made us promises. He will give us the strength and the courage we need... he will give us the words we need to say. We just have to have faith in him.

faith faith faith faith faith..
it seems thats what every blog is about.
thats GOOD. because faith is vital.

i take showers in faith.
i spray "Faith" perfume on myself before i go out for the day
I EAT FAITH FOR BREAKFAST.

lately i've been trying to do ALL that i can to grow my faith in the Lord. and my life is blossoming because of it. i fear less. i have more peace in my life. i have more joy.. i'm more optimistic.. i'm wiser.. smarter all around (or so I'd like to think)..

I'd just like to thank all the people that read this day after day.. even though it may just be a bunch of rambling (on my part).. and i thank even more the people that post their thoughts and comment and encourage us! We really appreciate it.

And of course.. let all the glory of all things good be in God's name.

Matthew 27-28

Nikke's thoughts

I cannot help but think of Judas when I read chapter 27. He felt such shame and remorse for betraying Jesus that he hangs himself. I cannot imagine how awful that he must have felt. I know that sin is sin but he sent Jesus to his death. That has got to really feel the worst.
I am not perfect and I know my sin is not any better. When I think that Jesus died for us on the cross and bared all the sin of the world on his shoulders so that we could have the option of eternal life in heaven. I feel awful that my sin is what caused all that pain on the cross for Jesus to bare. Yeah it was before I was born when he bore the sin but he bore it for those past, present and future.
Thank you Jesus! Thank you!

So Jesus is beaten, mocked, spit on, and crucified.
He died for all of us. He doesn't specify specific genders or race or whatever. ALL OF US! Even the men/women that beat, mocked, spit and crucified Him. How amazing is that? He loved us so much that He could see past all of the crud that we as humans can be and do.
I serve the most wonderful God!

I am just picturing the look on the Chief Priests faces when they were told that Jesus rose from the dead.They were the ones that so desperately wanted Him dead and did not believe He was the Son of God. I bet their looks were priceless. Can you imagine?


Lord, thank you for the gift of eternal life. You never cease to amaze me in what you have done for all of us and for me. Thank you for your mercy, grace and your forgiveness. Even though I am imperfect you still love me and want my relationship with you. You are true to your word and you never fail me. Thank you. I love you!
Amen

Angie's Thoughts

alright so the thing that stuck out to me .. was when Jesus gave out one last and final cry before he died.. and there was a huge earthquake and in that moment.. the people that were with him they said "Surely he was the Son of God!"

Imagine the guilt in their hearts.. the dispair.. when they realized they just murdered the Son of God. They just killed the man that opened the gates of heaven for them.

Matthew 27:50-53 "And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. At that moment the cutrain of the temple was torn in two from top to borrom. the earth shook and the rocks split. The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. They came out of the tombs, and after Jesus' resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many people."

How insane would that be? In that moment the veil seperating us from God was torn in half.. and everything was turned upside down. and like Nikke said.. for people of the past.. present.. and future.

And now we can stand before God as though we never sinned at all .. and we take that for granted.
we are not worthy.
and the best part is that God's back will never turn on us. Even when we are unaware.. he's watching us through loving, caring eyes.

How amazing.


And Matthews ends on a good note..

"And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

Matthew 25-26

Angie's Thoughts

As I was reading chapter 25 I couldn't help but think that the parables that Jesus told there..(The Parable of the Ten Virgins, The Sheep and the Goats, The Parable of the Talents) that he was trying to shed light on our purpose here on earth. In the parable of the ten virgins the 5 virgins that were ready for the bridegroom got to be inside the house with him and the 5 that weren't got locked out. In the parable of the talents.. three different servants were given different amounts of money and the two that took their money and made more were given even more by their master and the one that just took the money and hid it without multiplying it had his money taken away. In the parable of the sheep and the goats, the sheep (the ones that helped people in the name of the Lord) were blessed and the goats (the ones that did not help people in the name of the Lord) were cursed.

So, I think we have three basic things that we are supposed to accomplish: prepare ourselves and be ready for our heavenly homes, multiply what the Lord has blessed us with here on earth.. and just do good in the name of the Lord.

obviously that's in a nutshell and there's a ton more to it. But I'm happy to get these points of view from Jesus of what is wanted from us here in the world.

Nikke's thoughts

Jesus knowingly faced His torture and death. This is so powerful to me.
It is one thing to be taken away without knowing it but to know the exact day the exact time of when you are going to be arrested, tortured and eventually killed and willingly and humbly accept it?!
I am not sure if I could do it.
I know the Lord gives us the courage and the strength we need to bear the trials we must face in order to persevere but torture? This is a hard one to wrap my head around.
I think of the martyrs even today and the miraculous things the Lord does and I ask myself fairly often would I be able to claim Jesus if it meant I were to die right then? Knowing I would be leaving my family and friends behind?
I hope I could.
I know I will see my friends and family another day in heaven as most of them know the Lord. It just still seems so hard and overwhelming to me.

I think of Peter when he denied Jesus 3 times when not faced with death and was distraught afterwards and wept over it.
I am not sure I could deny Him at all no matter what the circumstance, but also Peter never thought he would deny Him either.
Jesus said, "The spirit is willing, but the body is weak."

I think about how much I want to live here in earth and cherish the people I have here, but it is nothing compared to my inheritance in heaven.

I guess it all comes down to if we are a sheep or are we a goat?
Are we a follower of Christ or are we unbelievers?


Lord, help me to be a good sheep. Lead me to the places you want me to be. I want nothing more than to spend eternity with you. You are my rock, you are my comforter, you are my provider and I want to honor and glorify you all the days of my life.
Amen

Matthew 23-24

Angie's Thoughts

Matthew 23:12 "For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles
himself will be exalted."

I've had a fair dosage of this one. It seems that whenever I let anything get to my head I end up making an idiot of myself. So I've certainly learned to keep myself humble.

And that's the only logical thing to do when our gifts and achievements our God's too.. for He gave us our gifts and uses them as tools to achieve things important to Him. We can be proud of ourselves.. but we must never let things get to our heads.. because that leads us to look down on others.. which can lead us to not serving others as we should which is of course what we are called to do.

alright. Goodnight everyone, and make sure you pray for Nikke's step dad, Jim. He has cancer.

Nikke's thoughts

24:44 "So you must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him."

This verse really stuck out to me amongst all the others.
Jesus us talking to the disciples about how He will come back when they least expect it.
This makes me really take a look at myself and how I act around my friends and family. Am I showing Jesus in all I do? Am I a good representation of Jesus?
I certainly try to be, however, I am human and I stumble often. It is here that I learn humbleness and the act of asking for forgiveness from others for my actions.

I always wonder what it will look like when Jesus comes back. Everyone has their opinions about pre and post tribulation. I don't. (well I guess I do in the sense that I don't) LOL
I don't really think it matters since I know where I am going.
I think it is interesting how some things we will never know until we get to heaven and find out.
My mind will be buzzing until then. =D

Matthew 21-22

Nikke's thoughts

Jesus tells it how it is. He doesn't dill dally around he just puts it out there. I love that.

I can't help but think of the Pharisees here. Were they so caught up in being "in charge" that they couldn't believe or just ignorant?
They seem so caught up in the tradition of things that they've lost the true meaning of love the Lord with all your heart, mind and soul.
It saddens me so much to know that someone can know the word of God so well but yet not receive it into their life.
This baffles me.

Lord, I pray that your word would come alive to those who read it. I pray that it would be life changing and lead them to your kingdom.
Amen

Angie's Thoughts

LOL Jesus totally just makes fools out of all the Pharisees over .. and over. and over.

And finally.. in Matthew 22:46 "No one could say a word in reply, and from that day on no one dared to ask him any more equestions."

No matter what the question is.. he always gave the perfect answer. No one could ever tell him that he was wrong. And it baffles me that they even tried fooling him. Ever. I wish I had such a clear and concise idea of right and wrong.. but I get it mixed up sometimes.

I can only pray that God will shed on me some of His wisdom.. and that I might have a better idea of good and bad in the future.

I want to lead my life so well that other's would see me and get hope by just the way I live my life. I want to shed that kind of light because I know that there are a few people who inspire me like that. Where its just awesome to be around them and they set such a good example of living a Christ-like life.

Matthew 19-20

Angie's Thoughts

Okay wow. As I'm reading this there's so much good stuff it's kind of hard to soak in. And I don't want to ramble on about it all, so I'll just pick a couple of points.

Matthew 19:29 " 'And everyone who has left houses or
brothers or sisters for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will
inherit eternal life.' "

Wow. This makes me just want to get up and leave everything behind and become a servant to the needy. But me.. a mere girl of 16 who has an education to finish.. but then I think of it this way:


We were put in these times and places for a reason.. and we were put here for a reason obviously and I think that we are to take full advantage of what we are given. And since I'm blessed to be in a country where I can follow my dreams.. and even better God's dreams for me.. and I can go out and get an education.. I think that I should take full advantage of that. I was meant to.

God has plans for us and nothing is impossible if we have faith in Him. So.. I have come to the conclusion that I don't literally have to get up and leave my family behind and sell all my belongings and give to the needy to be doing what I'm supposed to. In fact it would be rather silly to think that that was every person's calling As long as I take up my cross and follow the Lord and I give up all my personal needs and dreams in exchange for His own for me.. I AM getting up and following him. And I am just where I am supposed to be.

Alright.. now that I've worked through that... I can now only be thankful for all the amazing opportunities I have with my gifts and the fact that I can go out and get an education even if I don't have the money.

Lord, I pray that you would light up the path you have for me with bright neon lights and spotlights so that I couldn't miss it. I want to follow you. That is all I want. Amen.


p.s. At the end of this blog is a video that someone showed to me that I thought was... extremely touching. Many of you might have already seen it, but to those who haven't it's a must see.

Nikke's thoughts

Ok so I am at a loss for words after watching the video Angie posted below.
The Lord is so faithful and amazing and is desperately wanting us to have a relationship with Him.
He gave His life for us! What an amazing gift he has given and all he wants in return is to be loved and accepted by you and me.

My God rocks people!

Matthew 17-18

Nikke's thoughts

The part where Jesus heals the boy with the seizures sticks out to me.
The disciples tried to heal the boy but could not.
Jesus says, "O unbelieving and perverse generation, how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy here to me."
Jesus just gets right to the point there. I love it.
Jesus then rebukes the demon possessing the boy causing the seizures and from that moment was healed.
This is where I really start thinking.
The disciples come to Jesus later and ask him "Why couldn't we drive it out?" (the demon from the boy is what they are referring to)
Jesus replies, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, move from here to there and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."

Wow! So basically the disciples didn't even have faith as big as a mustard seed!? This is so remarkable to me.
You don't need faith as large as an ocean or as big as the land to do tremendous things only the size of a mustard seed!
How crazy is that?
This had made me think how much faith I have. Do I have faith as big as a mustard seed?
This was a great chapter for me to really reflect on my faith.

We can do such amazing things with just the faith the size of a mustard seed. Nothing would be impossible for us!

Angie's thoughts

My thoughts.

Matthew 17:21-22 "Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, 'Lord,
how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven
times?' Jesus answered, 'I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.' "

And then Jesus gave us the Parable of the Unmerciful Servant where you can find in Matthew 17:23-35.

I found this humorous.. because Peter probably thought at the time that it would be completely generous to forgive a brother seven times. That it would be generous to forgive more than twice, even. And then the look that must have been on his face when Jesus told him ..figuratively.. that pretty much.. you must ALWAYS forgive your brother. Whether he betrays you seven times or seventy-seven..

And when he told of how when the servant that was released of his debt by the King did not repay the same mercy onto his own servant and that the King caught word of it and tortured him until he could repay his debt.. and then

Matthew 17:23 " 'This is how my heavenly Father will treat
each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart.' "

That... really puts things into perspective. Well, atleast how much value is in our forgiveness. Not even that, actually. I think of it more of.. how much we MUST forgive because of the consequences. There's not much value in our forgiveness at all because we're just doing a minute fraction of what the Lord has graced us with.

So.. that whole section is pretty harsh. But on the other hand it also shows just a glimpse of how merciful our Lord has been to us. We could never repay our debt to Him. So, instead, we must forgive others as he did to us.

Plus, grudges are no fun anyways and cause a whole list of emotional problems.

If the faith of a mustard seed can move a mountain, surely any amount of faith can let us forgive even the worst of betrayals. We know in the end that the Lord will have justice.

Matthew 15-16

Nikke's thoughts

In these two chapters one of the questions Jesus asks in chapter 16:26
"What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?"

I cannot help but think of someone very close to me when I read this that has what we would consider a very large amount of money, a nice home, cars and can really have anything he wants when it comes down to material things. However, he does not have the Lord to make him joyful.
I see him buying things all the time which in that moment does make him happy but not long term.
Jesus makes us happy and joyful long term not "things."
Oh how I hope and pray that he finds the Lord.

As for the last part of the question we cannot give anything in exchange for our souls with God their are no bargains it is all or nothing.
Are you in or are you out?

Angie's Thoughts

Alright what do I think... what do I think? Or more.. what am I supposed to say. Because sometimes I go to start these blogs and I have no idea. So... Lord please use my words as a tool, and give me some sort of muse in this late hour of the night. Amen.


So we begin.

Matthew 15:8-9 "These people honor me with their lips,
but their hearts are far from me.
They worship me in vain;
their teachings are but rules taught by men."

How many people do you know that claim to be Christians? They pray.. they're nice people.. but they're pretty much on their own boat and in the end they'll do what benefits them most? I know a lot of people like that unfortunately, and I grow morose at the thought of it. Nikke and I were talking about how we will be surprised when we get to heaven to see who is there and who isn't.


In the case of Jesus.. you can't just act the part. You have to give your entire being up ... for the part. It's not a part time job, folks. Like Nikke said.. You're either in or you're out. You can't stand on the middle lines because the eternal and worldy are completely seperated. And the only bridge to the eternal is Jesus.. So you can just stay living your wordly life.. reaping the benefits of a temporary material world.. or you can pay the bridge toll and lead your life aiming towards the eternal, and being a servant to the Lord and being true in all that you do. (hint: Pay the bridge toll.)

Being true in all that you do can be tough. But just follow the Lord with your heart.. not with your mouth.. and that will lead you the right way, I think. Because that's really all that we're doing right? Following the Lord. So as long as we listen to Him.. we'll be alright.

Matthew 13-14

Nikke's thoughts

I just love how Jesus talked in parables. I think sometimes as Christians we get all caught up in talking like Christians (I call it Christianeese) and no one has an idea what you are talking about.

Jesus talked the way those could understand. To a man that grows crops, to a fisherman of the sea, to a woman cooking and more. He made it as simple as He could and it worked! People got it.



I love Peter I can relate to him in so many ways! I love the part where he jumps out of the water to meet Jesus and is totally walking on water with Jesus! How rad is that!? Then Peter getting scared and distracted by the wind starts sinking and cries out to Jesus "save me!" and Jesus comes to his rescue. Oh ye of little faith is what Jesus says to him.


I think this is such a good analogy of our relationship with God. Well I will speak of myself currently.

I will jump into something blindly having faith and then get totally scared, worried or fearful of something and begin to stumble and sink if you will. Then I cry out to God "Help! please?" and God will give me a hand. And there is another lesson of faith for me that day.


I am learning to have faith and also persevere with my faith all at the same time. It is a lesson in progress and I still stumble and fall but the Lord is so merciful and gracious and is there in my turmoil to help me back up. He never gives up on me and is a constant strength in my life.
For this I am so thankful.

My favorite verse James 1:2-4
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Angie's thoughts

When Jesus is speaking in parables for the large crowds on the boat on the lake, one of the parables he told was the one of the Four Soils. And you can find this parable in Matthew 13:10.


But in Matthew 13:20-21 Jesus says,

"The one who received the seed that fell on rocky places is the man who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. But since he has no root, he lasts only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, he quickly falls away."

And then.. in in Matthew 13:23, Jesus says,

"But the one who received the seed that fell on good soil is the man who hears the word and understands it. He produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown."

I see a lot of my old self in Matthew 13:20-21. And I believed in God and Jesus. Very much so. And I had accepted His gift for me. But my faith was flimsy. And it easily got knocked down. Now, I am happy to say that my faith is very strong. I'm slowly building it up slab by slab, making a strong brick wall that won't be flimsy against attack. It's taken much more time and dedication but I'm so much stronger now. (hehe kind of like the Three Little Pigs, right?)



I think that sometimes like in my case faith is something that has to be built up. You can't have a strong house without a foundation. A lot of people claim to be faithful.. but a lot of those people have never been trialed with persecution and trouble. I think a lot of people that claim to have strong faith would "fall away" if faced with issues like persecution. But then again, we don't know until it happens.


And lastly..

Matthew 13:35 " 'I will open my mouth in parables,
I will utter things hidden since the creation of the world.' "

Praise the Lord that we were blessed to hear these parables. We read the bible sometimes (well I do) and I think we take it for granted (and again.. I mean, I take it for granted) that these words were gifts from Jesus. These parables.. so simple in form.. are words of liberation and freedom. Testament of His love for us. Jesus died so that he could speak to us these parables, and be the light in a formerly blind world. Through Jesus, our eyes are opened. And through these simple words, he speaks to us simple truths, that we were were blind to perceive before he came along.


We are loved.

Matthew 11-12

Nikke's thoughts

There was so much in these two chapters however, one verse really stood out to me over all the rest.
12:36-37 "But I tell you that men will have to give account for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned."

There was a sermon once that I heard that talked about how the tongue is the hardest to tame. There is a passage on it somewhere and I just cannot for the life of me remember where it is. The passage talks about how our body is the ship and our tongue is the rudder steering our bodies every which way.
I guess what I am getting at is it is important for us to speak highly of one another, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
If we fail we will be forgiven with exception of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit.
Jesus states, "anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, in this age or the next."

Myself I am constantly asking for forgiveness.

Lord, teach me, guide me, mold me. I know you have already begun. I know you won't give up! Thank you!
Amen

Angie's Thoughts

When I go back and read all the glorious miracles that Jesus performed.. people are just instantly astonished and without a doubt know with their eyes that they have seen a miracle.. and almost all repent at once.


But then I think.. if only people were that easily swayed by miracles present day. The technology that we have today definitely sets disadvantages. Because people see things and they do not believe their eyes because there's a million things we can do in order the create that illusion. Magicians do it all the time! Technology is a blessing and a burden.. with it we can advance the Kingdom of God but it also hinders us in many ways.


But then, I think of the people who still did not repent back then. I wonder if they truly believed that he was doing the Devil's work.. or if they were just looking for an excuse not to believe that He was the Christ. And I wonder why they would do that? Did they fear Him? Well, I'm almost positive they did.. But what for? The fact that they were so powerless compared to Jesus? Perhaps the threat He posed? Could anyone really be in Jesus's presence and have any doubt that He is anything but pure and good? I have so many questions.




But then..


"Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me."

He is very well aware that we have a million and one reasons not to believe our eyes. To decieve ourselves.. to not believe in Him. The Lord COULD give us absolute tangible proof of His existence if He wanted to.. but He wants us to be faithful. With our actions this includes, too. What we, do what we say.. which goes along with what Nikke was saying.


So..

Lord, I give you my words. I give you the gifts you have blessed me with. I give you my thoughts, actions, and emotions. Hold them as your own, make them yours, and make me to be more like you. Let me be angry with you.. and rejoice with you, too. Let me live my life to tell YOUR story, not mine. Because none of this is about me, this is so much bigger than I could ever dream to be. Let me be humble. Let me lose myself in glorifying You. Never let me be the same person as I was a month prior, for I never want to stop growing in you. Thank you for Your patience, and forgiveness.
Amen.

Matthew 9-10

Nikke's thoughts

I just love the way Jesus talks to the Pharisees. He is so forward and tells it how it is. I love the part when Jesus goes and is eating with the tax collectors and "sinners" and the Pharisees ask the disciples "why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and 'sinners'?"

Jesus replies, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: I desire mercy, not sacrifice. For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."

In my head I try to picture the look on Jesus' face when saying this to the Pharisees. In my head i see him giving the "duh" look. HAHA. Nah... I am sure Jesus didn't do that but to me it seems so obvious. LOL

I am beginning to see a theme in Jesus' healings. Whenever He heals someone He says "your faith has healed you" well I should say most of the time He says this.
When I think how strong faith is and what it can do I ponder why we are so hesitant now a days to heal someone? Is it because we are afraid we might scare someone away from our church? Are we uncomfortable? Are we skeptical? Or do we not have the faith at all?
I feel that God has so much more for us than what we are. I want to be all that God intends and wants me to be. Don't you?
God can use us in mighty ways! He can call any one of us to heal someone, to pray for someone, to teach someone, to have mercy, to evangelize, to discern and the list can go on and on and on.
There is no limit to how God can use you and I. Isn't that fantastic!!!?

One part of what Jesus said in chapter 10 really stuck out to me it is verse 10:28
"Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell."

Angie's Thoughts

I want to touch upon what Nikke already has because it stuck out to me, too. All the times that Jesus healed someone and did not say, "I have healed you," but rather "Your faith has healed you." The more I read the more apparent it becomes of the value our Lord has in our faith. I remembered a verse as I was reading, one that comes a little later in Matthew

Matthew 17:20 "He told them, "Because of your lack of faith. I tell you with certainty, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you."

So, I think that kind of gives us perspective of the potential that we have. And I think that we've barely scratched the surface of this potential. Why? I'm not sure. As Nikke was saying, I would certainly feel uncomfortable walking up to a person in a wheel chair and praying over them and commanding them to walk in the name of the Lord LOL. And I think that would be for fear.. that I would actually do that and it wouldn't work. And I'd just stand there like an idiot. Hahah. And I want to kick myself for that. Because then I think... I must not even have enough faith to fill a mustard seed! But if we have faith in the Lord, then why do we doubt him in such ways? Because for people like me.. to doubt myself and my faith is to doubt the Lord, isn't it?

Well, I guess I think everyone has to take more risks with their faith. Put themselves out on the line and something even if theres a great chance that they'll just end up looking like an idiot. Because that's the worst that could happen. Is that we'd look like an idiot. haha. And I'm sure there would be a lot more miracles and I'd like to think that I could risk looking like an idiot for a miracle.
Okay what else... yeah that's about it.. yay :)

Matthew 7-8

Nikke's thoughts

The one verse that sticks out to me is an age old saying that you hear all the time. I wonder if those who say it realize it came directly from Jesus' mouth?
7:12 "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you."

Such a simple phrase yet so hard to follow at times.

Jesus teaches us about the fruit that one bears and that you will know those who are false prophets by their fruit.
So in other words if they are not showing love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control they are a wolf in sheep's clothing.

Jesus goes on to say, "not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven."

I think it will be interesting to see who all is in heaven when I get there. I wonder if there are people I know that I think will go to heaven that will not be there?

Angie

Right and wrong; it is embedded into our being.
Making the simple law "do unto others what you want done unto you" actually be a functioning law.. almost naturally.

Because, obviously, there must be a common denomenator in all of mankind and in our creation that lets us know when something is good and bad. Some say that right and wrong is undefined, while others say that it is a part of human nature.

I say it is a part of our intelligent design. We have a creator and we were made with a purpose. And that purpose is to do the will of our heavenly Father. And since He is pure and He is good and we were made in His image, it is only simple logic to conclude that we are, too, here to do good. And if that was our purpose and what we were created to do, these laws MUST be embedded into our souls, into our very DNA. We cannot escape it.

So, when Jesus says

7:12 "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for
this sums up the Law and the Prophets."

we should know that this isn't just a polite suggestion.. this is a demand. It is a calling that is marked in super-permanent sharpie deep within ourselves. I think it's safe to say that this simple Golden Rule, printed on stickers, refridgerator magnets, and bumper stickers.. essentially a cliche that has lost it's ring of knowledge, truth, wisdom, etc. over the centuries, is actually vital to our existence.

I think it's funny how much meaning and wisdom is actually in some cliches, but they're thrown around so much people stop listening to them.

Maybe that's a course of action we should try taking; applying the Golden Rule in different ways so that people will pay attention. And I think that all starts in LIVING the Golden Rule. Being a testament ourselves for it..

I think that would be a great way to be the aroma of Christ. A good place to start anyways...

Alright I think that's about all I have to say for the night. I'm pretty sure I just rambled about a whole lot of nothin' :P Bye everyone :D

and P.S. When Nikke said.. "I think it will be interesting to see who all is in heaven when I get there. I wonder if there are people I know that I think will go to heaven that will not be there?"... I think that is something worth pondering. It's kind of ominous. But completely true, unfortunately..

Matthew 5-6

Angie's Thoughts

In Matthew Chapter 5-6, Jesus gives us some principles to live by so that we may live a Christ-like life.

Do not murder.

Do not commit adultery.

Do not divorce.

Love your enemies.

Do not swear.

etc.. and elaborations of those principles. These are mostly common sense.

But He also touches upon subjects that really spoke to me.

Matthew 6:19-21 "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth
and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for
yourselves treasures in heaven where moth and rust do not destroy, and where
thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, your heart will
be also."

Wow. For where your treasure is, your heart will be also. It goes on to talk about how you cannot serve both God and money.

This should be on billboards. I mean, that is GREAT STUFF. If people applied that just slightly to their lives, that would make the world a better place. If we invest all our time and energy on making our life in THIS world better.. we're not going to have time do invest in our eternal home! When we do anything out of love and selflessness.. we invest in our heavenly home. Not ONE cup of a water that you give to somebody will be overlooked by God because He is all seeing. So, if we don't take our time to serve others, as we are called to do, because we are too busy with our job and making money to buy a car and a house and clothes and all of those other material things.. where does that leave anything for heaven?

I mean, isn't it common sense to be selfless then?

So, if you have a choice between giving your tithe and buying a new television. Think about how far each is going to get you in life. NOT just this life, but the afterlife. I think you'll find that the TV does poor justice.

And Jesus isn't calling us to not enjoy our money and our life and not spend anything on ourselves. He just wants our eyes on the prize. I think He wants our hearts in heaven with Him. where they belong.

But heres my FAVORITE part of chapter 5-6. It says Do Not Worry.

Matthew 6:25-27 "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you
will eat or drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more
important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds
of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your
heavenly father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you
by worrying can add a single hour to his life?"

Out of everything this is what I can apply most to my life. And I think the average person can say the same. We spend so much time worrying and stressing out and wasting energy on things that will be okay no matter what. That's what I tell myself when I start worrying or when I get scared. "No matter what.. everything is gonna be alright." Because even in death, we have eternal life. And we have purpose. Even in complete darkness, we have light. So, don't waste your energy worrying about what God will take care of.

I think that this is almost about efficiency in our life. God wants us to be efficient. He does not want us to squander time and energy where it is not needed.

And on THAT note, fellow readers and bloggers (and Nikke :P ), I'll add.. that our lives are like hourglasses glued to the table, and we musn't waste one grain of sand, because each breath is a gift of God. And I hope that one day I can look back on my life.. and know that it didn't go to waste. See you tomorrow, everyone!

Nikke's thoughts

What a great teacher Jesus is! I just love the way He taught and well still teaches.
I love the way He breaks it all down and makes it so simple.
For myself it isn't always that simple. I think it can be. Can it?
When I was reading Jesus' teaching the Sermon on the Mount, being the salt and the light, the law, anger, lust, divorce, vows (oaths), retaliation, loving your enemies, giving to the needy, prayer, fasting, money and worry.

To myself I was thinking doesn't this come naturally to us? Somehow this has been lost to us. To the world.
I think the world has normalized so much of the things around like divorce, pornography, stress, needing to be wealthy etc. etc.
I think it is so sad that divorce is so common and that the vows a man and woman make to each other are not taken seriously or that a man or wife will allow their spouse to commit adultery by watching others on television and videos doing sexual acts. The mindset now is well he or she is not literally having sex. Jesus says "but I tell you anyone who has looked at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery within his heart."

Angie made some really good points about money, worry and self image. I just want to add that it is ok for someone to want to dress and look nice and want to have money. What matters is if you put the Lord first. Do these things come before God? If you say no, then you are good to go my friend.
God looks at the heart of what you do and who you are. However, He is very blunt about His expectations and we need to be obedient.

As I was reading these chapters I was thinking to myself the bible is the ultimate "book" if you will.
It has love, anger, revenge, battles, politics, vividness, family and redemption. All things that make up a wonderful novel that a lot of us might buy at the local book store.
Except the bible has the ultimate author and creator behind it! Man, I wish more would read it and feel the Spirit of God.

Matthew 3-4

Nikke's thoughts

I love how it describes John the Baptist. I am imagining him in my head as this long haired hippy that hasn't shaved in forever. A sort of Jerry Garcia like. LOL.
This is so proof that God doesn't limit His vessels to just the prim & proper.

I cannot imagine being the one to baptize Jesus! How tight would it have been to witness this and see the Spirit of God in dove form descending on Him? Not only that but to hear audibly God's voice from above saying "This is my son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased."
I can only imagine it.

verse 8 really stuck out to me. John says this after he tells the Pharisees and Sadducees how it is.
vs 8. "Produce fruit in keeping with repentance"
this goes along with one of my favorite sayings "actions speak louder than words"
Am I walking what I am talking? Unfortunately, not all the time. There are moments I catch myself just babbling. However, I am human, born a sinner.
Lord, help me and guide me to make my actions match my words.


It always seems to amaze me when I read Matthew when Jesus sees those who are to become His disciples and when He calls them to follow Him they get up with no questions asked and follow Him leaving their friends, family and everything they do. I bet there was this strong aura about Jesus that made it to where you just couldn't help yourself.
Man as I think of myself. When God will ask me to just go and lay my hand on someone's shoulder to pray for them I ask God "are you sure?"
WOW! to be able to just do things as God tells me with no questions asked would be so awesome!
I want that in my life. I want to be that obedient.

Angie's thoughts

Alright. So, I thought this was interesting. John the Baptist:

Matthew 3:4 "John's clothes were made of camel's hair,
and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild
honey."

If a man like John the Baptist lived today, people would have him committed. They would think he was a crazy man and put him on medication and get him off the streets where he couldn't disrupt anything. I think people are too .. tame. I can't think this way or that way.. can't live this way or that way.. can't do what I want.. can't do what I'm called to DO.. because oh my gosh people might think I'm weird and imagine what they'll say and this person may not like me and I wouldn't want that reputation... Haha and here John is..letting it all loose in the desert.

but.. AHA.

Matthew 3:5 "People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole
region of the Jordan. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the
Jordan River."

God chose HIM .. this freakish man in the desert .. to baptize Jesus.

So, really, I think we've got a theme going on here in these first chapters. God is obviously calling us to break the chains that society may hold on us. To not care what anyone but God think's about you. Because only when you follow Him.. do you live a fulfilling life. And I'd rather be happy and somewhat psychotic and free spirited than shove my self into a cast of society's ideal citizen in order to escape some scrutiny (whether that be school or work or wherever I am involved)

The moral of the story is.. don't be tame.

OH OH OH you know what that reminds me of?

CHRONICLES OF NARNIA haha at the end of the movie when its Mr Tumnus and Lucy and they're watching Aslan walk away into the distance on the beach..

Tumnus: "Don't worry. We'll see Him again.

Lucy: "When?"

Tumnus: "In time. One day He'll be here.. and the next He won't. But we musn't press Him.

After all, He's not a tame lion."

Lucy: "No, but He IS good."

here's a link to that clip. Forward to 6:35.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4Er2p0S9io&feature=related

Matthew 1-2

Nikke's thoughts

It amazes me how orderly and precise the genealogy is. I am not one to be this exact.

As I was reading about Joseph and Mary needing to flee to be safe from harm I cannot imagine how scared one must be for their life and the life of their unborn child. Who is the Son of God a little more pressure there maybe?
As a new mom I would be so scared.

The strength of Joseph amazes me and the obedience he had to the Lord. In 1. Marrying a woman who was already pregnant.
2. In his dreams when the angel appears to him on 3 separate times to flee or go.

He exhibits what I believe to be a "real man"


Mary also amazes me too. She is carrying the Son of God in her womb and takes the responsibility that God has placed on her life with no complaints.

Angie's thoughts

Yeah, I'll have to agree with Nikke on how much courage that couple must have had. Not only the speculation you would recieve from being pregnant outside of marriage (especially in that time in history) .. but giving birth to the Christ. The single most important person to ever exist. Ever. ahahah that's a big deal. I wouldn't believe it if it happened to me. But they put so much faith and trust in God that they got through it no matter what people thought. I think that they gave a perfect example for not caring what people think about you. THATS PUNK ROCK! hahah. Just kidding. Obviously there is a message here, an example to follow, in not following the world, but throwing yourself down the path of God. THAT I can dig. Screw what they say. Jesus think's I'm awesome.

tight.

What we are doing

Angie and I are going to blog about our daily readings of the bible on here. We are starting with Matthew and working our way through Revelation.

We will both be reading the same thing each day and just going over what stuck out to us.
I am super excited!!

Nikke