Notes on the Jesus Death & Resurrection ( 3 days & 3 nights )

Executive Summary

Notes on the Jesus Death & Resurrection ( 3 days & 3 nights )

🍀Key points to note :-
-Hebrew day begins & ends at sunset
- prophesied fulfilled exactly as per OT
- reading the context of 3 days 3 nights in reference to OT prophecies about Jesus death and resurrection .His glorious redemption plan

1)Thursday ( one night  ) - late evening ( start counting )

- beginning of Hebrew Calendar(14 th Nissan )
- also preparation day
- this is when the Lord's supper took place 🌟Matt 26:26-29, Mark 14:22-25, Luke 22:14-16
-Jesus was betrayed on late Thursday evening & this is the beginning of 3 days , 3 nights (Matt 17:22-23, Mark 9:31, 14:41, Luke 24:7)
- Matt 13:40 mentioned the heart of the earth = when Jesus was betrayed = when three days three nights began as prophesied in Matt 12:40
- this day also the preparation day for Lord's Passover ( unleavened Bread )- Matt 26:17

2)Friday - (+one night + one day )
-Hebrew day begins & ends at sunset
- Hebrew Calendar (15th Nissan - ninth hour )
- trial took place in the morning ( still 14th Nissan )
- crucification took place at 9am( third hour - Mark 15:25)
-Jesus was crucified in the afternoon, died at 3pm( ninth hour)- ( counting one night here )
- he was laid on the tombstone on Friday before sunset ( between 3pm - 6pm)as no one can work on sabbath day . Luke 23:56 and His body can not remain on the Cross on Sabbath day )
- after sunset , new day start after 6 pm

Note :Jesus was crucified the same hour( ninth hour ) as same Passover ritual in Exo 12:6 & lev 23:5. On this day the slained lamb & is only for the Lord


3)Saturday (  one night+ one day )
- 7th day or sabbath day
- "no works "are mandated
- the watch guard begins at the end of the Sabbath day ( Matt 27:66)
- note end of sabbath is after dawn around 6pm when Mary bring spices to the tomb
- OT ( original Passover in Egypt, late  evening , the sacrifice lamb were eaten & death of Egyptian first born )

4)Sunday (day )
- the 3rd day = the day after tomorrow = not full 3 days( Luke 13:33)= inclusive reckoning in Jewish context ( 1 king 12:5,12), also Esther 4:16-17, 5:1
- 1st day of the week
-this means Jesus was resurrected On the third day.
- Jesus appeared to on the third day ( Luke 24:21)
- OT ( original Passover in Egypt - Israel set free )

Submission

Article by Amy Ng

A Christian is a perfectly free lord of all, subject to none. A Christian is a perfectly dutiful servant of all, subject to all. – Martin Luther

The word ‘submission’ and the ideas that flow from it bring out various reactions, ideas, emotion for different people depending on their life experience, mindset and culture. Richard Foster (in his book ‘Celebration of Disciplines’) notes that “Most of us have been exposed to such a mutilated form of biblical submission that either we have embraced the deformity or we have rejected the Discipline altogether.” Still, there are others that truly believe in the necessity and amazing value of biblical submission and the fruits that come forth and thus practise this discipline faithfully.

The discipline of submission ultimately refers to our submission and obedience to God and our heart attitude of being surrendered toward God, His Word. Out of that position, we are to give preference to one another and to have mutual submission in our relationships with others. Indeed, we are called to submit to one another out of reverence for Christ (Ephesians 5:21, 1 Peter 5:5).

Jesus said that who ever desires to follow Him, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Him (Mark 8:34). This may seem incredulous to some but the fact is that through self-denial we will find self-actualisation and self-fulfillment. Submission is not about losing our identity or being a door-mat, a people please, emotional dependent or a manipulator. Self-denial is not self-hatred or self-contempt. ‘Self-denial declares that we are of infinite worth. .. self-denial means the freedom to give way to others and to hold other’s interests above our interest.’ (Mark 8:35 - For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it).

Though most of us may wholly agree or embrace the principle and concept of biblical submission, I think the challenge lies in how to live it out in a way that pleases the heart of God and a blessing to others.

Absolute submission and surrender to God is seen in the life of Jesus. Jesus Christ humbled Himself and obeyed God even to death on the cross and suffered unimaginable pain and horror to redeem humankind to Himself. Indeed God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. There is awesome power in the very act of biblical submission and Jesus has set an example for us to live a life that matters. Submission and love goes hand in hand. Submission without love will ultimately lead to legalism and even perhaps an unbiblical form of subordination.

Indeed, my submission is first of all to God (which includes His Word and His Holy Spirit) and only from there, all other submission flow e.g. submission to my family, leaders and pastors, the state and authorities and one another.

The purpose of submission is freedom and not to fetter or limit us. Ultimately, by practising this discipline in a biblical way, we will experience freedom. Fosters said that ‘It is the ability to lay down the terrible burden of always needing to get our own way. The obsession to demand that things go the way we want them to go is one of the greatest bondages in human society today.... in the discipline of submission we are released to drop the matter, to forget it. Frankly, most things in life are not nearly as important as we think they are... only submission can free us sufficiently to enable us to distinguish between genuine issues and stubborn self-will.’

Besides experiencing freedom, Foster also suggest that ‘in submission we are at last free to value other people.” The biblical teaching on submission focuses primarily on the spirit with which we view other people – an inner attitude of mutual subordination, a spirit of consideration and respect that we have for one another’ (One also needs to be aware that submission to human leadership/institution is not absolute and where it becomes destructive, that is where submission ends).

Thus, in submission and self-denial (live out and practice in biblical way), one is able to let go and overcome the sinfulness and ugliness of self-interest or self-centeredness. I believe one of the most crucial first steps to address issues and problems encountered in relationships (whether in marriage or any relationships) which would lead to lasting healing and restoration in a meaningful manner is when one is able to submit and give preference to one another, let go of their own self ambition and self-interest and love one another unconditionally. Indeed there is liberation to the soul when one gives up one’s right for the betterment of another and when done with the right motivation and intention. Contrary to what many believe, the way to self-fulfillment is through self-denial. Is it possible for one to surrender to God wholly and also to one another?

God does not ask us to give the perfect surrender in our own strength or by the power of our will; God is willing to work it in us and by His grace we are empowered to live as He purposed. Indeed, it is God that work in us, both to will and to do of His good pleasure.

The hymn below by George Matheson provides a wonderful picture of fulfilment through submission:

Make me a captive, Lord,
And then I shall be free;
Force me to render up my sword,
And I shall conqueror be.
I sink in life’s alarms
When by myself I stand;
Imprison me within Thine arms,
And strong shall be my hand


N.B. Submission being one of Christian disciplines is a means to bring us closer to God and to be transformed step by step to be Christ-like. In and of themselves, disciplines (whether it pertains to fasting, prayer, submission and the likes) are of no value whatsoever. They have value only as a means of setting us before God so that He can do His good work in us. Thus, we will do well to remember that disciplines are merely the means and not the answer in order to avoid falling into the pitfall of legalism and bondage. Our focus and adoration should forever centre on Jesus Christ and Him alone.

Excerpts taken from R Foster’s book: Celebration of Discipline

When God says "WAIT"

Just to share notes written by a friend of mine relates to "Waiting for the Lord" in Psalm 27:14

Psalm 27:14 NLT

"Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD."

Adding to this Scripture, her notes says,

When God says "WAIT"

Waiting can be painful. You might get discouraged, wondering if God will answer your prayers. Or, you could become angry/jealous when you see Him blessing others with the very thing you’d like to have. Although waiting can be one of the more difficult things in the Christian life, it is not wasted time. During periods of waiting, God teaches us lessons we couldn’t otherwise learn. In such a season, He strengthens our faith, and may even change our circumstances. His purpose is to keep us exercise our faith muscles as He prepares us to receive His promises.

What to do in the midst of a painful season of waiting:

• Be honest with God. God doesn’t need you to put on a happy face all the time. Pour out your heart to God and allow Him to encourage you (Ps. 62:8). Confess any frustration, anger, discouragement, or bitterness. If you refuse to express your genuine feelings to Him, you won’t experience the full measure of His comfort.

• Trust that God has a purpose for His delay. Rom 8:28 said All things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. While you wait, God works behind the scenes on your behalf. Give Him time to arrange every detail so you will receive His best (Ps. 84:11-12).

• Serve the Lord. Maybe God’s not calling you to serve as a full-time ministry. But you can still look for ways to reach out to others such as volunteer in church, bless others that less fortunate than you, give treat to your colleague, etc.

• Look for ways to enjoy life. Do the things that you enjoy the most. For me, i love to watch movie, so the way i enjoy life is to watch movie. The Lord doesn’t want you to be miserable while you wait for your heart’s desires. Make the most of this season of life, and entrust your dreams to the One who gave them to you.

• Be thankful. Write a gratitude list to thank God for His blessings. I keep 'thankful diaries' where i list down what good things i have or experiencing today. You will feel happier about your current situation while you wait on your dreams.

Finally, Isa 40: 31 "those who wait on the Lord, shall renew their strength, They shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint"

Wait in this scripture means hope, trust. Hence those who put their trust in the Lord shall renew their strength, not be weary and not faint.

Be courageous doesnt mean you do not have fear, but do it afraid. "Do" = by waiting (trust or put your confidence) in the Lord even though you are fearful and it seems nothing happen. "Do" is not try to make things happen by your own strength or manipulate circumstances.

Trying to manipulate circumstances drains our energy. Actively waiting on God is energizing. When we allow Him to strengthen us for the tasks we’re called to do, we can experience supernatural energy.

''Christ in You...'' with Dale Krebbs

Originally posted on 09/18/2011

link:http://www.liveasif.org/lists/view.cgi?type=w&list=20070116001

Works Of Grace

If we have been growing and building, and if we have been doing so on the Rock-solid Foundation, our character edifice has risen higher and higher. And if this is so, there should be no worry or concern - what has been built is good, and more than this, it is necessary in order to support something even more grand. Although what we have built will stand, it must go higher. The character that we have built so far will only take us so far.- it is not yet complete. Many today leave off building at some point, thinking that what has been done in them is enough - are you ready to keep building?.

There are many reasons. Some become "weary in well doing" (Galatians 6:8-9) becoming distracted, or weakened with the labor, and begin to loose the vision of the reward for their efforts. Unexpected difficulties, pressure of the world around them, or temptations of various kinds begin to take their toll. Some feel that there is nothing else to build - what they have done is all there is. Unfortunately, some never begin to build - they believe it is unnecessary to build anything (Matthew 25:24-28). This can mostly be the result of not staying close to the Designer and following His blueprint. If this happens, Jesus is very merciful - He may seem far away, but He is always near. He will always make a way back. He remembers our weaknesses, He remembers that we are dust (Psalm 103:14). If you have built with Him, what has been done in Him will stand. Just begin to build with Him where you were, staying close to Him. He will perfect His strength to build even IN your weakness! (2 Corinthians 12:9)! What God is doing in us is to awesome and wonderful and beyond words to describe!

The character structure which we have constructed thus far, although good in itself, is not finished. It would be like a skyscraper, which rising into the sky seems quiet high and admirable. But if it is not finished, it cannot function as it was designed to function. Often the top story of a structure contains a headquarters, etc., depending upon the design purpose. A pyramid is expected to have a "capstone". It is very conspicuous when it is missing. So it is also if the character "capstone" is missing - it is VERY conspicuous...
As with the other "stories" of our character pyramid, the previous one - Godliness - enables and empowers the construction of our next one:

BROTHERLY KINDNESS: Once again, it should be clear that the previous traits are foundations for this one. If "brotherly kindness" is to be real, it MUST BE FOUNDED UPON GODLINESS. Otherwise, it can be completely hypocritical, manipulative, condescending, or at "best" politicized. This is the way the world functions. As a result, suspicions and a spirit of cynicism prevails more and more - because so much is NOT "real". Kindness in any setting is often met with "what’s your angle...?" Since God and Godliness is not experienced, and God is not in them, it is often not lived out - pretentiously or otherwise. There are many notable exceptions seemingly, but even in these exceptions self-serving is often the real motive. In its final working, it is not brotherly and is not kindness. However, pretentious brother kindness will seem to make things go smoother - for a while.

But for those building upon the promises of God, and led by the Holy Spirit, things are different. Brotherly kindness begins to become, not means to some selfish end game, but a genuine spirit of spontaneously willing to think the best of others up front. Experience may prove otherwise, but that is the risk that we take. Brotherly Kindness is willing to take it - and to extend real good will FIRST. Brotherly kindness embodies a gentleness of demeanor - a basic approach to every situation. It is willing to yield if at all possible to do so. There was a time in the not-so-ancient past when for a man to be called a "gentleman" as a compliment. Today, it is laughed at, and considered a joke. The irony is, that it is a joke, it is so rare. Perhaps it is so rare because it is so rarely observed. In some ways, kindness has always been rare, but real kindness proceeding from the grace of true Godliness has always been found in God's true children. If there is not more of there, there is much less of something else, and there may be real problems.

Kindness involves forbearance, patience, willingness to be wronged for Christ's sake, and for peace. It is work. It takes a cognitive effort. It is not OUR power that accomplishes it. It is Christ empowering within. Therefore, all the credit and glory to to Him. But He gives a special reward here and now to those who are building kindness - there is a Godly JOY for those who show genuine kindness - it often exceeds that of the one who receives the kindness! But along with that there is risk. There is often a trade-off, but as with everything Godly Satan has a counterfeit or a counter-ploy. Yes, we may be betrayed. Yes, we may suffer in some way because of our extending brother kindness FIRST. Jesus extended the kindness of God when HE KNEW what the world would do (Romans 5:6-8)! But this is also part of that to which we have been called. NO ONE has extended the kindness that Jesus Christ has (Titus 3:4), and WILL FOR ETERNITY toward those who have received eternal life. Kindness is something WE MUST PUT ON now that we are empowered by God’s Godliness (Colossians 3:12)!

Some seem to be more kind by nature or habit than others. Again, this is the result of many factors: heredity, environment, life experiences, the culture from which one comes may exhibit kindness differently. Sometimes profound and life-altering incidents can warp a personality, or, make one better. For some, they must exercise much effort to become more kind-hearted, and empathetic. Here is grand opportunity for those who have developed kindness to exercise it. And here is the glorious truth of this: when we GIVE OUT kindness without asking questions, without reservation, and without prejudging, WE DON’T HAVE TO WORRY

ABOUT KEEPING SCORE. This will provide a kind of freedom that those who do not develop a kindness that proceeds in Godliness cannot imagine! God is kind to ALL (Matthew 5:45).Kindness is our business, it is our "MO" - if we belong to Christ!

There is a very important key to facilitating the expression of genuine, real, brotherly kindness. It has always seemed to this writer that this key is mostly overlooked or ignored. It is THE WAY to live out and actualize brotherly kindness, and to receive brotherly kindness. If it were implemented wholesale by the world (it will be!), the world would become filled with "brotherly kindness" - does the world need anything more than brotherly kindness? "Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves" - Philippians 2:3.

This is the only way to PRACTICE a brotherly kindness that imitates from the heart of Godliness! It must be our way - because it is His. Are you building this character trait into your very being?
If so, you are not far from the Kingdom of God...!


"...so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus."- Ephesians 2:7

When someone hurts you...

'Refreshment in Refuge' with Gina Burgess

Originally posted on 09/18/2011

Link:http://www.liveasif.org/lists/view.cgi?type=w&list=20060912002

When someone hurts you...

… can you tell if it was intentional or if it was in reaction to something or someone other than you? How often do husbands and wives react to a situation and the spouse suddenly takes it personally, as if the attack was staged and waged purposely to inflict as much pain as possible? Relationships of all kinds suffer from thoughtless reactions to situations, or tactless words.

Do you snap back without even thinking it through? I've done it plenty of times and to my dear sweet mother, too! There has been a recurring theme to my columns dealing with forgiveness because I know it is the hardest thing to do beyond loving the unlovely that a Christian must do. It isn’t a suggestion, it is a command that has serious consequences if ignored of disobeyed.

Matthew 6:12 And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors… 14 “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”

While we are assured that God has given us eternal life when we believe, there are certain conditions which are required for our close relationship with God to remain open and unobstructed. Being unforgiving is a sin that causes all kinds of consequences just as unconfessed sin does.
Well, when a brother or a sister has a field day with your feelings...

Pause. Before spewing out all the venom that has boiled up inside because of hurt and anger, pause before saying anything. For Christians, there is something that always works to calm the mind and make the blood temperature go down. Say the first ten words of the Lord’s Prayer. Our Father Who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name. It is much better than counting to ten; and it will give you pause to remember Who is supposed to be in charge. Saying those ten words calls to mind the love and grace that has been poured all over us, so those feelings of hurt, betrayal, or wounded pride shan’t take over the mind. We can quickly settle into depression if we allow our thoughts to wallow around in the pig pen of the uglies.

Pray. Not only did David pour out his feelings to God upon every occasion, he wrote down his prayers of joy, praise and desperation. Psalm 69:1…Save me, O God! For the waters have come up to my neck… 4Those who hate me without a cause Are more than the hairs of my head; They are mighty who would destroy me, Being my enemies wrongfully; Though I have stolen nothing, I still must restore it. 5 O God, You know my foolishness; And my sins are not hidden from You.
Pour out every feeling because He knows them anyway. Ask God for guidance in how to respond. You know He'll say, forgive. That's a given when dealing within the Body. Don't even think differently because Jesus spoke plainly about that to Peter in Matthew 18:21-22.
Matthew 18:21 Then Peter came to Him and said, "Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?" 22 Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.

Proclaim. Tell your sibling in Christ, the person who hurt you, exactly how you feel. Do not let the sun go down on your anger! Be as direct and as explicit as you can, but spread it all over with kindness. Exactly where did being mean ever get you? Consider that the hurt should stop with you and not let it keep spreading like cancer; and remember the Hatfields and the McCoys forgot what the feud was about, but kept the anger and hatred burning hot which did nothing for peace and everything for war. That’s the way the world behaves. Our Father raised us better than that.

Pacify. When an apology comes forth—it does not matter how it comes—accept it graciously and then let the thing go! Create that calm atmosphere that is a part of the Spirit’s fruit. Peace is our gift from God and it passes all understanding. There are 369 verses in the Bible containing the word peace from Genesis to Revelation. It is something those who do not possess Jesus do not know in the core of their being. It is precious, and we are commanded to greet our brothers and sisters in peace.
Holding grudges only makes you miserable and completely spoils your peace and totally destroys the beautiful relationship with Father. It is so self-absorbed and self-directed, as well as a tool of Satan’s which he wields craftily. Disarm him by turning your back on those feelings, and remembering what Jesus did and said on the cross. “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.” Through His anguish, He begged forgiveness for them who were not believers. Can we not do the same for the family of God?

Praise God and rejoice in having your sibling restored to you! Listen... you will spend eternity with this sibling so you might as well learn how to get along while still here on earth. Amen? Come on and say AMEN!

Question for you: How has forgiving someone transformed your life?

What keep a great relationship growing?

Edited by Amy Ng

One recent truth that I discovered is the growth factor in my relationship with God and others shed light in some areas in my life that I wish to see growth.

What is growth? Growth to me is learning. I believe the moment we stop learning, we stop growing. In fact, our brain is constantly active, the moment it stops, our body stops functioning. When our brains are active, we learn.

In fact, bible promises us youth if we keep growing in His presence.

"Good people will prosper like palm trees, Grow tall like Lebanon cedars;transplanted to God's courtyard, They'll grow tall in the presence of God,lithe and green, virile still in old age."

Psalm 92:12-14(MSG)

Jesus set a great example. Even Jesus grow.

And Jesus matured, growing up in both body and spirit, blessed by both God and people.
Luke 2:52

Growth is part of humanity & godliness.

Now, it is good to get our brains to work but I think we need to put our right thinking cap so that our entire being can function as it should be.

Paul says in Roman 12:2, it is by the renewing of mind that we knows the will of God. It is a process.

Having said that, what we need to think about? Let's see what He says in this area of our life.

Majority of us agree that love is the centre piece of all great relationship. We inevitably look for love in relationships but where do we go from here?

We are not a great lover of people but God does. God is love. When we love God, we will love others and it can see from the other way round.

Jesus say He who does not love, does not love God.

So, we can conclude that God wants us to love as God loves others.

As much as growth is a process, so is loving God & His people.

Most of us might agree that love does not come naturally. I am part of the statistics of that but I truly believe love is an ongoing process of growth and learning.

Love grows in many facets in our life but there are apparent principles seem to work well  in many great relationships.

It is almost impossible to grasp the full meaning of love.

I believe there is some principles that give us good practical ways that we can learn in search of the "love"ly & godly way to a growing friendship.

With that in mind,  there is one quotation that strikes my heart one day. It says,

"Love is not a possession but a growing entity". By.Henry Ward Beecher

With this, I reckon we can see our relationships as a seed.

Just as a seed grows from a mere seed to a tree.  The tree will only stop growing only when it dies. This fact can be seen in parallel to a healthy relationship.

Each individual is created differently just as no one shares the same finger print.Therefore, each relationship grows in different ways but it s great to know there are some principles that are consistently evident in most relationships.

Let's see what He says in a healthy growth in a relationship.

These are:-

G-Generosity

Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children.Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.
Ephesians 5:1-2


I like this particular quotation :

Love grows by giving. The love we give away is the only love we keep. The only way to retain love is to give it away. By Elbert Hubbard

Some says, you can give without love, but you can't love without giving.

Having said this, - How does God loves us?

He gave His life for us.
John 3:16

He set a great example for us to love. Generosity is the essence of love.

R- Respect

Respect has great importance in any relationship. Respect means treating others with dignity.

God has created everyone with values. None of us is more valuable than others. Sadly, in the world that we are living in, respect is often given to those with status, fame and heritage.

In growing a great relationship, we need to start with where God intended it from the beginning.

In the beginng, God was so pleased with His creation, that is Adam, our forefather, that He said " it was good ". He started a great relationship with Adam because He sees him as one of valuable. Of course, Adam  & Eve stuffed it up due to their mistrust of God 's word that causes the entire human race to fall short of the strong bond of relationship with God and each other.

Thanks goodness this is not the end as Christ has redeemed us from the Cross.He has not now left us as orphan but with His Spirit guiding us back to the fullness of relationship with Him and with each other.

In order to grow in respect, we have to see others as valuable creation of God.

When respect grows, relationship grows.

O- openness

We need to have an open hearted approach to people.

Openess makes relationship easier when we starts to open our life for others to see our perspective and open minded of any result that may comes along the way. This often does not guarantee any  from any or both parties  but the fruits of trust and security can be evident.

There is no perfect relationship but heart that is open grows trust that make  any relationship grows.

A recent quote that I read so aptly describe this.
" The human heart, at whatever age, opens to the heart that opens in returns" Maria Edgeworth.

It is so profoundly demonstrated by David 's life style that grows his trust in God by his openness to God.

Trust in Him at all times, you people;
Pour out your heart before Him;
God is a refuge for us. Selah
Psalm 62:8

As a result of His openness, his trust grows that brought him closer to God each step of his journey in life. He is called by God as a man after His own heart. Dont you think this leaves us a strong clue to the key of intimacy.

W-willingness

Our heart needs to be willing to grow the relationship.

Will is the gift from God. Above all else, our willingness changes the cause of our heart and bring life to any relationship.

There is a famous saying, when there is a will, there is a way.

Willingness brings strength to any relationship. When anyone is willing, he or she will find ways to make it works. Some may take longer time than others but perseverance always pay off as long as love & goodness prevails.

Bible says
Do not give up in doing good and in due season you will reap what you sow.

T- Trust

Trust comes with vulnerabilities of being taken advantage of.

To trust is to believe someone honest and will not harm you.

Does trust guarantees being love? Quite often not but once trust grows, a relationship is strengthened.

Trust often comes with experience and time. Our experience often dictate the level of trust we can give to others. Unfortunately, bad experiences often blocks our hearts in trusting more and thus a great relationship.

But, I believe  it is also come with a personal choice. I believe there is two level of trust. One is trusting people and put your trust on people. The former then to ease a relationship and the later a burden to one.

As we trust people, we tend to see them trustworthiness first that tend to grows with time as one sees the value of others first.

I believe burden can be shared with friends but not to expect them to take on my weights. Burden is shared with friends.

Proverbs says,
The blessings of God adds no sorrows in it.

Relationship is blessing from above. There will be ups and downs but it will not be a sorrowful one.


Trust is putting confidence on others and not weights.

In fact, I believe trusting others releases us to be who we are. When we can trust each other, we can grow as we should be and not what others expect of us. When this happens, I trust the dynamic of a relationship will be firmly planted in love thus grows naturally.

H- Hope

Why do we need hope to grow a relationship?

Hope is more than just a word. Dictionary says hope is to expect with confidence. Hope isnt always positive. But if we stay growing in the above areas in our relationship with others, we will have positive hope.

Hope is one of the manifestation of love and trust in any relationship.

Hope shelters hurts when all other fails. Hope keeps us trusting and loving. It works hand in hand with all of the above. It gives us courage to walk again when one fails.


Conclusion

Keep growing, we will run with joy even when we fall.

The Fabric of Humanity

We are the tapestry of His handiworks. We are threads to the fabric of humanity. Each thread is precious and important  both as an individual and as a whole. Each thread needs to be joined and broken at certain point in the fabric formation of humanity. The scarlet thread of redemption joined what has been broken to the wholeness of humanity and image of God. The magnificent beauty of humanity is embedded in the sanctuary of His grace at the Cross.

We are His workmanship & His masterpiece. He welcome us home. Jesus is the main cause for all existence. It is in Him, through Him, for Him that all things are made and now renewed to its original tapestry of His masterpiece.

Every thread will find it's own strength but it does not display beauty for its own sake but together they exhibit His magnificent love. Each thread can't find significant on it's own until woven in the fabric of redemptive grace and connected into God's tapestry.

Together we are a cloth for His divine cause. Jesus is the  woven truth & strength in each of our lives. He was broken for the tapestry of humanity.

He is the thread of reconciliation. He has woven us in the fabric of humanity  through His work of reconciliation. He has the bigger picture and we are part of it. We have been absorbed into His strength and woven into eternity.

Each thread has its significance & its purpose...

Bible says...

"I want you woven into a tapestry of love, in touch with everything there is to know of God. Then you will have minds confident and at rest, focused on Christ, God's great mystery. All the richest treasures of wisdom and knowledge are embedded in that mystery and nowhere else. And we've been shown the mystery!"
Colossians 2:2-3(MSG)

"For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!”For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ."
2 Corinthians 5:19-21(NLT)

" You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb.
Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!
Your workmanship is marvellous—how well I know it.
You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion,
as I was woven together in the dark of the womb.
You saw me before I was born.
Every day of my life was recorded in your book.
Every moment was laid out
before a single day had passed.
How precious are your thoughts about me, O God.
They cannot be numbered!
I can’t even count them;
they outnumber the grains of sand!
And when I wake up, you are still with me! "
Psalm 139:13-18(NLT)

“For we are God's [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live].”
Ephesians 2:10(Amplified Bible)
   

Four Ways to Attract Blessings into Our Lives:-

All the promises of God are yes and Amen.

In 2 Corinthians 1:20, Paul says

“For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.”

The promises of God are overflowing evidence from our relationship with God. It is “In Him” that His glory works “through us”.

What are the promises of God ? One important truth is He wants to bless us.

“Yes, the Lord pours down his blessings.
      Our land will yield its bountiful harvest.”  Psalm 85:12

The glory of God is our greatest blessings in life. We are just a vessel that contains His blessings. He is the source of all blessings.

“But we know that there is only one God, the Father, who created everything, and we live for him. And there is only one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom God made everything and through whom we have been given life.” 1 Corinthians 8:6

Deut 8:18 says God is the source of wealth & blessings. It is important for us to remember that He is the one who gives us power to for all blessings or wealth.

Having said this, let’s look at some of examples and words of wisdoms that lived in some of the man of God, who have formed great relationship with God, whose lives were evidently overflowing with blessings. They have significantly lived and breathed through their relationships with God.

Any relationship takes two to tango and so is ours with God. God has promised and He will deliver but we need to do our part in our significant relationship with Him.

Having said this, we are not looking at chasing the blessings but God in our relationship in this regards.

There are many ways that we can contribute to our richness in our relationship with God.

Here, I chose to O-B-E-Y.

 O – Obedience

Our richness with God demands obedience.

There are numerous verses that He reminds His people to obey His voice, just to mention a few here.

Let’s start with Moses, a man God called his friend.

Before Moses was parted with his people at the end of his journey, he left one of the most important truth that God taught Him, out flowing from his relationship with God.

"And you will again obey the voice of the Lord and do all His commandments which I command you today. The Lord your God will make you abound in all the work of your hand, in the fruit of your body, in the increase of your livestock, and in the produce of your land for good. For the Lord will again rejoice over you for good as He rejoiced over your fathers, if you obey the voice of the Lord your God, to keep His commandments and His statutes which are written in this Book of the Law, and if you turn to the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul." Deut 30:8-10

This truth is also plainly spoken By God to Abraham, a man richly blessed in many ways. He says
"In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice.” Gen 22:18

God reminded His people through his prophet Isaiah in the area of obedience in foretelling the promises of God to all His children who chose to be His.

"If you are willing and obedient, 
You shall eat the good of the land; "Isaiah 1:19

This is also plainly says that He demands obedience because He wants to bless us.

B- Believe

Our belief system makes or breaks any relationships, as some say.

Solomon, the wisest man recorded in history says

“For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.”  Proverb 23:7


Our belief system can defines us.Our relationship can be defined by our belief system.

God wants us to believe Him not for His interest but ours. Faith is the currency for blessings. Our internal belief system opens the reservoir of blessings. The power of belief activates the door of potential.


“And Abraham believed the Lord, and the Lord counted him as righteous because of his faith.” Genesis 15:6

As a result of Abraham's belief or faith in God, he was richly blessed.

Luke 1:45 says “You are blessed because you believe what He has said”

Jesus said He is the Great I am. Who do you think He is? 


E- Expectation

Having a godly perspective enriches our friendship with God.

David says his expectation is from the lord
"My soul, wait silently for God alone,  
For my expectation is from Him."
Psalm 62:5

"Lord, you alone are my inheritance, my cup of blessing.
You guard all that is mine"
Psalm 16:5

Quite often or naturally, we tend to expect others to bless us. As we understand the source of blessings which is ultimately from God, the wise thing to do is to have expectation from God as David did.

When we expect from people, I can almost certain you will be let down but when you put trust God, you will certainly not get disappointed. 

Your expectation stems from your trust. You expect from whom and what that you put your trust to.

His word says
"It is better to trust in the Lord  
Than to put confidence in man" Psalm 118:8“O Lord of hosts,  

Blessed is the man who trusts in You!” Psalm 84:12“As for God, His way is perfect;  
The word of the Lord is proven;  
He is a shield to all who trust in Him.” Psalm 18:30

“He who heeds the word wisely will find good,  
And whoever trusts in the Lord, happy is he.” Proverbs 16:20 MSG


Y-Yield to God

 Yield is defined as “giving up further resistance or give way.”

“ Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.” Romans 6:13

I personally found the greatest blessing is yielding to God. When I decrease, He increases. His blessings flow when my inadequacy increases and so will be my potential. His grace is my sufficiency just because He is my supremacy. How awesome is this truth.


“And without question, the person who has the power to give a blessing is greater than the one who is blessed.”Hebrew 7:7When we starts to yield to Him, His blessings are inevitable.


“To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. ” Col 1:27

His blessings abound when He is around. His Blessings are the by product of His presence in our lives.

Gen 39:2-3,23-Joseph's abundance success is accorded simply because God was him.

To end this,

 “May The LORD bless you 
   and keep you; 
 the LORD make his face shine on you 
   and be gracious to you; 
 the LORD turn his face toward you 
   and give you peace.”

Numbers 6:24-26

Be Filled with the Fullness & blessings of God

Many religions have what they believe are holy sites or buildings, but the God of love has chosen you to be His dwelling place, if you are willing. The God who created the universe is not impressed with our buildings and shrines. This is what the LORD says:  “Heaven is My throne and the earth is My footstool.  Where then is a house you could build for Me? And where is a place that I may rest?  “For My hand made all these things, Thus all these things came into being,” declares the LORD.  “But to this one I will look, To him who is humble and contrite of spirit, and who trembles at My word. (Isaiah 66:1 – 2)  The Lord is looking for a person who is humble before Him and who takes His word very seriously, even to the point of obedience. God and His love will live inside of this person.

You were created for love. You are made in the image of the God of love. Your purpose is to give love and receive love. God made you in His image so that you could experience His love. God desires to have the most intimate relationship with you possible. That is, you in God and God in you, united in love. This is why Jesus came to earth so that He could restore our ultimate purpose of a holy relationship with God.

Jesus prayed that the same love that God the Father has would be in you. "And I have declared to them Your name, and will declare it, that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them." (John 17:26) When Jesus says “I have declared Your name”, it means that He has made God known to the people. It means that He revealed God’s character and His power, and He continues to do so. Jesus revealed God as His Father and your Father. This means that

God wants to be your eternal Father, and He wants you to accept the position of His child.

As Jesus walked the earth His mission was to reveal the heart of His Father, the God of love. God sent His Son to reveal His love. It is through knowing God, heart to heart, that we come to experience His love. Your mission is to experience and reveal the love of God; just as Jesus did. Jesus continues to reveal the Father through His body, the church, which includes you if you are willing.

For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love,  may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height; to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

(Ephesians 3:14-19)

God desires to fill us with the fullness of Himself. In the passage above we see the process of how Christ enters into us. First we must receive power through the Holy Spirit to have the ability to receive Christ into our heart. This is God’s grace whereby He does the work in you. Second is the entrance of Christ into your heart by faith. We always receive from God by grace through faith. Grace is God’s part and faith is our part. The Holy Spirit in you is proof of God’s love for you. By this we know that we abide in Him, and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit. (1^st John 4:13) Your faith is proof of your love for God. However, faith with out works is dead, so faith without obedience is not faith. Obedience to God proves your faith.

As we make a home for Christ in our heart through faith and obedience, He begins to give us revelations of the greatness of His love, the width, length, depth, and height of His love.  Notice that we are to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge. There are two different Greek words used here, the word for knowledge means to just know about it in your mind. The word used for to know means to “know absolutely”, to feel, perceive, and experience. This means that we are not to just know about God’s love we are to experience it. This kind of love is the most awesome experience we can have; it is the very presence of God in us. This is the greatest pleasure that you are created to experience. As we continue to walk in this kind of love, we become filled with all the fullness of God. Love creates an atmosphere where God can dwell. This is what all of the saints have experienced. This is God’s desire for you.

Experiencing this kind of love causes us to know the God of love in greater and greater revelation. The Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Love, works in us as we cooperate by obeying the commands He gives us from the Lord. Jesus says He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.” Judas (not Iscariot) said to Him, “Lord, how is it that You will manifest Yourself to us, and not to the world?” Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. (John 14:21-23) Our love for Jesus is proven by keeping His Word. The word “keep” means to guard with your eyes so that it is not lost. The ultimate way that we keep God’s word is by focusing our mind on His word to the point of obedience. The fruit of obedience is God revealing Himself to you.

Obedience is the key to revelation. The word manifest in the scripture above means to appear in person, to reveal. Jesus promises to reveal Himself to the one who keeps His word. He also promises that He and the Father will come and make their home with the person who keeps His Word. If you want to have a supernatural revelation of Jesus then determine in your heart to do everything He tells you. This means that when the Holy Spirit tells you to do something, do it. Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God. (Matthew 5:8 8) As you cooperate with the Holy Spirit you will become more sanctified, which causes God to live in you more fully, which causes you to experience God and His love more fully.

God’s desire is to make you His holy home and to fill you with all the fullness of Himself. Many of you are feeling the Lord calling you into a more holy and intimate relationship with Him. Many of you feel a deep desire to be filled with all the fullness of God. It is the Lord Himself who gave you that desire, this is His desire also.

You are God’s holy temple. I believe that the tabernacle which Mosses was commanded to build symbolized God’s favorite dwelling place, which is you. The entire old covenant is symbolic of the reality of the new covenant. We can gain multitudes of revelations and insight from the Old Testament, which applies to the New Testament. The tabernacle had three parts and so do people. The outer court symbolizes a person’s physical body. Inside the outer court is the holy place, which symbolizes a person’s soul or heart. Inside the holy place is the most holy place this symbolizes a person’s spirit, or conscience. There are many examples of the tabernacle, which relate to a person being God’s dwelling place but I will just focus on just a few points here.

The outer court contained the alter and the washbasin. It was the place of sacrifice. This shall be a continual burnt offering throughout your generations at the door of the tabernacle of meeting before the Lord, where I will meet you to speak with you. (Exodus 29:42) This is where the animals were offered up as sin offerings for the people. This was symbolic of the sacrifice that Jesus was to make on the cross once for all. So also our physical body is the place of sacrifice in our life. I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service (Romans 12:1) Much of our obedience has to do with bringing our physical body under the control of the Holy Spirit.

Inside the outer court just before the entrance to the holy place was the washbasin where the priest would wash before entering. As the priest prepared themselves through sacrifice and washing to enter into the holy place so to do we to enter into God’s presence. Whenever you enter into God’s presence, the first thing that happens is that you are reminded of any sin that has not been dealt with in your life. As you repent and accept the sacrifice Jesus made for your sins, you are moved into a greater manifestation of His presence, you come into the holy place.

The holy place is symbolic of our heart or soul. The tabernacle was called the tent of meeting, meaning it was the place to meet with God. We meet with the Lord in our heart. It is the place of ministry unto the Lord and the place we commune with Him. You must enter through your heart into God’s presence. Since your heart is the place you worship your God it can also be the place where we have idols set up to false god’s. God wants us to love Him with all of our heart. That means we must remove anything from our heart that draws our attention away from loving Him fully. This is also where we must make sure that nothing is hindering our love to another person.  

Inside the holy place is the table of the bread of the presence, the golden lamp stand, and the alter of incense. The bread represents the Word and we know that Jesus is the Word. Jesus is called the bread of life. Only He can give us the bread that satisfies our spiritual hunger.

The golden lamp stand has seven branches for seven oil lamps. The lamp stand was the only source of light in the holy place. The oil represents the Holy Spirit. The seven lamps may represent seven manifestations and revelations of the Holy Spirit in a believer, love, wisdom, understanding, counsel, power, knowledge, and the fear of the Lord; see Isaiah 11:2. The priests had instruments for trimming and refilling the lamps. They were to keep the lamp burning brightly continuously. In the same way, we must always check our hearts to see if there is any hindrance to the flow of God’s love in our heart. Anything that keeps the fire of God’s love from burning brightly in us hurts our relationship with God and people. Anything that keeps us from experiencing the fullness of God’s love also keeps us from being filled with all the fullness of God. The light also represents revelation. The greater we walk in obedience to God’s love the greater will be our revelation of Him. Allowing God’s love to burn brightly in us will affect the people around us by touching them with light, revelation and love.

Just before the entrance to the most holy place was the alter of incense. The offering of incense represents prayer. Prayer is a ministry that takes place in our heart when we respond to God’s heart. Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. The most effective prayers are God breathed and come from His desires to manifest His glory on the earth. Just as Jesus spoke God’s words on earth so must we. God has chosen to use us as partners to accomplish His will on earth. We are to pray the Father’s will, to be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Separating the holy place from the most holy place was a veil. When Jesus was crucified the veil in the temple was torn in two. This symbolized that we could now have a restored relationship with our God. Now we have access to the heart of God and He has access to our heart. It could be that the veil in man’s heart came about when Adam sinned, causing a separation between God and man; and soul and spirit.

The most holy place, or holy of holies was where God dwelled in the tabernacle. It is the place of God’s presence in us, our spirit. In the most holy place was the Ark of the Covenant. Inside the Ark of the Covenant was the law that was given to Moses, Aaron’s rod that budded, and some manna. In the new covenant, God writes His laws on our heart, we receive instruction through the Holy Spirit. Live buds and almonds had sprung forth from Aaron’s rod, a dead stick. This represents the power of God as the source of all life, including the source of life in us. Your spirit is what gives life to your soul and body. It is the breath of God in you. The manna represents God’s supernatural provision of all that we need. The testimonies of what God has done for you are stored in your spirit. They are part of His covenant of provision in your life.

On top of the Ark was the mercy seat, this is considered to be the place where God’s presence would rest. This is a very important key in being filled with all the fullness of God because mercy or compassion is God’s love. Mercy is also associated with God’s glory. When God shows His mercy His glory is revealed. As a temple of God you are to carry the glory of God. And there (at the tabernacle) I will meet with the children of Israel, and the tabernacle shall be sanctified by My glory. (Exodus 29:43)

This is God’s desire for you, that His glory fills your spirit, soul and body to overflowing. Then the cloud covered the tabernacle of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle (Exodus 40:34). God wants you to be a vessel of His glory shinning through you and touching other people. Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, And deep darkness the people; But the Lord will arise over you, And His glory will be seen upon you. (Isaiah 60:1 - 2 1)

In Exodus chapters, 33 & 34 we see that after the children of Israel had sinned against God, Moses interceded for them. Moses wanted God’s presence to continue to go with them. Moses also asked to see God’s glory. Then the Lord said, “I will make all My goodness pass before you, and I will proclaim the name of the Lord before you. I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion” (Exodus 33:19). Then God revealed His glory to Moses by revealing His name and His character. And the Lord passed before him and proclaimed, “The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth (Exodus 34:6). 

The word merciful is the Hebrew word rachûm, which means to be full of compassion. This is a revelation of God’s love. We know that God is love, and we know that God is full of compassion. Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love (1^st John 4:7 - 8 7).  If we are to be filled with the fullness of God, we must also be full of love, compassion. I believe the love described in the New Testament, agape, is love in the form of compassion.

The command to love God and people, who are created in God’s image, are the two greatest commandments given from God to man. “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,’ and ‘your neighbor as yourself.” (Luke 10:27) These commandments describe the purpose that God has given man. The whole Bible is about these two commandments. Keeping God’s word, obedience, causes us to know God and experience His love. But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him.  (1^st John 2:5)

When Jesus was asked who a neighbor is He told the story of the good Samaritan in Luke chapter 10. The conclusion of the story was that he who showed mercy (compassion) was a neighbor. Here again we see the connection between love and compassion. The cost of love is high, it cost the giving of yourself, but the more of yourself you give in love the more you will be filled with the presence of God. This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.  If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity (compassion) on him, how can the love of God be in him? (1st John 3:16 – 17)

Anything in your heart that causes you to withhold love from God or another person also restricts the presence of God in you. If you have any anger against God, that is pride, and you are in great danger. Pride and anger both create a place in your heart for Satan. “Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil (Ephesians 4:26 – 27). If you have any unforgiveness or anger, because you are holding on to an offense, then you are hindering God from filling you. If you are withholding mercy and compassion from anyone then you are withholding love from them.

If you are making judgments against people thinking that they do not deserve your love then you are withholding love from them. Jesus says that we must even love our enemies. But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. Therefore be merciful (compassionate), just as your Father also is merciful (Luke 6:35 – 36).

If we love God we must love His People also. If anyone says, “I love God,” yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen.  And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother. (1^st John 4:20 – 21) Our love for one another is very important to God because He is not only preparing you to be His holy dwelling He is also preparing the bride of Christ. The bride of Christ is the church, which is all believers together in holy unity connected by love for each other.

God is preparing all believers in Jesus Christ to form one great tabernacle for His dwelling. Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit (Ephesians 2:19 – 22). This is Jesus prayer for you… "I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; "that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. (John 17:20-21)

We see a picture of the church as the “New Jerusalem” in the book of Revelation. Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea.  Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:1 – 4)

Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. (Jude 1:21)

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