If anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed. – Galatians 1:9
When a publishing company asked me to write an endorsement for a new book, I said I’d be glad to. It appeared to be a helpful effort directed to young people, challenging them to live for God in a changing world. But as I read the book, something troubled me. Although it had lots of Scripture and great spiritual advice, it didn’t explain that the starting point for many relationship with God is salvation through Jesus Christ.
The writer seemed to imply that the essence of living spiritually in modern society is based totally on action – good deeds – and not on saving faith in Christ. I didn’t write the endorsement.
The culture of the church is changing rapidly. Often left behind in the rush to find exciting new ideas is the essential nature of the gospel. The apostle Paul was astonished that people so readily embraced a “different gospel” (Gal. 1:6). What he preached was not from man, but a direct revelation from Jesus Himself (w. 11-12).
We must never let go of that true gospel: Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again for our justification, declaring us righteous before God (Rom. 4:25; 1 Cor. 15:3-4). This is alone offers the “power of God to salvation for everyone who believes” (Rom. 1:16). If we want to live for God, this is the only place to start. – Dave Branon
No one can say he doesn’t need,
Forgiveness for his sin,
For all must come to Christ by faith
To have new life within. – Branon
Faith is the hand that must take God’s gift of salvation.
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Galatians 1:6-12
I marvel that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ to a different gospel; and there isn't another gospel. Only there are some who trouble you, and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. But evan though we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you any gospel other than that which we preached to you, let him be cursed.
As we have said before, so I now say again: if any man preaches to you any gospel other than that which you received, let him be cursed. For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men?
For if I were still pleasing men, I wouldn't be a servant of Christ. But I make known to you, brothers, concerning the gospel which was preached by me, that it is not according to man. For neither did I receive it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came to me through revelation of Jesus Christ.
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To let His kingdom be in the world, we all as a Christian shall go out and preach His Words... His Gospel...
Friday, July 31, 2009
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Getting Involved
The Lord is gracious and full of compassion. - Psalm 111:4
Isn't anybody going to help that poor guy?" Fred exclaimed as he and my husband, Tom, realized what had been causing traffic to creep down the busy five-lane road. A man lay sprawled between the lanes, bicycle on top of him, as vehicles simply drove around him. Fred turned onthe warning flashers and blocked traffic with his car. Then both guys jumped out to help the shaken man.
Fred and Tom got involved, as did the Samarithan man in Jesus' story in Luke 10. Like him, they overcome any reluctance they might have had to reach out to a man in distress. The Samarithan also had to overcome racial and cultural prejudice. The people we would have expected to help showed indifference to the injured man's plight.
It's easy to find reasons not to get involved. Busyness, indifference, and fear often top the list. Yet as we seek to follow our Lord faithfully, we will become more aware of opportunities to show the kind of compassion He showed (Matt. 14:14; 15:32; Mark 6:34).
In the parable of the Good Samarithan, Jesus commended the man who had acted out of compassion even though it was inconvenient, difficult, and costly to do so. Then, to us He says, "Go and do likewise" (Luke 10:37). - Cindy Hess Kasper
When we share another's burden,
We display God's love and care,
Offering relief and comfort
When life seems too much to bear. - Sper
True compassion puts love into action.
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Luke 10:30-37
Jesus answered, "A certain man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who both stripped him and beat him, and departed, leaving him half dead.
By chance a certain priest was going down that way. When he saw him, he passed by on the other side. In the same way a Levite also, when he came to the place, and saw him, passed by on the other side.
But a certain Samarithan, as he traveled, came where he was. When he saw him, he was moved with compassion, came to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. He set him on his own animal, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.
On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, and gave them to the host, and said to him, 'Take care of him. Whatever you spend beyond that, I will repay you when I return.' Now which of these three do you think seemed to be a neighbor to him who fell among the robbers?" He said, "He who showed mercy on him."
Then Jesus said to him, "Go and do likewise."
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Helping each other is please the Lord.
Isn't anybody going to help that poor guy?" Fred exclaimed as he and my husband, Tom, realized what had been causing traffic to creep down the busy five-lane road. A man lay sprawled between the lanes, bicycle on top of him, as vehicles simply drove around him. Fred turned onthe warning flashers and blocked traffic with his car. Then both guys jumped out to help the shaken man.
Fred and Tom got involved, as did the Samarithan man in Jesus' story in Luke 10. Like him, they overcome any reluctance they might have had to reach out to a man in distress. The Samarithan also had to overcome racial and cultural prejudice. The people we would have expected to help showed indifference to the injured man's plight.
It's easy to find reasons not to get involved. Busyness, indifference, and fear often top the list. Yet as we seek to follow our Lord faithfully, we will become more aware of opportunities to show the kind of compassion He showed (Matt. 14:14; 15:32; Mark 6:34).
In the parable of the Good Samarithan, Jesus commended the man who had acted out of compassion even though it was inconvenient, difficult, and costly to do so. Then, to us He says, "Go and do likewise" (Luke 10:37). - Cindy Hess Kasper
When we share another's burden,
We display God's love and care,
Offering relief and comfort
When life seems too much to bear. - Sper
True compassion puts love into action.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
Luke 10:30-37
Jesus answered, "A certain man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who both stripped him and beat him, and departed, leaving him half dead.
By chance a certain priest was going down that way. When he saw him, he passed by on the other side. In the same way a Levite also, when he came to the place, and saw him, passed by on the other side.
But a certain Samarithan, as he traveled, came where he was. When he saw him, he was moved with compassion, came to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. He set him on his own animal, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.
On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, and gave them to the host, and said to him, 'Take care of him. Whatever you spend beyond that, I will repay you when I return.' Now which of these three do you think seemed to be a neighbor to him who fell among the robbers?" He said, "He who showed mercy on him."
Then Jesus said to him, "Go and do likewise."
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Helping each other is please the Lord.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Homecoming
You will guide me with Yout counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. - Psalm 72:24
One of my favorite pastimes as a boy was walking the creek behind our home. Those walks were high adventure for me: rocks to skip, birds to watch, dams to build, animal tracks to follow. And if I made it to the mouth of the creek, my dog and I would sit and share lunch while we watched the biplanes land across the lake.
We'd linger as long as we could, but only so long, for my father wanted me home before sunset. The shadows grew long and the hollows got dark fast in the woods. I'd be wishing along the way that I was already home.
Our house sat on a hill behind some trees, but the light was always on until all the family was in. Often my father would be sitting on the back porch, reading the paper, waiting for me. "How did it go?" he would ask. "Pretty good," I'd say. "But it sure is good to be home."
Those memories of walking that creek make me think of another journey - the one I'm making now. It isn't always easy, but I know at the end of it there's a caring Father and my eternal home. I can hardly wait to get there.
I'm expected there. The light is on and my heavenly Father is waiting for me. I suppose He'll ask, just like my father used to, "How did it go?" "Pretty good," I'll say. "But it sure is good to be Home." - Daivd H. Roper
He will be waiting for me -
Jesus so kind and true;
On His beautiful throne He will welcome me home -
After the day is through. - Vandall
For the Christian, heaven is spelled H-O-M-E.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
Psalm 73:21-28
For my soul was grieved. I was embittered in my heart. I was so senseless and ignorant. I was a brute beast before you. Nevertheless, I am continually with you. You have held my right hand. You will guide me with your counsel, And afterward receive me to glory.
Who do I have in heaven? There is no one on earth who I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart fails, But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. For, behold, those who are far from you shall perish. You have destroyed all those who are unfaithful to you.
But it is good for me to come close to God. I have made the Lord Yahweh my refuge, That I may tell of all your works.
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
One of my favorite pastimes as a boy was walking the creek behind our home. Those walks were high adventure for me: rocks to skip, birds to watch, dams to build, animal tracks to follow. And if I made it to the mouth of the creek, my dog and I would sit and share lunch while we watched the biplanes land across the lake.
We'd linger as long as we could, but only so long, for my father wanted me home before sunset. The shadows grew long and the hollows got dark fast in the woods. I'd be wishing along the way that I was already home.
Our house sat on a hill behind some trees, but the light was always on until all the family was in. Often my father would be sitting on the back porch, reading the paper, waiting for me. "How did it go?" he would ask. "Pretty good," I'd say. "But it sure is good to be home."
Those memories of walking that creek make me think of another journey - the one I'm making now. It isn't always easy, but I know at the end of it there's a caring Father and my eternal home. I can hardly wait to get there.
I'm expected there. The light is on and my heavenly Father is waiting for me. I suppose He'll ask, just like my father used to, "How did it go?" "Pretty good," I'll say. "But it sure is good to be Home." - Daivd H. Roper
He will be waiting for me -
Jesus so kind and true;
On His beautiful throne He will welcome me home -
After the day is through. - Vandall
For the Christian, heaven is spelled H-O-M-E.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
Psalm 73:21-28
For my soul was grieved. I was embittered in my heart. I was so senseless and ignorant. I was a brute beast before you. Nevertheless, I am continually with you. You have held my right hand. You will guide me with your counsel, And afterward receive me to glory.
Who do I have in heaven? There is no one on earth who I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart fails, But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. For, behold, those who are far from you shall perish. You have destroyed all those who are unfaithful to you.
But it is good for me to come close to God. I have made the Lord Yahweh my refuge, That I may tell of all your works.
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
The Value Of Friends
Jonathan… loved [David] as he loved his own soul. – 1 Samuel 20:17
John Chrysostom (347-407) was one of the great preachers in the early church. He was given the name Chrysostom, which means “golden-mouthed,” because of his eloquent sermons.
Here is one of his insight on the value of friends: “Such is friendship, that through it we love places and seasons; for as… flowers drop their sweet leaves on the ground around them, so friends impart favor even to the places where they dwell. With friends even poverty is pleasant… It would be better for us that the sun were exhausted than that we should be without friends.”
The story of Jonathan and David illustrates the value of friendship. Though David was haunted by the demented King Saul, he drew encouragement from his friendship with Saul’s son.. “Jonathan… loved [David] as he loved his own soul” (1 Sam. 20:17). Their relationship was characterized by trust, understanding, and encouragement. How difficult it would have been for David to endure this unjust persecution without the nourishment of friendship based in the Lord (v.42).
The ancient voice of Chrysostom and the witness of David and Jonathan are reminders of the need to nurture the relationships God has given us. – Dennis Fisher
Since I have no gold to give,
And love alone must make amends,
My daily prayer is while I live –
“God, make me worthy of my friends.” – Sherman
A friend is the first person who comes in when the whole world has gone out.
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1 Samuel 20:12-17
Jonathan said to David, Yahweh, the God of Israel, [be witness]: when I have sounded my father about this time tomorrow, [or] the third day, behold, if there be good toward David, shall I not then send to you, and disclose it to you?
Yahweh do so to Jonathan, and more also, should it please my father to do you evil, if I don’t disclose it to you, and send you away, that you may go in peace: and Yahweh be with you, as he has been with my father.
You shall not only while yet I live show me the loving kindness of Yahweh, that I not die; but also you shall not cut off you kindness from my house forever; no, not when Yahweh has cut off the enemies of David everyone from the surface of the earth.
So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, [saying], Yahweh will require it at the hand of David’s enemies. Jonathan caused David to swear again, for the love that he had to him, for he loved him as he loved his own soul.
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
A friend is most need after God when we are not with our family...
John Chrysostom (347-407) was one of the great preachers in the early church. He was given the name Chrysostom, which means “golden-mouthed,” because of his eloquent sermons.
Here is one of his insight on the value of friends: “Such is friendship, that through it we love places and seasons; for as… flowers drop their sweet leaves on the ground around them, so friends impart favor even to the places where they dwell. With friends even poverty is pleasant… It would be better for us that the sun were exhausted than that we should be without friends.”
The story of Jonathan and David illustrates the value of friendship. Though David was haunted by the demented King Saul, he drew encouragement from his friendship with Saul’s son.. “Jonathan… loved [David] as he loved his own soul” (1 Sam. 20:17). Their relationship was characterized by trust, understanding, and encouragement. How difficult it would have been for David to endure this unjust persecution without the nourishment of friendship based in the Lord (v.42).
The ancient voice of Chrysostom and the witness of David and Jonathan are reminders of the need to nurture the relationships God has given us. – Dennis Fisher
Since I have no gold to give,
And love alone must make amends,
My daily prayer is while I live –
“God, make me worthy of my friends.” – Sherman
A friend is the first person who comes in when the whole world has gone out.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
1 Samuel 20:12-17
Jonathan said to David, Yahweh, the God of Israel, [be witness]: when I have sounded my father about this time tomorrow, [or] the third day, behold, if there be good toward David, shall I not then send to you, and disclose it to you?
Yahweh do so to Jonathan, and more also, should it please my father to do you evil, if I don’t disclose it to you, and send you away, that you may go in peace: and Yahweh be with you, as he has been with my father.
You shall not only while yet I live show me the loving kindness of Yahweh, that I not die; but also you shall not cut off you kindness from my house forever; no, not when Yahweh has cut off the enemies of David everyone from the surface of the earth.
So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, [saying], Yahweh will require it at the hand of David’s enemies. Jonathan caused David to swear again, for the love that he had to him, for he loved him as he loved his own soul.
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
A friend is most need after God when we are not with our family...
Monday, July 27, 2009
God's Heart Revealed
As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. - Revelation 3:19
It's easy to think of God as a divine fly-swatter, just waiting for you to land so that - whap - He can nail you for your sins. But that's not what we see in Revelation 2-3 in His letters to the seven churches. The pattern of the letters demonstrates God's loving heart for wayward people.
Jesus began many of these letters by affirming the good things His people had done. This shows us that when we do what is good and right, the Lord is pleased.
But Jesus is also concerned about the faults in our lives. His commendation in these letters was often followed by clear words of reproof. And while it's not comfortable to ear Him say, "Nevertheless I have this against you" (2:4; see w. 14,20) He reveals what needs to be changed in our lives to keep us from self-deceit.
This moves us to the real heart of the matter - repentance. When the Lord told these churches to repent, He was revealing His love for wayward saints. His goal was not to condemn but to restore them to intimate fellowship with Him.
And don't miss the fact that each letter ends with a specific promise for the "overcomers." Clearly God desires to reward those who live lives that are pleasing to Him.
What's He saying to you today? - Joe Stowell
To live a life that pleases Christ,
It's crucial to obey His voice;
When He reveals our sins to us,
Repentance is the wisest choice. - Sper
Repentance restores and renews our intimacy with the Lord.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
Revelation 3:14-22
"To the angel of the assembly in Laodicea write: "The Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Head of God's creation, says these things: "I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were cold or hot. So, because you are like warm, and neither hot nor cold, I will vomit you our of my mouth.
Because you say, 'I am rich, and have gotten riches, and have need of nothing;' and don't know that you are the wretched one, miserable, poor, blind, and naked; I counsel you to but from me gold refined by fire, that you may become rich; and white garments, that you may clothe yourself, and that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and eyes salve to anoint your eyes, that you may see.
As many as I love, I reprove and chasten. Be zealous therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, then I will come in to him, and will dine with him, and he with me.
He who overcomes, I will give to him to sit down with me on my throne, as I also overcame, and sat down with my Father on his throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies."
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Do things that please God will have more bless... but all have to be done by truth... a real heart... willingness of doing so...
It's easy to think of God as a divine fly-swatter, just waiting for you to land so that - whap - He can nail you for your sins. But that's not what we see in Revelation 2-3 in His letters to the seven churches. The pattern of the letters demonstrates God's loving heart for wayward people.
Jesus began many of these letters by affirming the good things His people had done. This shows us that when we do what is good and right, the Lord is pleased.
But Jesus is also concerned about the faults in our lives. His commendation in these letters was often followed by clear words of reproof. And while it's not comfortable to ear Him say, "Nevertheless I have this against you" (2:4; see w. 14,20) He reveals what needs to be changed in our lives to keep us from self-deceit.
This moves us to the real heart of the matter - repentance. When the Lord told these churches to repent, He was revealing His love for wayward saints. His goal was not to condemn but to restore them to intimate fellowship with Him.
And don't miss the fact that each letter ends with a specific promise for the "overcomers." Clearly God desires to reward those who live lives that are pleasing to Him.
What's He saying to you today? - Joe Stowell
To live a life that pleases Christ,
It's crucial to obey His voice;
When He reveals our sins to us,
Repentance is the wisest choice. - Sper
Repentance restores and renews our intimacy with the Lord.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
Revelation 3:14-22
"To the angel of the assembly in Laodicea write: "The Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Head of God's creation, says these things: "I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were cold or hot. So, because you are like warm, and neither hot nor cold, I will vomit you our of my mouth.
Because you say, 'I am rich, and have gotten riches, and have need of nothing;' and don't know that you are the wretched one, miserable, poor, blind, and naked; I counsel you to but from me gold refined by fire, that you may become rich; and white garments, that you may clothe yourself, and that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and eyes salve to anoint your eyes, that you may see.
As many as I love, I reprove and chasten. Be zealous therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, then I will come in to him, and will dine with him, and he with me.
He who overcomes, I will give to him to sit down with me on my throne, as I also overcame, and sat down with my Father on his throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies."
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Do things that please God will have more bless... but all have to be done by truth... a real heart... willingness of doing so...
Role Models
Do all things withouts complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault. - Philippians 2:14-15
During a summer of international sports scandals involving gambling and substance abuse, two athletes were applauded for their character as much as their professional accomplishments. A record of crowd of 75,000 cheered Cal Ripken Jr. and Tony Gwynn during their 2007 induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. "Whether we like it or not," Ripken said, "as big leaguers, we are role models. The only question is, will it be positive or will it be negative?"
Gwynn enchoed the sentiment: "There's more than just playing the game of baseball... You're responsible, you've got to make good decisions and show people how things are supposed to be done."
Every day, people are watching us. As followers of Christ, we are guided by Paul's challenge to "become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as ligts in the world" (Phil. 2:15).
Compromise causes others to become disillusioned, while character fosters hope. As the life of our Savior flows out from us, we can encourage others and point them to Him.
What kind of role model will we be for someone watching today? - David C. McCasland
Guard well your life, to the Savior be true;
Many are watching each deed that you do;
Hence if you stumble and fall in deep sin,
It will prove harder lost souls here to win. - Bosch
The best role models model Christ.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
Philippians 2:12-18
So then, my beloved, even as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God who works in you both to will and to work, for his good pleasure.
Do all things without murmurings and disputes, that you may become blamesless and harmless, children of God wihtout blemish in the midst of a crooked and perserve generation, among whom you are seen as lights in the world, holding up the word of life; that I may have something to boast in the day of Christ, that I didn't run in vain nor labor in vain.
Yes, and if I am poured out on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice with you all. In the same way, you also rejoice, and rejoice with me.
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
It is hard... but will get a bigger happiness and rejoice in it when we did it... just do our best and God will do the rest!
During a summer of international sports scandals involving gambling and substance abuse, two athletes were applauded for their character as much as their professional accomplishments. A record of crowd of 75,000 cheered Cal Ripken Jr. and Tony Gwynn during their 2007 induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. "Whether we like it or not," Ripken said, "as big leaguers, we are role models. The only question is, will it be positive or will it be negative?"
Gwynn enchoed the sentiment: "There's more than just playing the game of baseball... You're responsible, you've got to make good decisions and show people how things are supposed to be done."
Every day, people are watching us. As followers of Christ, we are guided by Paul's challenge to "become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as ligts in the world" (Phil. 2:15).
Compromise causes others to become disillusioned, while character fosters hope. As the life of our Savior flows out from us, we can encourage others and point them to Him.
What kind of role model will we be for someone watching today? - David C. McCasland
Guard well your life, to the Savior be true;
Many are watching each deed that you do;
Hence if you stumble and fall in deep sin,
It will prove harder lost souls here to win. - Bosch
The best role models model Christ.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
Philippians 2:12-18
So then, my beloved, even as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God who works in you both to will and to work, for his good pleasure.
Do all things without murmurings and disputes, that you may become blamesless and harmless, children of God wihtout blemish in the midst of a crooked and perserve generation, among whom you are seen as lights in the world, holding up the word of life; that I may have something to boast in the day of Christ, that I didn't run in vain nor labor in vain.
Yes, and if I am poured out on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice with you all. In the same way, you also rejoice, and rejoice with me.
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
It is hard... but will get a bigger happiness and rejoice in it when we did it... just do our best and God will do the rest!
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Change Your Mind
... repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance. - Acts 26:20
One of my favorite Peanuts comic strips features Charlie Brown saying to Snoopy, "I hear you're writing a book on theology. I hope you have a good title." Snoopy responds, "I have the perfect title: Has It Ever Occured To You That You Might Be Wrong?"
Snoopy's title reminds us that our understanding of God and what He requires of us is sometimes twisted. Because our wrong beliefs lead to wrong behavior, we need to "repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance" (Acts 26:20).
The Greek word translated "repent" is metanoeo, which means "change your mind." As Paul indicated repentance with God, and continuing the same way we were going. When we turn our thoughts toward God - when we truly agree with Him about what is right - our behavior will follow. Like a car, we go in the direction we are pointed. So, when we truly turn our minds and hearts toward God, our actions change accordingly.
Instead of going happily along, assuming that our choices are right, we need to regularly stop and ask ourselves Snoopy's question. As Paul taught, it is only when we are willing to admit being wrong that we can be certain of being right with God. - Julie Ackerman Link
We must acknowledge when we're wrong,
Confessing it as sin,
If we would know God's power to heal
And cleanse us from within. - Fasick
Either we conform our desires to the truth or we conform the truth to our desires. - Os Guiness
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
Acts 26:12-23
"Whereupon as I traveled to Damascus with the authority and commision from the chief priests, at noon, O King, I saw on the way a light from the sky, brighter than the sun, shining around me and those who traveled with me.
When we had all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language, 'Saul, Saul, why are you perseciting me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.' "I said, 'Who are you, Lord?' "
He said, 'I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But arise, and stand on your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose: to appoint you a servant and a witness both the things which you have seen, and of the things which I will reveal to you; delivering you from the people, and from the Gentiles, to whom I send you, to open their eyes, that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive remission of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in me.' "
Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, but declared first to them of Damascus, at Jerusalem, and throughout all the country of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, doing works worthy of repentance.
For this reason the Jews seized me in the temple, and tried to kill me. Having therefore obtained the help that is from God, I stand to this day testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what the prophet and Moses said would happen, how the Christ must suffer, and how by the resurrection of the dead, he would be first to proclaim light both to these people and to the Gentiles."
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
When something didnt happen based on our desire, there must be something wrong... and it always ourselves problem...
One of my favorite Peanuts comic strips features Charlie Brown saying to Snoopy, "I hear you're writing a book on theology. I hope you have a good title." Snoopy responds, "I have the perfect title: Has It Ever Occured To You That You Might Be Wrong?"
Snoopy's title reminds us that our understanding of God and what He requires of us is sometimes twisted. Because our wrong beliefs lead to wrong behavior, we need to "repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance" (Acts 26:20).
The Greek word translated "repent" is metanoeo, which means "change your mind." As Paul indicated repentance with God, and continuing the same way we were going. When we turn our thoughts toward God - when we truly agree with Him about what is right - our behavior will follow. Like a car, we go in the direction we are pointed. So, when we truly turn our minds and hearts toward God, our actions change accordingly.
Instead of going happily along, assuming that our choices are right, we need to regularly stop and ask ourselves Snoopy's question. As Paul taught, it is only when we are willing to admit being wrong that we can be certain of being right with God. - Julie Ackerman Link
We must acknowledge when we're wrong,
Confessing it as sin,
If we would know God's power to heal
And cleanse us from within. - Fasick
Either we conform our desires to the truth or we conform the truth to our desires. - Os Guiness
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
Acts 26:12-23
"Whereupon as I traveled to Damascus with the authority and commision from the chief priests, at noon, O King, I saw on the way a light from the sky, brighter than the sun, shining around me and those who traveled with me.
When we had all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language, 'Saul, Saul, why are you perseciting me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.' "I said, 'Who are you, Lord?' "
He said, 'I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But arise, and stand on your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose: to appoint you a servant and a witness both the things which you have seen, and of the things which I will reveal to you; delivering you from the people, and from the Gentiles, to whom I send you, to open their eyes, that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive remission of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in me.' "
Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, but declared first to them of Damascus, at Jerusalem, and throughout all the country of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, doing works worthy of repentance.
For this reason the Jews seized me in the temple, and tried to kill me. Having therefore obtained the help that is from God, I stand to this day testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what the prophet and Moses said would happen, how the Christ must suffer, and how by the resurrection of the dead, he would be first to proclaim light both to these people and to the Gentiles."
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
When something didnt happen based on our desire, there must be something wrong... and it always ourselves problem...
Friday, July 24, 2009
Walk The Walk
Be an preacher to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. - 1 Timothy 4:12
The preacher was speaking tougue-in-cheek when he complained, "My wife is absolutely unreasonable. She actually expects me to live everything I preach!" It's so much easier to tell someone what is right than practice it personally.
When my son and I play golf together, I can tell him exactly how to play the hole and hit the shots. But my own ability to hit those shots is sadly limited. I suppose this is what meant when we refer to athletes who "talk the talk, but don't walk the walk." Anyone can talk a good game, but actually performing well is far more difficult.
This is particularly true in the challenge of following Jesus Christ. It is not enough for us to talk about faith - we must live out our faith. Perhaps that is why Paul, after giving instructions to his young protege Timothy about how to preach, included this reminder: "Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity... Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them" (1 Tim. 4:12, 15).
As Christ's followers, we do not have the luxury of just talking a good game - we must live lives of exemplary faith in Jesus Christ. We must walk the talk. - Bill Crowder
Do others know from how we act
At home, at work, at play,
That we have Jesus in our heart
And live for Him each day? - D. De Haan
We please God when our walk matches our talk.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
1 Timothy 4:6-16
If you instruct the brothers of these things, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, nourished in the words of the faith, and of the good doctrine which you have followed. But refuse profane and old wives' fables.
Exercise yourself toward godliness. For bodily exercise has some value, but godliness have value for all things, having the promise of the life which is now, and of that which is to came. This saying is faithful and worthy of all acceptance.
For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we have set our trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe. Command and teach these things. Let no man despise your youth; but be an example to those who believe, in word, in your way of life, in love, in spirit, in faith, and in purity.
Until I come, pay attention to reading, to exhortation, and to teaching. Don't neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the elders. Be diligent in these things.
Give yourself wholly to them, that your progress may be revealed to all. Pay attention to yourself, and to your teaching. Continue in these things, for in this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Walk in Christ is much more important than talk in Christ...
The preacher was speaking tougue-in-cheek when he complained, "My wife is absolutely unreasonable. She actually expects me to live everything I preach!" It's so much easier to tell someone what is right than practice it personally.
When my son and I play golf together, I can tell him exactly how to play the hole and hit the shots. But my own ability to hit those shots is sadly limited. I suppose this is what meant when we refer to athletes who "talk the talk, but don't walk the walk." Anyone can talk a good game, but actually performing well is far more difficult.
This is particularly true in the challenge of following Jesus Christ. It is not enough for us to talk about faith - we must live out our faith. Perhaps that is why Paul, after giving instructions to his young protege Timothy about how to preach, included this reminder: "Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity... Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them" (1 Tim. 4:12, 15).
As Christ's followers, we do not have the luxury of just talking a good game - we must live lives of exemplary faith in Jesus Christ. We must walk the talk. - Bill Crowder
Do others know from how we act
At home, at work, at play,
That we have Jesus in our heart
And live for Him each day? - D. De Haan
We please God when our walk matches our talk.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
1 Timothy 4:6-16
If you instruct the brothers of these things, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, nourished in the words of the faith, and of the good doctrine which you have followed. But refuse profane and old wives' fables.
Exercise yourself toward godliness. For bodily exercise has some value, but godliness have value for all things, having the promise of the life which is now, and of that which is to came. This saying is faithful and worthy of all acceptance.
For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we have set our trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe. Command and teach these things. Let no man despise your youth; but be an example to those who believe, in word, in your way of life, in love, in spirit, in faith, and in purity.
Until I come, pay attention to reading, to exhortation, and to teaching. Don't neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the elders. Be diligent in these things.
Give yourself wholly to them, that your progress may be revealed to all. Pay attention to yourself, and to your teaching. Continue in these things, for in this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Walk in Christ is much more important than talk in Christ...
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Ready To Speak
Always be ready to give a defense to everyone who ask you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear. - 1 Peter 3:15
Lee Eclov and his wife were at a coffee shop in Estes Park, Colorado. At another table sat four men, one of whom was mocking Christianity and the resurrection of Jesus.
Lee could sense the Lord telling him to respond. But his fear kept him from doing so. Finally, he knew he had to make a stand. So he walked over to the men and began giving historical evidence for the resurrection.
How do we respond when we're in a similar situation? The apostle Peter encouraged his readers to make a commitment to stand up for Jesus, especially during extreme suffering. This commitment meant not remaining speechless when circumstances warranted then to defend their faith. He said, "Always be ready to give a defence to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear" (1 Peter 3:15). Their readiness to answer required them to know God's Word. They were to respond in godly meekness and fear, so that their persecutors would be ashamed of their own conduct.
Had Lee Eclov remained silent or responded rudely, the cause of Christ would have suffered. Lee later wrote, "God has a way of flushing us out of our quiet little places, and when He does we must be ready to speak for Him." - Marvin Williams
When people wonder about our faith,
What answer will we give?
We'll tell of Jesus who bore our sins
And shows us how to live. - Fitzhugh
To be silent about the Savior and His salvation is a dreadful sin of omission.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
1 Peter 3:13-22
Now who is he who will harm you, if you become imitators of that which is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you are blessed. "Don't fear what they fear, neither be troubled."
But sanctify the Lord God in you hearts; and always be ready to give an answer to everyone who asks you a reason concerning the hope that is in you, with humility and fear: having a good conscience; that, while you are spoken against as evildoers, they may be disappointed who curse your good manner of life in Christ.
For it is better, if the will of God should so will, that you suffer for doing well than for doing evil. Because Christ also suffered for sins once, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring you to God; being put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit; in which he also went and preached to the spirits in prison, who before were disobedient, when God waited patiently in the days of Noah, while the ark was being built. In it, few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water.
This is a symbol of baptism, which now saves you - not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of good conscience toward God, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who is at the right hand of God, having gone into heaven, angels and authorities and power being made subject to him.
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Always have good testimony for God...
Lee Eclov and his wife were at a coffee shop in Estes Park, Colorado. At another table sat four men, one of whom was mocking Christianity and the resurrection of Jesus.
Lee could sense the Lord telling him to respond. But his fear kept him from doing so. Finally, he knew he had to make a stand. So he walked over to the men and began giving historical evidence for the resurrection.
How do we respond when we're in a similar situation? The apostle Peter encouraged his readers to make a commitment to stand up for Jesus, especially during extreme suffering. This commitment meant not remaining speechless when circumstances warranted then to defend their faith. He said, "Always be ready to give a defence to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear" (1 Peter 3:15). Their readiness to answer required them to know God's Word. They were to respond in godly meekness and fear, so that their persecutors would be ashamed of their own conduct.
Had Lee Eclov remained silent or responded rudely, the cause of Christ would have suffered. Lee later wrote, "God has a way of flushing us out of our quiet little places, and when He does we must be ready to speak for Him." - Marvin Williams
When people wonder about our faith,
What answer will we give?
We'll tell of Jesus who bore our sins
And shows us how to live. - Fitzhugh
To be silent about the Savior and His salvation is a dreadful sin of omission.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
1 Peter 3:13-22
Now who is he who will harm you, if you become imitators of that which is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you are blessed. "Don't fear what they fear, neither be troubled."
But sanctify the Lord God in you hearts; and always be ready to give an answer to everyone who asks you a reason concerning the hope that is in you, with humility and fear: having a good conscience; that, while you are spoken against as evildoers, they may be disappointed who curse your good manner of life in Christ.
For it is better, if the will of God should so will, that you suffer for doing well than for doing evil. Because Christ also suffered for sins once, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring you to God; being put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit; in which he also went and preached to the spirits in prison, who before were disobedient, when God waited patiently in the days of Noah, while the ark was being built. In it, few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water.
This is a symbol of baptism, which now saves you - not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of good conscience toward God, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who is at the right hand of God, having gone into heaven, angels and authorities and power being made subject to him.
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Always have good testimony for God...
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Who Is Deaf?
The Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save... [But] your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear. - Isaiah 59:1-2
A man told his doctor that he thought his wife was going deaf. The doctor told him to conduct a simple test. When the man reached the front door of his home, he called out, "Darling, is dinner ready?" Hearing no response, he walked inside and repeated himself. Still no reply. On the third try, when he was just behind her, he finally heard her say, "For the third time, yes!"
Similarly, the ancient Israelies thought God was dead when the problem was actually with them. Isaiah was a prophet sent to warn God's people about impending judgemet, but his message fell on deaf ears. Instead of being God's covenant people, who were to bring light to those in darkness and release them from the dungeons of sin (42:7), they refused to hear Him. "They would not walk in His ways, nor were they obedient to His law" (v.24).
The prophet explained why their prayers seemed to fall on deaf ears: "The Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; nor His ear heavy, that it cannot hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God" (Isa. 59:1-2). One reason for not receiving answers from God is that sin may be blocking our hearing. Let's examine ourselves carefully.
Our God's isn't hard of hearing. - C. P. Hia
Nothing between my soul and the Savior,
Naught of this world's delusive dream;
I have renounced all sinful pleasure,
Jesus is mine; there's nothing between. - Tindley
God speak through His Word to those who listen with their heart.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
Isaiah 42:1-4, 23-25
Behold, my servant, whom I uphold; my chosen, in whom my soul deligths: I have put my Spirit on him; he will bring forth justice to the Gentiles. He will not cry, not lift up his voice, nor cause it to be heard in the street.
A bruised reed will he not breakk, and a dimly burning wick will he not quench: he will bring forth justice in truth. He will not fail nor be discouraged, until he have set justice in the earth; and the isles shall wait for his law.
Who is there among you who will give ear to this? who will listen and hear for the time to come? Who gave Jacob for a spoil, and Israel to the robbers? Didn't Yahweh? he against who we have sinned, and in whose ways they would not walk, neither were they obedient to his law.
Therefore he poured on him the fierceness of his anger, and the strength of battle; and it set him on fire round about, yet he didn't know; and it burned him, yet he didn't lay it to heart.
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Sometime it is we ourselves refuse to listen to God...
A man told his doctor that he thought his wife was going deaf. The doctor told him to conduct a simple test. When the man reached the front door of his home, he called out, "Darling, is dinner ready?" Hearing no response, he walked inside and repeated himself. Still no reply. On the third try, when he was just behind her, he finally heard her say, "For the third time, yes!"
Similarly, the ancient Israelies thought God was dead when the problem was actually with them. Isaiah was a prophet sent to warn God's people about impending judgemet, but his message fell on deaf ears. Instead of being God's covenant people, who were to bring light to those in darkness and release them from the dungeons of sin (42:7), they refused to hear Him. "They would not walk in His ways, nor were they obedient to His law" (v.24).
The prophet explained why their prayers seemed to fall on deaf ears: "The Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; nor His ear heavy, that it cannot hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God" (Isa. 59:1-2). One reason for not receiving answers from God is that sin may be blocking our hearing. Let's examine ourselves carefully.
Our God's isn't hard of hearing. - C. P. Hia
Nothing between my soul and the Savior,
Naught of this world's delusive dream;
I have renounced all sinful pleasure,
Jesus is mine; there's nothing between. - Tindley
God speak through His Word to those who listen with their heart.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
Isaiah 42:1-4, 23-25
Behold, my servant, whom I uphold; my chosen, in whom my soul deligths: I have put my Spirit on him; he will bring forth justice to the Gentiles. He will not cry, not lift up his voice, nor cause it to be heard in the street.
A bruised reed will he not breakk, and a dimly burning wick will he not quench: he will bring forth justice in truth. He will not fail nor be discouraged, until he have set justice in the earth; and the isles shall wait for his law.
Who is there among you who will give ear to this? who will listen and hear for the time to come? Who gave Jacob for a spoil, and Israel to the robbers? Didn't Yahweh? he against who we have sinned, and in whose ways they would not walk, neither were they obedient to his law.
Therefore he poured on him the fierceness of his anger, and the strength of battle; and it set him on fire round about, yet he didn't know; and it burned him, yet he didn't lay it to heart.
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Sometime it is we ourselves refuse to listen to God...
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Eternity In Our Hearts
He has put eternity in their hearts. - Ecclesiastes 3:11
I once came across a scene of beauty outside Anchorage, Alaska. Against a slate-gray sky, the water of an ocean inlet had a slight greenish cast, interrupted by small whitecaps. Soon I saw these were not whitecaps at all but whales - silvery white bueluga whales in a pod feeding no more than 50 feet offshore. I stood with other onlookers, listening to the rhythmic motion of the sea, following the graceful, ghostly crescents of surfacing whales. The crowd was hushed, even reverent. For just a moment, nothing else mattered.
The author of Ecclesiastes would have understood the crowd's response. He sees with dazzling clarity the beauty in the created world and that God "has put eternity in their hearts" (3:11). Such an elegant phrase applies to much in human experience. Surely in hints at a religious instinct. Our hearts perceive eternity in ways other than the religious.
Ecclesiastes presents both seides of life on this planet: the promise of pleasures so alluring that we may devote our lives to their pursuit, and the haunting realization that these pleasures ultimately do not satisfy. God's tantalizing world is too big for us. Unless we acknowledge our limits and subject ourselves to God's rule, unless we trust the Giver of all good gufts, we will end up in despair. - Philip Yancey
Amid the measured music
What watchful ear can hear
God's voice admist the garden?
Yet hush! for He is here! - Charles
To make the most of today, keep eternity in mind.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
Ecclesiastes 3:9-17
What profit has he who works in that in which he labors? I have seen the burden which God has given to the sons of men to be afflicted with. Ha has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in their hearts, yet so that man can't find out the work that God has done from the beginning even to the end. I
know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice, and to do good as long as they live. Also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy good in all his labor, is the gift of God. I know that whatever God does, it shall be forever. Nothing can be added to it, nor anything taken from it; and God has done it, that men should fear before him.
That which is has been long ago, and that which is to be has been long ago: and God seeks again that which is passed away. Moreover I saw under the Sun, in the place of justice, that wickedness was there; and in the place of righteousness, that wickedness was there.
I said in my heart, "God will judge the righteous and the wicked; for there is a time there for every purpose and for every work."
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
We can easily accept Jesus as our personal Saviour... I think is because of this... "Eternity in Our Heart"...
I once came across a scene of beauty outside Anchorage, Alaska. Against a slate-gray sky, the water of an ocean inlet had a slight greenish cast, interrupted by small whitecaps. Soon I saw these were not whitecaps at all but whales - silvery white bueluga whales in a pod feeding no more than 50 feet offshore. I stood with other onlookers, listening to the rhythmic motion of the sea, following the graceful, ghostly crescents of surfacing whales. The crowd was hushed, even reverent. For just a moment, nothing else mattered.
The author of Ecclesiastes would have understood the crowd's response. He sees with dazzling clarity the beauty in the created world and that God "has put eternity in their hearts" (3:11). Such an elegant phrase applies to much in human experience. Surely in hints at a religious instinct. Our hearts perceive eternity in ways other than the religious.
Ecclesiastes presents both seides of life on this planet: the promise of pleasures so alluring that we may devote our lives to their pursuit, and the haunting realization that these pleasures ultimately do not satisfy. God's tantalizing world is too big for us. Unless we acknowledge our limits and subject ourselves to God's rule, unless we trust the Giver of all good gufts, we will end up in despair. - Philip Yancey
Amid the measured music
What watchful ear can hear
God's voice admist the garden?
Yet hush! for He is here! - Charles
To make the most of today, keep eternity in mind.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
Ecclesiastes 3:9-17
What profit has he who works in that in which he labors? I have seen the burden which God has given to the sons of men to be afflicted with. Ha has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in their hearts, yet so that man can't find out the work that God has done from the beginning even to the end. I
know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice, and to do good as long as they live. Also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy good in all his labor, is the gift of God. I know that whatever God does, it shall be forever. Nothing can be added to it, nor anything taken from it; and God has done it, that men should fear before him.
That which is has been long ago, and that which is to be has been long ago: and God seeks again that which is passed away. Moreover I saw under the Sun, in the place of justice, that wickedness was there; and in the place of righteousness, that wickedness was there.
I said in my heart, "God will judge the righteous and the wicked; for there is a time there for every purpose and for every work."
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
We can easily accept Jesus as our personal Saviour... I think is because of this... "Eternity in Our Heart"...
Monday, July 20, 2009
Small Step - Giant Leap
Be renewed in the spirit of your mind. - Ephesians 4:23
In July 1969, I was at Fort Benning, Georgia, training to become a US Army officer. Infantry Officer Candidate School was intense and highly regimented with only rare moments of free time. Surprisingly, on the evening of July 20, we were front of a flickering television set, and told simply, "This is history."
Amazed, we watched Apollo 11 astronaut Neil Armstrong become the first human to set foot on the moon as he said, "That's one small step for man; one giant leap for mankind." Our usual curfew was suspended and we talked late into the night - not only about what we had witnessed but about life, God, and eternity. Our demanding routine had been interrupted, and our attention was shifted to what truly matters.
All of us need to shift our focus on a daily basis. Maintaining a regular time alone with God allows us to step away from our demanding jobs, break the routine, and concentrate on Him through the Bible and prayer. Our thoughts and actions will change as we follow Paul's urging to "be renewed in the spirit of your mind" (Eph. 4:23).
What may seem like a small step can be a giant leap each day in our life of faith in Christ. - David C. McCasland
A small step is a giant leap
In growth and faith each day
If this step is your time with God
To read His Word and pray. - Sper
Each small step of faith is a giant step of growth.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
Ephesians 4:17-24
This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind, being darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardening of their hearts; who having become callous gave themselves up to lust, to work all uncleanness with greediness.
But you did not learn Christ that way; if indeed you heard him, and were taught in him, even as truth is in Jesus: that you put away, as concerning your former way of life, the old man, that grows corrupt after the lusts of deceit; and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new man, who in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of truth.
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Love other as for loving God... however, before loving other, love God and parents first... for they love us so much... whatever mistake was did, they will always forgive us and continue giving us their love...
In July 1969, I was at Fort Benning, Georgia, training to become a US Army officer. Infantry Officer Candidate School was intense and highly regimented with only rare moments of free time. Surprisingly, on the evening of July 20, we were front of a flickering television set, and told simply, "This is history."
Amazed, we watched Apollo 11 astronaut Neil Armstrong become the first human to set foot on the moon as he said, "That's one small step for man; one giant leap for mankind." Our usual curfew was suspended and we talked late into the night - not only about what we had witnessed but about life, God, and eternity. Our demanding routine had been interrupted, and our attention was shifted to what truly matters.
All of us need to shift our focus on a daily basis. Maintaining a regular time alone with God allows us to step away from our demanding jobs, break the routine, and concentrate on Him through the Bible and prayer. Our thoughts and actions will change as we follow Paul's urging to "be renewed in the spirit of your mind" (Eph. 4:23).
What may seem like a small step can be a giant leap each day in our life of faith in Christ. - David C. McCasland
A small step is a giant leap
In growth and faith each day
If this step is your time with God
To read His Word and pray. - Sper
Each small step of faith is a giant step of growth.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
Ephesians 4:17-24
This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind, being darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardening of their hearts; who having become callous gave themselves up to lust, to work all uncleanness with greediness.
But you did not learn Christ that way; if indeed you heard him, and were taught in him, even as truth is in Jesus: that you put away, as concerning your former way of life, the old man, that grows corrupt after the lusts of deceit; and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new man, who in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of truth.
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Love other as for loving God... however, before loving other, love God and parents first... for they love us so much... whatever mistake was did, they will always forgive us and continue giving us their love...
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Till Be Became Strong
His frame spred far and wide, for he was marvelously helped till he became strong. - 2 Chronicles 26:15
In George MacDonald's fairy tale Lilith, giants live among normal people. These giants must conduct their daily affairs very carefully. When they sleep, their snoring is disruptive. When they turn over, houses may be crushed under their weight.
In the Bible, Uzziah became a "giant" of a man after becoming king at age 16. The keys to his success are recorded in 2 Chronicles 26. His father Amaziah set a good example for him (v.4). The prophet Zechariah instructed him (v.5). He had an army of fighting men and capable generals who helped him (w. 11-15). And God prospered him (v.5).
Clearly, King Uzziah became a "giant" through the Lord's blessing. But after attaining success, he grew careless and stumbled badly. The clue to his demise is found in the phrase "he was marvelously helped till he became strong" (v.15).
Those last four words serve as a dire warning to us all. Uzziah's "heart was lifted up, to his destruction" (v.16). He usurped the priestly duties and became leprous (w. 16-21).
We have all been marvelously helped - by our Lord God, by those He has given to set an example for us, and by those who serve alongside us. When we become strong, we must take heed, or we too will stumble. - Albert Lee
When all goes well and I feel strong,
Oh, help me, Lord, to see
That I must place my confidence
In You and not in me. - Anon
In have never met a man who has given me as much trouble as myself. - D. L. Moody
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
2 Chronicles 26:3-15
Sixteen years old was Uzziah when he began to reign; and he reigned fifty-two years in Jerusalem: and his mother's name was Jechiliah, of Jerusalem. He did that which was right in the eyes of Yahweh, according to all that his father Amaziah had done.
He set himself to seek God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding in the vision of God: and as long as he sought Yahweh, God made him prosper.
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
When we get something easily, dont think that it is cheap... all this is just because Lord love all of us... therefore we are able to get it...
In George MacDonald's fairy tale Lilith, giants live among normal people. These giants must conduct their daily affairs very carefully. When they sleep, their snoring is disruptive. When they turn over, houses may be crushed under their weight.
In the Bible, Uzziah became a "giant" of a man after becoming king at age 16. The keys to his success are recorded in 2 Chronicles 26. His father Amaziah set a good example for him (v.4). The prophet Zechariah instructed him (v.5). He had an army of fighting men and capable generals who helped him (w. 11-15). And God prospered him (v.5).
Clearly, King Uzziah became a "giant" through the Lord's blessing. But after attaining success, he grew careless and stumbled badly. The clue to his demise is found in the phrase "he was marvelously helped till he became strong" (v.15).
Those last four words serve as a dire warning to us all. Uzziah's "heart was lifted up, to his destruction" (v.16). He usurped the priestly duties and became leprous (w. 16-21).
We have all been marvelously helped - by our Lord God, by those He has given to set an example for us, and by those who serve alongside us. When we become strong, we must take heed, or we too will stumble. - Albert Lee
When all goes well and I feel strong,
Oh, help me, Lord, to see
That I must place my confidence
In You and not in me. - Anon
In have never met a man who has given me as much trouble as myself. - D. L. Moody
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
2 Chronicles 26:3-15
Sixteen years old was Uzziah when he began to reign; and he reigned fifty-two years in Jerusalem: and his mother's name was Jechiliah, of Jerusalem. He did that which was right in the eyes of Yahweh, according to all that his father Amaziah had done.
He set himself to seek God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding in the vision of God: and as long as he sought Yahweh, God made him prosper.
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
When we get something easily, dont think that it is cheap... all this is just because Lord love all of us... therefore we are able to get it...
Saturday, July 18, 2009
A Donkey In Lion's Clothing
Beware of false prophets... in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. - Matthew 7:15
In the final book of C. S. Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia, The Last Battle, a devious ape named Shift finds an old lion's skin and persuades a simpleminded donkey to put it on. Shift then claims that the disguised donkey is Aslan (the Lion who is the rightful king of Narnia) and forms an alliance with Narnia's enemies. Together they set out to control and enslave the subjects of Narnia. Young King Tirian, however, can't believe that Aslan would actually be involved with such brutal practices. So, with the help of the real Aslan, he defeats Shift and his counterfeit lion.
The Bible tells us that devil is in the business of imitating God. His goal is "to be like the Most High" (Isa. 14:12-15). Through deception, Satan tries to replace Christ with a substitute. Jesus Himself warned us of false prophets and false christ: "Take heed that no one deceive you. For many will come in My name, saying, 'I am the Christ,' and will deceive many" (Matt. 24:4-5).
How can we tell the real Christ from the counterfeit? The only authentic Christ is the one described in Scripture. Anyone or anything that portrays a different Jesus than the One presented in the Bible is promoting "a donkey in lion's clothing." - Dennis Fisher
Beware of anyone who claims
To speak directly from the Lord
If what he says does not agree
With everything that's in God's Word. - Sper
God's Word gives wisdom to discern what is false.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
Matthew 7:15-23
"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves. By their fruit you will know them. Do you gather grapes from thorns, or figs from thistles?
Even so, every good tree produces good fruit; but the corrupt tree produces evil fruit. A good tree can't produce evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree produce good fruit. Every tree that doesn't grow good fruit is cut down, and thrown into the fire.
Therefore, by their fruit you will know them. Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven; but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.
Many will tell me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, didn't we prophesy in your name, in your name cast out demons, and in your name do many mighty works?' Then I will tell them, 'I never knew you. Depart from me, you who work iniquity.'
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
In the final book of C. S. Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia, The Last Battle, a devious ape named Shift finds an old lion's skin and persuades a simpleminded donkey to put it on. Shift then claims that the disguised donkey is Aslan (the Lion who is the rightful king of Narnia) and forms an alliance with Narnia's enemies. Together they set out to control and enslave the subjects of Narnia. Young King Tirian, however, can't believe that Aslan would actually be involved with such brutal practices. So, with the help of the real Aslan, he defeats Shift and his counterfeit lion.
The Bible tells us that devil is in the business of imitating God. His goal is "to be like the Most High" (Isa. 14:12-15). Through deception, Satan tries to replace Christ with a substitute. Jesus Himself warned us of false prophets and false christ: "Take heed that no one deceive you. For many will come in My name, saying, 'I am the Christ,' and will deceive many" (Matt. 24:4-5).
How can we tell the real Christ from the counterfeit? The only authentic Christ is the one described in Scripture. Anyone or anything that portrays a different Jesus than the One presented in the Bible is promoting "a donkey in lion's clothing." - Dennis Fisher
Beware of anyone who claims
To speak directly from the Lord
If what he says does not agree
With everything that's in God's Word. - Sper
God's Word gives wisdom to discern what is false.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
Matthew 7:15-23
"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves. By their fruit you will know them. Do you gather grapes from thorns, or figs from thistles?
Even so, every good tree produces good fruit; but the corrupt tree produces evil fruit. A good tree can't produce evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree produce good fruit. Every tree that doesn't grow good fruit is cut down, and thrown into the fire.
Therefore, by their fruit you will know them. Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven; but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.
Many will tell me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, didn't we prophesy in your name, in your name cast out demons, and in your name do many mighty works?' Then I will tell them, 'I never knew you. Depart from me, you who work iniquity.'
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Friday, July 17, 2009
When The Ground Shakes
In my distress, I called upon the Lord. - Psalms 18:6
Several days after a devasting earthquake in the San Francisco area, a young boy was seen rocking and swaying on the school playground. His principal asked him if he was okay, and the boy nodded yes and said, "I am moving like the earth, so if there's another earthquake I won't fell it." He wanted to prepare himself for another shaking of the ground.
Sometimes after a trauma, we brace ourselves for what might be coming next. If we've had a phone call that brought bad news, every time the phone rings we feel panicky and wonder, What has happened now?
The "ground was shaking" for the psalmist David after King Saul tried to kill him (1 Sam. 19:10). He ran and hid. He thought death was next and told his friend Jonathan, "There is but a step between me and death" (20:3). He wrote, "The pangs of death surrounded me, and the floods of ungodliness made me afraid" (Ps. 18:4).
David cried to the Lord in his distress (v.6) and found that He was a stabilizer, One he could trust would always be with him. He said, "The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust, ... my stronghold" (v.2). The Lord will be that for us also when the ground shakes under us. - Anne Cetas
The Lord's our Rock, in Him we hide,
A shelter in the time of storm;
Secure whatever ill betide,
A shelter in the time of storm. - Charlesworth
To survive the storms of life, be anchored to the Rock of Ages.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
Psalm 18:1-6
I love you, Yahweh, my strength. Yahweh is my rock, my fortress, and my deliver; My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; My shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower. I call on Yahweh, who is worthy to be praised; And I am saved from my enemies.
The cords of death surrounded me. The floods of ungodliness made me afraid. The cords of Sheol were round about me; The snares of death came on me. In my distress I called on Yahweh, And cried to my God. He heard my voice out of his temple, My cry before him came into his ears.
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Jesus Father Lord... for You are my only depent... I need you for everything... and I love you now and wish it will last forever... :)
Several days after a devasting earthquake in the San Francisco area, a young boy was seen rocking and swaying on the school playground. His principal asked him if he was okay, and the boy nodded yes and said, "I am moving like the earth, so if there's another earthquake I won't fell it." He wanted to prepare himself for another shaking of the ground.
Sometimes after a trauma, we brace ourselves for what might be coming next. If we've had a phone call that brought bad news, every time the phone rings we feel panicky and wonder, What has happened now?
The "ground was shaking" for the psalmist David after King Saul tried to kill him (1 Sam. 19:10). He ran and hid. He thought death was next and told his friend Jonathan, "There is but a step between me and death" (20:3). He wrote, "The pangs of death surrounded me, and the floods of ungodliness made me afraid" (Ps. 18:4).
David cried to the Lord in his distress (v.6) and found that He was a stabilizer, One he could trust would always be with him. He said, "The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust, ... my stronghold" (v.2). The Lord will be that for us also when the ground shakes under us. - Anne Cetas
The Lord's our Rock, in Him we hide,
A shelter in the time of storm;
Secure whatever ill betide,
A shelter in the time of storm. - Charlesworth
To survive the storms of life, be anchored to the Rock of Ages.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
Psalm 18:1-6
I love you, Yahweh, my strength. Yahweh is my rock, my fortress, and my deliver; My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; My shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower. I call on Yahweh, who is worthy to be praised; And I am saved from my enemies.
The cords of death surrounded me. The floods of ungodliness made me afraid. The cords of Sheol were round about me; The snares of death came on me. In my distress I called on Yahweh, And cried to my God. He heard my voice out of his temple, My cry before him came into his ears.
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Jesus Father Lord... for You are my only depent... I need you for everything... and I love you now and wish it will last forever... :)
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Behind The Building
Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. - 1 Corinthians 15:58
Where we were working was hot, dirty, and it smelled bad. We had traveled thousand of miles to do same work projects, and on this day we were painting the back of a classroom building at a school for the deaf. The only people who would ever see this part of the building would be the guy who cut the grass and any unfortunate person who would have to work on the septic pit.
Yes, as the young adults diligently painted away, one of the girls, Melissa, put it in perspective by saying "Nobody will ever come back here to see this, but God will see it. So let
s make it look nice." And so we did.
Sometimes we sit at our desk and think no one sees our work. Or we stand at a line assembling item after endless item. Perhaps we take care of crying babies in the church nursery. Or we live the best Christian life we can - without anyone noticing.
Often our work is "behind the building." But if that is what God has called us to do, we need to work with all our heart. As part of our calling to love others deeply (1 Peter 4:8), often hospitality (v.9), and use our gifts to serve others (v.10), our task is to work with God's strength to bring praise and glory to God, not ourselves. The important thing is that God likes what He sees. - Dave Branon
Though others may not observe us
And see how we serve God today,
Our job as servants of Jesus
Is to please Him in every way. - Branon
No service for Christ goes unnoticed by Him.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
1 Peter 4:8-11
And above all things be earnest in your love among yourselves, for love covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable one to another without grumbling. According as each has received a gift, be ministering it among yourselves, as good stewards of the grace of God in its various forms.
If any man speaks, let it be as it were oracles of God. If any man serves, let it be as of the strength which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Whatever we do, just think of God and we shall not be away from the path ready by Him...
Where we were working was hot, dirty, and it smelled bad. We had traveled thousand of miles to do same work projects, and on this day we were painting the back of a classroom building at a school for the deaf. The only people who would ever see this part of the building would be the guy who cut the grass and any unfortunate person who would have to work on the septic pit.
Yes, as the young adults diligently painted away, one of the girls, Melissa, put it in perspective by saying "Nobody will ever come back here to see this, but God will see it. So let
s make it look nice." And so we did.
Sometimes we sit at our desk and think no one sees our work. Or we stand at a line assembling item after endless item. Perhaps we take care of crying babies in the church nursery. Or we live the best Christian life we can - without anyone noticing.
Often our work is "behind the building." But if that is what God has called us to do, we need to work with all our heart. As part of our calling to love others deeply (1 Peter 4:8), often hospitality (v.9), and use our gifts to serve others (v.10), our task is to work with God's strength to bring praise and glory to God, not ourselves. The important thing is that God likes what He sees. - Dave Branon
Though others may not observe us
And see how we serve God today,
Our job as servants of Jesus
Is to please Him in every way. - Branon
No service for Christ goes unnoticed by Him.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
1 Peter 4:8-11
And above all things be earnest in your love among yourselves, for love covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable one to another without grumbling. According as each has received a gift, be ministering it among yourselves, as good stewards of the grace of God in its various forms.
If any man speaks, let it be as it were oracles of God. If any man serves, let it be as of the strength which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Whatever we do, just think of God and we shall not be away from the path ready by Him...
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
One Passion
If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. - Luke 14:26
Nechayev, a 19th-century disciple of Karl Marx who had a role in the assassination of Czar Alexander II, wrote: "The revolutionary man... has no personal interests, no business affairs, no emotions, no attachments, no property, and no name. Everything in him is wholly absorbed in the single thought and the single passion for revolution." Although his motives and goals were wrong, Nechayev's statement shows the singlemindedness of commitment.
Jesus wanted true commitment from His disciples. In Luke 14, we read that large crowds joined Him as He traveled toward Jerusalem (v.25). Perhaps these casual followers considered themselves to be His true disciples, but Jesus taught that following Him was more than just knowing facts about Him. He explained what it really meant to be His disciple when He defined the cost of discipleship: Nothing, not love for father or mother or even one's own life, was to take precedence over loyalty to Jesus (w. 26-33). His disciples (then and now) must acknowledge that if God is to be primary in their lives, possessions and even social relationships have to be secondary.
Jesus calls His followers to be absorbed in a single, exclusive thought and passion - Him. - Marvin Williams
Set us afire, Lord, stir us we pray!
While the world perishes, we go our way
Purposeless, passionless, day after day;
Set us afire, Lord, stir us we pray! - Cushman
Our love for Jesus is the key to spiritual passion.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
Luke 14:25-35
Now great multiude were going with him. He turned and said to them, "If anyone comes to me, and doesn't hate his own father, mother, wife, chidren, brothers, and sisers, yes, and his own life also, he can't be my disciple.
Whoever doesn't bear his own cross, and come after me, can't be my disciple. For which of you, desiring to build a tower, doesn't first sit down and count the cost, to see if he has enough to complete it? Or perhaps, when he has laid a foundation, and is not able to finish, everyoen who sees begins to mock him, saying, 'This man began to build, and wasn't able to finish.'
Or what king, as he goes to encounter another king in was, will not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sends an envoy, and asks for conditions of peace.
So therefore whoever of you who doesn't renounce all that he has, he can't be my disciple. Salt is good, but if the salt flat and tasteless, with what do you season it? It is fit neither for the soil not for the manure pile. It is thrown out. He who has ears to hear, let him hear."
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Let go everything to follow Him... and be salt and light of the world... :P
Nechayev, a 19th-century disciple of Karl Marx who had a role in the assassination of Czar Alexander II, wrote: "The revolutionary man... has no personal interests, no business affairs, no emotions, no attachments, no property, and no name. Everything in him is wholly absorbed in the single thought and the single passion for revolution." Although his motives and goals were wrong, Nechayev's statement shows the singlemindedness of commitment.
Jesus wanted true commitment from His disciples. In Luke 14, we read that large crowds joined Him as He traveled toward Jerusalem (v.25). Perhaps these casual followers considered themselves to be His true disciples, but Jesus taught that following Him was more than just knowing facts about Him. He explained what it really meant to be His disciple when He defined the cost of discipleship: Nothing, not love for father or mother or even one's own life, was to take precedence over loyalty to Jesus (w. 26-33). His disciples (then and now) must acknowledge that if God is to be primary in their lives, possessions and even social relationships have to be secondary.
Jesus calls His followers to be absorbed in a single, exclusive thought and passion - Him. - Marvin Williams
Set us afire, Lord, stir us we pray!
While the world perishes, we go our way
Purposeless, passionless, day after day;
Set us afire, Lord, stir us we pray! - Cushman
Our love for Jesus is the key to spiritual passion.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
Luke 14:25-35
Now great multiude were going with him. He turned and said to them, "If anyone comes to me, and doesn't hate his own father, mother, wife, chidren, brothers, and sisers, yes, and his own life also, he can't be my disciple.
Whoever doesn't bear his own cross, and come after me, can't be my disciple. For which of you, desiring to build a tower, doesn't first sit down and count the cost, to see if he has enough to complete it? Or perhaps, when he has laid a foundation, and is not able to finish, everyoen who sees begins to mock him, saying, 'This man began to build, and wasn't able to finish.'
Or what king, as he goes to encounter another king in was, will not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sends an envoy, and asks for conditions of peace.
So therefore whoever of you who doesn't renounce all that he has, he can't be my disciple. Salt is good, but if the salt flat and tasteless, with what do you season it? It is fit neither for the soil not for the manure pile. It is thrown out. He who has ears to hear, let him hear."
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Let go everything to follow Him... and be salt and light of the world... :P
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Love Is For Losers?
Now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. - 1 Corinthians 13:13
You can learn a lot about a person by what his or her T-shirt says. Recently, one of these messages caught my attention as I walked through a local shopping mall. A young woman wore a bright red T-shirt that said, "Love is for Losers." Maybe she thought it was clever or provocative, even funny. Or perhaps she had been hurt by a relationship and had pulled away from others rahter than risk being hurt again. Either way, the T-shirt got me thinking.
Is love for losers? The fact is, when we love, we take risks. People could very well hurt us, disappoint us, or even leave us. Love can lead to loss.
The Bible, though, challenges us to higher ground in loving others. In 1 Corinthians 13, Paul describes what it means to live out God's kind of love. The person who exercises godly love doesn't do so for personal benefit or gain but rather "bears all things, believes all things" (13:7). Why? Because godly love endures beyond life's hurts by pulling us relentlessly toward the never-diminishing care of the Father.
So, perhaps love is for losers - for it is in times of loss and disappontment that we need God the most. Even in our strunggles, we know that "love never fails." - Bill Crowder
Unfailing is God's matchless love,
So kind, so pure, so true;
And those who draw upon that love
Show love in what thy do. - D. De Haan
God's love never fails.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
1 Corinthians 13
If I speak with the languages of men and of angels, but don't have love, I have become sounding brass, or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but don't have love, I am nothing. If I dole out all my goods to feed the poor, and if I give my body to be burned, but don't have love, it profits me nothing.
Love is patient and is kind; love doesn't envy. Love doesn't brag, is not proud, doesn't behave itself inappropriately, doesn't seek its own way, is not provoked, takes no account of evil; doesn't rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.
But where there are prophecies, they will be done away with. Where there are various languages, they will cease. Where there is knowledge, it will be done away with. For me know in part, and we prophesy in part; but when that which is complete has come, then that which is partial will be done away with.
When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I felt as a child, I thought as a child. Now that I have become a man, I have put away childish things. For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I will know fully, even as I was also fully known. But now faith, hope, and love remain - these three. The greatest of these is love.
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Love from people may disappointed us... but God's love never fail... sometimes it may seems like He is destroying our life... but in the end we will find out that, it is the best for us... just have to remember that, whatever is it, God still love all of us... Whatever He do, is because He loves us... :) Thank God for loving me so much... :)
You can learn a lot about a person by what his or her T-shirt says. Recently, one of these messages caught my attention as I walked through a local shopping mall. A young woman wore a bright red T-shirt that said, "Love is for Losers." Maybe she thought it was clever or provocative, even funny. Or perhaps she had been hurt by a relationship and had pulled away from others rahter than risk being hurt again. Either way, the T-shirt got me thinking.
Is love for losers? The fact is, when we love, we take risks. People could very well hurt us, disappoint us, or even leave us. Love can lead to loss.
The Bible, though, challenges us to higher ground in loving others. In 1 Corinthians 13, Paul describes what it means to live out God's kind of love. The person who exercises godly love doesn't do so for personal benefit or gain but rather "bears all things, believes all things" (13:7). Why? Because godly love endures beyond life's hurts by pulling us relentlessly toward the never-diminishing care of the Father.
So, perhaps love is for losers - for it is in times of loss and disappontment that we need God the most. Even in our strunggles, we know that "love never fails." - Bill Crowder
Unfailing is God's matchless love,
So kind, so pure, so true;
And those who draw upon that love
Show love in what thy do. - D. De Haan
God's love never fails.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
1 Corinthians 13
If I speak with the languages of men and of angels, but don't have love, I have become sounding brass, or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but don't have love, I am nothing. If I dole out all my goods to feed the poor, and if I give my body to be burned, but don't have love, it profits me nothing.
Love is patient and is kind; love doesn't envy. Love doesn't brag, is not proud, doesn't behave itself inappropriately, doesn't seek its own way, is not provoked, takes no account of evil; doesn't rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.
But where there are prophecies, they will be done away with. Where there are various languages, they will cease. Where there is knowledge, it will be done away with. For me know in part, and we prophesy in part; but when that which is complete has come, then that which is partial will be done away with.
When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I felt as a child, I thought as a child. Now that I have become a man, I have put away childish things. For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I will know fully, even as I was also fully known. But now faith, hope, and love remain - these three. The greatest of these is love.
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Love from people may disappointed us... but God's love never fail... sometimes it may seems like He is destroying our life... but in the end we will find out that, it is the best for us... just have to remember that, whatever is it, God still love all of us... Whatever He do, is because He loves us... :) Thank God for loving me so much... :)
First Church Of The Lampstand
Repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand. - Revelation 2:5
I love it when churches have name like "King of Glory Lutheran Church" or "Alpha and Omega Missionary Baptist Church." If the church in Ephesus were still around, maybe we'd call them something nifty like "First Church of the Lampstand."
We often miss the significance of John's glorious vision in Revelation 1 of Jesus standing among the seven golden lampstands. These weren't just decorative candelabras but substantial sources of light. How significant, then, that the lampstands represent the seven churches who were called to bring the light of Jesus into a very dark world.
We live in dark world that desperately needs the candlepower of Christ shining through us. Let's be careful, then, not to repeat the mistake of the Ephesians who "left first love" (Rev. 2:4). Although praised for doing many things well, they had falled to keep Jesus in first place.
It's easy to let things crowd Jesus out until soon we're doing "church work" for all the wrong reasons. What then? We lose our impact. Jesus warned, "Repent and do the first works, or else I will... remove your lampstand from its place" (v. 5). We can't afford to let that happen. Keep Jesus Christ in first place so that His light will continue to shine brightly in this dark world. - Joe Stowell
Lord, help us always put You first
In everything we say and do
So that Your light will shine through us
And show the world their need of You. - Sper
Works that are done out of love for Jesus shine brightest in a dark world.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
Revelation 1:10-2:5
I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and I heard behind me a loud voice, like a trumpet saying, "What you see, write in a book and send to the seven assemblies: to Ephesus, Smyma, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and to Laodicea."
I turned to see the voice that spoke to me. Having turned, I saw seven golden lampstands. And among the lampstands was one like a son of man, clothed with a robe reaching down to his feet, and with a golden sash around his chest.
His head and his hair were white as white wool, like snow. His eyes were like a flame of fire. His feet were like burnished brass, as if it had been refined in a furnace. His voice was like the voice of many waters. He had seven stars in his right hand. Out of his mouth proceed a sharp two-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining at its brightest.
When I saw him, I fell at his feet like a dead man. He laid his right hand on me, saying, "Don't be afraid. I am the first and the last, and the living one. I was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. I have the keys of Death and of Hades. Write therefore the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will happen hereafter; the mystery of the seven stars which you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden lampstands. The seven stars are the angels of the seven assemblies. The seven lampstands are seven assemblies.
To the angel of the assembly in Ephesus write: "He who holds the seven star in his right hand, he who walks among the seven golden lampstands says these things: "I know your works, and your toil and perseverance, and that you can't tolerate evil men, and have tested those who call themselves apostles, and they are not, and found them false. You have perseverance and have endured for my name's sake, and have not grown weary.
But I have this against you, that you left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen, and repent and do the first works; or else I am coming to you swiftly, and will move your lampstand out of its place, unless you repent.
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Whatever we do, let's put the work of Lord at the first place... and we shall get blessing from Him... Not only work for the blessing... don't you think that we suppose to do so?!... I love it so I do it... is like when loving someone, you will definitely do whatever it is for your love one... same goes to Christian... when we really love God, we won't do something to hurt Him... or make Him the last work... we won't... we will just do for Him... no matter what...
I love it when churches have name like "King of Glory Lutheran Church" or "Alpha and Omega Missionary Baptist Church." If the church in Ephesus were still around, maybe we'd call them something nifty like "First Church of the Lampstand."
We often miss the significance of John's glorious vision in Revelation 1 of Jesus standing among the seven golden lampstands. These weren't just decorative candelabras but substantial sources of light. How significant, then, that the lampstands represent the seven churches who were called to bring the light of Jesus into a very dark world.
We live in dark world that desperately needs the candlepower of Christ shining through us. Let's be careful, then, not to repeat the mistake of the Ephesians who "left first love" (Rev. 2:4). Although praised for doing many things well, they had falled to keep Jesus in first place.
It's easy to let things crowd Jesus out until soon we're doing "church work" for all the wrong reasons. What then? We lose our impact. Jesus warned, "Repent and do the first works, or else I will... remove your lampstand from its place" (v. 5). We can't afford to let that happen. Keep Jesus Christ in first place so that His light will continue to shine brightly in this dark world. - Joe Stowell
Lord, help us always put You first
In everything we say and do
So that Your light will shine through us
And show the world their need of You. - Sper
Works that are done out of love for Jesus shine brightest in a dark world.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
Revelation 1:10-2:5
I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and I heard behind me a loud voice, like a trumpet saying, "What you see, write in a book and send to the seven assemblies: to Ephesus, Smyma, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and to Laodicea."
I turned to see the voice that spoke to me. Having turned, I saw seven golden lampstands. And among the lampstands was one like a son of man, clothed with a robe reaching down to his feet, and with a golden sash around his chest.
His head and his hair were white as white wool, like snow. His eyes were like a flame of fire. His feet were like burnished brass, as if it had been refined in a furnace. His voice was like the voice of many waters. He had seven stars in his right hand. Out of his mouth proceed a sharp two-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining at its brightest.
When I saw him, I fell at his feet like a dead man. He laid his right hand on me, saying, "Don't be afraid. I am the first and the last, and the living one. I was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. I have the keys of Death and of Hades. Write therefore the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will happen hereafter; the mystery of the seven stars which you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden lampstands. The seven stars are the angels of the seven assemblies. The seven lampstands are seven assemblies.
To the angel of the assembly in Ephesus write: "He who holds the seven star in his right hand, he who walks among the seven golden lampstands says these things: "I know your works, and your toil and perseverance, and that you can't tolerate evil men, and have tested those who call themselves apostles, and they are not, and found them false. You have perseverance and have endured for my name's sake, and have not grown weary.
But I have this against you, that you left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen, and repent and do the first works; or else I am coming to you swiftly, and will move your lampstand out of its place, unless you repent.
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Whatever we do, let's put the work of Lord at the first place... and we shall get blessing from Him... Not only work for the blessing... don't you think that we suppose to do so?!... I love it so I do it... is like when loving someone, you will definitely do whatever it is for your love one... same goes to Christian... when we really love God, we won't do something to hurt Him... or make Him the last work... we won't... we will just do for Him... no matter what...
Sunday, July 12, 2009
He Watches Me
Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. - Matthew 10:31
One Sunday morning at church, we sang "His Eye Is on the Sparrow" as a congregationals hymn. It was a rate opportunity to give voice to a song usally performed by a soloist.
During the first chorus, I noticed a friend who was weeping so hard that he couldn't sing. Knowing a bit of what he had been through recently, I recognized his tears as ones of joy at realizing that, no matter what our situation, God sees, knows, and cares for us.
Jesus said, "Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father's will. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows" (Matt. 10:29-31). The Lord spoke these words to His 12 disciples as He sent them out to teach, heal, and bear witness of Him to "the lost sheep of the house of Israel" (v.6). He told them that even though they would face persecution for His sake, they should not be afraid, even of death (w. 22-26).
When threatening circumstances press us to lose hope, we can find encouragement in the words of this song: "I sing because I'm happy, I sing because I'm free. For His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me." We are under His watchful care. - David C. McCasland
If God sees the sparrow's fall,
Paints the lilies short and tall,
Gives the skies their azure hue,
Will He not then care for you? - Anon
When you put your cares in God's hands, He puts His peace in your heart.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
Matthew 10:16-31
"Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to councils, and in their synagogues they will scourge you.
Yes, and you will be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony to them and to the Gentiles. But when they deliver you up, don't be anxious how or what you will say, for it will be given you in that hour what you will say. For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.
"Brother will deliver up brother to death, and the father and his child. Children will rise up against parents, and cause them to be put to death. You will be hated by men for my name's sake, but he who endures to the end will be saved.
But when they persecute you in this city, flee into the next, for most assuredly I tell you, you will not have gone through the cities of Israel, until the Son of Man has come.
"A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his lord. It is enough for the disciple that he be like his teacher, and the servant like his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more those of his household!
Therefore don't be afraid of them, for there is nothing covered that will not be revealed; and hidden that will not be known. What I tell you in the darkness, speak in the light; and what you hear whispered in the ear, proclaim on the housetops.
Don't be afraid of those who kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul. Rather, fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in Gehenna.
"Aren't two sparrows sold for an assarion? Not one of them falls on the ground apart from your Father's will, but the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Therefore don't be afraid. You are of more value than many sparrows.
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
What for to hate people?! Living happily is much more better than that... Care for someone and love them... and shall Lord bless you more than expected...
One Sunday morning at church, we sang "His Eye Is on the Sparrow" as a congregationals hymn. It was a rate opportunity to give voice to a song usally performed by a soloist.
During the first chorus, I noticed a friend who was weeping so hard that he couldn't sing. Knowing a bit of what he had been through recently, I recognized his tears as ones of joy at realizing that, no matter what our situation, God sees, knows, and cares for us.
Jesus said, "Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father's will. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows" (Matt. 10:29-31). The Lord spoke these words to His 12 disciples as He sent them out to teach, heal, and bear witness of Him to "the lost sheep of the house of Israel" (v.6). He told them that even though they would face persecution for His sake, they should not be afraid, even of death (w. 22-26).
When threatening circumstances press us to lose hope, we can find encouragement in the words of this song: "I sing because I'm happy, I sing because I'm free. For His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me." We are under His watchful care. - David C. McCasland
If God sees the sparrow's fall,
Paints the lilies short and tall,
Gives the skies their azure hue,
Will He not then care for you? - Anon
When you put your cares in God's hands, He puts His peace in your heart.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
Matthew 10:16-31
"Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to councils, and in their synagogues they will scourge you.
Yes, and you will be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony to them and to the Gentiles. But when they deliver you up, don't be anxious how or what you will say, for it will be given you in that hour what you will say. For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.
"Brother will deliver up brother to death, and the father and his child. Children will rise up against parents, and cause them to be put to death. You will be hated by men for my name's sake, but he who endures to the end will be saved.
But when they persecute you in this city, flee into the next, for most assuredly I tell you, you will not have gone through the cities of Israel, until the Son of Man has come.
"A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his lord. It is enough for the disciple that he be like his teacher, and the servant like his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more those of his household!
Therefore don't be afraid of them, for there is nothing covered that will not be revealed; and hidden that will not be known. What I tell you in the darkness, speak in the light; and what you hear whispered in the ear, proclaim on the housetops.
Don't be afraid of those who kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul. Rather, fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in Gehenna.
"Aren't two sparrows sold for an assarion? Not one of them falls on the ground apart from your Father's will, but the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Therefore don't be afraid. You are of more value than many sparrows.
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
What for to hate people?! Living happily is much more better than that... Care for someone and love them... and shall Lord bless you more than expected...
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Pioneer Of The Pioneers
I have made it my aim to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build on another man's foundation. - Romans 15:20
In the early 19th century, US President Thomas Jefferson completed the Louisiana Purchase, streching the borders of the fledgling republic "from sea to shining sea."
The problem, however, was that no one really knew what was in that vast expanse of land. Maps would be needed, with clear instructions for the pioneers who would travel to the Pacific. Explorers Lewis and Clark became, in effect, the pioneers of the pioneers - preparing the way for the most massive land migration in US history. They cut a new trail that others would follow.
The apostle Paul's commitment to ministry was framed by a similar priority. In Romans 15:20, he wrote, "I have made it my aim to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build on another man's foundation." He wanted his efforts in ministry to cut a new trail - and others followed. Timothy, Titus, Mark, and Silas are just a few who followed the trail that Paul blazed.
Today that commitment is seen in Jesus' followers who take the message of the Savior to the uttermost parts of the world. As we pray today, let's ask for God's blessing on His Word as we, His "ambassadors," cut a new trail in our generation (2 Cor. 5:20). - Bill Crowder
Be this our common enterprise:
That truth be preached and prayer arise,
That each may seek the other's good
And live and love as Jesus would! - Brewster
God gave you a message to share; don't keep it to yourself.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
2 Corinthians 5:12-21
For we are not commending ourselves to you again, but speak as giving you occasion of boasting on our behalf, that you may have something to answer those who boast in appearance, and not in heart. For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God.
Or if we are of sober mind, it is for you. For the love of Christ constrains us; because we judge thus, that one died for all, therefore all died. He died for all, that those who live should no longer live to themselves, but to him who for their sakes died and rose again.
Therefore we know no one after the flesh from now on. Even though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now we know him so no more. Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old things have passed away. Behold, all things have become new. But all things are of God, who reconciling the world to himself, not reckoning to them their trespasses, and having commited to us the word of reconciliation.
We are therefore ambassadors on behalf of Christ, as though God were entreating by us. We beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For him who knew no sin he made to be sin on our behalf; so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Spread gospel all over the world is our responsibility as a Christian... we have no doubt to refuse it... for it is a job given by God... however, there must be some thing that make the way not so good... but we have to go through it by faith... and with Father Lord we will get the power of doing so...
In the early 19th century, US President Thomas Jefferson completed the Louisiana Purchase, streching the borders of the fledgling republic "from sea to shining sea."
The problem, however, was that no one really knew what was in that vast expanse of land. Maps would be needed, with clear instructions for the pioneers who would travel to the Pacific. Explorers Lewis and Clark became, in effect, the pioneers of the pioneers - preparing the way for the most massive land migration in US history. They cut a new trail that others would follow.
The apostle Paul's commitment to ministry was framed by a similar priority. In Romans 15:20, he wrote, "I have made it my aim to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build on another man's foundation." He wanted his efforts in ministry to cut a new trail - and others followed. Timothy, Titus, Mark, and Silas are just a few who followed the trail that Paul blazed.
Today that commitment is seen in Jesus' followers who take the message of the Savior to the uttermost parts of the world. As we pray today, let's ask for God's blessing on His Word as we, His "ambassadors," cut a new trail in our generation (2 Cor. 5:20). - Bill Crowder
Be this our common enterprise:
That truth be preached and prayer arise,
That each may seek the other's good
And live and love as Jesus would! - Brewster
God gave you a message to share; don't keep it to yourself.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
2 Corinthians 5:12-21
For we are not commending ourselves to you again, but speak as giving you occasion of boasting on our behalf, that you may have something to answer those who boast in appearance, and not in heart. For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God.
Or if we are of sober mind, it is for you. For the love of Christ constrains us; because we judge thus, that one died for all, therefore all died. He died for all, that those who live should no longer live to themselves, but to him who for their sakes died and rose again.
Therefore we know no one after the flesh from now on. Even though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now we know him so no more. Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old things have passed away. Behold, all things have become new. But all things are of God, who reconciling the world to himself, not reckoning to them their trespasses, and having commited to us the word of reconciliation.
We are therefore ambassadors on behalf of Christ, as though God were entreating by us. We beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For him who knew no sin he made to be sin on our behalf; so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Spread gospel all over the world is our responsibility as a Christian... we have no doubt to refuse it... for it is a job given by God... however, there must be some thing that make the way not so good... but we have to go through it by faith... and with Father Lord we will get the power of doing so...
Friday, July 10, 2009
God's Masterpieces
We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10
The Grand Rapids Art Museum has over 5,000 works of art, including 3,500 prints, drawings, and photographs; 1,000 works of design; and 700 paintings and sculptures. As I read about the new museum and anticipated visiting, I couldn't help out think about God's "museum."
God is an artist, and His creation is unspeakably magnificent. But it is not His greatest work! God's greatest work is His redemption of us. When we were still dead in our sins, He made us alive in His Son, Jesus Christ (Eph. 2:1-5). Paul reminded the Ephesians that they were God's "workmanship," or poieme (v.10), a Greek term that means "poem" or "work of art." God's art museum is the church, filled with millions of marvelous works - His people.
Being God's work of art, Paul said, should result in something from us. We are not supposed to sit silently in the museum of fellowship. Rather, we are to show God's love in practical ways through our good works. Jesus said these good works glorify our heavenly Father (Matt. 5:16).
God did not re-create us in His Son to be museum pieces. He redeemed us so that our good works would showcase the brilliant colors of His redemption and grace, and draw a world in darkness to the light of His love. - Marvin Williams
Sing, O sing of my Redeemer,
With His blood He purchased me;
On the cross He sealed my pardon,
Paid the debt and made me free. - Bliss
They witness best who witness with their lives.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
Ephesians 2:1-10
You were made alive when you were dead in transgressions and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the powers of the air, the spirit who now works in the children of disobedience; among whom we also all once lived in the lust of our flesh, doing the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest.
But God, being rich in mercy, for his great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with him, and made us to sit with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus;
for by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, that no one would boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared before that we would walk in them.
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To glorify Father Lord is our responsibility as a Christian.
The Grand Rapids Art Museum has over 5,000 works of art, including 3,500 prints, drawings, and photographs; 1,000 works of design; and 700 paintings and sculptures. As I read about the new museum and anticipated visiting, I couldn't help out think about God's "museum."
God is an artist, and His creation is unspeakably magnificent. But it is not His greatest work! God's greatest work is His redemption of us. When we were still dead in our sins, He made us alive in His Son, Jesus Christ (Eph. 2:1-5). Paul reminded the Ephesians that they were God's "workmanship," or poieme (v.10), a Greek term that means "poem" or "work of art." God's art museum is the church, filled with millions of marvelous works - His people.
Being God's work of art, Paul said, should result in something from us. We are not supposed to sit silently in the museum of fellowship. Rather, we are to show God's love in practical ways through our good works. Jesus said these good works glorify our heavenly Father (Matt. 5:16).
God did not re-create us in His Son to be museum pieces. He redeemed us so that our good works would showcase the brilliant colors of His redemption and grace, and draw a world in darkness to the light of His love. - Marvin Williams
Sing, O sing of my Redeemer,
With His blood He purchased me;
On the cross He sealed my pardon,
Paid the debt and made me free. - Bliss
They witness best who witness with their lives.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
Ephesians 2:1-10
You were made alive when you were dead in transgressions and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the powers of the air, the spirit who now works in the children of disobedience; among whom we also all once lived in the lust of our flesh, doing the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest.
But God, being rich in mercy, for his great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with him, and made us to sit with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus;
for by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, that no one would boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared before that we would walk in them.
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
To glorify Father Lord is our responsibility as a Christian.
Life, Love, Chocolate
Be imitators of God... And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us. - Ephesians 5:1-2
An entry I read on a favorite blog caught my eye. It was the morning of his ninth wedding anniversary. Not haveing a lot of money, the writer ran out to get his wife, Heidi, their favorite French pastry - pain au chocolat. After sprinting several miles, he arrived home, exhausted, to find her in the kitchen just pulling a chocolate-filled croissant out of the oven. It was pain au chocolate.
That husband, Jeff, compared his wife with Heidi to the lives of the people in O. Henry's short story "Gift of the Magi." It tells of a man who sold his lone possession of value - a pocket watch - to buy hair combs for is wife, who had sold her long, beautiful hair to buy a gold chain for his watch.
Having no money concerns would be great - but realizing the immeasurable value of the people we care about is more important. We sometimes need a reminder that acquiring "things" is not nearly as important as appreciating the people God has placed in our lives. When we practice putting other's interests before our own (Phil. 2:3-4), we learn what it means to love, serve, and sacrifice. In fact, that's how we pattern Christ in our relationships (Eph. 5:1-2).
Life, love, and chocolate taste better when shared with others. - Cindy Hess Kasper
I want to share with those I love
The highest joy I'm thinking of,
Not just what brightens all their days
But what will give God highest praise. - Hess
Love is never afraid of giving too much.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
1 John 3:16-23
By this we know love, because he laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. But whoever has the world's goods, and sees his brother in need, and closes his heart of compassion against him, how does the love of God remain in him?
My little children, let's not love in word only, neither with the tongue only, but in deed and truth. And by this we know that we are of the truth, and persuade our hearts before him, because if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things.
Beloved, if our hearts don't condemn us, we have boldness toward God; and whatever we ask, we receive from him, because we keep his commandments and do the things that are pleasing in his sight.
This is his commandment, that we should believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another, even as he commanded.
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
We can't do those visible, what more those invisible?!
An entry I read on a favorite blog caught my eye. It was the morning of his ninth wedding anniversary. Not haveing a lot of money, the writer ran out to get his wife, Heidi, their favorite French pastry - pain au chocolat. After sprinting several miles, he arrived home, exhausted, to find her in the kitchen just pulling a chocolate-filled croissant out of the oven. It was pain au chocolate.
That husband, Jeff, compared his wife with Heidi to the lives of the people in O. Henry's short story "Gift of the Magi." It tells of a man who sold his lone possession of value - a pocket watch - to buy hair combs for is wife, who had sold her long, beautiful hair to buy a gold chain for his watch.
Having no money concerns would be great - but realizing the immeasurable value of the people we care about is more important. We sometimes need a reminder that acquiring "things" is not nearly as important as appreciating the people God has placed in our lives. When we practice putting other's interests before our own (Phil. 2:3-4), we learn what it means to love, serve, and sacrifice. In fact, that's how we pattern Christ in our relationships (Eph. 5:1-2).
Life, love, and chocolate taste better when shared with others. - Cindy Hess Kasper
I want to share with those I love
The highest joy I'm thinking of,
Not just what brightens all their days
But what will give God highest praise. - Hess
Love is never afraid of giving too much.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
1 John 3:16-23
By this we know love, because he laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. But whoever has the world's goods, and sees his brother in need, and closes his heart of compassion against him, how does the love of God remain in him?
My little children, let's not love in word only, neither with the tongue only, but in deed and truth. And by this we know that we are of the truth, and persuade our hearts before him, because if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things.
Beloved, if our hearts don't condemn us, we have boldness toward God; and whatever we ask, we receive from him, because we keep his commandments and do the things that are pleasing in his sight.
This is his commandment, that we should believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another, even as he commanded.
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
We can't do those visible, what more those invisible?!
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Heaven's Greatest Delights
Eye has not seen, nor ear heard... the wings which God has prepared for those who love Him. - 1 Corinthians 2:9
What will be one of heaven's supreme joys?
Joni Eareckson Tada, disabled as a teenager in a diving accident, has been a paraplegic for over 40 years. One would imagine that her greatest longin would be the ability to walk, even run, free from the confinement of her wheelchair.
But Joni tells us that her greatest desire is to offer a "praise that is pure." She explains: "I won't be crippled by distractions, or disabled by insincerity. I won't be handicapped by a ho-hum half-heartedness. My heart will join with yours and bubble over with effervescent adortion. We will finally be able to fellowship fully with the Father and the Son. For me, this will be the best part of heaven."
How that speaks to my divided heart and grips my unfocused spirit! What a blessing to offer "a praise that is pure," with no wandering thoughts, no self-centered requests, no inability to soar above my earth-bound language!
In heaven, "there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him" (Rev. 22:3). May the prospect of heaven enable us to experience a foretaste of that God-glorifying worship even here and now. - Vernon C. Grounds
To be with Him will crown it all!
To see His face - before Him fall,
To feast within His banquet hall;
To be with Him crown it all! - Peterson
To see Jesus will be heaven's greatest joy.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
Revelation 22:1-5
He showed me a river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb, in the middle of its street. On this side of river and on that was the tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruits, yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.
They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. There will be no night, and they need no lamp light; for the Lord God will illuminate them. They will reign forever and ever.
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
I wonder and wish to go heaven as soon as possible... :P ... somewhere each and everyone would love...
What will be one of heaven's supreme joys?
Joni Eareckson Tada, disabled as a teenager in a diving accident, has been a paraplegic for over 40 years. One would imagine that her greatest longin would be the ability to walk, even run, free from the confinement of her wheelchair.
But Joni tells us that her greatest desire is to offer a "praise that is pure." She explains: "I won't be crippled by distractions, or disabled by insincerity. I won't be handicapped by a ho-hum half-heartedness. My heart will join with yours and bubble over with effervescent adortion. We will finally be able to fellowship fully with the Father and the Son. For me, this will be the best part of heaven."
How that speaks to my divided heart and grips my unfocused spirit! What a blessing to offer "a praise that is pure," with no wandering thoughts, no self-centered requests, no inability to soar above my earth-bound language!
In heaven, "there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him" (Rev. 22:3). May the prospect of heaven enable us to experience a foretaste of that God-glorifying worship even here and now. - Vernon C. Grounds
To be with Him will crown it all!
To see His face - before Him fall,
To feast within His banquet hall;
To be with Him crown it all! - Peterson
To see Jesus will be heaven's greatest joy.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
Revelation 22:1-5
He showed me a river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb, in the middle of its street. On this side of river and on that was the tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruits, yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.
They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. There will be no night, and they need no lamp light; for the Lord God will illuminate them. They will reign forever and ever.
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
I wonder and wish to go heaven as soon as possible... :P ... somewhere each and everyone would love...
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Doing The Work Of God
Our sufficiency is from God. - 2 Corinthians 3:5
When I was a pastor I used to have a recurring nightmare. I would rise to preach on Sunday morning, look our at my congregation - and see no one in the pews!
It doesn't take a Daniel (Dan. 2:1,19) or a dream trerapist to interpret the vision. It grew out of my belief that everything depended on me. I mistakenly believed that if I did not preach with power and persuasion, the congregation would fade away and the church would fold. I thought I was responsible for the results of God's work.
In the Gospels, we read that some people asked Jesus, "What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?" (John 6:28). What audacity! Only God can do the works of God!
Jesus' answer instructs us all: "This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent" (v.29). Whatever we have to do, then, whether teaching a Sunday school class, leading a small group, telling the gospel story to our neighbour, or preaching to thousands, it must be done by faith. There is no other way to "work the works of God."
Our responsibility is to serve God faithfully, wherever He has placed us. Then we're to leave the results to Him. As Jesus reminded His disciples in John 15:5, "Without Me you can no nothing." - David H. Roper
The work of the Lord for us has been done -
Jesus has paid the supreme sacrifice;
Our service of God has only begun -
And nothing we do can help pay the price. - Hess
Christ's work on the cross equips us to do good works for Him.
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John 6:25-33
When they found him on the other side of the sea, they asked him, "Rabbi, when did you came here?" Jesus answered them, "Most assuredly I tell you, you seek me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate of the loaves, and were filled.
Don't work for the food which perishes, but for the food which remains to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For God the Father has sealed him." They said therefore to him, "What must we do, that we may work the works of God?" Jesus answered them, "This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent."
They said therefore to him, "What then do you do for a sign, that we may see, and believe you? What work do you do? Our fathers ate the manna in the wilderness. As it is written, 'He gave them bread out of heaven to eat.'"
Jesus therefore said to them, "Most assuredly, I tell you, it wasn't Moses who gave you the bread out of heaven, but my Father gives you the true bread our of heaven. For the bread of God is that which comes down out of heaven, and gives life to the world."
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
God's work can only done by God... this is what I had learned in Genesis... once human being try to "help", it will only cause trouble... as it is "work" of "God"... not "man"... we have to really clear for all this... never try to disturb His business...
When I was a pastor I used to have a recurring nightmare. I would rise to preach on Sunday morning, look our at my congregation - and see no one in the pews!
It doesn't take a Daniel (Dan. 2:1,19) or a dream trerapist to interpret the vision. It grew out of my belief that everything depended on me. I mistakenly believed that if I did not preach with power and persuasion, the congregation would fade away and the church would fold. I thought I was responsible for the results of God's work.
In the Gospels, we read that some people asked Jesus, "What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?" (John 6:28). What audacity! Only God can do the works of God!
Jesus' answer instructs us all: "This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent" (v.29). Whatever we have to do, then, whether teaching a Sunday school class, leading a small group, telling the gospel story to our neighbour, or preaching to thousands, it must be done by faith. There is no other way to "work the works of God."
Our responsibility is to serve God faithfully, wherever He has placed us. Then we're to leave the results to Him. As Jesus reminded His disciples in John 15:5, "Without Me you can no nothing." - David H. Roper
The work of the Lord for us has been done -
Jesus has paid the supreme sacrifice;
Our service of God has only begun -
And nothing we do can help pay the price. - Hess
Christ's work on the cross equips us to do good works for Him.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
John 6:25-33
When they found him on the other side of the sea, they asked him, "Rabbi, when did you came here?" Jesus answered them, "Most assuredly I tell you, you seek me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate of the loaves, and were filled.
Don't work for the food which perishes, but for the food which remains to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For God the Father has sealed him." They said therefore to him, "What must we do, that we may work the works of God?" Jesus answered them, "This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent."
They said therefore to him, "What then do you do for a sign, that we may see, and believe you? What work do you do? Our fathers ate the manna in the wilderness. As it is written, 'He gave them bread out of heaven to eat.'"
Jesus therefore said to them, "Most assuredly, I tell you, it wasn't Moses who gave you the bread out of heaven, but my Father gives you the true bread our of heaven. For the bread of God is that which comes down out of heaven, and gives life to the world."
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
God's work can only done by God... this is what I had learned in Genesis... once human being try to "help", it will only cause trouble... as it is "work" of "God"... not "man"... we have to really clear for all this... never try to disturb His business...
Monday, July 6, 2009
Bubbles On The Border
We do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. - 2 Corinthians 4:18
Stuck in a long line at the US-Canada border, Joel Schoon Tanis had to do something to lighten the mood! He reached for his bottles of bubble-making solution, bounded out of the car, and began blowing bubbles. He handed bottles to other drivers too, and he says that "soon there were bubble everywhere. It's amazing what bubbles do for people." The line didn't move any faster, but "suddenly everyone was happy," Joel says.
"What we see depends mainly on what we look for," said British stateman John Lubbock (1834-1913). A good attitude and the right focus help us to handle life joyfully, even through it doesn't change our circumstances.
Paul encouraged the Corinthians in their trials: "Do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal" (2 Cor. 4:18).
So what's unseen and eternal that we can look at? The character of God is an excellent place to focus. He is goos (Ps. 25:8), He is just (Isa. 30:18), He is forgiving (1 John 1:9), and He is faithful (Deut. 7:9).
Pondering God's character can give us joy in the midst of our strunggles. - Anne Cetas
The eyes of faith when fixed on Christ
Give hope for what's ahead;
But focus on life's obstacles,
And faith gives way to dread. - D. De Haan
When Christ is the center of your focus, all else will come into proper perspective.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
2 Corinthians 4:8-18
We are pressed on every side, yet not crushed; perplexed, yet not to despair; pursued, yet not forsaken; struck down, yet not destroyed; always carrying in the body the putting to death of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus may also revealed in our body.
For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus may be revealed in our mortal flesh. So then death works in us, but life in you. But having the same spirit of faith, according to that which is written, "I believed, and therefore I spoke."
We also believe, and therefore also we speak; knowig that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus, and will present us with you. For all things are for your sakes, that the grace, being multiplied through the many, may cause the thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God.
Therefore we don't faint, but though our outward man is decaying, yet our inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is for the moment, works for us more and more exceedingly an eternal weight of glory; while we don't look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Focus on God, which is eternal... and hope may not fall down... I got tested, lessons, and more... I improved alot... and is still going on for it... and I am sure one day I will be much more better than now and past... :)
Stuck in a long line at the US-Canada border, Joel Schoon Tanis had to do something to lighten the mood! He reached for his bottles of bubble-making solution, bounded out of the car, and began blowing bubbles. He handed bottles to other drivers too, and he says that "soon there were bubble everywhere. It's amazing what bubbles do for people." The line didn't move any faster, but "suddenly everyone was happy," Joel says.
"What we see depends mainly on what we look for," said British stateman John Lubbock (1834-1913). A good attitude and the right focus help us to handle life joyfully, even through it doesn't change our circumstances.
Paul encouraged the Corinthians in their trials: "Do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal" (2 Cor. 4:18).
So what's unseen and eternal that we can look at? The character of God is an excellent place to focus. He is goos (Ps. 25:8), He is just (Isa. 30:18), He is forgiving (1 John 1:9), and He is faithful (Deut. 7:9).
Pondering God's character can give us joy in the midst of our strunggles. - Anne Cetas
The eyes of faith when fixed on Christ
Give hope for what's ahead;
But focus on life's obstacles,
And faith gives way to dread. - D. De Haan
When Christ is the center of your focus, all else will come into proper perspective.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
2 Corinthians 4:8-18
We are pressed on every side, yet not crushed; perplexed, yet not to despair; pursued, yet not forsaken; struck down, yet not destroyed; always carrying in the body the putting to death of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus may also revealed in our body.
For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus may be revealed in our mortal flesh. So then death works in us, but life in you. But having the same spirit of faith, according to that which is written, "I believed, and therefore I spoke."
We also believe, and therefore also we speak; knowig that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus, and will present us with you. For all things are for your sakes, that the grace, being multiplied through the many, may cause the thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God.
Therefore we don't faint, but though our outward man is decaying, yet our inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is for the moment, works for us more and more exceedingly an eternal weight of glory; while we don't look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Focus on God, which is eternal... and hope may not fall down... I got tested, lessons, and more... I improved alot... and is still going on for it... and I am sure one day I will be much more better than now and past... :)
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Hopeful Praise
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits. - Psalm 103:2
One of my friends was in tears on a beautiful summer day, unable to deal with life's difficulties. Another could not look beyond the life-altering sadnesses of her past. Still another struggled with the closing of the small church he had pastored faithfully. A fourth friend had lost his job at a local ministry.
What can our strunggling friends - or any of us - do to find hope? Where do we turn when tomorrow offers no happy promises?
We can praise or "bless" the Lord, as David said in Psalm 103. In the middle of trouble, acknoledging God's role in our lives can redirect our thinking from the hurts of our hearts and force us to dwell instead on the greatness of our God. David knew trouble. He faced the threat of enemies, the consequences of his own sin, and the challenges of sorrow. Yet he also recognized the healing power of praise.
That's why in Psalm 130 he an list reasons to turn our attention to God, who gives us many benefits: He forgives us, heals us, redeems us, crowns us with love and compassion, satisfies our desires, and renews us. David reminds us that God provides justice and righteouness, and He is gracious and loving.
Take it from David: Praising God's greatness puts hope in our troubled hearts. - Dave Branon
Praise, my soul, the King of heaven,
To His feet thy tribute bring;
Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven,
Evermore His praises sing! - Lyte
Praise can lighten your heaviest burden.
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Psalms 103:1-14
Praise Yahweh, my soul All that is within me, praise his holy name! Praise Yahweh, my soul, And don't forget all his benefits; Who forgives all your sins; Who heals all your diseases; Who redeems your life from destruction; Who crowns you with loving kindness and tender mercies; Who satisfies your desire with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
Yahweh executes righteous acts, His deeds to the children of Israel. Yahweh is merciful and gracious, Slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness. He will not always accuse; Neither will he stay angry forever.
He has not dealt with us according to our sins, Nor repaid us for our iniquities. For as the heavens are high above the earth, So great is his loving kindness towards those who fear him.
As far as the east is from the west, So far has he removed our transgressions from us. For he knows we are made. He remembereds that we are dust.
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Give the burden to God when praise Him... that's what I understand praise hopefully... sometimes we sing just to sing... but the lyrics or melody didn't touch deep in our heart... it is quiet dangerous... as no correct motive to sing the song...
Praise and worship... we always heard... and how many of us really can make it? If no ones leading, who can lead the crowd? meanwhile, not only to sing, but to be a tube for God to pass His message or healing or bless or anything else to other...
Could not praise hopefully usually because of 2 reasons... not willing to do so... trust to God is not firm enough...
I don't know is it I have no trouble... or I have no worries... maybe because of my mind-set... I didn't feel anything that is really too hard for me to get it...
For example, youth camp... my mom was disagree... but I prayed... no answer... till dateline still no answer... it was quiet nervous, because I really wish to go... however, I didn't really upset... I do what that whatever it is, it is God's will... and it is the best for me... :) ... and within 24 hours before youth camp, I was confirmed to go... Praise the Lord! and thank God... :)
Praise hopefully... Praise no worries... Praise with joy...
One of my friends was in tears on a beautiful summer day, unable to deal with life's difficulties. Another could not look beyond the life-altering sadnesses of her past. Still another struggled with the closing of the small church he had pastored faithfully. A fourth friend had lost his job at a local ministry.
What can our strunggling friends - or any of us - do to find hope? Where do we turn when tomorrow offers no happy promises?
We can praise or "bless" the Lord, as David said in Psalm 103. In the middle of trouble, acknoledging God's role in our lives can redirect our thinking from the hurts of our hearts and force us to dwell instead on the greatness of our God. David knew trouble. He faced the threat of enemies, the consequences of his own sin, and the challenges of sorrow. Yet he also recognized the healing power of praise.
That's why in Psalm 130 he an list reasons to turn our attention to God, who gives us many benefits: He forgives us, heals us, redeems us, crowns us with love and compassion, satisfies our desires, and renews us. David reminds us that God provides justice and righteouness, and He is gracious and loving.
Take it from David: Praising God's greatness puts hope in our troubled hearts. - Dave Branon
Praise, my soul, the King of heaven,
To His feet thy tribute bring;
Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven,
Evermore His praises sing! - Lyte
Praise can lighten your heaviest burden.
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Psalms 103:1-14
Praise Yahweh, my soul All that is within me, praise his holy name! Praise Yahweh, my soul, And don't forget all his benefits; Who forgives all your sins; Who heals all your diseases; Who redeems your life from destruction; Who crowns you with loving kindness and tender mercies; Who satisfies your desire with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
Yahweh executes righteous acts, His deeds to the children of Israel. Yahweh is merciful and gracious, Slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness. He will not always accuse; Neither will he stay angry forever.
He has not dealt with us according to our sins, Nor repaid us for our iniquities. For as the heavens are high above the earth, So great is his loving kindness towards those who fear him.
As far as the east is from the west, So far has he removed our transgressions from us. For he knows we are made. He remembereds that we are dust.
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Give the burden to God when praise Him... that's what I understand praise hopefully... sometimes we sing just to sing... but the lyrics or melody didn't touch deep in our heart... it is quiet dangerous... as no correct motive to sing the song...
Praise and worship... we always heard... and how many of us really can make it? If no ones leading, who can lead the crowd? meanwhile, not only to sing, but to be a tube for God to pass His message or healing or bless or anything else to other...
Could not praise hopefully usually because of 2 reasons... not willing to do so... trust to God is not firm enough...
I don't know is it I have no trouble... or I have no worries... maybe because of my mind-set... I didn't feel anything that is really too hard for me to get it...
For example, youth camp... my mom was disagree... but I prayed... no answer... till dateline still no answer... it was quiet nervous, because I really wish to go... however, I didn't really upset... I do what that whatever it is, it is God's will... and it is the best for me... :) ... and within 24 hours before youth camp, I was confirmed to go... Praise the Lord! and thank God... :)
Praise hopefully... Praise no worries... Praise with joy...
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Dangerous Freedom
Do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. - Galatians 5:13
Freedom in dangerous in the hands of those who don't know how to use it. That's why criminals are confined in prisons with barbed wire, steel bars, and concrete barriers. Or consider a campfire that is allowed to spread in a dry forest. It quickly becomes a blazing inferno. Unchecked freedom can create chaos.
Nowhere is this more evident than in the Christian life. Believers are free from the law's curse, its penalty, and its guilty-producing power. Fear, anxiety, and guilty are replaced by peace, forgiveness, and liberty.
Who could be more free than one who is free in the depths of his soul? But here is where we often fail. We use freedom's luxury to live selfishly, or we claim ownership of what God has merely entrusted to us. We slip into patterns of self-indulgent living, especially in affluent societies.
The proper use of freedom is "faith working through love" to serve one another (Gal. 5:6, 13). When we rely on the Spirit and expand our energies on loving God and helping others, the destructive works of the flesh will be restrained by God (w. 16-21). So let's always use our liberty to build up, not to tear down.
Like a raging fire, freedom without limits is dangerous. But when controlled, it is a blessing to all. - Dennis J. De Haan
Christ came to give us liberty
By dying in our place;
Now with new freedom we are bound
To share His love and grace. - D. De Haan
Freedom doesn't give us the right to do what we please, but to do what pleases God.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
Galatians 5:1-6, 16-21
Stand firm therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and don't be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. Behold, I, Paul, tell you that if you receive circumcision, Christ will profit you nothing. Yes, I testify again to every man who receives circumcision, that he is a debtor to do the whole law.
You are alienated from Christ, you who desire to justified by the law. You have fallen away from grace. For we, through the Spirit, by faith wait for the hope of righteouness. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision amounts to anything, nor uncircumcision, but faith working through love. But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you won't fulfill the lust of the flesh.
For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, that you may not do the things that you desire. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
Now the works of the flesh are obvious, which are: adultery, sexual immorality, uncleanness, lustfulness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, strife, jealousies, outbursts of anger, rivalries, divisions, heresies.
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Thank God to giving me freedom... please show me the right way to use it... and I wish to know whats Your will... it is hard to really live like Christ... but I am trying hard, doing my best for it... Everyone have their own cross to take up and walk all the way to heaven... I am not alone... but may I have someone to walk beside me? ... yes, everyone is moving together, but no one walk with me, accompany me... they all just walk in their own path... I didn't mean to get help from anyone... but I really wish to have someone, who free to listen and talk with me... Although we are full when we have Christ... but thats spiritual one... what about my physical?? it is not so important, but no way to totally despite it...
Freedom in dangerous in the hands of those who don't know how to use it. That's why criminals are confined in prisons with barbed wire, steel bars, and concrete barriers. Or consider a campfire that is allowed to spread in a dry forest. It quickly becomes a blazing inferno. Unchecked freedom can create chaos.
Nowhere is this more evident than in the Christian life. Believers are free from the law's curse, its penalty, and its guilty-producing power. Fear, anxiety, and guilty are replaced by peace, forgiveness, and liberty.
Who could be more free than one who is free in the depths of his soul? But here is where we often fail. We use freedom's luxury to live selfishly, or we claim ownership of what God has merely entrusted to us. We slip into patterns of self-indulgent living, especially in affluent societies.
The proper use of freedom is "faith working through love" to serve one another (Gal. 5:6, 13). When we rely on the Spirit and expand our energies on loving God and helping others, the destructive works of the flesh will be restrained by God (w. 16-21). So let's always use our liberty to build up, not to tear down.
Like a raging fire, freedom without limits is dangerous. But when controlled, it is a blessing to all. - Dennis J. De Haan
Christ came to give us liberty
By dying in our place;
Now with new freedom we are bound
To share His love and grace. - D. De Haan
Freedom doesn't give us the right to do what we please, but to do what pleases God.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
Galatians 5:1-6, 16-21
Stand firm therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and don't be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. Behold, I, Paul, tell you that if you receive circumcision, Christ will profit you nothing. Yes, I testify again to every man who receives circumcision, that he is a debtor to do the whole law.
You are alienated from Christ, you who desire to justified by the law. You have fallen away from grace. For we, through the Spirit, by faith wait for the hope of righteouness. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision amounts to anything, nor uncircumcision, but faith working through love. But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you won't fulfill the lust of the flesh.
For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, that you may not do the things that you desire. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
Now the works of the flesh are obvious, which are: adultery, sexual immorality, uncleanness, lustfulness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, strife, jealousies, outbursts of anger, rivalries, divisions, heresies.
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Thank God to giving me freedom... please show me the right way to use it... and I wish to know whats Your will... it is hard to really live like Christ... but I am trying hard, doing my best for it... Everyone have their own cross to take up and walk all the way to heaven... I am not alone... but may I have someone to walk beside me? ... yes, everyone is moving together, but no one walk with me, accompany me... they all just walk in their own path... I didn't mean to get help from anyone... but I really wish to have someone, who free to listen and talk with me... Although we are full when we have Christ... but thats spiritual one... what about my physical?? it is not so important, but no way to totally despite it...
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