The hireling and the good Shepherd

"The hireling flees because he is a hireling and does not care about the sheep. " - John 10:13

"... I lay down My life for the sheep." - John 10:15

The hireling is selfish and indifferent, working only for money. The sheep do not need such a shepherd. Jesus laid down His life for His sheep. He is a selfless, caring Shepherd; His flock need not fear the coming of a wolf. The hireling's sheep are not safe; when the wolf comes, the hireling will flee. Blessed are those who belong to the flock of Jesus.

From my diary,

March 11,   2024

 

God's Thoughts and Ways Above Ours: they didn't know the important things

 The question of disciples of Jesus: “Lord, do You want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them, just as Elijah did?” (Luke 9:54)

The rebuking answer of Jesus: “You do not know what manner of spirit you are of. For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives but to save them.” (Luke 9:55-56)

The Samaritans did not receive Jesus, and James and John were so angry that they spoke these words. This question shows what they knew. They knew that the attitude of the Samaritans towards Jesus was wrong, they knew what the prophet Elijah did, they knew that before doing anything they should ask Jesus, they knew that if the Lord allows them, they can do the same thing that Elijah did. But they didn't know two important things: they didn't know what spirit they were from, they didn't know why Jesus came. Jesus rebuked them and reminded them that the purpose of His coming was not to destroy people's lives, but to save them.

Topical meditation 2024

March 10

God's Thoughts and Ways Above Ours: Ananias' hesitation and the answer of Jesus

 The hesitation of Christ’s disciple: "Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem." (Acts 9:13)

The answer of Jesus: 'Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel.'" (Acts 9:15)

What Ananias had heard about Paul was true. Paul had done much harm to the Lord's saints in Jerusalem and was coming to Damascus to arrest the believers in Jesus. But God knew more about Paul. He who persecutes the followers of Christ will become a follower of Christ himself; he is a chosen vessel to testify to the name of Christ before the Gentiles and Jews. He who persecuted Christ's disciples will himself be persecuted and suffer for the name of Jesus.

In the transformation of Saul to Paul, we witness the profound wisdom and sovereignty of God, who turns persecutors into proclaimers, demonstrating His ability to use even the most unlikely vessels for His glory.

Topical meditation 2024

March 9

God's Thoughts and Ways Above Ours: Sinful man or son of Abraham?

 People’s complaint: “He has gone to be the guest of a sinful man!” (Luke 19:7)

The words of Jesus: “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man too is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 19:9)

People only saw Zacchaeus as a sinful man. He was a tax collector, a person who defrauded people. They knew he was sinful. Jesus knew that this sinful man would make haste and come down and receive Him with joy. He knew he was a son of Abraham and would repent. Zacchaeus longed to see Jesus, and Jesus saw his longing, his effort to see Him. Not only did Zacchaeus see Jesus, but Jesus also saw Zacchaeus.

People knew he was a rich man who had deprived others. Jesus knew that he would give half of his possessions to the poor and repay fourfold those whom he had deprived.

Jesus doesn't think like people think: He has come to seek and to save that which was lost.

Topical meditation 2024

March 8

God's Thoughts and Ways Above Ours: question of men and question of Jesus

 Question of men: "'Why this waste? " (Matthew 26:8)

Question of Jesus: "Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a good work for Me." (Matthew 26:10)

I've meditated on this story many times before, especially since it's about my favorite biblical heroine. This time, the questions caught my attention. The first question was asked by those complaining about Mary of Bethany's action, and they called her deed 'a waste.' The second question was asked by our Lord to the complainers, showing His approval of Mary's action, and called her action a "good work." He also mentioned for whom the good deed was done: for Jesus.

Mary did not think about what people would think or what appreciation they would give to her action; she just wanted to show her love, gratitude, and dedication to Jesus. She did it for Jesus, not for attention. When we do anything for Jesus, no matter how many people disapprove, Jesus will approve.

God’s thoughts are higher than our thoughts. The stark contrast between how men viewed Mary's actions as 'a waste' and how the Lord deemed it 'a good work' emphasizes the incomprehensible depth of God's wisdom and love.

Topical meditation 2024

March 7

God's Thoughts and Ways Above Ours: Samuel's thought and God's answer

 Human thought: "Surely the LORD’s anointed is before him!" (1 Samuel 16:6)

God’s answer: "Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7)

A true prophet of God drew the wrong conclusion when he saw Eliab's beauty and stature. He thought God had chosen Eliab to be king. Jesse didn't even think to call David, who was tending the sheep at that moment. Neither David's father nor God's true prophet could have guessed who would be chosen by God to be king. God had chosen one whose heart was right before Him, one who had chosen to follow God's commandments.

It is possible to impress people with external beauty, external piety, but not God. He sees what is inside the cup and dish that shines outside; He sees the impurity inside the whitewashed tomb. He esteemed a man according to His own heart someone whom we saw as an adulterer and a murderer. Because He does not see as man sees.

Topical meditation 2024

March 6

God's Thoughts and Ways Above Ours: God's way and Naaman's angry response

 God’s way: “Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh will be restored to you, and you will be clean.” (2 Kings 5:10)

Human thought: “I thought that he would surely come out, stand, and call on the name of the LORD his God, and wave his hand over the spot to cure my leprosy.” (2 Kings 5:11)

Obedience to God's Word is hindered by preconceived opinions, conclusions drawn from one's own imagination. Naaman was angry when the prophet Elisha told him to wash seven times in the Jordan because he had imagined in advance how Elisha would heal him. Pride puts one's own opinion above God's Word. God doesn't work the way we think. If His assignment is very easy and simple, we should not think that it is ineffective.

If I pray about a problem, I should not prefigure how God is going to solve that problem. Let me not say, "I thought," because God's ways are higher than my ways.

Topical meditation 2024

March 5

God's Thoughts and Ways Above Ours: Elijah's thought and God's answer

 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8,9)

God's ways and thoughts are higher than our ways and our thoughts. His plans are always wise and perfect. This week, I want to recall examples from the Bible that support that truth.

Human thought: "I am the only one left…" (1 Kings 19:14)

God’s thought: "Nevertheless, I have reserved seven thousand in Israel—all whose knees have not bowed to Baal and whose mouths have not kissed him." (1 Kings 19:18)

In despair, Elijah thought that he was the only one left who was zealous for God, that he was the only one among those who remained faithful to the Lord. The Lord said that he reserved seven thousand people in Israel, who did not bow down to Baal, did not serve idols.

Many Christians have experienced Elijah's feeling of loneliness and said desperate words like him. "I am the only one left who believes in the pure scriptural teaching, in my school, in my town I am the only one who follows the Bible." But it is not so; the Lord has people everywhere who are faithful to the Word of God.

I'm not the only one left.

Topical meditation 2024

March 4

Jesus wants to heal you, say ''Yes'''!

 

"Do you want to be made well?" (John 5:6)

Jesus did not ask the man, who had been infirm for thirty-eight years, "How many years have you been sick? Have you tried to be healed? Have you seen a doctor? Do you have a helper who can put you in the pool?" Instead, He only asked about his willingness to be healed, waiting for a positive answer before  healing.. However, instead of answering "Yes," the paralyzed man began to explain why he had not been healed, mentioning that he had no helper to put him into the pool when the water was stirred up.

But Jesus knew that he wanted to be healed, and He healed him with His word. He instructed him to do something that a healthy person could do: "Rise, take up your bed and walk." The man was immediately healed, regardless of the fact that he was not healed in the way he expected. He was healed in a faster and easier manner.

Jesus delivers us from the disease of sin in the same way! It does not matter how many years we have suffered from the disease of sin; He asks if we want to be healthy, and He heals immediately.

From my diary,

March 3,   2024

Caleb's Confidence: A Testament of Faith

 "Then Caleb quieted the people before Moses, and said, 'Let us go up at once and take possession, for we are well able to overcome it.'" (Numbers 13:30)

Caleb, like the others, had seen the fortified cities, the giants, the children of Anak. But while others were saying, "We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we." (Numbers 13:31), Caleb said, "We are well able to overcome it." What was the reason for his confidence? He was not stronger than the children of Anak, he did not have the extaordinary strength of Samson, he did not have powerful weapons, but the Lord said that he had a different spirit. (Numbers 14:24). That spirit does not doubt God's power, believes in God's promise, does not look at obstacles, and follows God completely.

From my diary,

March 2,   2024

Faith in the Faithful: The Certainty of God's Word

 "The LORD answered Moses, 'Is the LORD’s arm too short? Now you will see whether or not My word will come to pass.'" (Numbers 11:23)

The Lord answers our doubting questions with rhetorical questions: "Is the LORD’s arm too short?" or "Is there anything difficult for the Lord?" And as the Lord said to Moses, He also says to me: "You will see whether or not My word will come to pass." There has never been a time when what my Lord has said did not come true, and there never will be such an instance. Let me not ask meaningless questions; let me happily wait for the fulfillment of His promises, because it will always be as He said.

From my diary,

March 1,   2024

Learning from Lot’s wife

 "Remember Lot's wife." Luke 17:32

Why did Jesus command us to remember Lot's wife? Her end was extraordinary and teaches us many lessons. She hosted the angels, believed their message, and left the city of the wicked, but unfortunately, she left her heart in Sodom. She did not perish in Sodom, but rather after fleeing from it, because she looked back. She escaped the fire but became a pillar of salt. Her story serves as a warning for us. It is perilous to disregard details when it comes to God's commandments. They were instructed not only to flee from Sodom but also not to look back.

We must be vigilant, for even if we overcome one temptation, there remains the danger of succumbing to another temptation and being overcome. The fate of Lot's wife is a warning for those who prioritize material possessions, for those who falter between two opinions, and for those who are ensnared by worldly pursuits.

From my diary,

February 29,   2024

Heaven's Table: Answering the Divine Call

 "Come, for everything is now ready.’’ (Luke 14:17)

God makes everything ready, and all we have to do is go and enjoy what He has prepared. The divine provision is complete; behold, the sumptuous banquet awaits our presence.He does not say, "Almost everything is ready. Join Me in the final preparations. Come, help Me to prepare the rest.’’ He prepared everything Himself, leaving nothing for the guests to do. Everything is ready at the throne of grace; I will go to pray and receive an answer to my prayer. Everything is ready in the treasury of God's promises; I will go and seek their fulfillment with unwavering faith. God's power is ready to deliver us, to strengthen us; I will go to access that power. Everything is ready for growth in holiness; I will go for perfect sanctification. Everything is ready for true joy; I will rejoice in Him. Everything is ready on the table of God’s Word; I will go to taste from that table with reverence and delight. He does not say, "Are you worthy to enjoy what I have prepared?" Instead, He informs what He has done: "Everything is ready" and says what He expects us to do: "Come!"

From my diary,

February 28,   2024

Sisters of Bethany

 "But only one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, and it will not be taken away from her." (Luke 10:42)

Imagine seeing two sisters: one setting the table and the other sitting. At first glance, it might seem that one is diligent and skilled in housework while the other appears idle. But Jesus said that one sister is worried about many things, and the other has chosen the good portion. Martha wanted to prepare very delicious food for Jesus. Mary wanted to receive food from Jesus. Martha was running around, Mary was sitting quietly. Martha was complaining, and Mary was silent. Martha was in panic, Mary was in peace.

Jesus praised Mary's choice to listen to Jesus' Word. Mary chose it, not because she was forced, not because she avoided work, not because she was lazy, but because she made a conscious choice. It was the best choice.

Our choices often reveal our desires and priorities. Mary's decision reflects her longing for the Word of God and her love for Jesus' presence.

In our own lives, may we also choose the better part – to prioritize time with the Lord, to sit at His feet, and to listen attentively to His voice.

Mary’s choice

At the feet of Jesus, Mary sits,

In stillness, finding heavenly bliss.

While Martha frets with worldly care,

Mary's heart is peaceful in prayer.

With open ears and a ready heart

She treasures His Word - the better part,

In the sea of His divine grace,

She finds her true and rightful place.

So let us learn from Mary's choice,

To silence the world's distracting voice.

And at the feet of Jesus, we'll find,

The peace and joy of heart and mind.

From my diary,

February 27,   2024

Prayers for progress

 ’’Finally then, brethren, we urge and exhort in the Lord Jesus that you should abound more and more… ’’ (1 Thessalonians 4:1)

Apostle Paul's prayer and wish for the Thessalonians is a prayer topic for me and other children of God.  The progress is necessary  while we are on this earth. I want to go further along the narrow path of the Lord. I want to have a better and more fervent prayer life, more effort in serving God, more desire for holiness, more love for God and His children, more hatred for sin, more victories in spiritual warfare, more strength to run in the race of faith,  more joy in the Lord..  I want to find more wonders  in the word of God, I want my inner self  to be renewed and strengthened day by day. Progress in spiritual life should never stop. As long as I am on earth, I have room to grow and progress. I want my progress in spiritual life to be not year by year but day by day.

From my diary,

February 26,   2024

Be thankful

"And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful." - Colossians 3:15

The Lord has given us innumerable blessings, both spiritual and material, and He gives them every day. If we do not see them, then we do not have a thankful heart. An ungrateful heart affects spiritual vision, and a person cannot see the mercies bestowed by God.

There are spoiled children who, no matter how many toys and gifts you give them, they will be displeased; they will say, "I wanted another gift. This toy is not good. I wanted a different hat; I don't like these shoes." God's children should not be spoiled but be thankful for every gift, blessing, and good thing that God has given. Our heavenly Father never gives bad quality and tasteless gifts.

Let us ask for a grateful heart to see and rejoice in so many blessings. When there is a grateful heart, there will be peace, joy, praise; there will be no murmuring, unbelief, or discontent.

To have a grateful heart requires humility. A proud person cannot be thankful. He will think that he earned the blessings he has, and he deserves them. When you know that all you have is by God’s grace alone, and without Him, you would have neither spiritual nor material blessings, you will be thankful.

From my diary,

February 25,   2024

Sincerity is necessary

"… that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ." – Philippians 1:10

The apostle Paul's prayer subject for the Philippian Christians is a prayer subject for all of us. A sincere person is not double-minded; he does not hold conflicting beliefs about the Word of God. Instead, he accepts it without doubt and prays for what he truly desires. His words and deeds align, and he remains steadfast in his convictions, which are rooted in the teachings of the Bible. A sincere person is consistent in character, showing the same integrity both inside and outside the church.

Furthermore, a sincere person is not double-tongued; he does not praise God and curse people with the same mouth (James 3:9). God's children hate hypocrisy.

Such sincerity prompts self-examination, as one asks the Lord to scrutinize them and use His Word as a detector to identify anything contrary to His Word.

I want to be perfectly sincere— to believe sincerely in God's Word, sincerely seek His glory, sincerely fulfill His will, sincerely engage in His work, and sincerely share His Word.

From my diary,

February 24 sc,   2024

The greatest commandments

"And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment. And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”" - Mark 12:30, 31

To love God with all our heart, with all our soul, with all our mind, and with all our strength, and to love our neighbor as ourselves; there is no greater commandment than these.

Since there is no commandment greater than these, may I have no greater desire than the desire to fulfill these commandments. May there be no more important prayer topic in my prayer journal than this: to love God with all my heart.

Let my greatest efforts be directed to the fulfillment of the . There is no greater love than the love of God; let me have no greater goal than this, to love Him and love like Him.

 From my diary,

February 23,   2024

Two dinner invitations: sister Wisdom vs. the Foolish Woman

"Whoever is simple, let him turn in here! As for him who lacks understanding, she says to him." - Proverbs 9:4, 16

In Proverbs chapter 9, it's interesting to see the same invitation given by both Wisdom and a foolish woman without wisdom, using the same words. Both have houses, both call from high places in the city, both invite to dinner. But those who accept the invitation of Wisdom have life and walk in the way of understanding, and those who respond to the invitation of the foolish woman are in the depths of hell.

Wisdom invites to partake of God's table, while the foolish woman offers stolen bread and water, making them seem sweet. In Proverbs 7:4, God's Word commands us to call Wisdom our sister. This wonderful sister keeps away from sin, teaches to live in the fear of God and keep God's commandments. In this chapter she says: "Forsake foolishness and live; go in the way of understanding" (Proverbs 9:6).

Sister Wisdom invites us to taste the goodness of God's Word, while the foolish woman advertises stolen food trying to make it seem pleasant.

They who accept the invitation of Wisdom have life.

From my diary,

February 22,   2024