Be united in our perseverance for the works of God.

June 29, 2013 - Nehemiah 4:1-23

1-2 When Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall he exploded in anger, vilifying the Jews. In the company of his Samaritan cronies and military he let loose: “What are these miserable Jews doing? Do they think they can get everything back to normal overnight? Make building stones out of make-believe?”

3 At his side, Tobiah the Ammonite jumped in and said, “That’s right! What do they think they’re building? Why, if a fox climbed that wall, it would fall to pieces under his weight.”

4-5 Nehemiah prayed, “Oh listen to us, dear God. We’re so despised: Boomerang their ridicule on their heads; have their enemies cart them off as war trophies to a land of no return; don’t forgive their iniquity, don’t wipe away their sin—they’ve insulted the builders!”

6 We kept at it, repairing and rebuilding the wall. The whole wall was soon joined together and halfway to its intended height because the people had a heart for the work.

The people of God had a heart for rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem. The enemies mocked their works, but the leader Nehemiah prayed to God, placing all the insults, ridicule, and threatening back before God instead of answering or fighting back. The people were united in perseverance in repairing and rebuilding works. Works of God progressed and would soon be completed.

My Father God, thanks for choosing me to be your people and participate in your Kingdom's plan. Attacks and mocking from the enemies must be expected. Enemies want us to lose our strength and passion for continuing our works for God. Anxieties, worries, discouragement, and even body's weaknesses all squelch our passion for the works of God. Help me focus my eyes on Father God through prayer as I advance Kingdom's ministry. May my Father God also use my hand to strengthen your people's heart that we can be united and persevere in accomplishing your works. 

What's your role in rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem?

June 28, 2013 - Nehemiah 3:1-32

^1 1-2 The high priest Eliashib and his fellow priests were up and at it: They went to work on the Sheep Gate; they repaired it and hung its doors, continuing on as far as the Tower of the Hundred and the Tower of Hananel. The men of Jericho worked alongside them; and next to them, Zaccur son of Imri.

   ^3-5 The Fish Gate was built by the Hassenaah brothers; they repaired it, hung its doors, and installed its bolts and bars. Meremoth son of Uriah, the son of Hakkoz, worked; next to him Meshullam son of Berekiah, the son of Meshezabel; next to him Zadok son of Baana; and next to him the Tekoites (except for their nobles, who wouldn’t work with their master and refused to get their hands dirty with such work).

   ^6-8 The Jeshanah Gate was rebuilt by Joiada son of Paseah and Meshullam son of Besodeiah; they repaired it, hung its doors, and installed its bolts and bars. Melatiah the Gibeonite, Jadon the Meronothite, and the men of Gibeon and Mizpah, which was under the rule of the governor from across the Euphrates, worked alongside them. Uzziel son of Harhaiah of the goldsmiths’ guild worked next to him, and next to him Hananiah, one of the perfumers. They rebuilt the wall of Jerusalem as far as the Broad Wall.

   ^9-10 The next section was worked on by Rephaiah son of Hur, mayor of a half-district of Jerusalem. Next to him Jedaiah son of Harumaph rebuilt the front of his house; Hattush son of Hashabneiah worked next to him.

   ^11-12 Malkijah son of Harim and Hasshub son of Pahath-Moab rebuilt another section that included the Tower of Furnaces. Working next to him was Shallum son of Hallohesh, mayor of the other half-district of Jerusalem, along with his daughters.

   ¹³ The Valley Gate was rebuilt by Hanun and villagers of Zanoah; they repaired it, hung its doors, and installed its bolts and bars. They went on to repair 1,500 feet of the wall, as far as the Dung Gate.

   ¹⁴ The Dung Gate itself was rebuilt by Malkijah son of Recab, the mayor of the district of Beth Hakkerem; he repaired it, hung its doors, and installed its bolts and bars.

   ¹⁵ The Fountain Gate was rebuilt by Shallun son of Col-Hozeh, mayor of the Mizpah district; he repaired it, roofed it, hung its doors, and installed its bolts and bars. He also rebuilt the wall of the Pool of Siloam at the King’s Garden as far as the steps that go down from the City of David.

   ¹⁶ After him came Nehemiah son of Azbuk, mayor of half the district of Beth Zur. He worked from just in front of the Tomb of David as far as the Pool and the House of Heroes.

   ^17-18 Levites under Rehum son of Bani were next in line. Alongside them, Hashabiah, mayor of half the district of Keilah, represented his district in the rebuilding. Next to him their brothers continued the rebuilding under Binnui son of Henadad, mayor of the other half-district of Keilah.

   ^19-23 The section from in front of the Ascent to the Armory as far as the Angle was rebuilt by Ezer son of Jeshua, the mayor of Mizpah. From the Angle to the door of the house of Eliashib the high priest was done by Baruch son of Zabbai. Meremoth son of Uriah, the son of Hakkoz, took it from the door of Eliashib’s house to the end of Eliashib’s house. Priests from the neighborhood went on from there. Benjamin and Hasshub worked on the wall in front of their house, and Azariah son of Maaseiah, the son of Ananiah, did the work alongside his house.

   ^24-27 The section from the house of Azariah to the Angle at the Corner was rebuilt by Binnui son of Henadad. Palal son of Uzai worked opposite the Angle and the tower that projects from the Upper Palace of the king near the Court of the Guard. Next to him Pedaiah son of Parosh and The Temple support staff who lived on the hill of Ophel worked up to the point opposite the Water Gate eastward and the projecting tower. The men of Tekoa did the section from the great projecting tower as far as the wall of Ophel.

   ^28-30 Above the Horse Gate the priests worked, each priest repairing the wall in front of his own house. After them Zadok son of Immer rebuilt in front of his house and after him Shemaiah son of Shecaniah, the keeper of the East Gate; then Hananiah son of Shelemiah and Hanun, the sixth son of Zalaph; then Meshullam son of Berekiah rebuilt the wall in front of his storage shed.

   ^31-32 Malkijah the goldsmith repaired the wall as far as the house of The Temple support staff and merchants, up to the Inspection Gate, and the Upper Room at the Corner. The goldsmiths and the merchants made the repairs between the Upper Room at the Corner and the Sheep Gate.

The people of God started rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. People from different social sectors all participated in the works of God, including the leaders (priests, mayors, etc.), the professionals (goldsmiths), the lay men (the Tekoites, temple support staff, merchants, etc.). People of God doing ministry together; people of God were united in one mission; people of God were ministering together without miracles but their ministry together was already a miracle. 

My Father God, I pray that Your Spirit also works in your church, uniting your people together in the ministry with one Spirit and one mission in exalting your name, rebuilding the walls of your church that Satan your enemy has no way to destruct your work and that your name can also be exalted among your people and even the non-believers.

Come—Let’s Build the Wall of Jerusalem.

June 27, 2013 - Nehemiah 2:11-20

    ^11-12 And so I arrived in Jerusalem. After I had been there three days, I got up in the middle of the night, I and a few men who were with me. I hadn’t told anyone what my God had put in my heart to do for Jerusalem. The only animal with us was the one I was riding.

   ^13-16 Under cover of night I went past the Valley Gate toward the Dragon’s Fountain to the Dung Gate looking over the walls of Jerusalem, which had been broken through and whose gates had been burned up. I then crossed to the Fountain Gate and headed for the King’s Pool but there wasn’t enough room for the donkey I was riding to get through. So I went up the valley in the dark continuing my inspection of the wall. I came back in through the Valley Gate. The local officials had no idea where I’d gone or what I was doing—I hadn’t breathed a word to the Jews, priests, nobles, local officials, or anyone else who would be working on the job.

   ^17-18 Then I gave them my report: “Face it: we’re in a bad way here. Jerusalem is a wreck; its gates are burned up. Come—let’s build the wall of Jerusalem and not live with this disgrace any longer.” I told them how God was supporting me and how the king was backing me up.

   They said, “We’re with you. Let’s get started.” They rolled up their sleeves, ready for the good work.

   ¹⁹ When Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite official, and Geshem the Arab heard about it, they laughed at us, mocking, “Ha! What do you think you’re doing? Do you think you can cross the king?”

   ²⁰ I shot back, “The God-of-Heaven will make sure we succeed. We’re his servants and we’re going to work, rebuilding. You can keep your nose out of it. You get no say in this—Jerusalem’s none of your business!”

Nehemiah was passionate for God in rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem together with a cautious mind. He needed to have a first-hand understanding and hence he inspected the conditions of the walls by himself at night time. He truly understood the difficulties and challenges of the rebuilding works before he spoke to Jews and invited them to participate into this ministry. Nehemiah was a true leader, inspiring the people to move forward by referring these people back to God through sharing his own story of experiencing God's amazing guidance in receiving the support of the king. People's heart was moved and ready to start working for God. Enemies were exasperated and mocked at their works.

My Father God, ministry is always a spiritual warfare. Enemies are always ready to fight back. People of God requires inspiration from You and Your work. Being a leader of the church, help me to personally experience Your work and listen to your word first. Strengthen me with a heart like Nehemiah that I can be tenacious in facing challenges and trials of ministry. Most importantly is to draw me closely to you everyday, listening to your voice and immersing in your Fatherly love that are always the source of my strength and joy in following your way. 

Wait and Pray in order to see that God is God.

June 26, 2013 - Nehemiah 2:1-10

 ^1 1-2 It was the month of Nisan in the twentieth year of Artaxerxes the king. At the hour for serving wine I brought it in and gave it to the king. I had never been hangdog in his presence before, so he asked me, “Why the long face? You’re not sick are you? Or are you depressed?”

   ^2-3 That made me all the more agitated. I said, “Long live the king! And why shouldn’t I be depressed when the city, the city where all my family is buried, is in ruins and the city gates have been reduced to cinders?”

   ^4-5 The king then asked me, “So what do you want?”

   Praying under my breath to the God-of-Heaven, I said, “If it please the king, and if the king thinks well of me, send me to Judah, to the city where my family is buried, so that I can rebuild it.”

   ⁶ The king, with the queen sitting alongside him, said, “How long will your work take and when would you expect to return?”

   I gave him a time, and the king gave his approval to send me.

   ^7-8 Then I said, “If it please the king, provide me with letters to the governors across the Euphrates that authorize my travel through to Judah; and also an order to Asaph, keeper of the king’s forest, to supply me with timber for the beams of The Temple fortress, the wall of the city, and the house where I’ll be living.”

   ^8-9 The generous hand of my God was with me in this and the king gave them to me. When I met the governors across The River (the Euphrates) I showed them the king’s letters. The king even sent along a cavalry escort.

   ¹⁰ When Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite official heard about this, they were very upset, angry that anyone would come to look after the interests of the People of Israel.

Nehemiah's heart was with the People of God. His heart was depressed but never hopeless. He continued to pray to God for His generous hand to be upon him. Waiting for the works of the Lord is the most challenging thing to all servants of God. Nehemiah waited and prayed; he waited and prayed. When time of God comes, the king asked him the reason of his depression, and also granted him the approval to return to Jerusalem for rebuilding works, and even gave him the necessary approval, timbers, and other escort for his trip. God did amazing things in Nehemiah's work. He blessed; He moved the heart of the king; He granted Nehemiah resources and other things he needed. God is God as experienced in Nehemiah's life. Enemies of God were upset and angry and found opportunities to fight back.

My Father God, let me experience that You are God of the heaven, the God of your chosen people and also the God of the non-believers. You call me to wait upon Your will actively; wait and pray; wait and pray until to the time that Your work is to be implemented. Let me see how You do amazing works in your people and open doors that cannot be opened except with your works. 

Pray earnestly for the people of God.

June 25, 2013 - Nehemiah 1:1-11

^1 1-2 The memoirs of Nehemiah son of Hacaliah.

   It was the month of Kislev in the twentieth year. At the time I was in the palace complex at Susa. Hanani, one of my brothers, had just arrived from Judah with some fellow Jews. I asked them about the conditions among the Jews there who had survived the exile, and about Jerusalem.

   ³ They told me, “The exile survivors who are left there in the province are in bad shape. Conditions are appalling. The wall of Jerusalem is still rubble; the city gates are still cinders.”

   ⁴ When I heard this, I sat down and wept. I mourned for days, fasting and praying before the God-of-Heaven.

   ^5-6 I said, “GOD, God-of-Heaven, the great and awesome God, loyal to his covenant and faithful to those who love him and obey his commands: Look at me, listen to me. Pay attention to this prayer of your servant that I’m praying day and night in intercession for your servants, the People of Israel, confessing the sins of the People of Israel. And I’m including myself, I and my ancestors, among those who have sinned against you.

   ^7-9 “We’ve treated you like dirt: We haven’t done what you told us, haven’t followed your commands, and haven’t respected the decisions you gave to Moses your servant. All the same, remember the warning you posted to your servant Moses: ‘If you betray me, I’ll scatter you to the four winds, but if you come back to me and do what I tell you, I’ll gather up all these scattered peoples from wherever they ended up and put them back in the place I chose to mark with my Name.’

   ^10-11 “Well, there they are—your servants, your people whom you so powerfully and impressively redeemed. O Master, listen to me, listen to your servant’s prayer—and yes, to all your servants who delight in honoring you—and make me successful today so that I get what I want from the king.”

   I was cupbearer to the king.

Nehemiah was a cupbearer to the king at the palace of Susa. He lived a comfortable and prosperous life but his heart was with God's chosen people, Israelite at the land of Palestine, whose wall was at rubble and who were at an appalling condition. Nehemiah's heart was broken; he wept and mourned but he fasted and prayed for God's people. He remembered God was a covenantal God with Israel; He is faithful and righteous at the same time; he punished but he also restored. Nehemiah confessed the sins of Israelite including him and his ancestors. He included himself as part of the spiritual community no matter when people were blessed or punished. His prayer was not just in thought but he also prayed that he would be blessed by the king. He wanted to see action; he wanted to see God's hand in leading him. 

My Father God in heaven, You are the God of Nehemiah and You are also my God. I prayed for your people that they are restored back to You. I pray that spiritual renewal can begin with your people; I pray that people can know that You are the great and awesome, faithful and convenantal God. I pray that I can see how Your hands are moving and working in your people. I pray that You make my road prosper as I wait and follow your works in the days to come. 

We are Jesus' Witnesses.

June 24, 2013 - Luke 24:44-53

    ⁴⁴ Then he said, “Everything I told you while I was with you comes to this: All the things written about me in the Law of Moses, in the Prophets, and in the Psalms have to be fulfilled.”

   ^45-49 He went on to open their understanding of the Word of God, showing them how to read their Bibles this way. He said, “You can see now how it is written that the Messiah suffers, rises from the dead on the third day, and then a total life-change through the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed in his name to all nations—starting from here, from Jerusalem! You’re the first to hear and see it. You’re the witnesses. What comes next is very important: I am sending what my Father promised to you, so stay here in the city until he arrives, until you’re equipped with power from on high.”

   ^50-51 He then led them out of the city over to Bethany. Raising his hands he blessed them, and while blessing them, took his leave, being carried up to heaven.

   ^52-53 And they were on their knees, worshiping him. They returned to Jerusalem bursting with joy. They spent all their time in the Temple praising God. Yes.

Jesus has resurrected! His disciples had seen him face to face, touch him, heard his voice, and even ate with him. His suffering, death, and resurrection was not an accident but the fulfillment of what God has planned in human's history. This salvation story has not come to end after Jesus' resurrection, his disciples now pick up the baton of their pioneer Jesus. They not only saw Jesus' resurrection but also they had received the power from on high as they received the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost. They are now the witnesses of Jesus. They blessed Jesus; they worshiped Jesus; they praised God with joy openly in the temple. 

My Master and dear Friend Jesus. thanks for leading me to walk with you in the past months through meditating on the Gospel of Luke. You entered into human's world, walked with us, felt our pains and struggles in our sins and infirmities, but you have compassion on us and the power to heal, to feed, and to deliver us. You ultimately achieved the final victory on your cross. Your death and resurrection brings us to deliverance and glory of God. You even left the most valuable gift of the Holy Spirit to indwell in us. I have nothing to need now. May I walk with you by the Holy Spirit everyday. Be your witness and bless you with joy. 

Jesus is risen - a historical fact and revelation to us.

June 23, 2013 - Luke 24:33-43

^33-34 They didn’t waste a minute. They were up and on their way back to Jerusalem. They found the Eleven and their friends gathered together, talking away: “It’s really happened! The Master has been raised up—Simon saw him!”

   ³⁵ Then the two went over everything that happened on the road and how they recognized him when he broke the bread.

   ^36-41 While they were saying all this, Jesus appeared to them and said, “Peace be with you.” They thought they were seeing a ghost and were scared half to death. He continued with them, “Don’t be upset, and don’t let all these doubting questions take over. Look at my hands; look at my feet—it’s really me. Touch me. Look me over from head to toe. A ghost doesn’t have muscle and bone like this.” As he said this, he showed them his hands and feet. They still couldn’t believe what they were seeing. It was too much; it seemed too good to be true.

   ^41-43 He asked, “Do you have any food here?” They gave him a piece of leftover fish they had cooked. He took it and ate it right before their eyes.

Jesus stood before and appeared to the Eleven while they were still puzzling about Jesus' resurrection. Jesus showed them his resurrected body even with the scars of crucifixion. Disciples could see Jesus' presence, touch his body, talk with him, and Jesus even could eat food as usual. Jesus' resurrection is not a new idea of religion but a real historical fact that have been witnessed by his disciples. 

My Master Jesus, your resurrection is both a historical fact as witnessed by your disciples and also a revelation given to me through the Scripture and by the Spirit's working in my heart. By the Spirit, I know that You are living as told by the Scripture. As you are resurrected and living as the Lord, you can give me hope, destiny, and strength in the present and the future days to come. The presence and love of the living Jesus is the most assurance and power that I can face my future. 

The Presence of Resurrected Jesus Makes Our Hearts on Fire.

June 22, 2013 - Luke 24:13-32

    ^13-16 That same day two of them were walking to the village Emmaus, about seven miles out of Jerusalem. They were deep in conversation, going over all these things that had happened. In the middle of their talk and questions, Jesus came up and walked along with them. But they were not able to recognize who he was.

   ^17-18 He asked, “What’s this you’re discussing so intently as you walk along?”

   They just stood there, long-faced, like they had lost their best friend. Then one of them, his name was Cleopas, said, “Are you the only one in Jerusalem who hasn’t heard what’s happened during the last few days?”

   ^19-24 He said, “What has happened?”

   They said, “The things that happened to Jesus the Nazarene. He was a man of God, a prophet, dynamic in work and word, blessed by both God and all the people. Then our high priests and leaders betrayed him, got him sentenced to death, and crucified him. And we had our hopes up that he was the One, the One about to deliver Israel. And it is now the third day since it happened. But now some of our women have completely confused us. Early this morning they were at the tomb and couldn’t find his body. They came back with the story that they had seen a vision of angels who said he was alive. Some of our friends went off to the tomb to check and found it empty just as the women said, but they didn’t see Jesus.”

   ^25-27 Then he said to them, “So thick-headed! So slow-hearted! Why can’t you simply believe all that the prophets said? Don’t you see that these things had to happen, that the Messiah had to suffer and only then enter into his glory?” Then he started at the beginning, with the Books of Moses, and went on through all the Prophets, pointing out everything in the Scriptures that referred to him.

   ^28-31 They came to the edge of the village where they were headed. He acted as if he were going on but they pressed him: “Stay and have supper with us. It’s nearly evening; the day is done.” So he went in with them. And here is what happened: He sat down at the table with them. Taking the bread, he blessed and broke and gave it to them. At that moment, open-eyed, wide-eyed, they recognized him. And then he disappeared.

   ³² Back and forth they talked. “Didn’t we feel on fire as he conversed with us on the road, as he opened up the Scriptures for us?”

The two disciples on the road to Emmaus had lost their hope and faith to the point that they didn't recognize Jesus even when he spoke to them face to face. Jesus walked with them, opened up the Scriptures and pointed them to the promise of God in Jesus' death and resurrection. Jesus also ate bread with them, breaking and blessing it for them. Suddenly, their eyes were open and their hearts were on fire and they clearly saw Jesus was being with them.  Life changed, eyes opened, hearts on fire, and recognition of the presence of Jesus.

My Master and dear friend Jesus, You are always with me and Your presence never departs me. But may the Holy Spirit turn my face back to Jesus as I read your words, burn my heart, open my eyes, and reveal the truth to me that You are always being with me. Resurrected Jesus is now with us everyday. There is now no more fear, worry, hopelessness, but with assurance, revelation, and passionate heart for loving and following our Master Jesus for advancing His Kingdom. 

Jesus is not among the dead - He has resurrected.

June 21, 2013 - Luke 24:1-12

    ^1 1-3 At the crack of dawn on Sunday, the women came to the tomb carrying the burial spices they had prepared. They found the entrance stone rolled back from the tomb, so they walked in. But once inside, they couldn’t find the body of the Master Jesus.

   ^4-8 They were puzzled, wondering what to make of this. Then, out of nowhere it seemed, two men, light cascading over them, stood there. The women were awestruck and bowed down in worship. The men said, “Why are you looking for the Living One in a cemetery? He is not here, but raised up. Remember how he told you when you were still back in Galilee that he had to be handed over to sinners, be killed on a cross, and in three days rise up?” Then they remembered Jesus’ words.

   ^9-11 They left the tomb and broke the news of all this to the Eleven and the rest. Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them kept telling these things to the apostles, but the apostles didn’t believe a word of it, thought they were making it all up.

   ¹² But Peter jumped to his feet and ran to the tomb. He stooped to look in and saw a few grave clothes, that’s all. He walked away puzzled, shaking his head.

Jesus was crucified and buried in a tomb; disciples were scattered with fear and hopelessness in their lives; the darkness regained its power over humankind; Jesus' movement in people's eyes seemed totally in vanity. But on the third day, as the dawn appears, the dead body of Master Jesus disappeared without any reasonable explanation that can be offered by people. The women disciples first visited Jesus' grave and found the tomb empty. Two angels appeared to them and reminded them to recall Jesus' promise of his resurrection. Peter and other disciples heard about this testimony but couldn't believe with their hearts as they still lived in fear and disappointments without really opening their hearts to God.

My Master and dear friend Jesus, You have shown your resurrected life through the bible and the works of Holy Spirit in my life. I know that You are living, not only living in the bible history but also in the past, the present, and the future of my life. You are the One who brings resurrected life to me that I need not live in fear and my own security, but can open my life to Your Life, discovering Your plan in my life, and fulfilling the destiny that You design for me that I can receive the wonderful blessing and to become a blessing for other people's lives.

Follow Jesus through to the Skull Hill

June 20, 2013 - Luke 23:26-56

    ^26-31 As they led him off, they made Simon, a man from Cyrene who happened to be coming in from the countryside, carry the cross behind Jesus. A huge crowd of people followed, along with women weeping and carrying on. At one point Jesus turned to the women and said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, don’t cry for me. Cry for yourselves and for your children. The time is coming when they’ll say, ‘Lucky the women who never conceived! Lucky the wombs that never gave birth! Lucky the breasts that never gave milk!’ Then they’ll start calling to the mountains, ‘Fall down on us!’ calling to the hills, ‘Cover us up!’ If people do these things to a live, green tree, can you imagine what they’ll do with deadwood?”

   ³² Two others, both criminals, were taken along with him for execution.

   ³³ When they got to the place called Skull Hill, they crucified him, along with the criminals, one on his right, the other on his left.

   ^34-35 Jesus prayed, “Father, forgive them; they don’t know what they’re doing.”

   Dividing up his clothes, they threw dice for them. The people stood there staring at Jesus, and the ringleaders made faces, taunting, “He saved others. Let’s see him save himself! The Messiah of God—ha! The Chosen—ha!”

   ^36-37 The soldiers also came up and poked fun at him, making a game of it. They toasted him with sour wine: “So you’re King of the Jews! Save yourself!”

   ³⁸ Printed over him was a sign: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

   ³⁹ One of the criminals hanging alongside cursed him: “Some Messiah you are! Save yourself! Save us!”

   ^40-41 But the other one made him shut up: “Have you no fear of God? You’re getting the same as him. We deserve this, but not him—he did nothing to deserve this.”

   ⁴² Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you enter your kingdom.”

   ⁴³ He said, “Don’t worry, I will. Today you will join me in paradise.”

   ^44-46 By now it was noon. The whole earth became dark, the darkness lasting three hours—a total blackout. The Temple curtain split right down the middle. Jesus called loudly, “Father, I place my life in your hands!” Then he breathed his last.

   ⁴⁷ When the captain there saw what happened, he honored God: “This man was innocent! A good man, and innocent!”

   ^48-49 All who had come around as spectators to watch the show, when they saw what actually happened, were overcome with grief and headed home. Those who knew Jesus well, along with the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a respectful distance and kept vigil.

   ^50-54 There was a man by the name of Joseph, a member of the Jewish High Council, a man of good heart and good character. He had not gone along with the plans and actions of the council. His hometown was the Jewish village of Arimathea. He lived in alert expectation of the kingdom of God. He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Taking him down, he wrapped him in a linen shroud and placed him in a tomb chiseled into the rock, a tomb never yet used. It was the day before Sabbath, the Sabbath just about to begin.

   ^55-56 The women who had been companions of Jesus from Galilee followed along. They saw the tomb where Jesus’ body was placed. Then they went back to prepare burial spices and perfumes. They rested quietly on the Sabbath, as commanded.

Our Master Jesus faithfully walked the last step of his life - to the Skull Hill and be crucified by the sinners in the middle of another two sinners. He was crucified, taunted, and forced to drink sour wine for our sake. He suffered but he still prayed for sinners, "Father, forgive them for they don't know what they are doing." He lost his life but he promised to give eternal life to a sinner, "Today, you will be with me in paradise." He walked faithfully after the Father's will until to his last breath, "Father, I place my life in your hands." He lived a life of poverty but he was buried in a wealthy man's tomb. He died and left his beloved disciples in grief and hopelessness, but ...... he would soon be resurrected.

My Master and dear friend Jesus, lead me to follow you through until to the Skull Hill, dying to my old self but at the same time awaiting the regeneration and renewal of a new life - a life just like you with total compassion to people, trusting to and obedience in Father's will of my life. The dawn is coming and the resurrection power of Jesus has already been working in me. 

Jesus - the Faithful Witness of God.

June 19, 2013 - Luke 23:1-25

^1 1-2 Then they all took Jesus to Pilate and began to bring up charges against him. They said, “We found this man undermining our law and order, forbidding taxes to be paid to Caesar, setting himself up as Messiah-King.”

   ³ Pilate asked him, “Is this true that you’re ‘King of the Jews’?”

   “Those are your words, not mine,” Jesus replied.

   ⁴ Pilate told the high priests and the accompanying crowd, “I find nothing wrong here. He seems harmless enough to me.”

   ⁵ But they were vehement. “He’s stirring up unrest among the people with his teaching, disturbing the peace everywhere, starting in Galilee and now all through Judea. He’s a dangerous man, endangering the peace.”

   ^6-7 When Pilate heard that, he asked, “So, he’s a Galilean?” Realizing that he properly came under Herod’s jurisdiction, he passed the buck to Herod, who just happened to be in Jerusalem for a few days.

   ^8-10 Herod was delighted when Jesus showed up. He had wanted for a long time to see him, he’d heard so much about him. He hoped to see him do something spectacular. He peppered him with questions. Jesus didn’t answer—not one word. But the high priests and religion scholars were right there, saying their piece, strident and shrill in their accusations.

   ^11-12 Mightily offended, Herod turned on Jesus. His soldiers joined in, taunting and jeering. Then they dressed him up in an elaborate king costume and sent him back to Pilate. That day Herod and Pilate became thick as thieves. Always before they had kept their distance.

   ^13-16 Then Pilate called in the high priests, rulers, and the others and said, “You brought this man to me as a disturber of the peace. I examined him in front of all of you and found there was nothing to your charge. And neither did Herod, for he has sent him back here with a clean bill of health. It’s clear that he’s done nothing wrong, let alone anything deserving death. I’m going to warn him to watch his step and let him go.”

   ^18-20 At that, the crowd went wild: “Kill him! Give us Barabbas!” (Barabbas had been thrown in prison for starting a riot in the city and for murder.) Pilate still wanted to let Jesus go, and so spoke out again.

   ²¹ But they kept shouting back, “Crucify! Crucify him!”

   ²² He tried a third time. “But for what crime? I’ve found nothing in him deserving death. I’m going to warn him to watch his step and let him go.”

   ^23-25 But they kept at it, a shouting mob, demanding that he be crucified. And finally they shouted him down. Pilate caved in and gave them what they wanted. He released the man thrown in prison for rioting and murder, and gave them Jesus to do whatever they wanted.

Our Master Jesus stood firm in front of the accusers - Pilate, Herod, the mob, the soldiers, etc. Jesus continued to be faithful in witnessing God in front of accusers without giving in to all trials that he became the Savior for me and all humankind. 

My Master and dear friend Jesus, as I continue to listen to your voice today, I pray that I not only listen clearly to your voice but also walk faithfully by your side. I follow your mocking as you were mocked; I follow your accusation as you were accused; I follow your rejection as you are rejected; and even follow your way of cross as you were crucified. Not to rely on your strength but Your Presence and Love that I remain to be faithful in following Your will in my life. 

Follow Jesus to where he is.

June 18, 2013 - Luke 22:63-71

^63-65 The men in charge of Jesus began poking fun at him, slapping him around. They put a blindfold on him and taunted, “Who hit you that time?” They were having a grand time with him.

   ^66-67 When it was morning, the religious leaders of the people and the high priests and scholars all got together and brought him before their High Council. They said, “Are you the Messiah?”

   ^67-69 He answered, “If I said yes, you wouldn’t believe me. If I asked what you meant by your question, you wouldn’t answer me. So here’s what I have to say: From here on the Son of Man takes his place at God’s right hand, the place of power.”

   ⁷⁰ They all said, “So you admit your claim to be the Son of God?”

   “You’re the ones who keep saying it,” he said.

   ⁷¹ But they had made up their minds, “Why do we need any more evidence? We’ve all heard him as good as say it himself.”

Our Master Jesus, the Son of God, was taunted, blindfolded, and slapped by people around him. Jesus intended to persevere before the suffering no matter how humiliated he became before men. He stood alone before the prosecutors - religion scholars, priests, and religious leaders, but in fact God was with him and strengthened him by the Spirit. 

My Master and dear friend Jesus, help me to learn from you today. Following you as I learn, I pray, I interact with people, and I meet with strangers. Jesus is here and now, present in my life daily. You are God in the past, the present, and the future.

Follow our Master Jesus closely in the midst of trials.

June 17, 2013 - Luke 22:54-62

    ^54-56 Arresting Jesus, they marched him off and took him into the house of the Chief Priest. Peter followed, but at a safe distance. In the middle of the courtyard some people had started a fire and were sitting around it, trying to keep warm. One of the serving maids sitting at the fire noticed him, then took a second look and said, “This man was with him!”

   ⁵⁷ He denied it, “Woman, I don’t even know him.”

   ⁵⁸ A short time later, someone else noticed him and said, “You’re one of them.”

   But Peter denied it: “Man, I am not.”

   ⁵⁹ About an hour later, someone else spoke up, really adamant: “He’s got to have been with him! He’s got ‘Galilean’ written all over him.”

   ^60-62 Peter said, “Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about.” At that very moment, the last word hardly off his lips, a rooster crowed. Just then, the Master turned and looked at Peter. Peter remembered what the Master had said to him: “Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” He went out and cried and cried and cried.

Peter loved his Master Jesus but he followed at a safe distance. When Peter was confronted by others regarding his relationship with Jesus. He even denied of knowing Jesus at all. Nevertheless, Peter still loved Jesus no matter he was too self-confident and later found out that he was so weak in the midst of trials. He cried for his own self-arrogance; he cried for his failures; and he cried for hurting his master's heart when he was mostly in need of other's support. 

I like Peter for his sincerity of following Jesus; I like Peter for his immediate response to Jesus' calling; I like Peter for his hunger for God's kingdom and the spiritual reality. But Peter's failure is also my strong reminder that only relying on God's strength and knowing our weaknesses before our enemies is the only way to live out a victorious life in this spiritual warfare. I need your protection as I continue in this spiritual journey. And at the same time, cultivate in me a strong sense of spiritual awareness of knowing Your presence but also the tricks of Satan in attacking the people of God. 

It is not what we want, but what God wants in our life.

June 16, 2013 - Luke 22:39-53

    ^39-40 Leaving there, he went, as he so often did, to Mount Olives. The disciples followed him. When they arrived at the place, he said, “Pray that you don’t give in to temptation.”

   ^41-44 He pulled away from them about a stone’s throw, knelt down, and prayed, “Father, remove this cup from me. But please, not what I want. What do you want?” At once an angel from heaven was at his side, strengthening him. He prayed on all the harder. Sweat, wrung from him like drops of blood, poured off his face.

   ^45-46 He got up from prayer, went back to the disciples and found them asleep, drugged by grief. He said, “What business do you have sleeping? Get up. Pray so you won’t give in to temptation.”

   ^47-48 No sooner were the words out of his mouth than a crowd showed up, Judas, the one from the Twelve, in the lead. He came right up to Jesus to kiss him. Jesus said, “Judas, you would betray the Son of Man with a kiss?”

   ^49-50 When those with him saw what was happening, they said, “Master, shall we fight?” One of them took a swing at the Chief Priest’s servant and cut off his right ear.

   ⁵¹ Jesus said, “Let them be. Even in this.” Then, touching the servant’s ear, he healed him.

   ^52-53 Jesus spoke to those who had come—high priests, Temple police, religion leaders: “What is this, jumping me with swords and clubs as if I were a dangerous criminal? Day after day I’ve been with you in the Temple and you’ve not so much as lifted a hand against me. But do it your way—it’s a dark night, a dark hour.”

Jesus, being a fully human, also struggled in the Garden of Gesthemane and prayed for himself and the disciples that they didn't give in to temptation. He prayed that, "It is not what I want but what God wants?" Jesus needs to rely on God's strength by prayer in order not to give in to temptation but to achieve the mission that God had given to him - to totally surrender himself to die on the cross for humankind. 

My dear Father, this is also my prayer today that, "It is not what I want, but what do you want in the rest of my life?" Help me follow Your Son Jesus in my life, totally surrender my will and my plan to Your will that I will not give in to temptations - poverty, world's security, people's approval, illness, spiritual attacks, and even danger, etc. Please send your angels to stand by my side, strengthening me that I can overcome and fulfill your destiny in my life and in my works. 

Jesus' Interceding for His Disciples.

June 15, 2013 - Luke 22:31-38

^31-32 “Simon, stay on your toes. Satan has tried his best to separate all of you from me, like chaff from wheat. Simon, I’ve prayed for you in particular that you not give in or give out. When you have come through the time of testing, turn to your companions and give them a fresh start.”

   ³³ Peter said, “Master, I’m ready for anything with you. I’d go to jail for you. I’d die for you!”

   ³⁴ Jesus said, “I’m sorry to have to tell you this, Peter, but before the rooster crows you will have three times denied that you know me.”

   ³⁵ Then Jesus said, “When I sent you out and told you to travel light, to take only the bare necessities, did you get along all right?”

   “Certainly,” they said, “we got along just fine.”

   ^36-37 He said, “This is different. Get ready for trouble. Look to what you’ll need; there are difficult times ahead. Pawn your coat and get a sword. What was written in Scripture, ‘He was lumped in with the criminals,’ gets its final meaning in me. Everything written about me is now coming to a conclusion.”

   ³⁸ They said, “Look, Master, two swords!”

   But he said, “Enough of that; no more sword talk!”

Jesus warned his disciples the forthcoming spiritual trials as Jesus was about to be crucified, resurrected, and disciples were sent to continue Jesus' mission. Peter would soon be tested by Satan to separate from Jesus because of immediate danger; disciples were forced to leave the Master Jesus and to travel homeless for God's sake; difficult times and spiritual warfare should be expected as they were related with Jesus and his mission. Jesus prepared his disciples to face the imminent danger and difficulties though they might fail. But Jesus' intercession would be with them, praying for the return of Peter that he would not give in or give out ultimately and also help his fellow brothers to be restored as well. His disciples were also reminded to travel in light and to live with bare necessities only in life that they might serve Jesus without hindrances. 

My Master and dear friend Jesus, thanks for reminding me in advance that following you as your disciple is dangerous and difficult, and must be well prepared. Nevertheless, Your intercession and presence through the Holy Spirit is the most wonderful power and assurance in my life. Life in its essence is a mystery and not under our control no matter we are willing to face it or not. But life in You becomes secured though difficult trials, spiritual opposition, loss of temporary world's reward are indispensable. I am your disciple and following Your way without regret. May I satisfy solely in Your Presence and Love today and for the rest of my life. 

Follow our Master Jesus - the Servant King.

June 14, 2013 - Luke 22:24-30

    ^24-26 Within minutes they were bickering over who of them would end up the greatest. But Jesus intervened: “Kings like to throw their weight around and people in authority like to give themselves fancy titles. It’s not going to be that way with you. Let the senior among you become like the junior; let the leader act the part of the servant.

   ^27-30 “Who would you rather be: the one who eats the dinner or the one who serves the dinner? You’d rather eat and be served, right? But I’ve taken my place among you as the one who serves. And you’ve stuck with me through thick and thin. Now I confer on you the royal authority my Father conferred on me so you can eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and be strengthened as you take up responsibilities among the congregations of God’s people.

Disciples disputed who would be the greatest in God's Kingdom. Jesus instructed them that God's Kingdom is totally different from the world that the greatest shall become the lowest and the leader the servant of others. People in the world pursue upward mobility while Jesus' disciples downward mobility. God's Kingdom is entirely different from world's kingdoms. Jesus, Son of God, set himself as an example for disciples to follow.His affirmation, identity, power, and authority comes from Father God. There is no need to prove Himself from people's affirmation, applause, recognition, power, position, etc. Jesus, nevertheless, confers his authority to all his disciples that they rule with Him in God's kingdom. Our authority, power, position all directly come from Jesus. 

My master and dear friend Jesus, let me walk closely after You and follow your example every day and for the days to come, lest I pursue again the power and authority offered by the world. I pray that I serve like a servant as You served; I live like without power from the world's standard as You lived; but at the same time I received Your authority and Your Kingdom as You conferred to your disciples. 

Look Forward to eat the meal together with Jesus in God's Kingdom.

June 13,2013 - Luke 22:1-23

    ^1 1-2 The Feast of Unleavened Bread, also called Passover, drew near. The high priests and religion scholars were looking for a way to do away with Jesus but, fearful of the people, they were also looking for a way to cover their tracks.

   ^3-6 That’s when Satan entered Judas, the one called Iscariot. He was one of the Twelve. Leaving the others, he conferred with the high priests and the Temple guards about how he might betray Jesus to them. They couldn’t believe their good luck and agreed to pay him well. He gave them his word and started looking for a way to betray Jesus, but out of sight of the crowd.

   ^7-8 The Day of Unleavened Bread came, the day the Passover lamb was butchered. Jesus sent Peter and John off, saying, “Go prepare the Passover for us so we can eat it together.”

   ⁹ They said, “Where do you want us to do this?”

   ^10-12 He said, “Keep your eyes open as you enter the city. A man carrying a water jug will meet you. Follow him home. Then speak with the owner of the house: The Teacher wants to know, ‘Where is the guest room where I can eat the Passover meal with my disciples?’ He will show you a spacious second-story room, swept and ready. Prepare the meal there.”

   ¹³ They left, found everything just as he told them, and prepared the Passover meal.

   ^14-16 When it was time, he sat down, all the apostles with him, and said, “You’ve no idea how much I have looked forward to eating this Passover meal with you before I enter my time of suffering. It’s the last one I’ll eat until we all eat it together in the kingdom of God.”

   ^17-18 Taking the cup, he blessed it, then said, “Take this and pass it among you. As for me, I’ll not drink wine again until the kingdom of God arrives.”

   ¹⁹ Taking bread, he blessed it, broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, given for you. Eat it in my memory.”

   ²⁰ He did the same with the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant written in my blood, blood poured out for you.

   ^21-22 “Do you realize that the hand of the one who is betraying me is at this moment on this table? It’s true that the Son of Man is going down a path already marked out—no surprises there. But for the one who turns him in, turns traitor to the Son of Man, this is doomsday.”

   ²³ They immediately became suspicious of each other and began quizzing one another, wondering who might be about to do this.

Jesus looked forward to have the Passover Meal with the twelve disciples before his suffering. Jesus knew that he would soon be crucified and the disciples would be dispersed; Jesus knew that the disciples would be like sheep without the shepherd as they faced this unprecedented trial. Jesus reminded his disciples that his body like the bread would be broken for them; his blood like the cup would be poured out for them, making the new and everlasting covenant. Nevertheless, Jesus reminded the disciples that they would eat the meal together with Jesus one day in God's Kingdom.

My Master and dear friend Jesus, show me your heart of tenderness and love as I think about even in the Last Supper your heart was still concerned about the disciples without worrying much your own suffering. Our life will certainly face all kinds of trials: illness, loss, opposition, and even death, but we know that Jesus' love is still with us and Jesus is with us together to face the present and future moment. You also look forward to eat with us the meal together in God's kingdom. There is no more fear before us in Jesus' love. 

Follow Jesus - from downward to upward.

June 12, 2013 - Luke 21:20-38

    ^20-24 “When you see soldiers camped all around Jerusalem, then you’ll know that she is about to be devastated. If you’re living in Judea at the time, run for the hills. If you’re in the city, get out quickly. If you’re out in the fields, don’t go home to get your coat. This is Vengeance Day—everything written about it will come to a head. Pregnant and nursing mothers will have it especially hard. Incredible misery! Torrential rage! People dropping like flies; people dragged off to prisons; Jerusalem under the boot of barbarians until the nations finish what was given them to do.

   ^25-26 “It will seem like all hell has broken loose—sun, moon, stars, earth, sea, in an uproar and everyone all over the world in a panic, the wind knocked out of them by the threat of doom, the powers-that-be quaking.

   ^27-28 “And then—then!—they’ll see the Son of Man welcomed in grand style—a glorious welcome! When all this starts to happen, up on your feet. Stand tall with your heads high. Help is on the way!”

   ^29-33 He told them a story. “Look at a fig tree. Any tree for that matter. When the leaves begin to show, one look tells you that summer is right around the corner. The same here—when you see these things happen, you know God’s kingdom is about here. Don’t brush this off: I’m not just saying this for some future generation, but for this one, too—these things will happen. Sky and earth will wear out; my words won’t wear out.

   ^34-36 “But be on your guard. Don’t let the sharp edge of your expectation get dulled by parties and drinking and shopping. Otherwise, that Day is going to take you by complete surprise, spring on you suddenly like a trap, for it’s going to come on everyone, everywhere, at once. So, whatever you do, don’t go to sleep at the switch. Pray constantly that you will have the strength and wits to make it through everything that’s coming and end up on your feet before the Son of Man.”

   ^37-38 He spent his days in the Temple teaching, but his nights out on the mountain called Olives. All the people were up at the crack of dawn to come to the Temple and listen to him.

Jesus warns his disciples to persevere in the end of the day as disaster and persecution will come upon them but nevertheless, they should as well prepare for the glorious day that Jesus will return with his glory and majesty. Jesus used the fig tree as a reminder to them that these things happened as a sign for Jesus' return. Jesus affirmed that the sky and the earth would wear out but his words would never. Jesus is the God of Amen - in Him is always yes. 

My Master and dear Friend Jesus, thanks for your promise that no matter what suffering and sacrifice that we have to pay for your name's sake, but one day when we are united with your glorious return, all the prices we paid means nothing compared with our glorious reward in you. You set yourself as a model to me that you humbled yourself for God's sake that you are exalted and welcomed with God's glory. People pursue upward while Jesus pursued downward for God's sake before he was elevated. Downward mobility for Jesus' sake is always the way that I follow your example for the days to come in my life. Let me see your face and presence with me today. 

In Jesus there is no fear.

June 11, 2013 - Luke 21:5-19

    ^5-6 One day people were standing around talking about the Temple, remarking how beautiful it was, the splendor of its stonework and memorial gifts. Jesus said, “All this you’re admiring so much—the time is coming when every stone in that building will end up in a heap of rubble.”

   ⁷ They asked him, “Teacher, when is this going to happen? What clue will we get that it’s about to take place?”

   ^8-9 He said, “Watch out for the doomsday deceivers. Many leaders are going to show up with forged identities claiming, ‘I’m the One,’ or, ‘The end is near.’ Don’t fall for any of that. When you hear of wars and uprisings, keep your head and don’t panic. This is routine history and no sign of the end.”

   ^10-11 He went on, “Nation will fight nation and ruler fight ruler, over and over. Huge earthquakes will occur in various places. There will be famines. You’ll think at times that the very sky is falling.

   ^12-15 “But before any of this happens, they’ll arrest you, hunt you down, and drag you to court and jail. It will go from bad to worse, dog-eat-dog, everyone at your throat because you carry my name. You’ll end up on the witness stand, called to testify. Make up your mind right now not to worry about it. I’ll give you the words and wisdom that will reduce all your accusers to stammers and stutters.

   ^16-19 “You’ll even be turned in by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends. Some of you will be killed. There’s no telling who will hate you because of me. Even so, every detail of your body and soul—even the hairs of your head!—is in my care; nothing of you will be lost. Staying with it—that’s what is required. Stay with it to the end. You won’t be sorry; you’ll be saved.

Jesus warned his disciples in advance what would happen before the end of the days. Jerusalem's temple would be destroyed for the sins of rejecting the Messiah; many false christs and prophets would arise predicting the date of the last day; wars, natural disasters, famines would become more frequent; disciples of Jesus would be persecuted by the rulers and even betrayed by the family members because of the name of Jesus; life would not be a easy style. Nevertheless, Jesus affirms his disciples to rest in the providence of God - He is always the One who cares for every detail of our life even including the no. of the hairs of our head; the Spirit is the One who will answer the prosecution on our behalf; Jesus is the One who will be with us by the Spirit and lead us to go through all these trials of our life. 

My Master and dear friend Jesus, keep me faithful on your way no matter what fears, anxieties, worries may arise in me as the external circumstances change without my control. You have shown me the destiny of my life, i.e., in your loving hand and glory of the Day when you return. 

Offer our all to Jesus.

June 10, 2013 - Luke 21:1-4

 ^1 1-4 Just then he looked up and saw the rich people dropping offerings in the collection plate. Then he saw a poor widow put in two pennies. He said, “The plain truth is that this widow has given by far the largest offering today. All these others made offerings that they’ll never miss; she gave extravagantly what she couldn’t afford—she gave her all!”

The widow is anonymous in the bible but her story of offering has been influencing thousands and ten thousands of God's people in offering their lives to Jesus. People offer but offering their remains while this widow offered her all even it was only two pennies. Two pennies meant nothing in people's eyes but is the most valuable gift to Jesus as she had given out of her gratitude and extravagantly.

My Master and dear friend Jesus, what can I offer to You? You do not demand my best but rather my all. You love me with all and I am demanded to love you with all my strength, my mind, my soul, and my heart. Loving Jesus and offering my all to You is the most wonderful privilege of my life. It's not something that is extra-ordinary or abnormal but rather this should be my most normal response to you. Not struggling with myself, arguing with you, grieving for my loss, but rather, rejoicing and passionately following your way everyday and for the days to come.