Learn His Way and do it well

Many times we get complicated. We blame it on the problem. We say, "It is complicated". Is it? Each problem needs to be broken down into simple parts and they need to addressed in a systematic way to achieve the desired results. Some may address a portion of the problem forgetting the bigger picture and therefore the need for a holistic approach, but this does not make it complicated. We just need to be systematic. There are computer algorithms created to solve such challenges before we take "knee jerk reaction" type steps. This is my observation with Jesus' approach to talking about the kingdom with the masses. His ways were simple.

Mark 1:32-34

At evening, when the sun had set, they brought to Him all who were sick and those who were demon-possessed. And the whole city was gathered together at the door. Then He healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and He did not allow the demons to speak, because they knew Him.

Same events and characters but different writers. These are the gospels. Mark wrote from his perspective and you could see that he focused immediately on the life and ministry of Jesus. He skipped the birth and pre-ministry periods of Jesus. He spends time elaborating on the miracles around Jesus' life, starting with the His preparation in the desert and His baptism. It is amazing to see how Jesus moved naturally and ministered to the crowds. He is looking to each of us replicating His ways. Hence the need to study His ministry closely.

Preach the kingdom, repentance and demonstrate kingdom power. That was the basic thing Jesus did. It was sufficient to see the multitudes turn to God. His first disciples were unqualified. They were far from having understanding of the Scriptures. But He chose them. 4 fishermen who only knew how to fish, now being taught how to be fishers of men. God was interested to reach mere men through mere men.

Father, let me continue to see your simple approach and stay focused on doing it right. Others are to follow. All can be done through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Comments

My Journey of Faith

Sreedhar standing to the left of his grandfather in the center Almost 55 years ago a son was born to a Hindu family. The parents were 2nd generation Malaysians raised in a rubber estate near a small town called Sungei Petani in Northern Malaya at that time. This first child was given much love and care by their parents and had the privilege of growing up in 3 different states of Malaysia, most of which was in Petaling Jaya. He was blessed with his first domestic airplane ride when he was 10 years old, and made his first trip by airplane to Bangkok at the age of 11. In the mid 1970's the family moved to a large house in a relatively exclusive neighborhood in Petaling Jaya. This was a result of the favor his father, aged about 35 at that time, had in the workplace,. As a result, this son grew up in a mostly multicultural environment with Indian, Chinese and Malay children. In the process, his perspectives became cosmopolitan and racially neutral. On...

The commands are clear

Crossing of the Red Sea in the history of mankind was a spectacular event. The next spectacular event is the interaction with God on Mount Sinai. Cloud and smoke and ground of sapphire. Exodus 24:10, and they saw the God of Israel. And there was under His feet as it were a paved work of sapphire stone, and it was like the very heavens in its clarity. The sight and sounds must have been pretty amazing. This is where Moses gets the commandments from God. Exodus 24:12, Then the Lord said to Moses, “Come up to Me on the mountain and be there; and I will give you tablets of stone, and the law and commandments which I have written, that you may teach them.” There is such clarity in what God was doing here. The record makes clear the full situation as it happened after the people of Israel crossed the Red Sea. Important details are captured and presented for us to read thousands of years later. This is preserved and taught until today just like the days of Moses. Father, we h...

Creation is a love story

Our children have been home schooled for many years of their lives. Many of our relatives, friends and neighbors looked at us and probably spoke privately about how crazy we were to do that. Some asked directly about two things. How do they learn socialization skills and are you qualified to teach all the subjects? If you want me to answer these questions, please contact me directly. One of the things I am very grateful for is the blessing of my children learning creation science and the issues with evolution. They would not have learned that in regular school. Psalms 104:24 O Lord, how manifold are Your works! In wisdom You have made them all. The earth is full of Your possessions— This chapter is full of the presentation of creation science. It is simply so amazing. God created the universe, the earth and all living things. Every detail was considered, including the ecosystem. God has thought of everything. Every little detail is there for a reason. The sky, water, mountain...

Rags to riches need something else

Can the impossible become possible? I have read many stories of rags to riches and have been naturally impressed by everything that has been said. It required great persistence, hardwork, endurance and something else. That something else is what differentiates between one rags to riches story, and the many other rags to rags stories. Unfortunately, we do not hear or read many of the latter. The successful ones had a "good break" that is a gift from God. Psalms 126:6 He who continually goes forth weeping, Bearing seed for sowing, Shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, Bringing his sheaves with him. The people of Israel could only dream of being released from captivity. That is how this chapter started. Yes, the sowing of seed is needed. Hard work cannot be missed. But, along with the hardwork is the weeping. Weeping before God. He alone provided the deliverance when the people cried before God. Father, my heart's desire is to see all saved. Hear my cry O Lord fo...

It is premeditated

Have you ever found yourself in a corner? I am sure you know what I mean. Yes, this term comes from war campaigns, and widely used chess games. You pray that you are able to get out of it. David was also in a corner. He was about to go to war with his own people with the Philistines, but God provided a way out. 1 Samuel 29:9, Then Achish answered and said to David, “I know that you are as good in my sight as an angel of God; nevertheless the princes of the Philistines have said, ‘He shall not go up with us to the battle.’ He is given favor to live among the Philistines, but in this major campaign against Saul and his army, David's loyalty was not tested. God orchestrated a way out for David. Yes, God made a way when there is no way. Father, I will always look to you for your directions in everything that I do.

Historians must tell the whole truth

I love the way history is recorded so that we can see what happened, and possibly learn from it. However, many historians do not speak up and get heard. Perhaps they feel that they are in a dying profession where the future prospects are poor or even dead. The Bible records history like no other. This statement provides some background to the historical account of how King Ahab died. 2 Chronicles 18:6, But Jehoshaphat said, “Is there not still a prophet of the Lord here, that we may inquire of Him?” Jehoshaphat is a Godly king. He becomes great friends with the king of Israel. Perhaps there was some move to reunite the two kingdoms. However, this was not to be. Ahab had 400 prophets tell him that he will win a battle. When a prophet of God was called, he surprisingly gave the same message. However, he also delivered the bad news. He gave the background to the whole thing that happened in heaven. This prophet was like Hanani. He was prepared to suffer the consequences for d...

Sreedhar's Journey

Search This Blog