Luke 14:1 - 14:35
Jesus continues to teach us lesson after lesson using parables. It is fascinating to see the picture He paints for us about "The Great Supper." It is obvious that Jesus loved to eat! He was always chowing down with someone. Even after His resurrection, we find Him enjoying some tucker. Those who accept Him are promised a great feast in Heaven! (Revelation 19:9). As He tells this story, we get a picture in our minds of God inviting people to His meal in heaven! Sadly, many refuse with excuses such as "I have bought a piece of ground" (worldly possessions), "I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I am going to test them" (worldly power), and "I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come" (relationships). These are the exact same excuses people use today as to why they don't accept Jesus!
God goes out and finds others who are willing to come; the poor, the maimed, the lame and the blind. I once was blind but now I see! That's ME! I am invited to the supper. What a glorious truth, and I pray that I see all those reading this blog in heaven some day.... Pass me the gravy please. :)
31 July 2007
28 July 2007
Saturday night study: Exodus 15:1-16:36
Exodus 15:1-16:36
Chapter 15 was beautiful because it shows us the song in the hearts of the children of Israel after God miraculously saved them from the Egyptian army. Just THREE DAYS LATER, they had forgotten God's deliverance and began to complain! They thought God had rescued them from Egypt only to let them die of starvation in the desert. God graciously provided them with "What is it?" "It" was Manna! It tasted like wafers made with honey, and was the food that sustained them while they wandered in the wilderness for 40 YEARS!!
After we accept Christ, we have a song in our heart. "Amazing grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me." How many days before we begin to complain? "This life as a Christian isn't so easy! I prefer to wander in the wilderness of sin." How quickly we forget God's promise to always take care of us. We need to trust in Him daily.
Jesus is the "Bread of Life." If you eat of it (accepting Jesus), you will have eternal life! (John 6:47-51)
Chapter 15 was beautiful because it shows us the song in the hearts of the children of Israel after God miraculously saved them from the Egyptian army. Just THREE DAYS LATER, they had forgotten God's deliverance and began to complain! They thought God had rescued them from Egypt only to let them die of starvation in the desert. God graciously provided them with "What is it?" "It" was Manna! It tasted like wafers made with honey, and was the food that sustained them while they wandered in the wilderness for 40 YEARS!!
After we accept Christ, we have a song in our heart. "Amazing grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me." How many days before we begin to complain? "This life as a Christian isn't so easy! I prefer to wander in the wilderness of sin." How quickly we forget God's promise to always take care of us. We need to trust in Him daily.
Jesus is the "Bread of Life." If you eat of it (accepting Jesus), you will have eternal life! (John 6:47-51)
Birkenhead Point
Birkenhead Point is just a hop, skip and a jump from our bagel store.
There is not much worth buying here. I'd take The Shops at Castle
Rock ANY DAY!
I still laugh every time I see these signs. It's a BUMP not a HUMP!
There are several yachts for sale. Anyone interested?? We'll take
great care of your boat. ha ha
We LOVE the water. We can sit here for hours just enjoying the
sun, sights, and sounds of this harbor.
There is not much worth buying here. I'd take The Shops at Castle
Rock ANY DAY!
I still laugh every time I see these signs. It's a BUMP not a HUMP!
There are several yachts for sale. Anyone interested?? We'll take
great care of your boat. ha ha
We LOVE the water. We can sit here for hours just enjoying the
sun, sights, and sounds of this harbor.
Tuesday night study: Luke 13:1 - 13:34
Luke 13:1 - 13:34
Jesus gives us some very interesting parables. This week we studied the parable of the barren fig tree. The Jews would instantly recognize that He was talking about the land of Israel (vineyard) and the Jewish people (fig tree). God had expected the Jews to produce good fruit and point the world to a relationship with Him. Instead, they were caught up in religion and the law.
Now that Jesus died on the cross for our sins, we have a new covenant with God (Hebrews 8:7-13) and He expects us to bear good fruit!!! It seems to me the church is still caught up in religion and the law (don't do this, don't do that). Why can't we simply point people to a relationship with our God and Father through faith in Jesus? Let God take care of cleaning us up after He saves us!
Chapter 14 is next week. We will see a similar parable, the great supper!
Jesus gives us some very interesting parables. This week we studied the parable of the barren fig tree. The Jews would instantly recognize that He was talking about the land of Israel (vineyard) and the Jewish people (fig tree). God had expected the Jews to produce good fruit and point the world to a relationship with Him. Instead, they were caught up in religion and the law.
Now that Jesus died on the cross for our sins, we have a new covenant with God (Hebrews 8:7-13) and He expects us to bear good fruit!!! It seems to me the church is still caught up in religion and the law (don't do this, don't do that). Why can't we simply point people to a relationship with our God and Father through faith in Jesus? Let God take care of cleaning us up after He saves us!
Chapter 14 is next week. We will see a similar parable, the great supper!
22 July 2007
First rule of thumb, only eat Mexican food in the northern hemisphere!
Have you ever paid $75 for 1 entree (appetizer for the Americans),
2 mains (entrees), 1 Coke and 1 water? (Don't worry Mom, I had
a coupon!). I never thought I would say this, but I would be thrilled
to see a Taco Bell!!
Jonathon is trying to maintain a smile after seeing
the BILL!
Have you ever paid $75 for 1 entree (appetizer for the Americans),
2 mains (entrees), 1 Coke and 1 water? (Don't worry Mom, I had
a coupon!). I never thought I would say this, but I would be thrilled
to see a Taco Bell!!
Jonathon is trying to maintain a smile after seeing
the BILL!
Bagels!!!
Oh Mylanta! We found a bagel store! It is 16 km (10 miles) away from
where we live, but we are so happy to drive there. Here is an odd bit of
trivia for you...the cream cheese flavors are: turkey, chicken, salmon,
spinach, cheese cake, chocolate, fruit & nut, and plain! We bought a
few to take home, and today I whipped up some strawberry cream
cheese from scratch.
It is a traditional water boiled bagel and tastes so yummy.
Heaven....I'm in heaven....
where we live, but we are so happy to drive there. Here is an odd bit of
trivia for you...the cream cheese flavors are: turkey, chicken, salmon,
spinach, cheese cake, chocolate, fruit & nut, and plain! We bought a
few to take home, and today I whipped up some strawberry cream
cheese from scratch.
It is a traditional water boiled bagel and tastes so yummy.
Heaven....I'm in heaven....
21 July 2007
Saturday night study: Exodus 12:29-14:31
Exodus 12:29-14:31
Tonight we studied the first few days and weeks after God rescued the Children of Israel from Egypt. It is interesting to watch as God lead them into what appeared to be a hopeless and dead-end situation. There were mountains on either side of them, the Egyptian army behind them, and the Red Sea in front of them. It looked and probably felt like they were doomed. What happened you ask? God showed them that they could rely on Him!
Last week we saw how God freed the children of Israel from bondage in the same way He frees us from the bondage of sin through faith in Jesus. We learn how God takes his beloved people and begins to build their faith by putting them into apparently impossible situations and then delivering them in a mighty way. He does the same with us! When we accept Jesus, God will often allow difficulties into our path with the purpose of building our faith and dependency on Him. When you think there is no hope, that's when God comes through for you Don't get discouraged when you go through hard times as a Christian. It is during these occasions that you can look forward to watching God part the Red Sea in your life!!!
19 July 2007
Sahara's Dinner
We loved Sahara's so much, we brought 10 of our friends along.
Chay, Janettey, Paul, Tristana, and Jon Bruce
Janettey & Wayne. Tina and Jonathon
This is apple tea. Mmmmm delicious! It tastes like hot cider and
was much appreciated on a cold night. Dessert is rice pudding and
a bevy of sweets like baklava.
Chay, Janettey, Paul, Tristana, and Jon Bruce
Janettey & Wayne. Tina and Jonathon
This is apple tea. Mmmmm delicious! It tastes like hot cider and
was much appreciated on a cold night. Dessert is rice pudding and
a bevy of sweets like baklava.
17 July 2007
Tuesday night study: Luke 12:13 - 12:59
Luke 12:13 - 12:59
This week we see Jesus teaching mostly about worrying. We are not to worry about our necessities such as food and clothing. He then teaches that if we want to worry about something, let it be about being ready for the second coming of Christ!!! We are to be watchful and alert like a good steward keeping the house ready for the unannounced return of the master.
I can only imagine what it was like for the disciples shortly after Jesus ascended into heaven (Acts 1:9-1:11). Surely they expected Him to return every single day. 2000 years later, we should continue to expect His return at any moment. I think I'll go outside now and take a look in the sky. Jesus, come quickly!!! I don't want to go to work today. :)
This week we see Jesus teaching mostly about worrying. We are not to worry about our necessities such as food and clothing. He then teaches that if we want to worry about something, let it be about being ready for the second coming of Christ!!! We are to be watchful and alert like a good steward keeping the house ready for the unannounced return of the master.
I can only imagine what it was like for the disciples shortly after Jesus ascended into heaven (Acts 1:9-1:11). Surely they expected Him to return every single day. 2000 years later, we should continue to expect His return at any moment. I think I'll go outside now and take a look in the sky. Jesus, come quickly!!! I don't want to go to work today. :)
15 July 2007
14 July 2007
Saturday night study: Exodus 12:1-12:28
Exodus 12:1 - 12:28
This week we only went through a few verses because it is so important to understand them. This is the key to see God's plan for us, which was documented over 6000 years ago!
We see God's design to rescue the Children of Israel from their bondage in Egypt. God has the same plan for us, and saving us from our bondage to this world and to sin! It is soooooo simple. Provide a spotless lamb's blood on the top and sides of the outside door and the angel of death will 'pass over' the house and no one will die. Does it make sense? No. Is there a scientific explanation of how this works? No. Does God need the blood to distinguish an Egyptian from an Israelite? No. It was God's way; the only way to be saved.
Jesus is our 'pass over' (I Cor 5:7). He was the spotless (John 18:38) Lamb of God (John 1:29) whose blood was shed for us. If we accept His sacrifice, God's wrath for our sin (Rom 3:23) 'passes over' us!!! Does it make sense? No. Is there a scientific explanation of how this works? No. It's God's way. The only way to be saved.(John 14:6). It is sooooo simple.(Romans 10:9-10).
I love how God has given us so many pictures in the Old Testament which explain the things that have happened and will happen in the future. If only we have eyes to see....
This week we only went through a few verses because it is so important to understand them. This is the key to see God's plan for us, which was documented over 6000 years ago!
We see God's design to rescue the Children of Israel from their bondage in Egypt. God has the same plan for us, and saving us from our bondage to this world and to sin! It is soooooo simple. Provide a spotless lamb's blood on the top and sides of the outside door and the angel of death will 'pass over' the house and no one will die. Does it make sense? No. Is there a scientific explanation of how this works? No. Does God need the blood to distinguish an Egyptian from an Israelite? No. It was God's way; the only way to be saved.
Jesus is our 'pass over' (I Cor 5:7). He was the spotless (John 18:38) Lamb of God (John 1:29) whose blood was shed for us. If we accept His sacrifice, God's wrath for our sin (Rom 3:23) 'passes over' us!!! Does it make sense? No. Is there a scientific explanation of how this works? No. It's God's way. The only way to be saved.(John 14:6). It is sooooo simple.(Romans 10:9-10).
I love how God has given us so many pictures in the Old Testament which explain the things that have happened and will happen in the future. If only we have eyes to see....
Jonathon's Birthday!! 41 candles almost set off the fire alarm.
Jonathon is working on his winter tan. We had to open the doors to let the smoke out.
Wayne, Helen, Joel, & Carol, and Tristana are the photos below.
Jason, Tina, Helen in the middle left. Helen and her baby brother, Jon, to the right.
Janettey and Chay above left. Tina and Jonathon above right.
Janitte is the one standing. She is super at games. I reckon she is just
waiting until we talk money before she joins in the fun!
Jonathon is working on his winter tan. We had to open the doors to let the smoke out.
Wayne, Helen, Joel, & Carol, and Tristana are the photos below.
Jason, Tina, Helen in the middle left. Helen and her baby brother, Jon, to the right.
Janettey and Chay above left. Tina and Jonathon above right.
Janitte is the one standing. She is super at games. I reckon she is just
waiting until we talk money before she joins in the fun!
13 July 2007
Jonathon's Birthday!! Dinner at Taste of Texas. He got an Aboriginal Didgeridoo.
Check out http://www.aboriginalart.com.au/didgeridoo/ for more information!
To the right on Jonathon is Katie and Sasche, the owners of Taste of Texas,
which we have dubbed TOT! I think this is my favorite restaurant again. They
have THE BEST tucker!
Dixie is the puppy in the sweater. She belongs to Katie and Sasche.
The gang's all here: From left to right: Sasche, Wayne, Kristin,
Janettey, Angie, Tina and Jonathon! We had ice cream birthday cake
out the wazoo.
Afterwards, it was pinball at Wayne & Janettey's. Meet Treasure,
Minnie, and Grizzly Bear. What a rough life these babies have!
Check out http://www.aboriginalart.com.au/didgeridoo/ for more information!
To the right on Jonathon is Katie and Sasche, the owners of Taste of Texas,
which we have dubbed TOT! I think this is my favorite restaurant again. They
have THE BEST tucker!
Dixie is the puppy in the sweater. She belongs to Katie and Sasche.
The gang's all here: From left to right: Sasche, Wayne, Kristin,
Janettey, Angie, Tina and Jonathon! We had ice cream birthday cake
out the wazoo.
Afterwards, it was pinball at Wayne & Janettey's. Meet Treasure,
Minnie, and Grizzly Bear. What a rough life these babies have!
Tuesday night study: Luke 11:29 - 12:12
Luke 11:29 - 12:12
This week we continue to see Jesus teach one principle after the other. The Pharisees and Lawyers were testing Jesus to see if there was any fault in him. Interesting how Jesus uses this to teach the multitudes and specifically his disciples. The Pharisees were doing their job correctly. They were supposed to question anyone that was teaching and make sure they were not saying things that were against the Word of God. However, they were doing it for the wrong reasons. They wanted to catch Jesus breaking the law so they would have a charge against him and they would be able to kill him (out of jealousy). However, he only would break their rituals and things they added to the law, not the law itself.
So, the Pharisees were inspecting the Lamb of God which takes away the sins of the world (John 1:36) and found no fault in him. As a matter of fact, later we see even Pilate question Jesus and eventually said that there was no fault found (John 18:38). He was the perfect and spotless Lamb of God that would be sacrificed for our sins. It is interesting we are studying Passover/Easter this Saturday night! I love to see how the Bible all works together to show God's plan for his creation.
This week we continue to see Jesus teach one principle after the other. The Pharisees and Lawyers were testing Jesus to see if there was any fault in him. Interesting how Jesus uses this to teach the multitudes and specifically his disciples. The Pharisees were doing their job correctly. They were supposed to question anyone that was teaching and make sure they were not saying things that were against the Word of God. However, they were doing it for the wrong reasons. They wanted to catch Jesus breaking the law so they would have a charge against him and they would be able to kill him (out of jealousy). However, he only would break their rituals and things they added to the law, not the law itself.
So, the Pharisees were inspecting the Lamb of God which takes away the sins of the world (John 1:36) and found no fault in him. As a matter of fact, later we see even Pilate question Jesus and eventually said that there was no fault found (John 18:38). He was the perfect and spotless Lamb of God that would be sacrificed for our sins. It is interesting we are studying Passover/Easter this Saturday night! I love to see how the Bible all works together to show God's plan for his creation.
11 July 2007
Dinner with Jon & Tristana
Tina, Tristana, Jon Bruce, and Jonathon out for Lebanese food. Oh Mylanta, it is the most delicious cuisine! Sahara's is now my favorite restaurant!
How typical: girls hugging, guys not!
I wish I knew what we ordered. The waiter asked us all what kind of meat we liked and then he just brought us our dinner. The plate with the orange in the middle is called an entree here. Back home, we would say appetizer. It was all kinds of different dips: beetroot, carrot, hummus, chili, baba ganoush, and herb. This is one of the most delectable dishes I have EVER tried. MAGNIFICENT!
This here was just a meat fiesta: chicken, lamb, and beef. The plate with the white yogurt sauce was baked vegetables of eggplant and "stuff". OUTSTANDING!
Our waiter brought all beverages and removed empty plates with this unusual brass tray from Turkey.
How typical: girls hugging, guys not!
I wish I knew what we ordered. The waiter asked us all what kind of meat we liked and then he just brought us our dinner. The plate with the orange in the middle is called an entree here. Back home, we would say appetizer. It was all kinds of different dips: beetroot, carrot, hummus, chili, baba ganoush, and herb. This is one of the most delectable dishes I have EVER tried. MAGNIFICENT!
This here was just a meat fiesta: chicken, lamb, and beef. The plate with the white yogurt sauce was baked vegetables of eggplant and "stuff". OUTSTANDING!
Our waiter brought all beverages and removed empty plates with this unusual brass tray from Turkey.
08 July 2007
Saturday night study: Exodus 9:13-11:10
Exodus 9:13-11:10
This week we covered plagues 7(hail), 8(locusts) & 9(darkness).
For me, the plague of darkness really stood out. I've always thought it was strange that this was one of the last and 'worst' plagues. I've thought, "What's the big deal? The lights went out. The sun was covered. So what?" But when we read it carefully, this was not simply darkness as the lights were turned off. This was a darkness that could be FELT and caused misery. Revelations 16:10 shows the same torment of darkness during the end times.
We read that God is light and Jesus is the Light of the World. God is also love and comfort and all that is good. Without God (light) there is only torment! I wonder if this was a small glimpse of what hell will be like. It was shown to the Egyptians as a last effort to have them turn to the true and living God. Unfortunately, Pharaoh refuses.
Next week, we see God's plan to save His people from this bondage. Jesus is our way out of the bondage of sin. If we had a glimpse of how bad hell will be, would we turn to God or would we be stubborn and prideful? We can't rely on our wealth, our brains, our 401k. We must depend on God to deliver us from this world.
This week we covered plagues 7(hail), 8(locusts) & 9(darkness).
For me, the plague of darkness really stood out. I've always thought it was strange that this was one of the last and 'worst' plagues. I've thought, "What's the big deal? The lights went out. The sun was covered. So what?" But when we read it carefully, this was not simply darkness as the lights were turned off. This was a darkness that could be FELT and caused misery. Revelations 16:10 shows the same torment of darkness during the end times.
We read that God is light and Jesus is the Light of the World. God is also love and comfort and all that is good. Without God (light) there is only torment! I wonder if this was a small glimpse of what hell will be like. It was shown to the Egyptians as a last effort to have them turn to the true and living God. Unfortunately, Pharaoh refuses.
Next week, we see God's plan to save His people from this bondage. Jesus is our way out of the bondage of sin. If we had a glimpse of how bad hell will be, would we turn to God or would we be stubborn and prideful? We can't rely on our wealth, our brains, our 401k. We must depend on God to deliver us from this world.
07 July 2007
Taste of Texas... Again
This is KRISTIN, our waitress at Taste of Texas, and her 4 month old baby girl FRANKIE.
ANGIE is the owner's daughter. When we arrived tonight, I found this sign instead of the usual "Reserved" one.
She is a magnificent cocoa barrister!
ANGIE is the owner's daughter. When we arrived tonight, I found this sign instead of the usual "Reserved" one.
She is a magnificent cocoa barrister!
04 July 2007
Feeding the Homeless
Every other month we have an opportunity to feed the homeless in King's Cross. On this night, it was the five of us: Paul, Jonathon, Janettey, Wayne and me.
Jonathon, maestro of the microwave!
Janettey, Tina, Paul and Wayne. We work like a well oiled machine, which allows us to prepare, feed, and clean up in record time!
Jonathon, maestro of the microwave!
Janettey, Tina, Paul and Wayne. We work like a well oiled machine, which allows us to prepare, feed, and clean up in record time!
Tuesday night study: Luke 10:38 - 11:28
Luke 10:38 - 11:28
The main focus this week was on the model pray that Jesus gave to his disciples. In Matthew 6:7 Jesus tells us we should not pray with 'vain repetitions', so we know the point of the model prayer is NOT to memorize it and say it over and over and over. The point is to see key qualities in the prayer and use them in our prayers. It is encouraging to me to know we can 'learn' to pray. Of course, this comes by having God's Holy Spirit inside of us teaching us how to pray.
Often I forget that the model includes recognizing who God is and my relationship with him. Giving him thanks for what he gives me day by day and asking forgiveness for things I've done wrong (while forgiving others!). Most of the time, I jump into prayer and start with, "God, I need this and that and this and that". God is NOT a big Santa Clause in the sky giving us our every request. He gives us GOOD gifts. The Holy Spirit.
May I pray on a regular basis, "Lord, teach me to pray". "Father, please give me wisdom." "Help me forgive others." "Help me to love my wife as You love the Church and gave yourself for it." When we ask for these good things, God will give them to us!
The main focus this week was on the model pray that Jesus gave to his disciples. In Matthew 6:7 Jesus tells us we should not pray with 'vain repetitions', so we know the point of the model prayer is NOT to memorize it and say it over and over and over. The point is to see key qualities in the prayer and use them in our prayers. It is encouraging to me to know we can 'learn' to pray. Of course, this comes by having God's Holy Spirit inside of us teaching us how to pray.
Often I forget that the model includes recognizing who God is and my relationship with him. Giving him thanks for what he gives me day by day and asking forgiveness for things I've done wrong (while forgiving others!). Most of the time, I jump into prayer and start with, "God, I need this and that and this and that". God is NOT a big Santa Clause in the sky giving us our every request. He gives us GOOD gifts. The Holy Spirit.
May I pray on a regular basis, "Lord, teach me to pray". "Father, please give me wisdom." "Help me forgive others." "Help me to love my wife as You love the Church and gave yourself for it." When we ask for these good things, God will give them to us!
Spider
In the U.S. we would order a Coke Float, but here you have to ask for a "Spider." As if there are not enough of them already!
01 July 2007
Coffee with Wayne & Janette
We hooked up with Janettey and Wayne for a cup of joe at Starbucks, but ended up hitting the Baskin Robbins too!
Text
Text
Saturday night study: Exodus 7:14-9:12
Exodus 7:14-9:12
This Saturday we studied the first six plagues. It amazes me to see Pharaoh's enormous pride. Thinking himself to be god (Ra) in the flesh, he refused to take commands from God!
I pray that I can avoid pride in my life. What a dangerous and blinding sin. Lucifer is a great example of how it can quickly cast you out from the presence of God.
It was great to see the significance of each plague and how God used it to show His power over the Egyptian gods, to show the people who God is and to build the faith of Moses (and others I'm sure).
The sixth plague spoke to me the most this time. God used ashes to rain down on the Egyptians and cause boils on their skin. I think of Isaiah 61:3 describing how Jesus allows us to trade our ashes (sin) in for beauty (salvation)!!! We can avoid God's wrath by accepting His free gift - SALVATION! Romans 10:9 "If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved!"
Next week, Plagues 7-9 and the setup for the 10th plague.
This Saturday we studied the first six plagues. It amazes me to see Pharaoh's enormous pride. Thinking himself to be god (Ra) in the flesh, he refused to take commands from God!
I pray that I can avoid pride in my life. What a dangerous and blinding sin. Lucifer is a great example of how it can quickly cast you out from the presence of God.
It was great to see the significance of each plague and how God used it to show His power over the Egyptian gods, to show the people who God is and to build the faith of Moses (and others I'm sure).
The sixth plague spoke to me the most this time. God used ashes to rain down on the Egyptians and cause boils on their skin. I think of Isaiah 61:3 describing how Jesus allows us to trade our ashes (sin) in for beauty (salvation)!!! We can avoid God's wrath by accepting His free gift - SALVATION! Romans 10:9 "If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved!"
Next week, Plagues 7-9 and the setup for the 10th plague.
Mmmmm Taste of Texas
Taste of Texas is our favorite restaurant. Wayne and Jonathon are enjoying the fabulous ribs. Jen and Evan recently returned to Sydney after 5 months in Queensland.
Ange is on the left. I met her while volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House. If you want to be blessed, check out her daughter Georgie's blog at www.georginabrooke.blogspot.com Janettey is on the right.
Ange is on the left. I met her while volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House. If you want to be blessed, check out her daughter Georgie's blog at www.georginabrooke.blogspot.com Janettey is on the right.
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