Comments for Jesus follower

Comment on ‘In the same way’ as Jesus by HaitiTony

HaitiTony — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 10:52:56 +0000

Observations:
The crucifixion. The insults by the passerby’s, the religious leaders and the thieves. Even at a time like this, the peoples actions showed little respect for the Man on the cross. The jeers and the taunts, the insults and the mockings all showed ‘mob’ mentality.

Application:
Carried away by the moment – what others are doing? Following the crowd? Following leaders blindly? What is on the inside does come out. The religious leaders saw the Christ as competition and a loss of followers, popularity. Now they would have their place. And these people who should have know the Word were far from the Word. All this happened that that Word would be fulfilled. God’s people can now have real LIFE.
What directs my footsteps? His Word needs to be my daily diet for direction so I can walk in His SonShine each day. That Light must be my Guide as I live for Jesus today. I must follow the Son.

Prayer:
Help help; guide me each day Lord along the Way on my ‘pilgrim’s progress.’

Lead me, guide me along the way,
For if you lead me I cannot stray.
Lord let me walk each day with Thee.
Lead me, oh Lord lead me.

Comment on Do I want to know Jesus like this? by MUB

MUB — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 12:09:12 +0000

A person who believes in Jesus will have no problems in life. If one has faith, they can claim the promises of God, and go through life with wealth, health, and perfect relationships. Today’s story of Jesus’ suffering on the cross show that this kind of thinking doesn’t reflect reality. What the people were mocking him with were true. If Jesus is God, he could indeed change the circumstances of his death. But He didn’t. He took the ridicule, and died a slow painful death.

Jesus does not promise that we will not go through hard times, in fact, he states that because of Jesus we will be hated and ridiculed. That doesn’t sound like an easy time in life. But Jesus does promise to be with us in our difficult times.

Jesus died as the king of the Jews. Is he my king as well? I pray that I will take the same things that were said about Jesus on the cross, that He is God, He can save others, God can rescue Him, and turn them into something that is real for me, and points of respect and awe.

Comment on Do I want to know Jesus like this? by HaitiTony

HaitiTony — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 11:50:14 +0000

Observations:
This is Jesus crucified and they forced Simon to carry the cross. Jesus’ clothes were divided by lot as was foretold and they kept watch as He died.

Application:
A Jesus follower? Ouch! At times, in the company of other followers, encouraged, together it seems easy. Other times, when going against the flow, standing alone, it is hard. And yet God puts the easy and hard situations before us and tells us to serve Him. He is with us always and we are never alone, whatever the circumstances. Just believe and go forward. He has promised to be with us and He has given His Spirit. I just need to trust and obey and live for Him in all circumstances. Help me Lord to do just that.

Prayer:
Help me each day Lord to be a Christ follower in all I do and say.

Standing by a purpose true,
Heeding God’s command,
Honor them, the faithful few!
All hail to Daniel’s band!

Refrain

Dare to be a Daniel,
Dare to stand alone!
Dare to have a purpose firm!
Dare to make it known.

Many mighty men are lost
Daring not to stand,
Who for God had been a host
By joining Daniel’s band.

Refrain

Many giants, great and tall,
Stalking through the land,
Headlong to the earth would fall,
If met by Daniel’s band.

Refrain

Hold the Gospel banner high!
On to vict’ry grand!
Satan and his hosts defy,
And shout for Daniel’s band.

Refrain

Comment on Could I be like this? by MUB

MUB — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 12:11:13 +0000

Mob Mentality

We sometimes get caught up in the moment, and do what our friends do because everyone is doing it. This can happen for good or for bad, depending on the event that is happening. We don’t want to be left out, and we certainly don’t want to have to explain why we are not joining in. This could be as simple as falling into a trust circle because everyone is urging you to do so, or bullying a person with others who are doing the same. In most cases, people will not do what they are doing on their own, but when doing things with a group, they feel less responsible for their actions. With many people, it takes only minimal effort by each person to accomplish or destroy much.

One needs to be able to decide if the group activity is one in which they wish to participate. And in some cases true justice would ask that you do what you can to reduce or stop the activity. I think of Joseph’s brothers beating him and throwing him into a pit. If it wasn’t for Rueben trying to rescue him, Joseph would have been killed.

I pray that I can stand up for what is right, and not get caught up in what is wrong, just because others are doing it. I pray that I can look for ways to harness the power of co-operation and participation for good.

Comment on I am response-able! by HaitiTony

HaitiTony — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 10:25:14 +0000

Observations:
Pilate asked who was to be released – the Christ or the criminal? The religious leaders had persuaded the crowd that Barabbas was to be released. He was and Christ was delivered to be crucified. Pilate said that he was innocent of Jesus’ blood and the people responded that His blood be upon them and their children. How true.

Application:
Ability to respond we have. The response is like mankind saying I’m not responsible for the choice Adam and Eve made. Many chose the world rather than God. The ruler did not protect the innocent. The religious leaders did not see nor accept the Saviour and the people went their own way being lead by the blind insisting upon the mob following them rather than the Christ. We all do follow a leader and I must choose Christ as seen by my daily actions – to live for Jesus and not deny Him.

Prayer:
Guide me by Your Spirit Lord to walk daily in Your SonShine – walking in the LightShine – in THE Way which is Christ Jesus.

I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
No turning back, no turning back.
Though I may wonder, I still will follow;
Though I may wonder, I still will follow;
Though I may wonder, I still will follow;
No turning back, no turning back.

The world behind me, the cross before me;
The world behind me, the cross before me;
The world behind me, the cross before me; No turning back, no turning back.

Though none go with me, still I will follow;
Though none go with me, still I will follow;
Though none go with me, still I will follow;
No turning back, no turning back.

Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
Will you decide now to follow Jesus;
No turning back, no turning back.

Comment on Not Guilty!? by MUB

MUB — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 12:08:13 +0000

Jesus answered the question of Pilot, “are you the king of the Jews” with a yes. But he did not answer any of the accusations of the others. He remained silent. Does this make him look guilty of the accusations? Is declaring himself as King of the Jews a crime? Pilot did what he could to try to release him. He picked a notorious criminal, and suggested that he release either Barabbas, or Jesus. This was like a no brainer. Barabbas was a threat to society, and Jesus was the opposite. He went around healing and making society a better place. But somehow the crowd was in an anti-Jesus mood that day. I wonder about how easy it is to get caught up in the mood of the crowd. Peer pressure doesn’t ever really leave. How is my idea of Jesus molded by my friends? Am I like the crowd, who sang Hosanna one week, and shouted crucify him a few days later. I pray that I can stand steadfastly, and remain loyal to Jesus.

Comment on Not Guilty!? by HaitiTony

HaitiTony — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 11:51:19 +0000

Observations:
The passage starts with the rhetorical question. They knew the answer. Jesus amazed them because He remained silent throughout it all. As stated in the passage, it was out of self-interest that Jesus was handed over. Even Pilate’s wife had a dream regarding the Christ. It was a warning not listened to.

Applications:
God speaks in many different ways but do I have the ears with which to hear or do I also insist upon going my own way? God continues to speak to His people today as He did yesteryear. As it was said then is it also said of me today. . . . . eyes they have but do not see. Ears they have but do not hear. They are a stiff necked people. Where have I seen God today and how have I followed Him in my activities on this day He has created. I need to walk with my risen Saviour always.

Prayer:
Jesus, let me walk with You all through the day. Lead and guise me along the Way and let me see You always.

O let me walk with Thee, my God,
As Enoch walked in days of old;
Place Thou my trembling hand in Thine,
And sweet communion with me hold;
E’en though the path I may not see,
Yet, Jesus, let me walk with Thee.

I cannot, dare not, walk alone;
The tempest rages in the sky,
A thousand snares beset my feet,
A thousand foes are lurking nigh.
Still Thou the raging of the sea,
O Master! let me walk with Thee.

If I may rest my hand in Thine,
I’ll count the joys of earth but loss,
And firmly, bravely journey on;
I’ll bear the banner of the cross
Till Zion’s glorious gates I see;
Yet, Savior, let me walk with Thee.

Comment on Religion that dishonors God by HaitiTony

HaitiTony — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 10:49:36 +0000

Observations:
The chief priests saw only what they wanted to see. It was blood money but it was also their actions that gave that money to betray Jesus. Acts in secret and acts seen by others – acts of integrity? Acts to save face? And their acts fulfilled what was spoken in the OT.

Application:
What do my acts say about me. As I read the priests how do others see my doings? My way at all costs? Whom do I serve? My way or God’s Way for He is the Way and the Truth and the Light. I must be transparent so that others may see the love of God in me.

Prayer:
Lord, may I be a person of integrity so that my knowing and loving and doing are all one guided by Your Spirit. Lead me and guide me this day.

Brother, let me be your servant.
Let me be as Christ to you.
Pray that I might have the grace
To let you be my servant, too.

We are pilgrims on a journey.
We are brothers on the road.
We are here to help each other
Walk the mile and bear the load.

I will hold the Christ-light for you
In the night time of your fear.
I will hold my hand out to you;
Speak the peace you long to hear.

I will weep when you are weeping.
When you laugh, I’ll laugh with you.
I will share your joy and sorrow
Till we’ve seen this journey through.

When we sing to God in heaven,
We shall find such harmony
Born of all we’ve known together
Of Christ’s love and agony.

Brother, let me be your servant.
Let me be as Christ to you.
Pray that I might have the grace
To let you be my servant, too.

Comment on Seeking the God-life! by HaitiTony

HaitiTony — Sun, 09 Jun 2013 11:43:46 +0000

Observations:
Don’t fret.
Trust God.
Do Good.
Commit your way to the Lord.
Trust Him.
Be still.
Wait patiently.
Again the beatitude – the meek shall inherit the earth. The wicked again plot in vain and perish but the steps of the righteous may stumble, but will not fail. HeartStrong they are. They are in His Stronghold, in His Refuge. Secure.

Application:
This psalm gives simple instructions – do this and live. Keep His Way for He is the Way and the Truth and the Life. Want to Live?
Don’t fret.
Trust God.
Do Good.
Commit your way to the Lord.
Trust Him.
Be still.
Wait patiently.
Walk in His SonShine each day and I will keep His Way.
If you want to be happy – walk with the risen Saviour.

Prayer:
Oh Master let me walk with You always for You are the wind beneath my wings.

O Master, let me walk with Thee,
In lowly paths of service free;
Tell me Thy secret; help me bear
The strain of toil, the fret of care.

Help me the slow of heart to move
By some clear, winning word of love;
Teach me the wayward feet to stay,
And guide them in the homeward way.

O Master, let me walk with Thee,
Before the taunting Pharisee;
Help me to bear the sting of spite,
The hate of men who hide Thy light.

The sore distrust of souls sincere
Who cannot read Thy judgments clear,
The dullness of the multitude,
Who dimly guess that Thou art good.

Teach me Thy patience; still with Thee
In closer, dearer, company,
In work that keeps faith sweet and strong,
In trust that triumphs over wrong.

In hope that sends a shining ray
Far down the future’s broadening way,
In peace that only Thou canst give,
With Thee, O Master, let me live

Comment on Ruth 1-4 by HaitiTony

HaitiTony — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 10:44:23 +0000

Observations:
The family left the land because of the famine and lived in the land that was not assigned to them. God’s presence had left them as expressed by Naomi. God had visited His people by the famine.. When Naomi returned Ruth came with her by her choice – she became part of the family. When gleaning we see that Boaz followed God’s ways by his hospitality. He also carried out what was required of Him. And Ruth did also what her mother-in-law told her to do. Obedience. Following God’s Word in their daily lives.

Applications:
During this time to live in a certain place also meant being part of God’s family – to be in the land given as an inheritance. The famine was a sign that the people had left His way and when the harvest came God’s blessing had returned upon the land. We wee His blessing also on all who follow His ways. At all times I too must walk in the Light of His Word. As Ruth choose, so I too must make a daily choice to walk with my risen Saviour also this day He has made. I not only need to know the Word but also Do that Word by my lLiving that Word – always.

Prayer:
Lord, help me in my cycle of knowing – loving – doing Your will in my life this day You have made. Walk the talk. Lead me and guide me always.

The world behind me, the cross before me;
The world behind me, the cross before me;
The world behind me, the cross before me; No turning back, no turning back.

Though none go with me, still I will follow;
Though none go with me, still I will follow;
Though none go with me, still I will follow;
No turning back, no turning back.

Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
Will you decide now to follow Jesus;
No turning back, no turning back.