God Moments Blog with Angela Serocki - Wisdom For Inspired Living

Will You Wash My Feet?

12/31/2014

I'm going to be honest, I have no idea what washing the feet signified here. I do understand that it is a symbol of servant hood, and that Jesus is trying to tell us that there is no one greater than one another. If that is what he is saying, I understand. Jesus does say, you don't understand what I'm doing now. And that makes me think I'm missing something.

Read the Scripture here John 13:1-17

The part that I did understand is that it states "Jesus knew who he was". Because he knew who he was, he didn't hesitate at what he was to do.

I also note that it was not Judas that chose to betray Jesus, but Satan tempted him to. Judas didn't know who he was, or who he was following. Judas is still to be held accountable, but Jesus certainly didn't intend for bad things to follow Judas, it was simply by choice. Judas had been walking with Jesus and had a perfect opportunity to trust in him, but Judas turned to the love of money and greed of the world.

Sometimes we have to walk with God for awhile to uncover what is in our hearts. I still struggle with many temptations, but a temptation does not have to turn into an action. We are at the point in Judas's walk, where he had a choice to make. We are at that fork in the road. I've been at lots of forks in the roads and until I walked with Christ, I didn't always take the right path. Living for Christ does something to you. It restores your conscious. Even if I wanted to be tempted and take the wrong path my internal red flags and warning buzzers are going off all over in my body and head. My guilt starts long before I can even begin to think of taking action, which is pretty overwhelming, because currently, I don't live with much guilt. My past is behind me and I've been forgiven. Perhaps not by all people, but by God. I don't want to have to go through all that pain and suffering and consequences all again that comes with making a poor choice. It's depressing, and the joy of the Lord has become my strength.

Are you at a fork in the road today? If so stop to determine what path will lead you to freedom.

December 30th, 2014

12/30/2014

Did you ever wonder who told you not to believe in Jesus? Did you get enough falsity believing in Santa Clause, the Tooth Fairy, the Easter Bunny, and Jesus became just another way to be controlled to do what others wanted you to do? If you aren't good, Santa won't bring you toys; if you don't go to sleep, the Tooth Fairy won't bring you money; if you don't behave, the Easter Bunny won't deliver the golden egg.

Jesus however, will be here no matter what you do.

Read the Scripture here: John 12:37-50

Everyone is searching for HOPE. I'm searching for hope. The hope that what we do each day is not a waste. The hope that I can touch someone's life before they choose to take it on their own. The hope that I can save someone from alcoholism, drug addiction, porn addiction, divorce, adultery. The truth is, I can't. I can only point the way to the one who can.

Jesus.

What do you hope for?

Even back when Jesus walked the earth and preached the gospels to us, there was doubt of who he was, why he was there, and what he could do. There's no doubt today, what he accomplished, all the prophesies that came to pass and are still passing, but there is still a division about who he was. Besides Satan, who plants these seeds?

People who want power and dictatorship.

It's fun to be important, to make decisions, to be in power. As kids, we all dream of being President, or working for NASA, a Lawyer, a Doctor. Why? Because we all want to feel important. I've gotten caught in the rat race of power before, and I easily back out. For many years I thought I was too weak to maintain what goes on in power struggles. Until the last two years, especially writing for Christ, I've determined it's because it's not in my heart. People will lead you in whatever direction they can, the media, a repetitive jargon, a "how to raise your kid" book like Spock's. It might not all be bad, but it might not all be Christ either.

Do you ever find yourself saying...I didn't do anything that bad, but my life is just spinning out of control! Ask yourself, who you've been following.

Jesus doesn't need to be confirmed, not by me or anyone else. Spend a little time with him in prayer, read his word, see if you don't fall in love with God. Life is hard, no matter how you live it, but Christ carries burdens and offers forgiveness.

Are We Tempted?

12/29/2014

As I read today's passage, I think of Satan in the Garden of Eden and realize that the only way he can entice us is by suggestion. There is not one person that is under his control, yet I see many following.

Read today's scripture here: John 12:20-36

Ang, how did you possibly link those two stories together to come to that thought? My answer, my mind is definitely a thinker, and here's how my process worked.

First, I read the passage and I think, man, it's just so far out there, like a David Koresh type feeling when I read some of these passages. You have to really believe that Jesus is God or you could really get confused at what Jesus is trying to tell you to do. Then the TWIST came. Satan, knows God better than we do. You can't trust him because he used to be an angel, but he will never again, be able to go to heaven. Since we know that, we know Satan wants what isn't his. Satan, can throw twists on God's word, he's a deceiver, he comes to steal the word. I'm sure this is why God spoke in parables, because he speaks to our hearts. As you are reading scripture, make sure that you are praying in your spirit.

Next, I'm caught up on Jesus stating that judgment is about to happen. He doesn't warn the people that it's for them, he says the prince of the world is about to be driven out. Knowing that he was driven out later in the scripture, I know Satan does not have power here anymore. Knowing that Satan does not have power anymore, we have all now become Adam and Eve's, with the exception we are not allowed to have the entire world at our choices. The entire world is back in Jesus's hands and we are back to freewill.

With that said, how do I know that we are all supposed to be able to have eternal life in heaven? Because Jesus told the people that when he was lifted up he would draw ALL PEOPLE to himself. So let me ask you, are you an ALL PEOPLE or are you someone else?

I have a friend that is not walking with God. God is calling, but he is currently being persuaded by the enemy (when I say Satan I sound like a Hollywood horror film) that he was not meant to be saved. He is hung up on God knowing where people will end up, and since this person is not living for God, nor does he want to, he assumes that God hasn't called him and that his life was meant for hell, which makes him angry at God because why then would God put him here if he was just living to go to hell?

Now the interesting thing here, is that there are going to be two different views. 1) one that understand and agrees with my friend and 2) those that will pray against the darkness to free my friend from the enemy.

Satan's only weapon, because we have been redeemed by Christ, is temptations. I know temptation can be hard friends. I know that temptation can seem deceptive, but the truth is, according to scripture, is that you have been saved, redeemed and called by Christ to live a free life. If you are feeling darkness or trapped by the enemy, by Satan, and or by demons, you do not need to live like that. Satan has no control, other than the control you allow him to have. Jesus won you back, and he gave the choice of your life back to you.

Need prayer?

Remember The First Time You Met Jesus

12/28/2014

I think back to the first time that I met Jesus. How excited I was to meet him, to have him in my life. My passion was on fire, I couldn't read enough, I couldn't get enough, I couldn't be thankful enough for all he had done in my life. Similar to the people in today's reading.

Read the Scripture Here: John 12:12-19

I know where the story will go from here, so I'm taking a moment to savor this part of scripture. These people have saw Jesus do amazing things, he just raised Lazarus from the dead, among other things, and they are excited and thankful, hopeful and joyful. At this point they believe that Jesus is the Messiah because of the miracles they have witnessed with their own eyes. They are singing Hosanna, and fanning him with Palm Branches.

Jesus has done so many things for each of us, things that even if we do not witness a single further miracle, should be able to carry us through our lifetime. We don't seem to be able to do that however. Upon the next, what we call, "crisis" in our lives, most of us will forget all the miracles of the past.

Notice what Jesus is doing. He comes on a donkey's colt. A colt, a baby donkey...I raised donkey's, have you seen a colt of a donkey. They are not very attractive. Jesus comes through as a humbled servant, not with gold and robes, but with a donkey's colt and rags. He is secure in who he is, he doesn't need to be flashy or forceful. He is the son of God, he could have anything he wished, and he chose to be our humbled friend.

Notice what the Pharisee's are doing. They are watching people flock to Jesus, because he doesn't control them with man made laws. He doesn't force them to do what he says. He tells them what God's laws are and he gives them the ability to choose. People flock to love. They are becoming increasingly jealous because they are realizing that although they are the rulers of the religious laws, they themselves have chosen not to follow Christ and they are loosing their money.

Chief Priest's Plotted to Kill Jesus

12/27/2014

I sit quietly with this scripture and I try to put myself in the place of all that's going here at this scene. There is a lot. I try to see each persons heart here in this particular scene. Everyone seems to be in their own natural environment here.

Martha served
Martha although she tended to complain because she thought everyone should be like her and serve through work, Martha was a beautiful servant. I'm not sure who was helping her, but it certainly doesn't mention anyone. It does state that people were "reclined" at the feast however, so it would be my guess this wasn't just cookies and tea.

Lazarus reclined
Jesus was the guest of honor, but Lazarus was among those reclined at the table with Jesus. After all he and Jesus were the ones that the people were flocking there to see. They wanted to see with their own two eyes, the miracle of the dead being raised. I wonder how many people witnessed it?

Mary worshiped
Mary took this time, to go and get her most expensive perfume made for anointing, and use her hair to wash the feet of Jesus with it. Can you imagine Mary's heart. It's not clear on if Mary was the one forgiven for adultery, but some people believe she was one in the same. Mary, was forgiven. She was thankful. She used the best of what she had and gave it all to Jesus. She not only washed his feet as a servant, but she used her hair as a cloth.

Judas objected
Judas's heart was hardening. Money was his focus. Jesus just raised Lazarus from the dead, performed other miracles in front of Judas and Judas could not keep his eyes off the money. His heart was full of greed and jealousy and had no room to see the love.

Jesus prepared
As Jesus does, he prepared the hearts of those around him. Christ knew what was happening and he knew what was coming up. He prepared the hearts of those that were open to what was coming. Christ always prepares are hearts for what's to come. As you see here, he wasn't frantic, he wasn't anxious, he knew his death and suffering was just ahead and he prepared those that followed him.

Jews flocked
It's very hard to stay away when Jesus is near. People flock. Many don't know why they flock, they just come. Christ draws people to himself, because we have build within us, the desire to be with those that love us. We push, we hide, and we resist, but love draws people.

Chief Priest's plotted to kill Jesus
That statement blows me away. Does it you?

December 24th, 2014

12/24/2014

Merry Christmas Eve to you and your families. As I read today's section of John I can't help but be a bit saddened by our hearts. I look around and I read Facebook and I search my own heart and I find them both in poor conditions for the most part. I reflect on the Scripture today and they are going to a celebration, and they are all plotting to kill Jesus.

Read the Scripture here: John 11:45-57

Sometimes it's hard to get yourself with family on the celebrations because some families sit around the table and plot against others. Some families are in such turmoil because of petty fights they've had through out the years, some families stay alone because they can't bare to spend another drunken holiday. Some families are holding on to anything they can to keep theirs together.

I love in the scripture that Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said, isn't it better that one man should die than a whole nation be destroyed? He had no idea at the time what that would mean. We are benefiting even today from the Sacrifice of God.

What would it take for you this year for your Christmas to reflect the presence of God, instead of the presents of the world?

He's Been In There 4 Days, His Body Stinks

12/23/2014

Have you given up on anything. You just know that what others hope for is not going to happen because it never does. People like me irritate you because I keep preaching Jesus and I keep saying how wonderful he is and you don't get it because all you see is death and depression.

Read the Scripture Here: John 11:38-44

It's hard to explain the things that Christ can do, to anyone that see's the darkness. There's no hope in them, they are hurting, in pain, and demonic forces have surrounded them. It's hard to break through and shed light.

But it's not impossible.

Did you know that Jesus was only 2 miles from Lazarus when he was sick. He could have gotten to him in plenty of time to heal him just as he had done with others. For whatever reason, he waited at least 4 days, my guess is it was even longer because after death they had to prepare his body. Wrap him in linen cloth, full of spices.

No one would have ever believed that Lazarus was going to come out of that tomb. Yet he did upon the command of Jesus.

What things do you believe can not be done, that Jesus could do?

Jesus If You Would Have Been Here

12/22/2014

I bet Mary was upset with Jesus when her brother died. I bet she blamed him for causing her pain. I bet she felt let down by Jesus because he didn't take care of her brother.

Read the Scripture Here: John 11:17-37

Sometimes when things happen, even things that occur each day, like death. We blame God. Sometimes we even say things like well I believe that he didn't cause the death, but he didn't stop it either. What kind of God is that? We find all sorts of ways and reasons to be mad at God.

I used to be mad at God. I even yelled at him. I screamed. I was in so much hurt, I really blamed God for nearly all of it. God took it. I went though a very long painful journey. Most of it was because of my own actions, some of it was due to things others did to me, and some of it, was character building. What? Why are you saying that God would allow bad things to happen, just to build our character? Well, I'm not sure, perhaps we could ask Job, or the man that was born blind.

I wonder why Jesus wept? It made the people there see how much he loved Lazarus, so perhaps it helped them see he didn't cause, allow or endorse his death. It also would help them believe after the death of Jesus that Jesus was able to rise again. In my opinion only...I believe also that Lazarus was in the arms of God in paradise and Jesus wept because he knew he had to bring Lazarus back as a witness, and tear him out of the arms of God. Jesus knew what this felt like. To be separated from God.

Just thoughts that get us through the day, to apply to our own lives. Is there a reason to be mad at God? Does it help? Do you believe God is out to get you or is for you? That question will be one that could possibly change the way you see life.

Have an amazing day friends.

December 21st, 2014

12/21/2014

When you read the bible. Do you read it like a history book, an instruction manual, or a key to life? I guess myself I read it in all those ways, some days it bounces back and forth for me. The one thing that I always try to pull out of them is "how can I get that to apply to my life"? Then I wait for a passage to jump out at me.

Read Scripture Passage Here: John 11:1-16

For me today, although I might tend to want to be focused on Lazarus's sickness, or Mary's cleansing of Jesus's feet with perfume, I'm hung up on: Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours of daylight? Anyone who walks in the daytime will not stumble, for they see by this world’s light. It is when a person walks at night that they stumble, for they have no light.”

It would seem like Jesus is talking about getting to his destination in the safety and cover of the night, yet the passage seems to suggest that without the light we stumble.

Could it be that Jesus is referring to himself as the light? If that's the case the night would have no bearing on them stumbling because the one that keeps you from stumbling would be with them.

It seems as though a lot of the things that destroy us do take place under the cover of darkness. We feel as long as the darkness is about the things we do won't be seen. Bars are dark. I know because I owned one. The Majority of people don't want the atmosphere bright, they want the lights down. Dance floors are dark. The window tints are dark.

Jesus is the light. He brings all things out into the open. That seems scary for most. It sure was for me. But what I noticed, is that once they are brought into the light, they can be dealt with and taken care of.

Perspective changes.... gotta love them.

December 17th, 2014

12/17/2014

I'm not sure why but when I read this passage, I can see myself as one of the religious leaders. Is that bad? It brings forth the question to me about the return of Christ. If a man came claiming he was Christ how would I know for sure it was?

Read the Scripture Here John 10:22-42

Jesus assures me here that I would know his voice. I have to be honest, I've missed his voice and I've followed other voices before. I'm not saying "I hear voices" but I'm saying that I've been nudged with the thought of doing things that I knew in my head were not going to be good choices. I've followed, and it took me down a road that led to destruction. That's what Jesus is trying to say here, that it's his voice that will lead you into truth, eternal life, freedom, peace, joy, love. God doesn't have rules because he's a dictator, he has suggestions that you have a freewill to choose, because that's what love is.

Have you ever had someone that is only in your life because they wanted something, and then when that something was done, the communications stopped. But when they wanted something it started again. Some people build you up because they know if they can make you feel good, you will submit to their needs. Jesus didn't do that. He told you truth, and he allowed you to decided. He paid the price for your sin and asked for nothing in return. He came to lead you not to force you.

I love to encourage people. I don't do it because I want to "fluff" you up. Ask any of my friends, when there's something really tough to say I will say it, but then I'm back to encouraging. I don't want to be fake. I don't want to put on a show, I don't want to make up a story just to have an audience, I want genuine. Some people say "love" is thrown around too often, I say it's not thrown around enough. But there is definitely a difference between saying something and saying something that is followed by action that makes it more believable.

Have an amazing day friends. Try to hear HIS voice. Jesus, that is. If you can't hear it, get into his words...and read them.

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