"The thief's purpose is to steal
and kill and destroy.
My purpose is to give them a
rich and satisfying life."
John 10:10
and kill and destroy.
My purpose is to give them a
rich and satisfying life."
John 10:10
My Take Aways
Something Old:
I am one of "them" in today's key verse. If want the rich and satisfying life that God purposed me to have I have to seek His Kingdom.
Luke 12:31
"Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and He will give you everything you need." [and abundantly more according to John 10:10]
Seek:
to seek in order to find by thinking, mediating reasoning, to inquire into, to crave. I love that....crave
Kingdom of God:
royal power, kingship, dominion, rule
Something New:
Luke 14:1-6
Jesus continues to dine with the enemy. He also continues to heal on the Sabbath. I had never realized until this year's reading how often Jesus healed on the Sabbath.
Something to Do:
My response: I want to CRAVE the Kingdom for and for others. Apart from Christ I can't do this...Human efforts accomplish nothing. (John 6:63b)
11 Comments:
Having trouble with today's video ... maybe it'll work later. I got to see just a few seconds of it ... what did Wendy want to tell us quick?
I liked all the stories of the sheep today. Jesus said that when we hear a stranger's voice, we should run from it. Never thought about it in these terms before, but we shouldn't just not listen or ignore it, but actively RUN from it. I don't want to put myself too close to temptation or evil like Lot did.
In John 10:16 Jesus said that He has other sheep not in this sheepfold. I don't remember this part, although I'm sure I've read it before. What does this mean??
Having a fall day at home with my little man today. We're going to start learning about farms. I love teaching him 'preschool,' and he's getting so into it! :-)
Sweet girl...I just love you. Wish I could reach through this screen and give you a big hug :)
John 10:10 is such a precious verse. I still remember the first time that His Spirit opened up it's truth to me. Abundant living. Present in great quantity. Fully sufficient. Plentiful. Richly supplied. More than adequate. Amply. Overflowing fullness. Superfluity. More than enough.
Does that describe my life? Seems like I walk around in my less and not my more. So much is available. Unlimited resources.
The KJV says, "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." "Might" Living abundantly is optional. The "might" implies a choice. It's possible we're not living in our more because we are not embracing all that is available to us. We're making choices to walk a lesser road.
There's a little saying that goes, "I'm drinking from my saucer 'cause my cup has overflowed." Today, am I living in the overflow? Reminds me of the childhood chorus, "Running over, running over, My cup's full and running over. Since the Lord saved me, I'm as happy as can be. My cup's full and running over."
I have to admit, I'm sipping from my cup today, and not enjoying the overflow. The Lord desires to pour a fountain of Living Water continually in my life. His supply is endless. I need to make the right choice to embrace His abundant presence in my life, being faithful and obedient to His Word.
(Wendy, as an aside, I hope you received my response to your email on Saturday. I've been having trouble with my emails. Please let me know if you didn't receive it. Thanks.)
Let's drink from our saucers today gals,
Joy
Happy, happy Monday All ~
Wendy, thank you for the letting us know about the upcoming 31% discount!
Loved your teaching today. “The Kingdom of God” is a phrase that has been jumping out at me, as it seems like it is being mentioned a lot. It took me two years to figure that out - I only began noticing it recently! Jesus prayed, “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10).
You opened up the words even more so to me this morning, Wendy! God desires us to pray like Jesus did – he wants us to pray for His will to rule and reign in our world. Our nation, needs to know Him as we do. As he enters our life, the Holy Spirit begins to show us the importance of the Kingdom of God. As we meditate, and crave this, - and seek the Kingdom, we just naturally want others to know Him, too! Our greatest desire should be “thy Kingdom come” – we should long and hope for the day that Christ will rule earth just as He does in heaven. And, ladies, what a privilege it is – to fulfill Christ’s command to be witnesses for Him – “to the uttermost part of the earth” (Acts 1:8).
All of the world needs to hear the gospel – the kingdoms of this world will become the kingdom of our Lord, and of His Christ – and He shall reign for ever and ever! (Rev. 11:15).
Today’s reading had lots to ponder, but one other thing I just have to mention:
“the sheep recognize his voice and come to him” (John 10:3)
“they know his voice” (John 10:4)
Thank you dear Lord, that I hear you talking to me! Yes, I do! I am one of your precious sheep, and when you call, my ears will hear you as I pay close attention and anticipate your call today. I am safe and sound under your care. Thank you for your never-ending love. Thank you for this new day to know you even more. Amen.
I, too want to CRAVE the Kingdom for myself –but, for others’ as well. I need a deeper burden for this, to sincerely want the world to know Him like I do. I can’t say this is my heart’s desire, and I’m praying that it will be! It is God’s desire and truly, I do want what He wants!
Blessings, sweet and dear friends! Lori
PS Today, my sweet sister is coming into town to share the day with me! Just us two – all day long! PTL!!! Joy, our first stop is coffee for sure- and my mind will be on sipping from the saucer! Ha-ha! Great to see you post! Praying for you sweet friend!
In order to take part, to have the "rich and satisfying life", I must say yes to the invitation to the banquet.
Saying yes today, wanting to drink from the saucer (love and so can empathize with this illustration- thanks Joy),
Gaylene
Amy in answer to your question, Wendy was saying that Proverbs 31 is having a 31% off everything sale this week. So it's a great time to save money, early Christmas shopping, etc.
Today's reading that felt new to me was Jesus Grieves Over Jerusalem (Luke 13:31-35). I don't remember reading this before and I felt chilled when he said, "For it wouldn't do for a prophet of God to be killed except in Jerusalem!"
He knew what was coming and yet still had work to accomplish before his arrival in the city.
My take-away is to keep reading God's Word and living in His truths daily.
Have a wonderful Monday everyone!
Good Morning!
Thank you Wendy for your powerful teaching today on the Kingdom of God.
Cindy, I too noticed Jesus' sad reference to Jerusalem when he tenderly spoke of wanting "to gather your children together as a hen protects her chicks beneath her wings, but you wouldn't let me." sigh. I want to be protected under His wing.
The sheep: "and they follow him because they know his voice." I wondered, do I know His voice? This study has helped me to better recognize His voice. It does take a little time and experience for sheep to learn to trust their shepherd-- that he will provide for them, keep them safe, care for them. They eventually put their trust in his leadership-- he sees the big picture and knows what is best. And they can relax and let him lead them, knowing they are going to be cared for so much better than if they were on their own.
Time spent in God's Word, prayer, study and meditation help me to recognize how He is providing for me and my loved ones, how He desires to keep us safe from harm, and how he cares and loves us. He sees the big picture and knows what is best for us. The more time I spend learning, the more familiar is His voice. And with this, the stronger my relationship grows, and the stronger my trust in His providence. I want to be able to relax like those sheep, let go and let God!
Our experience this weekend was really unique. We went to the wedding of my daughter's classmate. (We used to live in Omaha, and they went to an all-girl's high school there.) Her friend is from the Greek Orthodox Church, and so her wedding was performed in the tradition of their ancestors.
What a beautiful and symbolic ceremony! It was brimming with Jewish tradition, symbolic of the Old Testament, and so reverent. The church was full of richness, color, candles, paintings, and mystery. It was something I will never forget! The altar was behind a panel that opened up, reminding me of the altar behind the Temple curtains. The entire ceremony, the scripture and prayer was sung A cappella-- so reverent and spiritual. They repeated prayers and rituals, such as the exchanging of the crowns, passing of the rings, and sipping from the cup, and circling the altar, in sets of three representing the Trinity. Having traveled through the Old Testament this year, I recognized all the couples from the Bible and the symbols of wedding feast in Cana that were mentioned in the service, and appreciated it all the more! It was an indescribable experience! The Spirit filled the church! BTW, the reception was awesome too!
Praying for you all, have a good Monday!
Blessings,
Jacque
Happy Feast of Saint Luke, evangelist Day All…
For me today…A lot…lots to ponder….I also read this article from a magazine sent to us through our diocese. “Faith Saginaw” About St. Luke. Found it very interesting. Learned much about Him. A couple of other great article enjoyed through this mazazine… “Why do we do that at Mass?” on pg 10-11. “Changing How We Pray” by Rev. Lawrence E. Mick. (insert in middle of magazine). There are going to be some changes made on: “The Gloria” and “The Creed” in the United States starting Advent 2011. Can read these articles at online: www.saginzw.org | www.FAITHsaginaw.com
Patron saint: Artists; bachelor; bookbinders; brewers; butchers; Capena, Italy; doctors; glass makers; glass workers; gold workers; goldsmiths; Hermersdorf, Germany; lace makers; lace workers; notaries; painters; physicians; sculptors; stained-glass workers; surgeons
Meaning of name: Bringer of light
Claim to fame: St. Luke the Evangelist was born in Antioch to pagan parents. It is believed that he was one of the first converts to Christianity. What is known of Luke the Evangelist is that he was a physician and a painter. Legend says he painted portraits of Jesus and Mary; however, he received no attribution for his work. Luke the Evangelist evangelized in Greece and Rome with his mentor, St. Paul the Apostle. It was through the teachings of St. Paul that Luke the Evangelist was able to write the Gospel According to Luke. This is the only Gospel that provides a full account of events relating to the Annunciation of Mary, the visit to St. Elizabeth and the parable of the prodigal son. He also wrote the history of the early church in the Acts of the Apostles.
Why he is a saint: It is believed that Luke the Evangelist was present during the time of the 12 Apostles. He was the apprentice to St. Paul the Apostle, and from his teachings he was able to educate by writhing the Gospel According to Luke, as well as early histories of the church.
Best quote: Acts 1:1-5...”in the first book, Theophilus, I dealt with all that Jesus did and taught until the day he was taken up, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. He presented himself alive to them by many proofs after he had suffered, appearing to them during 40 days and speaking about the kingdom of God. While meeting with them, her enjoined them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for ‘the promise of the Father about which you have heard me speak; for John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’”
Keep learning…loving history,
Rhonda
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Good Morning
This weekend and today's reading has been very thought provoking. My new, Jesus is the Gate, I have heard of Him as being Shepherd but never saw this and I so want to always hear His voice. I believe that we can have all that we "want" from Him. We are the limitation to that abundant life that He wants us to have. Thanks for the illustration of drinking from my saucer, for when my cup is full and running over, I am better equipped to help someone else. I also CRAVE the Kingdom. Blessings to all.
Joy,
I like the visual of drinking from the overflow. May we not settle for the mediocre and crave for God's best.
Amy,
I think the other sheep are the Gentiles, that's us!
In today's reading, what stood out to me was the sheep listening to the voice of the Shepherd. And I have to ask myself if I am paying attention to the Holy Spirit when He speaks to me?
Also love what Jesus said that He is the door. He is enough. No need to climb walls to another door. It's one way, one door, one way to safety and salvation.
On this weekend's reading re the blind man: I have often wondered why Jesus had to spit to heal him instead of just saying "you are healed." I looked back at my pastor's sermon and found my notes.
Jesus did it because of the following:
1. For medicinal reason - (people then believed that the holy man's spittle have medical qualities.) Pastor said that medicine is one way that God heals. They that are sick need a physician.
2. For traditional reason - it is against the law to spit on the Sabbath. Jesus spit to challenge their traditions.
3. For symbolic reason - Jesus heals congenital blindness, creating sight that's never been before. He used clay, the same way Adam was created. He was displaying Himself as Creator. He creates out of dust/mud. We are merely reassembled dirt clods with the breath of life in it.
4. For practical reason - when Jesus put the dirt in the man's eye, it irritated it. When there is something in the eyes, our reflex is to "get it out of there!" It seems like Jesus made the condition worse. Siloam is far, too. There are closer bodies of water. But the man forgot all else. All he wanted was to get the dirt off his eyes. Yes, the dirt was irritating but was it worth the dirt to see? Yes. Pain motivates us. We run quicker to God. Pain is a gift that nobody wants but pain is also a great protector. Irritation drives us to prayer and our suffering helps us see the eternal. We all have a certain amount of mud in our eyes.
Thank you, Jesus for these eyes that were blind but now can see.
Have a blessed day everyone.
I just loved reading John 10 today! And then reading Jon Courson's commentary was like the cherry on top!
It is too much to write here, but some fascinating things he wrote:
1) The Shepherd really was the gate with his sheep. He would make sheepfolds out of brush in the high country, herd his sheep in and then literally lay down in the opening so if any sheep tried to get out or someone try to get in, they had to step on him first. Thus, the gate analogy.
He notes how the Shepherd (Jesus) became a sheep (human) so that we would know the Shepherd.
When he illustrates in 10:1 that those who don't use the door but come in another way are robbers; He explained that this actually would happen in biblical times. Robbers didn't want to step over the Shepherd who was guarding the opening, so they would climb over the wall, slit some sheep's throats and throw them over the wall to their partner in crime...thus being a robber and a thief. (Good comparison to satan).
Know your audience when you teach. Well, Jesus sure knew His and He spoke to them so they could understand.
Praise You Father for being our Shepherd!
Morgen
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