I am reading the Book of John, and today I got another glimpse into the life of John, the Baptist.
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome[a] it.
6 There was a man sent from God whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. 8He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.
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REFLECTIONS:
I am
in awe of the greatness of our God and I am so grateful of the books comprising the Bible. It is not easy to read into the
gospels of those He had chosen to chronicle His wonders and deeds,
without the Holy Spirit's guidance. Therefore, one must read and meditate.
Reading back again the book of
John, desirous of new insights into Who
God is and What He has done for us, makes me more in awe of God. How lovingly He has laid down everything for us because He first loved us.
The
apostle John was called “the beloved.”
He had a close mentoring
with Jesus Christ himself.
He was always at Jesus' side.
His gospel
places emphasis on the deity of Christ, he invites us to believe that
Jesus is the Son of God, and due to His death and resurrection (which the Apostle John
describes as His Glory), we might pass from death to life.
This
is where I've gotten my salvation: Because of God's grace.
John
3:16
“For God so
loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever
believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. “
My first word is: Grace
Ephesians 2:8, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God." (NIV)
Grace is a free will gift, not something that
is coerced (Matt 10:8).
Grace always remains within the parameters
of God’s law.
God’s grace always expresses love (John 3:16,
Heb 2:9).
God’s Grace demonstrates His truth (John
1:17).
God’s grace encourages and empowers a true
Christian to do righteous works of grace (2Cor 9:8).
God’s grace promotes abundant living (John
10:10).
Thanks and praise, whether given to God or
man, is a form of grace (Heb 13:15).
Sometimes the blessings of grace are obvious,
at other times they are extremely hard to comprehend.
Sometimes the blessings of grace are received
immediately; at other times they are a long time in coming.
God’s grace establishes His righteous character
in true Christians.
Gods and Christ’s grace provide for all aspects
of salvation (Eph 2:8–10).
with thanks to: http://www.servantsnews.com/sn0211/grace.htm
I was picked up from the mire, clothed with His salvation because of His love, I wasn't even a bit worthy to receive it. How could I not pass this grace on to others?
"Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers."(Eph 4:29).
When I went to visit Diane today, she has this beautiful picture of a place in the sun, so perfect to get away from the hassles of everyday life, a routine of home-office-home, all year long. How beautiful would it be to go to an island like the one I posted here. It is called Grand Cayman, which is part of the Caribbean Islands. It looks like a perfect hide-away, where my family could enjoy the sun, the miles of white beaches, the blue sea, the wind and the palms. There will be times that I could bury my nose in a book, then look out to sea and dream of the golden roads and pearly gates. Wouldn't it be all fun?
I live in a small island off Cebu Province in central Philippines. It is called Mactan Island. We used to go to the beaches which used to be uncultured. There were no hotels and you did not have anything to pay. One has just to find a shady spot, enjoy the views, swim, eat your packed meals, enjoy the company of family and friends until sundown.
Nowadays, one has to pay for entrance and the shacks where you find shade and a place to stack your effects. Some resorts doesn't allow you to bring food from outside or else you are charged corkage dues.
Our family had so much memories growing up along beaches, extended to the time I had my own kids. At present, we seldom go, but it is still something to look forward to with our grand kids.
Thank you, dear God, for how you have made a haven for us on earth to enjoy and put a very concrete image of your splendor as a Grand Designer. All those classy resorts and hotels pales in comparison to your Majesty. How I dream of walking along the beach with you like the famous song. Even your greatness, oh God, I could comprehend, all at how you have created this world, including us, your children, according to your image and likeness. Help us see your goodness and mercy, Father, just by sitting and looking out the sceneries you provided us. With which also, in the midst of all we have to undergo, in celebration or in sorrow, we can hope in what is to come, far greater than what we can see now. Amen!
For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his
eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being
understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. Romans 1:19-21
"All
I have seen teaches me to trust the Creator
for all I have not seen." -- Ralph
Waldo Emerson
I edited my own banner by resizing it to make a link button. The above is what I produced, which I am just happy to share. No, not because I want everyone to add my button to your blogs, but because I happened to stumble upon this lovely free editing site. It has the basic features for photo editing, adding overlays and underlays, etc. and it is so easy to use....." Voila, a button, all in a jiffy." Well, I posted this because I was busy studying how to make an HTML, for the button so that it will link to my site, once clicked. My good friend was also challenging me to make my button. So I searched for a free on-line photo editor, with which a grandma-become-digital geek, could easily navigate.
So there it is. And for the free photo editor web-site that I used, here it is, introducing, pixlr
To Diane, thanks for the challenge. Your flag is flying in my blog ready to be "clicked," and in just a wink, one will be at your doorstep. Wahoo back to you. Grannies learning HTMLs, making LINK BUTTONS, changing the face of our blogs, making rooms for improvement, especially in digital and on-line world. Isn't that amazing?
As my wise-hearted-friend, Martha, aptly said in her blog
we too, as most people, like to keep in step with cyber developments, for all purposes as well as to keep our hands busy with wise things to do. Plenty a room to improve, anyone!
There was a glitch in the internet here, I unfortunately UN-POSTED this post I published yesterday. I wish there is an options for recovery of posts deleted by mistake, something like a recycle bin. Anyway, the damage is done already. I am making a repost of it, and I will try to remember as much as I could how I wrote it yesterday. I am convinced that it is advisable, to keep a copy of our texts to our computer, to save us the trouble of rewording the post again. I am also doing this because of the comments attached to it. Please bear with me. Thank you.
For those who have read it on its original form, pardon for the inevitable changes as I could not recapture it word for word. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
(First posted on March 2, 2012)
For several days now, I have been
concentrating on my time-alone-with Jesus development. Not that I
don't have one, but that I have been prompted by the Holy Spirit to
make it a regular-early-morning-alone-time. It even made me decide
to rearrange the little space we have at home so that I could get the
best nook and keep it as my permanent quiet time corner. I have
mentioned in my previous post, that the usual time I have my
appointments with my Lord, is during lunch break at the office. We
have an hour lights-out time. I could get my verses from the on-line
Bible sites. There's a lot of sites one can get a devotional
material from and a host of Bible study guides too. And yet, I am
being lead to go up the prayer mountain at dawn.
The spot I have chosen is at our dining
table, which is by a window, so that when you look out towards the
mountain-village of the rich, you are able to see the sky changing
hue, from dark to light. So I told Jesus, “this is where we will meet
at dawn, my Lord.” There were also changes needed with my sleeping
time so that I'd be as clear minded as I can, which is positively
difficult for me. My usual time to get up is at 6:00 A.M. There is not
enough time, as this is already rush hour. I thought, I should give
up watching my favorite programs in the evening especially the late show.
Thus, I found myself awake the next
morning at 4:00. The sky was still clothed in darkness. I sat, as
comfortably as I could, in the plastic dining chair at my corner. I was thankful
that I did not have the usual lethargy I experience when I wake up at
this time. I sat in silence for a little while as I closed my eyes
to listen closely. I wanted God to make the first move.
Then I started praising the Father of
heavenly light, all His attributes pouring out of my mouth. I raised
my voice to all the blessings He has afforded me, thanked Him for
family and friends and even the sustenance of life. Then, rejoiced at the negative things which made me stronger. After that,
followed supplications and the laying-down of my transgressions down at the altar of grace.
As soon as I was unfolding my mental note for petitions,
because this time I was ready to give them wings, I stopped on track because there was a big lump in my chest
which made it difficult to breathe. I took several deep and slow
inhalations and slower exhalations. It was as though, I was squeezed
so tightly, I was gasping for air. Tears came pouring out like rain.
It was the kind of tears which one feels after being pardoned for an unforgivable
wrong.
I wondered what has given to the tears
when I was not yet praying for anything. Then suddenly I realized, I
was in my Father's tight embrace. I believe He wanted me to become
aware of it. Grace was manifested. It was a Holy Hour of Grace.
Wasn't it the Father's eager welcome
hug to a prodigal daughter home at last? The Holy spirit was waiting
for me to have this special moment alone together. It was a happy
reconnection. Indeed, He wanted to meet me in the
early-morning-hours. “Father, here I am, home at last.”
Psalm 37:7
Be still in the presence of the Lord, and
wait patiently for him to act. (NLT)
Psalm 40:1
I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned
to me and heard my cry. (NIV)
Heavenly Father God, thank you for giving me this opportunity to experience your welcome home hug. Pardon me for all the times I did not appear at our appointed times of meeting. Help me, I need it badly, Lord, to keep this a regular habit. And give me the longing for those moments everyday. Amen.
Comments previously posted: (I am glad that the comments are intact after the accidental deletion of this post).
by Diane:
Oh, I'm so happy for your time with Jesus, Lolita! Isn't the early mornings extraordinary?
Hallelujah!
This was a beautifully written post. Thank you for sharing your time with us all. 3-2-2012 - - - - - - - - - - - -
reply by Lolita:
Thank you, my dear D, my ever faithful companion and prayer partner. You are welcome to my time and space.
Yes, D. The early-morning-alone-time at Jesus' feet are extraordinary. Miracles grow in the garden visited by God. 3-2-2012 - - - - - - - - - - - -
by Pam:
You
wrote this so beautifully, Lolita! How wondrous your time with the
Lord was this day! God bless you with more of his hugs. Thanks for all
your prayers! Pam 3-2-2012
- - - - - - - - - - - -
reply by Lolita:
@Pam,
I am glad you like it knowing that you are my model. How I admire the
way you use figurative words that make your writings amazingly alive.
Thank you. As for my prayers, I am seeking to put everything aligned
with God, for I long to be able to carry other's burdens and upload them
all to his altar
"Draw me near your presence, oh Lord." How sweet it is to spend time at the feet of Jesus. I could just imagine how Mary was drawn at His feet, listening to His stories and insights. What a privilege that was for Mary who preferred to sit at the floor rather than be like Martha, who had the gift of service and hospitality. Martha was so busy playing the perfect hostess to Jesus and always on her toes to make him comfortable and fed. But you, very well know, that although it was never a bad thing to be hospitable to your guest, He was pleased with the child-like, awe-inspired attitude of Mary. Times to draw near to Jesus, being at His precious feet, was something all of us hunger for. However, those times, are often-times, given up for other mundane things.
The word of Jesus:
But the
Lord answered her “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by
many things. There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better
part, which will not be taken away from her”.’ (Read Luke
10:38-42)
I am so thankful to Jesus this morning, for giving me time to draw near Him, down at His feet. I sat quietly before His awesome presence, just silent and listening. He made me sing the beautiful songs "Draw Me Near," and "I just want to be Where You Are." What a wonderful time I had and what a gracious privilege to come near Him. When you feel His righteous hand laid upon your head, you will know that nothing could ever separate us from His love, no nothing....... and His peace, which knows no bounds, will cause you to "be still."
" Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth."
"There are times to speak up and take
action--but sometimes it's important to just humbly sit back and
silently reflect on God's presence. This psalm encourages us to take
time to meditate quietly in the assurance that God is in control.
" http://biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ps.46.10&version=NIV
Times of Refreshing in the presence of Jesus. Help me, Oh my Lord, to thirst for those times. Amen!
DOWN AT YOUR FEET: NO HIGHER CALLING
Lenny LeBlanc
Greg Gulley
Down at Your feet, Oh Lord
Is the most high place
In Your presence, Lord
I seek Your face, I seek your face
Chorus
There is no higher calling no greater honor
Than to bow and kneel before Your throne
I'm amazed at Your glory, embraced by Your mercy
Oh Lord, I live to worship You Down at Your feet, Oh Lord
Is the most high place
In Your presence, Lord
We seek Your face, we seek your face
Wake at dawn with a winged heart and give thanks for another day of loving. ~ Kahill Gibran (borrowed from Diane's collection@http://warmtheheart.blogspot.com/p/worth-repeating-to-yourself.html)
Reflections:
What did Jesus mean by saying "which will not be taken away" from Mary? Did He mean the wisdom we can gather when we stop to listen to His words, and in so doing would make us grow stronger in our faith and knowledge of who God is in our life?
Did Martha miss a lot of learning opportunities down at Jesus' feet while she was busy doing household chores?
Was the bond that grew between Jesus the teacher and Mary the student more important to Jesus than being fussed over by Martha?
I am
in awe of the greatness of our God and I am so grateful of the books comprising the Bible. It is not easy to read into the
gospels of those He had chosen to chronicle His wonders and deeds,
without the Holy Spirit's guidance. Therefore, one must read and meditate.
