Monday, May 25, 2015
Spiritual Walk Week 37 - Final Post - 2014-15 SY
I feel that my relationship with God has grown since the beginning of the school year. Back then my dad was just about to have a surgery and I was really worried for his life. Fast forwarding to now, my dad just had another surgery. I was worried for his life again, but this time I had peace with whatever happened. I feel that God and I have gotten closer. I feel like I can tell him anything (even though he already knows it.) During the talks with Mr. Cheever and Pastor Tony, I started to see God a little differently. All these concepts point to that we have been looking at the Bible in the wrong way. I like that God doesn't force us to follow him. That's one of the reasons I Love and follow him.
Spiritual Walk Week 36 - Spiritual Poet
DENIED
ACCESS DENIED
Let me in!
DENIED
ACCESS DENIED
Please let me in!
DENIED
ACCESS DENIED
Please. I'm your savior. Let me in
NO. I DON'T KNOW YOU.
You have denied me as Peter had.
WHO ARE YOU?
God.
WHY ARE YOU LOOKING FOR ME? THERE ARE OTHERS.
Im trying to save all of you. Just let me in.
OK, I'LL LET YOU IN.
ACCESS DENIED
Let me in!
DENIED
ACCESS DENIED
Please let me in!
DENIED
ACCESS DENIED
Please. I'm your savior. Let me in
NO. I DON'T KNOW YOU.
You have denied me as Peter had.
WHO ARE YOU?
God.
WHY ARE YOU LOOKING FOR ME? THERE ARE OTHERS.
Im trying to save all of you. Just let me in.
OK, I'LL LET YOU IN.
Sunday, May 10, 2015
Spiritual Walk Week 35 - Spiritual Poet
Why do you betray the one?
This is uncalled for.
Sure, it had to be someone,
But did it have to be you?
Why did you wash your hands
Of this man's blood?
You'll still feel the guilt.
Even when you tell yourself
It wasn't your fault.
Sure, it had to be someone.
But did it have to be you?
You could have chosen to be saved
But instead you chose to mock.
Your companion risked ridicule
To be saved.
He was gonna die anyway.
What had he to lose?
We know you people believed
But chose your own way.
You knew that he spoke the truth
And that he was who he said he was.
But you still chose to kill him
For your own selfish reasons.
Sure, it had to be someone.
But did it have to be you?
This is uncalled for.
Sure, it had to be someone,
But did it have to be you?
Why did you wash your hands
Of this man's blood?
You'll still feel the guilt.
Even when you tell yourself
It wasn't your fault.
Sure, it had to be someone.
But did it have to be you?
You could have chosen to be saved
But instead you chose to mock.
Your companion risked ridicule
To be saved.
He was gonna die anyway.
What had he to lose?
We know you people believed
But chose your own way.
You knew that he spoke the truth
And that he was who he said he was.
But you still chose to kill him
For your own selfish reasons.
Sure, it had to be someone.
But did it have to be you?
Spiritual Walk Week 33 - Spiritual Poet
Are you a sheep or a goat?
From far they don't look too different.
But up close you can immediately tell the difference.
Sheep go on the right
And Goats on the left
Why does God separate them this way?
The sheep helped God and are blessed.
The goats didn't and are cursed.
So remember.
It's good to be nice to people.
You may get rewarded
Here on earth or in heaven.
From far they don't look too different.
But up close you can immediately tell the difference.
Sheep go on the right
And Goats on the left
Why does God separate them this way?
The sheep helped God and are blessed.
The goats didn't and are cursed.
So remember.
It's good to be nice to people.
You may get rewarded
Here on earth or in heaven.
Sunday, April 12, 2015
Spiritual Walk Week 31 - Spiritual Poet
Zebedee's Sons
James and John.... Tsk, Tsk, Tsk.
Wanting to be the first... No, No, No.
James and John,
Why do you think asking your mom,
Would get you the highest place
In heaven?
James and John.... Tsk, Tsk, Tsk.
Wanting to be the first... No, No, No.
James and John,
Why do you think asking your mom,
Would get you the highest place
In heaven?
Friday, April 3, 2015
Spiritual Walk Week 30 - Spiritual Poet
There is a Time for Everything
There is a time for everything,
But not at the same time.
Jesus can do anything,
But can He or will he at one time?
It'd be amazing if I were alive when he was on earth,
For possibly he could have healed my dad and given us a hearth.
There is a time for everything,
But not at the same time.
Jesus can do anything,
But can He or will he at one time?
It'd be amazing if I were alive when he was on earth,
For possibly he could have healed my dad and given us a hearth.
Friday, March 13, 2015
Spiritual Walk Week 26 - Spiritual Poet
Jesus is awesome!
Jesus, Jesus, he's our man!
If you can't do it, he can!
When He talks it sounds like thunder.
But its so quiet, it makes you wonder.
He's the best man out of this world.
He's so awesome he saw out timeline unfurl.
Jesus, Jesus, he's our man!
If you can't do it, he can!
When He talks it sounds like thunder.
But its so quiet, it makes you wonder.
He's the best man out of this world.
He's so awesome he saw out timeline unfurl.
Wednesday, March 11, 2015
Spiritual Walk Week 25 - Spiritual Poet
Walking on the Water - Sung to the Music of "Take me to the Water"
Walking on the water.
Walking
Walking on the waves.
Walking
Walking on the water, oh how I wonder what it could be.
I'm gonna check it out myself.
Check it
Check if its a ghost.
Check it
I gonna walk on the water, the water that's stormy and not flat.
I'm gonna walk on, walk on, walk on top of the water.
Sunday, March 1, 2015
Spiritual Walk Week 24 - Spiritual Poet
Son of God
Jesus, Jesus. You are the Son of God.
You're not just a computer mod.
Jesus, Jesus. You tell off those pharisees,
Like a toddler spitting out a spoon of peas.
Jesus, Jesus. Help me to be more like you,
And less like a pile of poo.
Jesus, Jesus. You are the Son of God.
You're not just a computer mod.
Jesus, Jesus. You tell off those pharisees,
Like a toddler spitting out a spoon of peas.
Jesus, Jesus. Help me to be more like you,
And less like a pile of poo.
Sunday, February 15, 2015
Spiritual Walk Week 23 - My Sermon Part 2
Elijah was another guy that went to heaven without dying. 2 Kings 2:11-12 says, “...suddenly a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind. Elisha cried out, ‘My father! My father! The chariots and horsemen of israel!’ And Elisha saw him no more.”
So how did Elijah open his heart’s door and stay connected with God? Elijah was one of those guys that stood up for God no matter what. If someone insulted God’s name, he took it personally. We don’t know much about the early years of Elijah’s life, but we can imagine him growing up in the mountains of Gilead, East of Jordan. Far away from the hustle and bustle of any known city. He was Immersed in God’s creation, observing its beauty and order. Breathing and seeing the presence of the Lord. That is when he made the choice of a lifetime, to open his heart to God and to cultivate his relationship with Him. The Bible says that he was a man of faith, prayer, and fearless devotion to God. There you go, this is Elijah’s recipe for a constant connection with God: Having eyes and ears open, seeing God around him in nature and other people. Throughout his life, Elijah made a continuous choice to stay connected with God. His love for his master grew so much, that he was overwhelmed with sorrow as he saw God’s chosen people following apostasy.
So brothers and sisters, we can learn from the way Elijah stayed connected with God. Do we make a conscious effort to find God in the beauty of nature and in another human beings? Or is it merely a background to our busy lives? How about unplugging from the business of our lives and turning your distractions to silent so that you can hear the whispering voice of God. Is your prayer life vibrant? Or has it become a brainless repetition. Do you want to study the word of God because you want to connect to God, or maybe its the last thing on your to do list. I’ll let you answer those questions. For I know that opening our hearts and keeping it open is the key to our relationship with God. When we stay connected with God, he fills our hearts with his presence. Our mouths with his words, our minds with his wisdom, and our actions with his will. Because we are connected with God, we will make better choices, by seeing another human being through the eyes of our Lord. Leaving the jealousy, judgement, and strife behind us. Making the right choices and choosing the right friends. Take Saul/Paul’s story for example. Saul hated people that followed Christ, he persecuted them. He thought he was doing God a service, because he thought Jesus was a false prophet. But when God showed himself to Saul, Saul made the connection and changed his ways.
Good relationships are Like the hands of a clock. They meet time and time again, but always stay connected at the center.
So how did Elijah open his heart’s door and stay connected with God? Elijah was one of those guys that stood up for God no matter what. If someone insulted God’s name, he took it personally. We don’t know much about the early years of Elijah’s life, but we can imagine him growing up in the mountains of Gilead, East of Jordan. Far away from the hustle and bustle of any known city. He was Immersed in God’s creation, observing its beauty and order. Breathing and seeing the presence of the Lord. That is when he made the choice of a lifetime, to open his heart to God and to cultivate his relationship with Him. The Bible says that he was a man of faith, prayer, and fearless devotion to God. There you go, this is Elijah’s recipe for a constant connection with God: Having eyes and ears open, seeing God around him in nature and other people. Throughout his life, Elijah made a continuous choice to stay connected with God. His love for his master grew so much, that he was overwhelmed with sorrow as he saw God’s chosen people following apostasy.
So brothers and sisters, we can learn from the way Elijah stayed connected with God. Do we make a conscious effort to find God in the beauty of nature and in another human beings? Or is it merely a background to our busy lives? How about unplugging from the business of our lives and turning your distractions to silent so that you can hear the whispering voice of God. Is your prayer life vibrant? Or has it become a brainless repetition. Do you want to study the word of God because you want to connect to God, or maybe its the last thing on your to do list. I’ll let you answer those questions. For I know that opening our hearts and keeping it open is the key to our relationship with God. When we stay connected with God, he fills our hearts with his presence. Our mouths with his words, our minds with his wisdom, and our actions with his will. Because we are connected with God, we will make better choices, by seeing another human being through the eyes of our Lord. Leaving the jealousy, judgement, and strife behind us. Making the right choices and choosing the right friends. Take Saul/Paul’s story for example. Saul hated people that followed Christ, he persecuted them. He thought he was doing God a service, because he thought Jesus was a false prophet. But when God showed himself to Saul, Saul made the connection and changed his ways.
Good relationships are Like the hands of a clock. They meet time and time again, but always stay connected at the center.
Tuesday, February 10, 2015
Spiritual Walk Week 22 - My sermon Part 1
I guess I should connect my Sermon to his. (Pause) Or should I? You see, God wants to connect with us. Just like he did with other people in the Bible.
Whenever I called my grandparents, or they called me on my Grandpa’s phone. I almost immediately got into a talk that went sort of like this:
“Hello?” I said.
“Hello?” They responded.
“Hello? Can you hear me?” I said again
“What?!” they say 3 seconds later
I thought. Well, it’s not my hearing, I'm too young to be losing my hearing, they must be going deaf. What I actually said out loud was a little different.
“Um maybe I can call Grandma’s phone. It might have better reception.”
“What about Grandma’s mug collection?” they asked
“Did you guys even hear me?”
Click! The line went dead.
I called grandma’s phone and they picked up on the first ring.
“Better?” I said
“We can hear you. So what was that you were saying about Grandma’s Mug Collection?”
Eventually, we found out that Grandpa’s phone, for some reason, had a 3 second delay. So our hearing wasn’t bad after all. Since then, it has been fixed.
Your connection with God cannot be like the phone conversation I had with my grandparents. It must be better, It must be established.
Take Enoch for example. You know the guy right? He’s the one that walked with God, right up into heaven. In Hebrews 11:5-6 it says that “By faith, Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death: He could not be found, because God had taken him away. For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God. And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”
You might not know this, but Enoch was the great great great great grandson of Adam and the son of Jared. I can just imagine little Enoch sitting on Adam’s lap as he told story after story about the time before sin. He tells of how he spent his days with God and Eve in the gardens walking and talking face to face. Then he eventually gets to the story of the fall and how God sacrificed the first lamb as a symbol of redemption. Adam cries and tells of how God will send his son to die for our sins.
Because of these stories and other experiences in his life, Enoch grew closer and closer to God, but his big turning point was when he had his first son. Enoch now knew the feeling of having a son and couldn’t bear the thought of losing him. He knew what God would have to go through if he sent his son to die for the human race. He understood the depth of God’s love. Because of his strong connection with God, God decided to just scoop Enoch into heaven. I guess you can say that e-knocked on heaven’s door. Opening the door in your heart is one thing. But letting God walk through it is another, and it seems that Enoch did just that. What about you friends? Do you listen to God’s input in the life of others? Or do you disregard them as irrelevant stories, unusable in your life. How about taking a moment to pause and reflect upon your life, and see what God has done for you. Enoch chose to keep the door open and have God play a vibrant part in his life. You have the choice to take advantage of the open door, or just let it slam closed.
In Deuteronomy 4:29 it says “... if ...you seek the Lord your God, you will find Him, if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul.” Sure you can open the door so that God can come in, but you first have to find Him. Believe that you can find Him, and He will be found. Invite Him in. You must seek Him to connect to him.
Sunday, February 8, 2015
Spiritual Walk Week 21 - In Jesus' Time
We were relaxing in the middle of the sea of Galilee. The waves playfully splashed up against the boat. The sun was setting. It was the perfect day. Then John yelled. "Ghost!"
The rest of us laughed, but still got up to see what he saw.
"Ahhhh, a ghost!" We yelled.
The ghost responded, "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid."
"LORD, if it's you," I asked, "tell me to come to you on the water."
"Come," Jesus said.
I jumped over the edge of the boat, and landed on the water. The wind picked up speed, the waves splashed against me and I tripped. Suddenly, I lost faith in myself and started to sink. I cried out, "LORD save me!
Jesus reached out and took my hand saying, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?"
"Ahhhh, a ghost!" We yelled.
The ghost responded, "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid."
"LORD, if it's you," I asked, "tell me to come to you on the water."
"Come," Jesus said.
I jumped over the edge of the boat, and landed on the water. The wind picked up speed, the waves splashed against me and I tripped. Suddenly, I lost faith in myself and started to sink. I cried out, "LORD save me!
Jesus reached out and took my hand saying, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?"
Monday, February 2, 2015
Spiritual Walk Week 20 - In Jesus's Time
I walked to the hillside one day to hear a rabbi named Jesus preach. He was wonderful and I learned a lot from him, but eventually it got late in the day and I hadn't eaten yet, so I took out my sack lunch. I was about to bite into my food when I saw Jesus talking with his followers. I had a sudden feeling they were talking about feeding the people that had gathered here. I had no idea how they would feed them, so I walked up and showed them my sack lunch.
"We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish." they said to Jesus, continuing the conversation that was happening before I got to them.
"Bring the fish to me." Jesus said. He also told the multitude to sit down. Then I walked up to Jesus and gave him the food inside my basket, five loaves and two fish. Then Jesus blessed the food and gave them to the disciples to distribute. I couldn't believe how much was coming out of my little basket of food. It was definitely a lot more than what I had in the first place. In fact, there were twelve baskets of food left over. My five loaves and two fish fed about 5,000 families. Man I have a story to tell.
"We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish." they said to Jesus, continuing the conversation that was happening before I got to them.
"Bring the fish to me." Jesus said. He also told the multitude to sit down. Then I walked up to Jesus and gave him the food inside my basket, five loaves and two fish. Then Jesus blessed the food and gave them to the disciples to distribute. I couldn't believe how much was coming out of my little basket of food. It was definitely a lot more than what I had in the first place. In fact, there were twelve baskets of food left over. My five loaves and two fish fed about 5,000 families. Man I have a story to tell.
Spiritual Walk Week 19 - In Jesus's Time
I was blind. As far as I can remember, I was blind. My brother, he was also blind, but he became blind when he was of three years old.
Today, I walked around the city with my brother. We felt our way to the temple to beg for money and food because: 1. We didn't have any money and 2. Even if we did, only nice store owners would let us buy from them. There weren't too many of those.
Then we heard a group of people approaching they seemed to be listening to a man speaking. I felt something inside me move. That was new. I communed with my brother and we decided to follow the group. We got close enough to listen to the conversations that were happening inside. Then we heard the name Jesus. We were overjoyed. We had found the miracle worker. He must be able to heal us.
"Have mercy on us, Son of David!" I yelled.
People shuffled away from us and whispered unspeakable things about us.
"Have mercy on us, Son of David!" My brother yelled.
I heard the man come toward us. He grabbed us each by the hand and pulled us indoors. Jesus said, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?"
"Yes LORD." We replied in unison.
Then he touched our eyes and said, "According to your faith let it be done to you."
Then suddenly something changed. I don't know what it was, It felt like the world just added a whole nother range of hearing, but my eyes hurt. Wait, my eyes hurt. Does this mean I'm seeing? My brother confirmed my suspicions.
"I can see again!' he said
So that's what seeing is like.
"See that no one knows about this." Jesus said.
Why? I thought. Everyone is going to know anyway.
Then we went and told everyone we knew.
Today, I walked around the city with my brother. We felt our way to the temple to beg for money and food because: 1. We didn't have any money and 2. Even if we did, only nice store owners would let us buy from them. There weren't too many of those.
Then we heard a group of people approaching they seemed to be listening to a man speaking. I felt something inside me move. That was new. I communed with my brother and we decided to follow the group. We got close enough to listen to the conversations that were happening inside. Then we heard the name Jesus. We were overjoyed. We had found the miracle worker. He must be able to heal us.
"Have mercy on us, Son of David!" I yelled.
People shuffled away from us and whispered unspeakable things about us.
"Have mercy on us, Son of David!" My brother yelled.
I heard the man come toward us. He grabbed us each by the hand and pulled us indoors. Jesus said, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?"
"Yes LORD." We replied in unison.
Then he touched our eyes and said, "According to your faith let it be done to you."
Then suddenly something changed. I don't know what it was, It felt like the world just added a whole nother range of hearing, but my eyes hurt. Wait, my eyes hurt. Does this mean I'm seeing? My brother confirmed my suspicions.
"I can see again!' he said
So that's what seeing is like.
"See that no one knows about this." Jesus said.
Why? I thought. Everyone is going to know anyway.
Then we went and told everyone we knew.
Sunday, January 11, 2015
Spiritual Walk Week 17 - In Jesus' Time
Jesus was walking through a town preaching and talking with a bunch of people. I was standing next to him so that people wouldn't get to close and hurt him or something like that. I knew he could heal himself, but he had a habit of helping others and forgetting about himself. Anyway, the crowd suddenly parted and a man stepped forward and fell to his knees before Jesus.
He cried and wailed and pleaded with Jesus saying, "My daughter has just died. But come and put your hand on her, and she will live."
So naturally, Jesus pitied this man and started on his way toward the man's house. The man talked about his daughter and how amazing she was and all that stuff. During this time, the crowd crowded around Jesus a little more.
Then Jesus suddenly stopped and said "Who touched me?"
I couldn't control myself. I broke out laughing. "Everyone is touching you. We're in a crowd man!"
"Power has left me." said He.
"I'm so sorry, but I just had to---" A small woman said.
Jesus turned and looked at the woman on the ground. "Take heart, daughter. Your faith has healed you."
I stared. The crowd was quiet. Them woman looked at her white robes that I could have sworn were red, moments before. Then she got up and walked away as everyone stared.
Then the man whose daughter was dead cleared his throat. Jesus then turned and followed him to his house. When He walked into the house He said to the people inside. "Go away. The girl is not dead but asleep."
Everyone laughed at him except me. I'd seen the woman get healed. I herded the crowd outside and then I followed him in with the father in tow. Jesus took the girl by the hand, and she got up. Everyone was amazed when they saw her walk into the sunshine.
He cried and wailed and pleaded with Jesus saying, "My daughter has just died. But come and put your hand on her, and she will live."
So naturally, Jesus pitied this man and started on his way toward the man's house. The man talked about his daughter and how amazing she was and all that stuff. During this time, the crowd crowded around Jesus a little more.
Then Jesus suddenly stopped and said "Who touched me?"
I couldn't control myself. I broke out laughing. "Everyone is touching you. We're in a crowd man!"
"Power has left me." said He.
"I'm so sorry, but I just had to---" A small woman said.
Jesus turned and looked at the woman on the ground. "Take heart, daughter. Your faith has healed you."
I stared. The crowd was quiet. Them woman looked at her white robes that I could have sworn were red, moments before. Then she got up and walked away as everyone stared.
Then the man whose daughter was dead cleared his throat. Jesus then turned and followed him to his house. When He walked into the house He said to the people inside. "Go away. The girl is not dead but asleep."
Everyone laughed at him except me. I'd seen the woman get healed. I herded the crowd outside and then I followed him in with the father in tow. Jesus took the girl by the hand, and she got up. Everyone was amazed when they saw her walk into the sunshine.
Thursday, December 18, 2014
Spiritual Walk Week 16 - In Jesus' Time
"Help me." I wheezed to the empty street in front of me.
"What do you need help with?" asked a man behind me that seemed to appear from nowhere.
"Uh... But... Uh, yeah." I managed to mumble. Then I got my wits together and said, "Don't you see? I'm paralysed!"
"I know someone who can." said the man with a mysterious smile.
"How can someone help a paralytic? It'll take a miracle to help me enough to be happy."
"Exactly, a miracle would do it."
"Yeah, that... wait... You think I can be healed?"
"I know so."
"How?"
"I already told you. I know a man."
"Is it possible that a man can do this? I've been paralysed for a very long time."
"Just trust me."
"How can I trust a man I just met, but I guess it couldn't hurt to try." I sighed.
"Lay down on your mat and we'll carry you to him."
"We?" I asked as I slid higher on my mat into a more comfortable position.
"Yes, ready" another man came out of nowhere and picked up the mat where my feet laid as the man I first met picked up my head. The men walked into the street and took a street to the left. The farther we traveled, the better the buildings got. Eventually I saw the temple.
"Surely we must stop here. This is the temple of the LORD." I said excitedly.
"No brother, we must keep going. We must make it to the Sea of Galilee."
"Why the Sea of Galilee? What could a sea do for me?"
The man sighed, "Do you want to be healed or not?"
"Of course, bu-"
"No buts about it" he interrupted. "Trust us. Anyway, we're almost there."
"Trust me." I muttered under my breath. "Miracles, bah!" Then I saw something that made me rethink what I just said. I saw a man talking to a group of Rabbis and civilians. I realized that he was lecturing them. This man had that kind of aura, he seemed millions of times more important than the other Rabbis.
"Make way!" said the man at my feet. The civilians parted, giving me an open path the the man, whom I was now convinced was the Son of God.
The men that had carried me all this way set me and my mat down on the ground. The Son of God walked toward me and said, "Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven." I was not expecting this. I thought he would like strike me with a lightning bolt and my legs would start working again, but this was pretty good. I would get to live the rest of my life and eventually see this man again when I die.
The Rabbis whispered among each other. I picked up a couple words. "...fellow...blaspheming!" I knew that this wasn't true, I felt my sins leaving me. This man should do something about them.
"Why do you entertain evil thoughts in your hearts? Which is easier: to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up and walk'? But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins." Then he looked at me and said. "Get up, take your mat and go home." I froze and then feeling returned to my legs. I can barely describe the sensation to you, but I'll do my best. It was like boiling water, then freezing cold, then as if that wasn't enough, agonizing pain. Then I felt like my legs were floating and my toes moved, then my legs bent and lifted the rest of my body up. It was like they had a mind of their own. I bent down, and rolled up my mat. The men that had brought me here were nowhere to be see. They must have left as the Son of Man was talking. I looked to his eyes and I saw something in his eyes that I would never forget. It chilled me to the bones, In a good way. It seems like he could look straight through my soul. His eyes told me to go and rejoice. I did, and my life was never the same.
"What do you need help with?" asked a man behind me that seemed to appear from nowhere.
"Uh... But... Uh, yeah." I managed to mumble. Then I got my wits together and said, "Don't you see? I'm paralysed!"
"I know someone who can." said the man with a mysterious smile.
"How can someone help a paralytic? It'll take a miracle to help me enough to be happy."
"Exactly, a miracle would do it."
"Yeah, that... wait... You think I can be healed?"
"I know so."
"How?"
"I already told you. I know a man."
"Is it possible that a man can do this? I've been paralysed for a very long time."
"Just trust me."
"How can I trust a man I just met, but I guess it couldn't hurt to try." I sighed.
"Lay down on your mat and we'll carry you to him."
"We?" I asked as I slid higher on my mat into a more comfortable position.
"Yes, ready" another man came out of nowhere and picked up the mat where my feet laid as the man I first met picked up my head. The men walked into the street and took a street to the left. The farther we traveled, the better the buildings got. Eventually I saw the temple.
"Surely we must stop here. This is the temple of the LORD." I said excitedly.
"No brother, we must keep going. We must make it to the Sea of Galilee."
"Why the Sea of Galilee? What could a sea do for me?"
The man sighed, "Do you want to be healed or not?"
"Of course, bu-"
"No buts about it" he interrupted. "Trust us. Anyway, we're almost there."
"Trust me." I muttered under my breath. "Miracles, bah!" Then I saw something that made me rethink what I just said. I saw a man talking to a group of Rabbis and civilians. I realized that he was lecturing them. This man had that kind of aura, he seemed millions of times more important than the other Rabbis.
"Make way!" said the man at my feet. The civilians parted, giving me an open path the the man, whom I was now convinced was the Son of God.
The men that had carried me all this way set me and my mat down on the ground. The Son of God walked toward me and said, "Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven." I was not expecting this. I thought he would like strike me with a lightning bolt and my legs would start working again, but this was pretty good. I would get to live the rest of my life and eventually see this man again when I die.
The Rabbis whispered among each other. I picked up a couple words. "...fellow...blaspheming!" I knew that this wasn't true, I felt my sins leaving me. This man should do something about them.
"Why do you entertain evil thoughts in your hearts? Which is easier: to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up and walk'? But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins." Then he looked at me and said. "Get up, take your mat and go home." I froze and then feeling returned to my legs. I can barely describe the sensation to you, but I'll do my best. It was like boiling water, then freezing cold, then as if that wasn't enough, agonizing pain. Then I felt like my legs were floating and my toes moved, then my legs bent and lifted the rest of my body up. It was like they had a mind of their own. I bent down, and rolled up my mat. The men that had brought me here were nowhere to be see. They must have left as the Son of Man was talking. I looked to his eyes and I saw something in his eyes that I would never forget. It chilled me to the bones, In a good way. It seems like he could look straight through my soul. His eyes told me to go and rejoice. I did, and my life was never the same.
Spiritual Walk Week 16 - In Jesus' Time
"Help me." I wheezed to the empty street in front of me.
"What do you need help with?" asked a man behind me that seemed to appear from nowhere.
"Uh... But... Uh, yeah." I managed to mumble. Then I got my wits together and said, "Don't you see? I'm paralysed!"
"I know someone who can." said the man with a mysterious smile.
"How can someone help a paralytic? It'll take a miracle to help me enough to be happy."
"Exactly, a miracle would do it."
"Yeah, that... wait... You think I can be healed?"
"I know so."
"How?"
"I already told you. I know a man."
"Is it possible that a man can do this? I've been paralysed for a very long time."
"Just trust me."
"How can I trust a man I just met, but I guess it couldn't hurt to try." I sighed.
"Lay down on your mat and we'll carry you to him."
"We?" I asked as I slid higher on my mat into a more comfortable position.
"Yes, ready" another man came out of nowhere and picked up the mat where my feet laid as the man I first met picked up my head. The men walked into the street and took a street to the left. The farther we traveled, the better the buildings got. Eventually I saw the temple.
"Surely we must stop here. This is the temple of the LORD." I said excitedly.
"No brother, we must keep going. We must make it to the Sea of Galilee."
"Why the Sea of Galilee? What could a sea do for me?"
The man sighed, "Do you want to be healed or not?"
"Of course, bu-"
"No buts about it" he interrupted. "Trust us. Anyway, we're almost there."
"Trust me." I muttered under my breath. "Miracles, bah!" Then I saw something that made me rethink what I just said. I saw a man talking to a group of Rabbis and civilians. I realized that he was lecturing them. This man had that kind of aura, he seemed millions of times more important than the other Rabbis.
"Make way!" said the man at my feet. The civilians parted, giving me an open path the the man, whom I was now convinced was the Son of God.
The men that had carried me all this way set me and my mat down on the ground. The Son of God walked toward me and said, "Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven." I was not expecting this. I thought he would like strike me with a lightning bolt and my legs would start working again, but this was pretty good. I would get to live the rest of my life and eventually see this man again when I die.
The Rabbis whispered among each other. I picked up a couple words. "...fellow...blaspheming!" I knew that this wasn't true, I felt my sins leaving me. This man should do something about them.
"Why do you entertain evil thoughts in your hearts? Which is easier: to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up and walk'? But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins." Then he looked at me and said. "Get up, take your mat and go home." I froze and then feeling returned to my legs. I can barely describe the sensation to you, but I'll do my best. It was like boiling water, then freezing cold, then as if that wasn't enough, agonizing pain. Then I felt like my legs were floating and my toes moved, then my legs bent and lifted the rest of my body up. It was like they had a mind of their own. I bent down, and rolled up my mat. The men that had brought me here were nowhere to be see. They must have left as the Son of Man was talking. I looked to his eyes and I saw something in his eyes that I would never forget. It chilled me to the bones, In a good way. It seems like he could look straight through my soul. His eyes told me to go and rejoice. I did, and my life was never the same.
"What do you need help with?" asked a man behind me that seemed to appear from nowhere.
"Uh... But... Uh, yeah." I managed to mumble. Then I got my wits together and said, "Don't you see? I'm paralysed!"
"I know someone who can." said the man with a mysterious smile.
"How can someone help a paralytic? It'll take a miracle to help me enough to be happy."
"Exactly, a miracle would do it."
"Yeah, that... wait... You think I can be healed?"
"I know so."
"How?"
"I already told you. I know a man."
"Is it possible that a man can do this? I've been paralysed for a very long time."
"Just trust me."
"How can I trust a man I just met, but I guess it couldn't hurt to try." I sighed.
"Lay down on your mat and we'll carry you to him."
"We?" I asked as I slid higher on my mat into a more comfortable position.
"Yes, ready" another man came out of nowhere and picked up the mat where my feet laid as the man I first met picked up my head. The men walked into the street and took a street to the left. The farther we traveled, the better the buildings got. Eventually I saw the temple.
"Surely we must stop here. This is the temple of the LORD." I said excitedly.
"No brother, we must keep going. We must make it to the Sea of Galilee."
"Why the Sea of Galilee? What could a sea do for me?"
The man sighed, "Do you want to be healed or not?"
"Of course, bu-"
"No buts about it" he interrupted. "Trust us. Anyway, we're almost there."
"Trust me." I muttered under my breath. "Miracles, bah!" Then I saw something that made me rethink what I just said. I saw a man talking to a group of Rabbis and civilians. I realized that he was lecturing them. This man had that kind of aura, he seemed millions of times more important than the other Rabbis.
"Make way!" said the man at my feet. The civilians parted, giving me an open path the the man, whom I was now convinced was the Son of God.
The men that had carried me all this way set me and my mat down on the ground. The Son of God walked toward me and said, "Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven." I was not expecting this. I thought he would like strike me with a lightning bolt and my legs would start working again, but this was pretty good. I would get to live the rest of my life and eventually see this man again when I die.
The Rabbis whispered among each other. I picked up a couple words. "...fellow...blaspheming!" I knew that this wasn't true, I felt my sins leaving me. This man should do something about them.
"Why do you entertain evil thoughts in your hearts? Which is easier: to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up and walk'? But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins." Then he looked at me and said. "Get up, take your mat and go home." I froze and then feeling returned to my legs. I can barely describe the sensation to you, but I'll do my best. It was like boiling water, then freezing cold, then as if that wasn't enough, agonizing pain. Then I felt like my legs were floating and my toes moved, then my legs bent and lifted the rest of my body up. It was like they had a mind of their own. I bent down, and rolled up my mat. The men that had brought me here were nowhere to be see. They must have left as the Son of Man was talking. I looked to his eyes and I saw something in his eyes that I would never forget. It chilled me to the bones, In a good way. It seems like he could look straight through my soul. His eyes told me to go and rejoice. I did, and my life was never the same.
Thursday, December 11, 2014
Spiritual Walk Week 15 - In Jesus' Time
I dragged the man to where I wanted to go, I wish I could walk around without a host, but that's not how it works. "Hey Bob! Wouldn't it be awesome if we could go around without a host?"
"Yeah, man. This guy is getting cramped."
"Who is that in the distance? He seems to be glowing?" said one of us in the other man.
"He looks like God..." said Bob
"What do you want with us, Son of God?" I said.
"Have you come here to torture us before the appointed time?" added Bob
"We don't have a chance against this guy." I said
"I know, but I don't wanna cease to exist... Wait! I have an idea." Then Bob took control of the man and said, "If you drive us out, send us into the herd of pigs."
"Go!" He said to us.
We were so happy we rushed toward the pigs and decided to go into the lake for a swim. We drowned instead...
"He looks like God..." said Bob
"What do you want with us, Son of God?" I said.
"Have you come here to torture us before the appointed time?" added Bob
"We don't have a chance against this guy." I said
"I know, but I don't wanna cease to exist... Wait! I have an idea." Then Bob took control of the man and said, "If you drive us out, send us into the herd of pigs."
"Go!" He said to us.
We were so happy we rushed toward the pigs and decided to go into the lake for a swim. We drowned instead...
Sunday, November 16, 2014
Spiritual Walk Week 13 - In Jesus' Time
Jesus was finished teaching for the day and he decided to walk sail out to sea, so we followed him into the boat. The waves were peaceful and the air was quiet. In many ways, this day could be described as a perfect day. John and I pulled up the sails and the others took some ores and pushed us into the water. Jesus was so tired that he went to the back of the boat to sleep. He had a long day, he deserves rest.
Soon, we neared the center of the lake. The wind howled around us, rousing the waves and dark clouds blocked the sun from view. It started to rain. Just when I was thinking this was a perfect day. The waves crashed into us, threatening to flip the boat. How could Jesus sleep through this?... That's it!!!
"Let's wake him up, maybe he can help!" I yelled to my brother John.
"Yeah!" he responded. Then he went to the back of the boat where Jesus was sleeping and he said. "Lord, save us! We're going to drown!"
Jesus awoke and yawned. "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" Then he got up and said. "Peace, be still" I wasn't sure what he was talking to until the wind stopped and the waves calmed down.
"What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!" I said in amazement.
Soon, we neared the center of the lake. The wind howled around us, rousing the waves and dark clouds blocked the sun from view. It started to rain. Just when I was thinking this was a perfect day. The waves crashed into us, threatening to flip the boat. How could Jesus sleep through this?... That's it!!!
"Let's wake him up, maybe he can help!" I yelled to my brother John.
"Yeah!" he responded. Then he went to the back of the boat where Jesus was sleeping and he said. "Lord, save us! We're going to drown!"
Jesus awoke and yawned. "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" Then he got up and said. "Peace, be still" I wasn't sure what he was talking to until the wind stopped and the waves calmed down.
"What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!" I said in amazement.
Thursday, November 13, 2014
Spiritual Walk Week 12 - In Jesus' Time
The Master was teaching one day as we were walking into Capernaum. Then we saw a group of chariots racing toward us.
"Is that the Centurion?" Andrew mumbled.
"Sure looks like it." I responded.
Then John called out in panic mode. "Jesus! Master! A centurion is coming toward us. Do you think he is coming to arrest us? Should we hide?"
"Have faith." Said Jesus. "Do not hide from the good, and God will deliver us from whatever happens."
The chariots came closer and stopped in front of Jesus. "Which one of you is Jesus? Jesus of Nazareth." asked the Centurion.
I fingered the knife in my belt. "I am he." said Jesus.
Then the Centurion did something surprising, he knelt down as said, "Lord, my servant lies at home paralyzed, suffering terribly." What kind of a man would care about his servant? He is just a servant.
"Shall I come and heal him?" asked Jesus.
The centurion replied, "Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, 'Go,' and he goes; and that one, 'Come,' and he comes. I say to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it."
Jesus turned around and addressed us saying, "Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith. I say to you that many will come from the east and the west, and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. But the subjects of the kingdom will be thrown outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." Then he said to the Centurion, "Go! Let it be done just as you believed it would."
The Centurion was about to give the command to leave when. Dust rose up in the distance, eventually coming into view as chariots. The chariots stopped behind the Centurion's entourage. The man in the lead chariot yelled out, "Master, it is I. I don't know what happened, it's a miracle! I'm healed!"
The Centurion immediately went up to his servant and hugged him tightly. To this day I, the mighty Simon-Peter, have never seen a show of Love this powerful.
"Is that the Centurion?" Andrew mumbled.
"Sure looks like it." I responded.
Then John called out in panic mode. "Jesus! Master! A centurion is coming toward us. Do you think he is coming to arrest us? Should we hide?"
"Have faith." Said Jesus. "Do not hide from the good, and God will deliver us from whatever happens."
The chariots came closer and stopped in front of Jesus. "Which one of you is Jesus? Jesus of Nazareth." asked the Centurion.
I fingered the knife in my belt. "I am he." said Jesus.
Then the Centurion did something surprising, he knelt down as said, "Lord, my servant lies at home paralyzed, suffering terribly." What kind of a man would care about his servant? He is just a servant.
"Shall I come and heal him?" asked Jesus.
The centurion replied, "Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, 'Go,' and he goes; and that one, 'Come,' and he comes. I say to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it."
Jesus turned around and addressed us saying, "Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith. I say to you that many will come from the east and the west, and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. But the subjects of the kingdom will be thrown outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." Then he said to the Centurion, "Go! Let it be done just as you believed it would."
The Centurion was about to give the command to leave when. Dust rose up in the distance, eventually coming into view as chariots. The chariots stopped behind the Centurion's entourage. The man in the lead chariot yelled out, "Master, it is I. I don't know what happened, it's a miracle! I'm healed!"
The Centurion immediately went up to his servant and hugged him tightly. To this day I, the mighty Simon-Peter, have never seen a show of Love this powerful.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)