Hello
My Friend/Guest,
Today is Friday November 6, 2009 and we are
continuing our studies in the book of John, please read chapters
13-16 in your Bible or Click
Here to read them
http://www.readytofollow.com/bible-november-6
Today's
Message:
Clean
Your Feet
When
you walk down this road of life in the flesh body you will get dirty,
then Christ through your repentance will clean your feet.
Most
of us have been taught by our parents/guardians that we are to
respect our elders and those whom have authority over us. While this
is a good thing, we must realize that no one has the right to
belittle us or cause harm to us because we are in submission to their
authority. It is one thing to show discipline, but another thing to
be on a power trip. Jesus teaches us that even though we are to
submit to authority, we are all to be there for one another. To show
an example of this, Jesus begins washing His disciples feet. “Jesus
knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that
he was come from God, and went to God; He
riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel,
and girded himself. After that he poureth water into a bason, and
began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel
wherewith he was girded. 6Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter
saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet? Jesus answered and said
unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know
hereafter. Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus
answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me. Simon
Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and
my head. Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to
wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not
all.” - John 13:3-10. Jesus
is showing His disciples the position that they will have within the
kingdom of heaven, and while serving Jesus Christ here on earth. When
we see our Master serving us, we can not help, but realize that we
are to be in submission to each other. Keep in mind that the people
wore open sandals at this time, and the roads and paths were dirty
and dusty. You could be bathed and go visit you neighbor, and your
feet would be dirty again. Jesus is pointing out here that when your
feet need to be washed, or bathed it doesn't mean that your whole
body needed to be bathed also.
Whether we are in authority or
a layman we are all servants of God and are to humble ourselves and
serve one another. Jesus explains why He washed their feet, “So
after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was
set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you?
Ye call me Master and
Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Master,
have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. For
I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.
Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his
lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. If ye
know these things, happy are ye if ye do them. I speak not of you
all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be
fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel
against me.” - John 13:12-18. The
point that Jesus is making here, is that if one is down, let the one
standing wash the feet of the fallen brother. That is the time to
clean him up, and help him. Anytime you walk in the flesh, you will
fall short. It doesn't matter that you are bathed in the blood of
Christ, you will still get dirty feet that needs cleansing, or
repentance. The
true believer is washed when he receives Christ for his salvation.
See then what ought to be the daily care of those who through grace
are in a justified state, and that is, to wash their feet, to cleanse
themselves from daily guilt, and to watch against everything
defiling. This should make us the more cautious. From yesterday's
pardon, we should be strengthened against this day's temptation.
Some
of the most comforting words of Jesus were spoken at the very moment
that the religious leaders were planning how to kill Him and He knew
it. “Let
not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In
my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have
told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a
place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that
where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the
way ye know...........These things have I spoken unto you, being yet
present with you. But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom
the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and
bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto
you. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the
world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled,
neither let it be afraid.” - John 14:1-3, 25-27. No matter
what situation we are in God is with us and will comfort us in our
time of need, no matter how many times that is, and even if we submit
to authority when we know morally it is wrong. God will give us a way
out of every situation we are in, but it is up to us to ask Him for
help. I was in a pretty bad relationship years ago, urged to live in
sin by a man that was pretty charming and inviting. He got me into
some things which were defiling to my mind, body, and soul. However,
when I was at my worst and could not take it anymore I called on
Jesus for help. He forgave me and washed my feet and now I live my
life washing others feet. I thank God every day for taking me out of
that situation and thank Jesus for saving me. In order for me to keep
from being corrupted back into the world I daily cleanse myself with
God's Word to cleanse myself from
daily guilt, and to watch myself against everything defiling. He took
me out of a corrupted world, He can take anyone who calls on Him.
Never convince yourself or let anyone else convince you that your
situation can not be changed. God will turn anyone's situation
around. Praise God!
Today's
Prayer:
Dear
God,
Lord, as we experience Your amazing grace through Your
forgiveness of our sins it compels us to also show compassion to
others who have not yet applied Your grace to their lives. In
reaching out to others who are still living in sin we must not lower
our standards, nor do we want to appear more righteous then them.
So give us the words along with a compassionate heart to reach the
lost without losing our soul or lowering our standards, as we choose
to love the sinner and hate the sin. Cleanse us daily from any
corruption that we are faced with. In Jesus' Name.........Amen.
Have a wonderful and blessed day/night
God
Bless You,
Christina
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