Matthew 21:1-17; 24:3-25:46; 26:26-30; 36-56
The month of April is widely associated with Psalm Sunday, Passion Week, Good Friday and Easter or Resurrection Sunday as they relate to Jesus Christ.
While reflecting on each event, let’s ask ourselves what does each event mean to me? Are we reflecting with heart felt compassion and adoration for what Christ did for all humanity? As we celebrate Psalm Sunday is it with the full understanding that Jesus entry into Jerusalem was triumphal because He was the prophesied King bringing salvation to all and same crowd that praised Him on Sunday morning saying “Hosanna in the highest” would cry “crucify Him” on Friday. The questions now become, if we were there, how would our conduct be during each event? Would we recognize Him as King? Would we have the faith to believe that prophecy must be fulfilled as these events occurred? Finally, what position would we have taken during Jesus’ trial and crucifixion? Each of us as believers must answer the above questions in our own hearts by saying “to thine own heart be true.”
This brings us to Passion Week also known as Holy Week which is the time between Psalm Sunday through Resurrection/Easter Sunday. The question is why is this week referred to as Passion Week? Because it showed Jesus’ true passion for humanity as He willingly suffered the pains of sin for mankind. The events that occurred during that week were Jesus cleansed the temple for the second time (Luke 19:45-46), and then disputed with the Pharisees regarding His authority. Next Jesus gave His Olivet Discourse on the end times where He pointed to signs of His second coming. Luke 22:7-38 records Jesus eating His last meal (Last supper) with His disciples in the upper room. Then Jesus went to the garden of Gethsemane to pray before His arrest by the Roman soldiers where His trials began before the chief priests, Pontius Pilate and King Herod. Following His trial, He was forced to carry His cross to His death. He was crucified that Friday, but the main event occurred early Sunday morning.
In closing, let’s re-ask the question of what does this week and the events that occurred mean to me? Are we passionate in our worship of Jesus and His gospel? Will we spend some time Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday worshiping Him? He is worthy!
Author’s Contact:
Emails: white3285@sbcglobal.net
wwhite@goodshepherdwritingandpublishing.com
Website: www.goodshepherdwritingandpublishing.com
Blog: http://willie-writingandpublishing.com
Friday, April 3, 2009
Thursday, March 26, 2009
How do you worship God?
John 4:23-24
In an attempt to answer our discussion question, we must define worship, according to King James Study Bible; worship “constitutes those actions and attitude that ascribe honor and worth to the great God of heaven and earth.” It further states that worship is “God-centered and not human-centered.” Additionally, the King James Bible states that “in Christian worship we draw near to God with joy and gratitude for what He has done for us in Christ and through the Holy Spirit.”
Therefore, believers express their worship in faith, love, and devotion that begins in the hearts of each believer and resonates in our daily lives to God and His Son Jesus Christ, the lamb who was slain from the foundation of the world for humanity’s sins.
Let’s look at the key components that governs our worship and they are:( a) All who truly worship God must do so in spirit and truth as God is a spirit. Also, true worship takes place in the believer’s heart and is manifested outward by the Holy Spirit. (b) The second element of worship contains several components of our worship, and they are (1) participate in the sacraments of the Lord’s Supper. (2) Offer sacrifices of praise to God continually, as it is essential to Christian worship. (3) Christian worship can be seen through the singing of hymns, spiritual songs, and psalms. (4) Prayer is an essential component of Christian worship as believers we are encouraged to commune with God daily through prayer. (5) Scripture reading is also essential to true Christian worship. (6) Confession of our sins is also considered as true worship as it is seen as an admission of our guilt before God. (7) We as believers are to assemble ourselves with other believers yielding to the Holy Spirit.
In closing, let’s worship God in spirit and truth as He is worthy.
Author’s Contact:
white3285@sbcglobal.net
wwhite@gooshepherdwritingandpublishing.com
www.goodshepherdwritingandpublishing.com
http://willie-writing.blogspot.com
In an attempt to answer our discussion question, we must define worship, according to King James Study Bible; worship “constitutes those actions and attitude that ascribe honor and worth to the great God of heaven and earth.” It further states that worship is “God-centered and not human-centered.” Additionally, the King James Bible states that “in Christian worship we draw near to God with joy and gratitude for what He has done for us in Christ and through the Holy Spirit.”
Therefore, believers express their worship in faith, love, and devotion that begins in the hearts of each believer and resonates in our daily lives to God and His Son Jesus Christ, the lamb who was slain from the foundation of the world for humanity’s sins.
Let’s look at the key components that governs our worship and they are:( a) All who truly worship God must do so in spirit and truth as God is a spirit. Also, true worship takes place in the believer’s heart and is manifested outward by the Holy Spirit. (b) The second element of worship contains several components of our worship, and they are (1) participate in the sacraments of the Lord’s Supper. (2) Offer sacrifices of praise to God continually, as it is essential to Christian worship. (3) Christian worship can be seen through the singing of hymns, spiritual songs, and psalms. (4) Prayer is an essential component of Christian worship as believers we are encouraged to commune with God daily through prayer. (5) Scripture reading is also essential to true Christian worship. (6) Confession of our sins is also considered as true worship as it is seen as an admission of our guilt before God. (7) We as believers are to assemble ourselves with other believers yielding to the Holy Spirit.
In closing, let’s worship God in spirit and truth as He is worthy.
Author’s Contact:
white3285@sbcglobal.net
wwhite@gooshepherdwritingandpublishing.com
www.goodshepherdwritingandpublishing.com
http://willie-writing.blogspot.com
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Which do you choose the gift of God and eternal or sin and death?
Romans 6:23
Our topical discussion is based on a personal decision that each individual must make when deciding whether to accept God’s free gift of salvation that gives us the inheritance of eternal life or reject God’s gift of salvation and spend eternally separated form Him.
In making our choices we must remember that there is a spiritual warfare that is raging between God and Satan and our choice will determine where we will spend eternity as well as how we live our earthly lives here on earth. If we choose to become servants in God’s army then there are many blessings as our reward. Some of the rewards are: (a) we have accepted Jesus Christ’s atoning death at Calvary and He have become our Lord and Saviour, (b) we become heirs to the kingdom of God, (c) we have the indwelling Holy Spirit protecting us from all danger while leading, guiding, teaching, and sealing us in the family of God, and (d) we have been freed from the bondage of sin and the stigma of death that it carries.
Consider this, we work thirty years for a company, then retire with a pension to relax and enjoy life’s golden years-- spend a lifetime in Christ we get to enjoy God’s goodness in His presence in our after life (golden years).
Finally, in making our choice consider the consequences of our decisions, which is where do I want to spend eternity after my physical life has ended. Therefore, the question remains, which do you, choose?
Our topical discussion is based on a personal decision that each individual must make when deciding whether to accept God’s free gift of salvation that gives us the inheritance of eternal life or reject God’s gift of salvation and spend eternally separated form Him.
In making our choices we must remember that there is a spiritual warfare that is raging between God and Satan and our choice will determine where we will spend eternity as well as how we live our earthly lives here on earth. If we choose to become servants in God’s army then there are many blessings as our reward. Some of the rewards are: (a) we have accepted Jesus Christ’s atoning death at Calvary and He have become our Lord and Saviour, (b) we become heirs to the kingdom of God, (c) we have the indwelling Holy Spirit protecting us from all danger while leading, guiding, teaching, and sealing us in the family of God, and (d) we have been freed from the bondage of sin and the stigma of death that it carries.
Consider this, we work thirty years for a company, then retire with a pension to relax and enjoy life’s golden years-- spend a lifetime in Christ we get to enjoy God’s goodness in His presence in our after life (golden years).
Finally, in making our choice consider the consequences of our decisions, which is where do I want to spend eternity after my physical life has ended. Therefore, the question remains, which do you, choose?
Author's contact:
www.goodshepherdwritingandpublishing.com
wwhite@goodshepherdwritingandpublishing.com
Thursday, February 26, 2009
The Lord, the Good Shepherd
Psalm 23:1-6; John 10:11-16
Psalm 23 is used as a metaphor where God uses this allegory comparing Himself to that of a shepherd displaying His love, care and divine protection to all humanity. Metaphors are commonly used throughout Old Testament writing to paint a clear picture when making a heavenly point. Sometimes parables are used to express similar meanings.
To further expound on the metaphoric symbol of the 23rd Psalm we see humanity, especially believers as God’s sheep and the whole world is His pasture and God Himself is the shepherd providing for all humanity—saved and un-saved alike. Believers are truly counted as God’s sheep and when one goes astray, He will search for that lost soul through the Holy Spirit as it is God’s desire for all to be saved—in the fold. Believers are the affections of God’s love as depicted through His Son Jesus Christ who willingly gave His life for the sins of the world. What a God!
Throughout Psalm 23, we see the Lord’s intentions for all those who follow Him while displaying His providential care for all humanity’s needs. Let’s look at the phrase “I shall not want”, it gives God’s guarantee that what ever our needs are He will supply. If we analyze the phrase it gives two insights: one, believers will lack for nothing as this is the Will of God. Two, believers can be content in God, the Good Shepherd’s provisional care, because during our worst of times, He is there beside us, and for this believers can trust God to keep His promise--never to leave us alone. Just look at God, the Good Shepherd!
More importantly, the entire Psalm talks about the benefits and blessings from being the Lord’s sheep. When the troubles our souls becomes troubled to the point there appear to be no way out, God through His Spirit gently leads us to peace, calmness and contentment. Also, God gently re-energizes our souls through His power and grace. Another blessing from being God’s sheep is, God through His Spirit gently walk beside us protecting us from both seen and unseen dangers so much so that we can conduct our daily lives with confident that God has dispatched His goodness and mercy angles to serve as our protective shields daily and forever more. One final note on the Good Shepherd is that despite Satan’s evil tactics, God continues caring for both our spiritual and physical needs in a sin society corroded so much so that all believers can eat from the master’s table in faith, thanksgiving, hope and fully be at peace because we are protected by the shed blood of Jesus Christ as we are continuously being protected by the Holy Spirit.
In closing this dialogue, God is our Good Shepherd, but we must trust, obey, and commit to His ways all in faith.
Author’s contact:
wwhite@goodshepherdwritingandpubishing.com
white3285@sbcglobal.net
www.goodshepherdwritingandpublishing.com
http://willie-writing.blogspot.com
Psalm 23 is used as a metaphor where God uses this allegory comparing Himself to that of a shepherd displaying His love, care and divine protection to all humanity. Metaphors are commonly used throughout Old Testament writing to paint a clear picture when making a heavenly point. Sometimes parables are used to express similar meanings.
To further expound on the metaphoric symbol of the 23rd Psalm we see humanity, especially believers as God’s sheep and the whole world is His pasture and God Himself is the shepherd providing for all humanity—saved and un-saved alike. Believers are truly counted as God’s sheep and when one goes astray, He will search for that lost soul through the Holy Spirit as it is God’s desire for all to be saved—in the fold. Believers are the affections of God’s love as depicted through His Son Jesus Christ who willingly gave His life for the sins of the world. What a God!
Throughout Psalm 23, we see the Lord’s intentions for all those who follow Him while displaying His providential care for all humanity’s needs. Let’s look at the phrase “I shall not want”, it gives God’s guarantee that what ever our needs are He will supply. If we analyze the phrase it gives two insights: one, believers will lack for nothing as this is the Will of God. Two, believers can be content in God, the Good Shepherd’s provisional care, because during our worst of times, He is there beside us, and for this believers can trust God to keep His promise--never to leave us alone. Just look at God, the Good Shepherd!
More importantly, the entire Psalm talks about the benefits and blessings from being the Lord’s sheep. When the troubles our souls becomes troubled to the point there appear to be no way out, God through His Spirit gently leads us to peace, calmness and contentment. Also, God gently re-energizes our souls through His power and grace. Another blessing from being God’s sheep is, God through His Spirit gently walk beside us protecting us from both seen and unseen dangers so much so that we can conduct our daily lives with confident that God has dispatched His goodness and mercy angles to serve as our protective shields daily and forever more. One final note on the Good Shepherd is that despite Satan’s evil tactics, God continues caring for both our spiritual and physical needs in a sin society corroded so much so that all believers can eat from the master’s table in faith, thanksgiving, hope and fully be at peace because we are protected by the shed blood of Jesus Christ as we are continuously being protected by the Holy Spirit.
In closing this dialogue, God is our Good Shepherd, but we must trust, obey, and commit to His ways all in faith.
Author’s contact:
wwhite@goodshepherdwritingandpubishing.com
white3285@sbcglobal.net
www.goodshepherdwritingandpublishing.com
http://willie-writing.blogspot.com
Thursday, February 19, 2009
God's provisional care
Genesis 45:5; Psalm 23:1; Philippians 4:19
With all of the grim news that is flooding the air ways these days, I felt compelled to remind us all of God’s provisional care. After God created the heavens and earth He did not abandon His world to run on its own, rather He remains actively involved in His people’s lives and care. Neither can God be looked upon as some masterful watch maker who winds up his clock and leaves it until it runs down; instead our heavenly father tenderly cares for our every need.
If we look at the term provisional it means that God cares for everything that He created which includes humanity both saved and unsaved. With that being said, then in spite of our current economical situation and the distressing news there is hope in knowing that the God of all creation is going to see us through these tough times. Reflect with me for a moment when Jesus reminded us in Matthews 6:26-30 that the “lilies of the fields toils not’, or the birds in the air worry about where they will get their food and the balance of nature remains intact. Are we (mankind) less that plants and animals? I think not! Allow me to direct our attention to some scriptures for reassurances that God is going to supply all our needs “according to His riches in glory which is by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). Also note Psalm 23:1 which states “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” This means that whatever man’s needs are He will supply, but we must trust God to supply our needs. Psalms 104 and 145 testify of God’s goodness in providing for His creations. However, in our humaneness when our lives are not operating as a well oiled machine, we tend to worry or become anxious about the situation, but God asks us to cast “all of our cares upon Him” (1 Peter 5:7).
In God’s divine wisdom He knew that there were going to be times when humanity would experience suffering, but this is not to say that things are out of God’s control, He allows suffering under His permissive will and there could be numerous reasons for man’s suffering. Sometimes these experiences raise questions about the reality of evil and its place in God’s plan as it has no place in His plan. Several months ago I wrote an article title “How do we heal our land?”(2 Chronicles 7:14), and it appeared in the Informer magazine and is on my website, as it dealt with four things man must to do then God will do three. God is asking His people to (a) humble themselves, (b) pray, (c) seek, and (d) turn, then God is going to (a) hear, (b) forgive, and (d) heal.
Many times God allows suffering is to carry out His will and or to accomplish His redemptive purposes. With that being said, the crises we are facing there is a lesson to be learned and recognize God as the true source of our blessing. Finally, God is going to see us through these crises because of His love and provisional care.
wwhite3285@sbcglobal.net
wwhite@godshepherdwritingandpublishing.com
www.goodshepherdwritingandpublishing.com
With all of the grim news that is flooding the air ways these days, I felt compelled to remind us all of God’s provisional care. After God created the heavens and earth He did not abandon His world to run on its own, rather He remains actively involved in His people’s lives and care. Neither can God be looked upon as some masterful watch maker who winds up his clock and leaves it until it runs down; instead our heavenly father tenderly cares for our every need.
If we look at the term provisional it means that God cares for everything that He created which includes humanity both saved and unsaved. With that being said, then in spite of our current economical situation and the distressing news there is hope in knowing that the God of all creation is going to see us through these tough times. Reflect with me for a moment when Jesus reminded us in Matthews 6:26-30 that the “lilies of the fields toils not’, or the birds in the air worry about where they will get their food and the balance of nature remains intact. Are we (mankind) less that plants and animals? I think not! Allow me to direct our attention to some scriptures for reassurances that God is going to supply all our needs “according to His riches in glory which is by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). Also note Psalm 23:1 which states “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” This means that whatever man’s needs are He will supply, but we must trust God to supply our needs. Psalms 104 and 145 testify of God’s goodness in providing for His creations. However, in our humaneness when our lives are not operating as a well oiled machine, we tend to worry or become anxious about the situation, but God asks us to cast “all of our cares upon Him” (1 Peter 5:7).
In God’s divine wisdom He knew that there were going to be times when humanity would experience suffering, but this is not to say that things are out of God’s control, He allows suffering under His permissive will and there could be numerous reasons for man’s suffering. Sometimes these experiences raise questions about the reality of evil and its place in God’s plan as it has no place in His plan. Several months ago I wrote an article title “How do we heal our land?”(2 Chronicles 7:14), and it appeared in the Informer magazine and is on my website, as it dealt with four things man must to do then God will do three. God is asking His people to (a) humble themselves, (b) pray, (c) seek, and (d) turn, then God is going to (a) hear, (b) forgive, and (d) heal.
Many times God allows suffering is to carry out His will and or to accomplish His redemptive purposes. With that being said, the crises we are facing there is a lesson to be learned and recognize God as the true source of our blessing. Finally, God is going to see us through these crises because of His love and provisional care.
wwhite3285@sbcglobal.net
wwhite@godshepherdwritingandpublishing.com
www.goodshepherdwritingandpublishing.com
Friday, February 13, 2009
A Well of life
Proverbs 10:11
In this week’s topical discussion we will answer three questions, what is meant by the phrase a well of life? Who is considered a well of life? How does one become a well of life and what are the benefits of being a well of life?
In our efforts to answer the first question, our scripture verse parallel’s the mouth of a righteous man as being “a well of life.” Why so, because all believers who follow God’s ways will lead others into the full-life given by God as recorded in Ezekiel 47:1-12, where Ezekiel, in his vision sees a life-giving river flowing from the temple. As this river flows it grows both in dept and width (vv 2-5), giving life and causing everything it touched to multiply (vv 9-12). Let’s look at what flows from the river; in verse 9 there is an abundance of fish which is evangelism. In verse 10 we have enduring faithfulness, and verse 12 there is healing; also verse 12 gives similarities to the river that flows from the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:8-10), as well as the river of life spoken of in the new Jerusalem which flows from the throne of God ( Revelation 22:1, Zechariah 14:8).
Let us answer the second question which is individualized as recorded in John 4:14 and 7:38 which speaks of the believer who believes on Jesus Christ , “out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water” (John 7:38), and in John 4:14 talks about the believer “drinking water unto everlasting life.” What does this means? It means that everyone who accepts Jesus as God’s Son have the Holy Spirit living within them thus giving this life flowing water; for the Holy Spirit is the “flowing water”.
Finally, let’s answer question 3 specifically, by stating that in John 3:16 is how one become this living well of water because Jesus gives life to all who believe on Him and it lasts forever; and that is a benefit of being a well of life. On the other hand, believers who have the Holy Spirit, the living water, magnifies Christ, bring others to Christ therefore building the kingdom of God as it is His desire that no soul be lost. Another school of thought is the Dead Sea can be parallel to all those living without Christ in their lives and or the wicked places of this world.
In closing, all believers who evangelize are the fishers bringing others to Christ, and those who remain faithful are the preservers in the faith who may have to endure suffering for Christ’s sake, but as God’s Word go forth there will be healing in the land. Believers—catch fish so God’s river continues to grow.
Author’s contact:
Website: www.goodshepherdwritingandpublishing.com
Blog: http://willie-writing.blogspot.com
Emails: white3285@sbcglobal.net
wwhite@goodshepherdwritingandpublishing.com
In this week’s topical discussion we will answer three questions, what is meant by the phrase a well of life? Who is considered a well of life? How does one become a well of life and what are the benefits of being a well of life?
In our efforts to answer the first question, our scripture verse parallel’s the mouth of a righteous man as being “a well of life.” Why so, because all believers who follow God’s ways will lead others into the full-life given by God as recorded in Ezekiel 47:1-12, where Ezekiel, in his vision sees a life-giving river flowing from the temple. As this river flows it grows both in dept and width (vv 2-5), giving life and causing everything it touched to multiply (vv 9-12). Let’s look at what flows from the river; in verse 9 there is an abundance of fish which is evangelism. In verse 10 we have enduring faithfulness, and verse 12 there is healing; also verse 12 gives similarities to the river that flows from the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:8-10), as well as the river of life spoken of in the new Jerusalem which flows from the throne of God ( Revelation 22:1, Zechariah 14:8).
Let us answer the second question which is individualized as recorded in John 4:14 and 7:38 which speaks of the believer who believes on Jesus Christ , “out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water” (John 7:38), and in John 4:14 talks about the believer “drinking water unto everlasting life.” What does this means? It means that everyone who accepts Jesus as God’s Son have the Holy Spirit living within them thus giving this life flowing water; for the Holy Spirit is the “flowing water”.
Finally, let’s answer question 3 specifically, by stating that in John 3:16 is how one become this living well of water because Jesus gives life to all who believe on Him and it lasts forever; and that is a benefit of being a well of life. On the other hand, believers who have the Holy Spirit, the living water, magnifies Christ, bring others to Christ therefore building the kingdom of God as it is His desire that no soul be lost. Another school of thought is the Dead Sea can be parallel to all those living without Christ in their lives and or the wicked places of this world.
In closing, all believers who evangelize are the fishers bringing others to Christ, and those who remain faithful are the preservers in the faith who may have to endure suffering for Christ’s sake, but as God’s Word go forth there will be healing in the land. Believers—catch fish so God’s river continues to grow.
Author’s contact:
Website: www.goodshepherdwritingandpublishing.com
Blog: http://willie-writing.blogspot.com
Emails: white3285@sbcglobal.net
wwhite@goodshepherdwritingandpublishing.com
Valentine's Day blog
God’s love letter to the world
John 3:16
As America has set aside this day to show one’s love for another, our heavenly Father displayed His love for all the world written in His Son’s blood (John 3:16). It begins by expressing the magnitude of His love for the world and this love surpasses all and endures all (1 Corinthians 13:1-8).
True love emulates God’s love that withstands the fires of life regardless of the difficulties we face. On that note, I send my agape love to all my readers with heartfelt thanks for loving me enough to faithfully read my works continuously.
Love, peace and happiness!
Author’s contact:
Website: www.goodshepherdwritingandpublishing.com
Blog: http://willie-writing.blogspot.com
Emails: white3285@sbcglobal.net
wwhite@goodshepherdwritingandpublishing.com
John 3:16
As America has set aside this day to show one’s love for another, our heavenly Father displayed His love for all the world written in His Son’s blood (John 3:16). It begins by expressing the magnitude of His love for the world and this love surpasses all and endures all (1 Corinthians 13:1-8).
True love emulates God’s love that withstands the fires of life regardless of the difficulties we face. On that note, I send my agape love to all my readers with heartfelt thanks for loving me enough to faithfully read my works continuously.
Love, peace and happiness!
Author’s contact:
Website: www.goodshepherdwritingandpublishing.com
Blog: http://willie-writing.blogspot.com
Emails: white3285@sbcglobal.net
wwhite@goodshepherdwritingandpublishing.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)