My House

Many years ago, we would never get phone calls at home from rude Telemarketers (especially at dinner time) trying to sell us things we didn't want or need. There was a certain amount of respect for homes, and family time. Telephones were used for communication between family and friends, not for sales.

Recently, this intrusion into my home by Telemarketers really upset me and for some reason I thought of Jesus in the temple.

On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple area and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves, and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts. And as he taught them, he said, "Is it not written: 'My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations'? But you have made it a den of robbers."

- Mark 11:15-17.

Just like we don't like the intrusion into our homes from Telemarketers, Jesus didn't like the intrusion of the marketplace into God's house.The temple was a house of prayer. Jesus stood up against its abuse.

What about our temples?

Don't You know that you yourselves are God's temple, and that God's spirit lives in you? 

- 1 Corinthian 3:16.

Also see 1 Corinthians 6:19.

What merchandise is being carried through your temple? What do you need to drive out and overturn in your life so that the Holy Spirit can reside fully in you?

That day, in the temple- Jesus wasn't being unreasonable, he was drawing the line.
Where do you draw the line?



Jenteelability                 http:devotionalchristiancafe.blogspot.com.

We all have our critics- Jesus did!

What kind of man is this,
even the winds and waves
obey him.        

"If my critics saw me walking over the Thames, they would say it was because I couldn't swim."- Margaret Thatcher. 

Margaret Thatcher was the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1979 to 1990. She was the first woman to head a major UK political party and the first woman to become Prime Minister. This was a great accomplishment.

Margaret's quote (above) refers to the fact that no matter what she did, her critics would seek to find some avenue to undermine her success or abilities. For some, anything she did, no matter how amazing, wouldn't be good enough. However, her name will be written in history, which is more than I can say for a lot of people.

Greater than Margaret Thatcher was Jesus Christ and he did walk on water. He came to save sinners and the Pharisees found this distasteful. 

Now the tax collectors and "sinners" were all gathering around to hear him. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, "This man welcomes sinners and eats with them".- Luke 15:1-10

"The Pharisees, who loved money heard all this and they ridiculed him"- Luke 16:14.

 (Read John 9:13-34 where the Pharisees investigate the healing of a blind man on the Sabbath day).

Jesus was becoming increasingly popular, especially with all the healing and miracles that bore witness to him being the son of God. The top honchos of the day, didn't like it. 

The Pharisees and Sadducees were probably Jesus's worst critics. No matter what he did, he wasn't good enough for their pious group.

But did that stop Jesus from healing ... from preaching and teaching? Did that stop Jesus from fulfilling his destiny and following God's will?  No!

People  who follow God and achieve goals in life, won't be bullied by the critics nor will they be succumbed by fear or gossip. Jesus was not threatened by people that did not agree with him.

At the end of the day, no matter who you are, you will have your critics. Jesus did!

.

"If you are not criticized, you may not be doing much."- Donald Rumsfield.

Jenteelability. http://devotionalchristiancafe.blogspot.com

Put on the Garment of Praise and whistle While You Work.

"Just whistle while you work, And cheerfully together we can tidy up the place. So hum a merry tune, It won't take long when there's a song to help you set the pace." -From "Snow White and the seven dwarfs". Music and Lyrics by Frank Churchill and Larry Morey.

Today I drove to work somewhat lacking motivation. As I drove through the country side and saw all the trees in the early hours of the morning, I thought of birds and how they whistle. Birds whistle when they are communicating to another bird or when they feel happy and at ease in the world. Their merry sounds penetrate the environment. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rL4Z9d9oObY

for more bird sounds.

Many times, I do not feel like doing certain chores given to me at work or at home, but it is interesting that when I decide to make the most of it and "whistle while I work", it helps set the pace ... and things change. My circumstances don't necessarily change but something in me does.

"Each morning when I open my eyes I say to myself -  I, not events, have the power to make me happy or unhappy today. I can choose which it shall be. Yesterday is dead, tomorrow hasn't arrived yet. I have just one day, today, and I'm going to be happy in it".- Groucho Marx.

I think it is wonderful how God has created  a variety of birds that sing all kinds of tunes, in all kind of pitches.


The Lyrebird of Australia makes its own unique songs but also mimics natural and artificial sounds from its environment. Some sources say that the birds can even mimic the sounds of cars and chainsaws. These birds not only make amazing sounds, they also have amazing tails.
See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lyrebird


Once we start to "whistle while we work", cheerfulness penetrates the environment we work in and we might find others, not unlike the lyrebird, mimicking us.
God gave humans - not just birds, beautiful voices. He gave us the ability to cleverly make musical instruments out of a variety of materials.

Some of us may not sing as pretty as the birds or an opera singer, but God still loves to hear us sing.

"Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise".-Psalm 98:4

For the Christian, singing songs of worship and praise uplifts our spirit and protects us from feelings of despair. These songs help centre our hearts and minds on Jesus.  
(Read: Isaiah 61:3- Put on the garment of praise...).

We can be like the birds and make others feel chirpy around us. 
We can do all things unto the Lord, even those monotonous or unlikeable chores ... and somehow, when we do... it's not too bad afterall.

"Just whistle while you work,

And cheerfully together we can tidy up the place.
So hum a merry tune,
It won't take long when there's a song
to help you set the pace." 


Jenteelability.   http:/devotionalchristiancafe.blogspot.com

Abiding in Hope when life is not perfect.

"The universe is not required to be in perfect harmony with human ambition." -Carl Sagan

"We come to love not by finding the perfect person, but by learning to see an imperfect person perfectly."

-Angelina Jolie

I think we go through life expecting it to be perfect. We say we know that life isn't perfect and yet we get frustrated, sad and disappointed when it isn't.

We all carry the ideal within our hearts for a perfect world that is governed by perfect people. We yearn for perfect relationships with friends, family and spouse.

However, we are imperfect people living in an imperfect world.

It doesn't mean that we shouldn't strive for excellence in whatever we do but it does mean that we can't expect life to roll on smoothly, day after day. There will be hurdles, hiccups, challenges and disappointment...just as it was for Jesus when he walked this earth. But there will be good times and prosperous times too. We must pray for and believe in the good times.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. '- Jeremiah 29:11.

Optimism equals energy and results ... although not always instant results but we eventually get there. We decide to be thankful for what we do have and enjoy some things along the way. It doesn't mean that optimism makes problems go away but it means we don't have dark clouds looming over our heads. We can see that "every cloud has a silver lining". We choose hope, not defeat.

Pessimism on the other hand, makes everyone feel miserable, including ourselves. It takes longer to get results in our lives because part of the battle is within our minds.

Negative thinking robs us of energy and motivation. Life passes and we may miss out on the beauty of little but significant things. 

When we are feeling negative, we must remember that we have a perfect God who sees us through Jesus's eyes and  who will one day reign over His people in a perfect world.

But when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears.- 1Corinthians 13:10.

It is true that life here and now is not perfect ... however, optimism is a choice!

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope."- Romans 15:13.

"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." - Hebrews 11:1

Jenteelability.  http://devotionalchristiancafe.blogspot.com

You Are The Apple Of My Eye

Keep me as the apple of your eye;
hide me in the shadow of your wings.
Psalm 17:8


In a desert land he found him,
in a barren and howling waste.
He shielded him and cared for him;
he guarded him as the apple of his eye. 
Deuteronomy 32: 10

I had always thought that the terminology "apple of my eye" was a relatively modern phrase so I was pretty surprised when I came across it in the Bible. I have done some research lately and many websites state that the phrase originally came from the Bible too.Wow! 

Many people choose not to believe in God. This amazes me because of how much Christian History affects our present and future on a world-wide scale and for all time. For instance, we still to refer to B.C and A.D.

When we state that someone is the apple of our eye, we mean that we are fond of them and would do much to protect them from being hurt. We view and see that person in a special light. Apple of my eye also reminds me of  warm apple pie that Grandma bakes for her grandchildren because they are the apple of her eye. Apples make me think of apple cores which are the heart of the apple so to speak. A core is usually in the centre where there is depth which reminds me of the magnitude of God's love.

I know that whatever my children do, I will always love them and forgive them and they remain the apple of my eye. And so it is with God the Father. When I am reminded that I am the apple of God's eye...it makes me want to please Him more. I want to stay being that apple. 

I love the verse above Deuteronomy 32: 10 because God finds us in a wasteland of sin, and sometimes in a state of loneliness or depression. And while others would discard us or ignore us, He chooses to pick us up, wash us and make us shine. In His eyes, these apples are worth harvesting.

Dear Heavenly Father- Keep me as the apple of your eye;hide me in the shadow of your wings.

Jenteelability.     http://devotionalchristiancafe.blogspot.com

The Parable of the Sower.

And seed fell on good soil.

The parable of the sower is about a farmer who scatters seed. Some of the seed falls on a path. Some into rocky places. Some among thorns and some in good soil. It describes what physically happens to the seeds.

Then Jesus explains its spiritual meaning:-

"Listen to what the parable of the sower means: when anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is the seed sown along the path. The one who received the seed on rocky places is the man who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. But since he has no root, he lasts only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word he quickly falls away. The one who received the seed that fell among the thorns is the man who hears the words but the worries of his life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful. But the one who received the seed that fell on good soil is the man who hears the word and understands it. He produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown." Matthew 13:18-23.

Read all of Matthew 13 for the full parable.

I recently received two books from a person who made a commitment to Christ many years ago. While there were a lot of significant points in helping and improving one's life, the authors had a tendency to mix Christianity with eastern religion.

One of the books acknowledges Christ and refers to many biblical passages but also quotes Zen Buddhism and other religions. The other book has prayers in it and at first glance appears to be a Christian book because the prayers are to God. However as you read on, you find that there is no mention of Jesus Christ but only of illumination and light. There isn't a clear stance on what they perceive God to be and no mention of him as the trinity.

In fact, the books underlyingly suggest that god could be anything that you hold to be god and that there are many ways to get to god.

However the Bible says that there is only one God and the first few (of the Ten) Commandments in the Old Testament focuses on this point. The Bible also states that the only way to God is through Jesus Christ.

Jesus answered; "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me". John 14:6.

Jesus said to Martha in John 11:25: "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies".

Did you know that:-

"All scripture (the Bible) is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16,17.

As we see from 2 Timothy, the Holy Bible is the most important book that we can read. We need to examine it regularly to see if spiritual claims from others are true. We need to encourage Christians that are young in their faith to do likewise.

Like the parable of the sower, we want spiritual growth to be set in good soil where it cannot be uprooted, corrupted or snatched away.

Lord, water me with the Holy Spirit in the good soil of your word (the Holy Bible) where my roots are anchored in Jesus Christ. Amen!


Jenteelability.     http:/devotionalchristiancafe.blogspot.com

Rest Awhile

"And on the seventh day,
God rested". Genesis 2:2.

Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest." Mark 6:31.

We can all try to fit a few more hectic minutes into our day. We could phone one more client. Do one more load of washing. Complete one more form or send one more email. Go one more place to do one more thing. And we can all say one more yes to just one more person.There is no end to how busy we can be or how much more we could take on.

However, there needs to be balance. We are always hearing from nutritionists about how we need to have a balanced diet. 

To have good mental, physical and spiritual health - we must also balance work and rest. Just as it takes discipline to eat the right foods so it takes discipline to make time for solitude.  

How can we have peace in our lives if we do not take time to rest the body and soul?

"Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under the trees on a summer's day, listening to the murmur of water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is by no means a waste of time."- John Lubbock.

While good works are a witness of the Christian faith, we must not get bogged down doing these to the detriment of our health :-

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast." Ephesians 2:9.

We are not super-beings. Even God rested. (See Genesis 2:2; Hebrews 4:4).

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest in your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28.29.


Jenteelability.     http:/devotionalchristiancafe.blogspot.com

Shadows

The Collin's dictionary defines the word shadow as:
1) a dark image or shape cast on a surface by the inception of light rays by an opaque body.
2) an area of relative darkness.

During certain times of the day, my shadow may lengthen or shorten.

I have always been fascinated by the images that shadows cast. Perhaps that is why I find shadow puppets (both professional shadow puppets and those made by shaping your hands) so enthralling.

Artists, Motion Picture Directors and Photographers continually use the presence of light and shadow to enhance an object, or create atmosphere and mood.

Without shadow, images would appear two dimensional.

Artists often find that adding light and dark tones to their canvas, brings certain shapes into the foreground. The landscape or portrait, no longer appears flat.

During different seasons of our lives, we will experience times when only  the shadows seem present but not the light. Days even weeks may seem flat and barren.
These times in our life will feel miserable but God allows these occasions to form depth into our character and to bring His goodness, grace and mercy into the foreground.

"How priceless is your unfailing love. Both the high and low, among men - find refuge in the shadow of your wings." Psalm 36:7.


Shadows not only create depth, but also provide protection from the sun.When this happens, the terminology shifts from shadow to shade.

Just like a mother hen protects her chicks from under her wings, so too does the Lord.

"The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are His everlasting arms". Deuteronomy 33:27a.


Turn the shadows of your life into shade by going to the Heavenly Father. Rest under the protection and security of his everlasting arms. 


Jenteelability.     http:/devotionalchristiancafe.blogspot.com

Was blind but now I see.

Jesus said, "...I have come into the world so the blind will see...".
John 9:39a.


Australia's largest bird of prey is the Wedge-tailed eagle. They have a wedge -shaped tail and are a dark blackish brown in colour. Females weigh over 4kg and are larger than males which weigh about 3.5 - 4kg. The wing span of a Wedge-tailed eagle is approximately 2.5m from tip to tip.These eagles reach heights of about 2000m and soar and glide on thermals. There is nothing more spectacular than seeing one of these amazing creatures take flight and soar in the sky.
Eagles have excellent eyesight and their sharpness is at least 4 times better than a human with perfect vision. Wedge-tailed Eagles see the whole country beneath them while at the same time  focusing on a single stream of what is ahead of them. They see two ways at the same time. This helps keep their prey in focus as they fly.
References: www.eaglesflyinghigh.com;  www.fauna.com.au; Wikipedia.


"If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit'. Matthew15:14b.
A blind person relies on his guide dog to give him direction when he walks. His canine friend sees for him.
And that's the way with our spiritual sight. Relying on other people to lead us when they may be blind or have a speck in their eye, no matter how together they may seem (for no one is perfect), is no substitute for our guide who is the Holy Spirit who has above perfect vision.We need to keep our focus on Jesus and let the Holy Spirit be our spiritual eyes.

We keep our eyes in good health by getting them tested and getting glasses, contacts or surgery if  need be.
We constantly go to the optometrist for check ups and spectacle lens renewal.
In the same way, we must keep our spiritual eyesight in check by reading the scriptures and meeting with other Christians to make sure that our perspective is in line with God and that our minds are being renewed.

As Christians, we need to encourage others to see too! ... And with love and compassion in our hearts, lead them to Jesus Christ.

"Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
  That saved a wretch like me....
  I once was lost but now am found,
  Was blind, but now, I see."- John Newton.


Jenteelability.     http:/devotionalchristiancafe.blogspot.com

Deceit and Defeat in the jungle. (Putting on the armor of God).

"Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of suffering." 1 Peter 5:6,9.


As I sit and work around the campfire in the jungle of life, there are a couple of lions called Defeat and Deceit prowling around the outskirts. They are waiting for a moment of  weakness, weariness or inattentiveness from their prey...that's me!
As they circle the campsite their snarls almost take on human form, suggesting to me that "you can't do it" and "give up". They try to tire me with these persuasions and then they will pounce.
I can hear their tummies rumble as their dribble falls from their jaws.

Luckily, my two friends Wisdom and Faithfulness are with me. In their travels, they have seen the likes of these two beasts before. They know what to do. They tell me how to put on the armor of God for protection.

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes...so that when the day of evil comes, you may stand your ground...stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breast plate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition, take up the shield of faith...the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God." Parts of Ephesians 6;11-17. [Please refer to Bible for the whole verse].

Wisdom and Faithfulness tell me that I will be okay as long as I stay near the campfire (the Holy Spirit) over night. They tell me that the lions will be gone in the morning. They tell me to think positive as this will help cast out fear. Think of things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable and anything that is excellent and praise worthy, they say. (Refer to Philipians 4:8).


Wisdom and Faithfulness were right. By morning, the lions had gone but they still have the smell of my scent on their nostrils. They will be back ... but now I know how to handle them.

And so my friend that is how it is with the devil, prowling around us. He looks for every opportunity to devour us. The good news is that Christ has already overcome him. All we need to do is not be defeated or deceived but instead put on the armor of God and keep our focus on Jesus.

REMEMBER: "Yet amid all these things, we are more than conquerors and gain a surpassing victory through Him (Christ Jesus) who loved us". Romans 8:37.


Jenteelability.     http:/devotionalchristiancafe.blogspot.com

Friendships

I've been particularly blessed of late as various friends have been there for me. They have encouraged me through various words, their generosity, their time, their knowledge, their hugs, smile or just a simple text to my mobile.

Sometimes, I feel uplifted for no particular reason and I know a friend is anonymously praying for me.

"To find a friend who sticks closer than a brother" (Proverbs 18:24b) is a very special thing.

In John 15:13, the Bible says-

"Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends."

Jesus laid down his life for us.

What a loyal and faithful friend! Bestowing on us grace and mercy when we did not (and do not) deserve it. Definitely, a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

But friendship should not be one-sided.

Do we just call on friends at the point of need? Hopefully not! We enjoy their company. We like to be with them. The more time we invest in a friend, the more the friendship deepens and grows.

Why not stop now and spend some time with Jesus? Tell him about your day, your feelings and your dreams. In return, contemplate God's words and thoughts as you read the Bible with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Have a giggle together! Hang out like best friends do!

[For more encouragement, read John 15:1-17].


Jenteelability.     http:/devotionalchristiancafe.blogspot.com

Trust and Obey

God is my solid rock! 

After 11 years of  having the same job, I have resigned. The reason being that I was burning the candle at both ends and it started to affect my physical, mental and spiritual health. God allowed me to resign and in many ways encouraged me to do so, indicating to me that other doors will open and that he has newer pathways for me. 

But once you "pull the plug" (so to speak) and the financial flow is down the drain with no visible tap to replenish, that is when trust comes in...as well as faith and hope. Suddenly, you are not financially secure and really must be dependent upon God to provide and take care of you while you wait for other work or direction. 

It is easy to trust God when we are in control or when we "feel" secure in what we have but when it is taken away or not there anymore, we must trust in God's promises...scriptural facts rather than our feelings. This is the way we should live even when things seem "secure", for God is the alpha and the omega: our solid rock.


As I learn to take one day at a time, God reminds me:-


"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Phillipians 4:6,7.


"The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." James 5:16b.


Perhaps, there is some area that you need to hand over to God today...be it finance, work, family or personal. Hand it over to God now and practice the art of trusting.


Jenteelability.     http:/devotionalchristiancafe.blogspot.com