You need to see Jesus face to face!

 Please click this link for the video version of today's blog :

 https://youtu.be/U9qn2ca2TM4?si=Dy957B4KfRvuoiIF 

 So Jacob called the place Peniel, saying, "It is because I saw God face to face, and yet my life was spared." Genesis 32: 30

    

    The topic I received today from Jesus is: You need to see Jesus face to face!

       In the midst of all kinds of family problems, lies, betrayal, hatred, fear and distress, Jacob wrestled with God all night and not letting God go unless He blessed him. Actually, Genesis 32:13-32 will be tomorrow's TWA reading. But, I am moved by the Holy Spirit to read a little bit more in Genesis 32 than just to verse 12.

    I have a better understanding after my friend's wrestling with the Devil sometime ago of similar event, though he thought it was not God but the Devil. Well, actually the result is similar as to receiving freedom and blessing from God. Let me copy and paste his sharing as below:

        Silas, my brother,

    I want to thank you for yesterday. The Lord needed to deal with me and you were his instrument. He has laid bare my soul and shown me the height of my own arrogance, the darkness of my own soul, and it is painful indeed! I have a heart to find my significance only in Jesus, but my flesh is weak. Instead of resting in him, I was seeking after the adulation and recognition from man. I spent the night wrestling with this demon and arose this morning to confession, crying out to the Lord for forgiveness and restoration. Please forgive my resentful ran from yesterday. I am the Lord’s and your servant and seek only to walk in His will and way.

    I do hope my friend saw Jesus face to face that morning when he confessed and cried out to the Lord for forgiveness and restoration. Indeed we need to wrestle with the Deceiver almost everyday that we can receive the blessing from the Lord and not to step in the Deceiver's net and mine-field to be swallowed up by this world. Remember to have your daily devotion and say to the Lord: Lord, I love you. Open my eyes so that I can see you!

    Dear Lord Jesus,

    I won't let you go unless you bless me. Open my eyes that I can see you face to face. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Reflect on these questions:     

1. What inspiration have you received from today's catch and what have you heard from Jesus now?

      

    2.  What is your next step to be more closer to Jesus, to be holy - that is to do what Jesus wants you to do and not to do what Jesus wants you not to do?

    

    Family Corner:

   Find an opportunity to share with your family the importance of today's message. 

    

    Time with Abba (Psalm 9:13-20, Genesis 31:17-32:12; Matthew 10:26- 11:6; Proverbs 3:16-18)

    Please click this link for today's Time with Abba one year Bible four passages: http://twa.pastoralcareschool.org/

     Let's have a time to be still and give the Holy Spirit space to speak through the passage we have just read. Offer this time to Jesus as you listen to Him.    

   For the Chinese version of this daily blog and video, please click this link (中文版請按此連結):

   

 F   https://timewithabbaprayinglisteningchinese.blogspot.com

     

     To know, learn and practice the method of Time with Abba, please click this link:http://twa.pastoralcareschool.org/

     If you would like to follow my "Subject shifting Devotion Method" from the "Time with Abba, Praising Singing", you are welcome to follow the direction below and then go back to the top of this blog to read today's key passage and my listening and sharing:

        Silence

1.   Put on your “brakes” and stop for a moment of silence

2.   Wait for God. Breathe deep for God's peace and feel His presence. Exhale your worries.

     Praise and Thanksgiving

1.   Think through your day, all the times that made you smile

2.   Thank God for all those moments, and for all those people

3.   Sing a song to praise the Lord

      

Confession and Repentance (Subjective Shifting Devotion Method) 

https://bishopsilas.blogspot.com/2009/08/count-down-5-subject-shifting-devotion.html

1.  Pray for the Holy Spirit to shine on you that you are able to discover your sins and be willing to repent:

     “Dear Holy Spirit, shine your light into the places of darkness in my life. Show me my sins, everything that blocks me from encountering God and having Jesus as my Lord. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.”

2.  Through the Holy Spirit, examine yourself for a short silence and then pray:

     "Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for dying on the cross for our sins and being victorious over death and sin. I confess my sins to you(pause, to tell Jesus what the Holy Spirit has shown you). Forgive my sins by your blood and help me follow you. Holy Spirit, fill me that I may be able to receive your gifts to love God and His people. In Jesus Name I pray, Amen."

3.  John Stott's daily prayer of Christlikeness (Christopher J.H. Wright, Cultivating the fruit of the Spirit. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2017, 13)

(Please click this link to see how God used John Stott to change my life:https://bishopsilas.blogspot.com/2009/07/

           "Heavenly Father, I pray that this day I may live in your presence and please you more and more.

             Lord Jesus, I pray that this day I may take up my cross and follow you.

             Holy Spirit, I pray that this day you will fill me with yourself and cause your fruit to ripen in my life: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control."

 My first blog "Devotion on Fire"  was written in English only  (July 17, 2009年7月17日至November 22, 2012年11月22日). Each day one chapter of Bible, from New Testament and then Old Testament. Completed in four months and three years:

http://bishopsilas.blogspot.com/2009/07/blessings-from-rev-dr-john-stott.html

My second blog "Discipler 123"  was written in both Chinese and English (March 6,2011to December 31, 2016 ):

https://discipler123.blogspot.com/2011/02/day-1-choose-light-away-from-darkness.html

and "Time with Abba" blog and video (January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2024): 

https://discipler123.blogspot.com/2017/01/1-2017.html