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.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
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...
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
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.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
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...
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.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
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...
Friday, July 3, 2009
Job's Principle
Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity? - Job 2:10
When my wife accepted a position as Director of Special Education in a school district many miles from our home, it resulted in a very long commute each day. It was tolerable in the short term, but neither of us could see her doing this indefinitely. So we decided to relocate to another city halfway between our two jobs.
The real estate agent was not optimistic about our home selling quickly. Market trends showed many homes for sale with few buyers. After much prayer and trenuous cleaning, we finally put our home up for sale. To our surprise, our house sold in less than 3 weeks!
Sometimes I feel guilty about receiving material blessings. With so many needs around the world, why should I expect divine intervention in selling a home? Then I remember Job's reply to his wife: "Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?" (Job 2:10).
This verse is most often applied to accepting disappointment. But the principle also applies to being grateful for blessings. The apostle Paul had learned how to rejoice in plenty and in want (Phil. 4:10-13). God has an interest in teaching us contentment through both gains and losses. Thanking God in all circumstances recognizes His sovereignty and nurtures a response of faith. - Dennis Fisher
We thank You, Lord, for blessing
You give us on our way;
May we for these be grateful,
And praiseYou every day. - Roworth
The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord. - Job
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
Philippians 4:10-13
But I rejoice in the Lord greatly, that now at length you have revived your thought for me; in which you did indeed take thought, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in respect to lack, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content in it.
I know hos to be humbled, and I know also how to abound. In everything and in all things I have learned the secret both to be filled and to be hungry, both to abound and to be in need. I can do all things through Christ, who strenthens me.
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Sometimes some "world"'s stuffs we may need too for it can act as a bridge between we and others...
When my wife accepted a position as Director of Special Education in a school district many miles from our home, it resulted in a very long commute each day. It was tolerable in the short term, but neither of us could see her doing this indefinitely. So we decided to relocate to another city halfway between our two jobs.
The real estate agent was not optimistic about our home selling quickly. Market trends showed many homes for sale with few buyers. After much prayer and trenuous cleaning, we finally put our home up for sale. To our surprise, our house sold in less than 3 weeks!
Sometimes I feel guilty about receiving material blessings. With so many needs around the world, why should I expect divine intervention in selling a home? Then I remember Job's reply to his wife: "Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?" (Job 2:10).
This verse is most often applied to accepting disappointment. But the principle also applies to being grateful for blessings. The apostle Paul had learned how to rejoice in plenty and in want (Phil. 4:10-13). God has an interest in teaching us contentment through both gains and losses. Thanking God in all circumstances recognizes His sovereignty and nurtures a response of faith. - Dennis Fisher
We thank You, Lord, for blessing
You give us on our way;
May we for these be grateful,
And praiseYou every day. - Roworth
The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord. - Job
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
Philippians 4:10-13
But I rejoice in the Lord greatly, that now at length you have revived your thought for me; in which you did indeed take thought, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in respect to lack, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content in it.
I know hos to be humbled, and I know also how to abound. In everything and in all things I have learned the secret both to be filled and to be hungry, both to abound and to be in need. I can do all things through Christ, who strenthens me.
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Sometimes some "world"'s stuffs we may need too for it can act as a bridge between we and others...
Thursday, July 2, 2009
The Choice
Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat. - Genesis 2:16-17
I watched as a young mother tried to get her 2-year-old child to make a choice. "You can have fish or chicken," she told him. She limited his choice to just two because he was too young to understand beyond that. Choice often allows a wider variety of options, and it also must allow the person to reject the choices.
Adam and Eve were in the best possible environment. God had given them freedom to eat of all the trees in Eden. He drew the boundary lines aroung only one tree! They had a choice, and it should have been a no-brainer to choose wisely. But their choice was tragic.
Some blame God for what they see as His restrictions. They may even accuse Him of trying to control their lives. But God gives us a choice, just as He did Adam and Eve.
Yes, God draws boundary lines, but they are for our protection. David understood this. He wrote, "You, through Your commandments, make me wiser than my enemies... I understand more than the ancients, because I keep Your precepts. I have restrained my feet from every evil way, that I may keep Your Word" (Ps. 119-98-101).
God cares so much about us that He gives us boundary lines so that we will choose what is right. - C. P. Hia
Lord, help us to obey Your Word,
To heed Your still, small voice;
And may we not be swayed by men,
But make Your will our choice. - D. De Haan
God's commandments were given to fulfill us, not to frustrate us.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
Genesis 2:16-17, 3:1-8
Yahweh God commanded the man, saying, "Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat: but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, you shall not eat of it: for in the day that you eat of it you will surely die."
Now the serpent was more subtle than any animal of the field which Yahweh God had made. He said to the woman, "Yes, has God said, 'You shall not eat of any tree of the garden?'" The woman said to the serpent, "Of the fruit of the trees of the garden we may eat, but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, 'You shall not eat of it, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.'" The serpent said to the woman, "You won't surely die, for God knows that in the day you eat it, your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil."
When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a deligt to the eyes, and htat the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit of it, and ate; and she gave some to her husband with her, and he ate. Both of their eyes were opened, and they knew that they were naked. The sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons.
They heard the voice of Yahweh God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of Yahweh God among the tree of the garden.
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True Freedom can only be found within God's boundary...
I watched as a young mother tried to get her 2-year-old child to make a choice. "You can have fish or chicken," she told him. She limited his choice to just two because he was too young to understand beyond that. Choice often allows a wider variety of options, and it also must allow the person to reject the choices.
Adam and Eve were in the best possible environment. God had given them freedom to eat of all the trees in Eden. He drew the boundary lines aroung only one tree! They had a choice, and it should have been a no-brainer to choose wisely. But their choice was tragic.
Some blame God for what they see as His restrictions. They may even accuse Him of trying to control their lives. But God gives us a choice, just as He did Adam and Eve.
Yes, God draws boundary lines, but they are for our protection. David understood this. He wrote, "You, through Your commandments, make me wiser than my enemies... I understand more than the ancients, because I keep Your precepts. I have restrained my feet from every evil way, that I may keep Your Word" (Ps. 119-98-101).
God cares so much about us that He gives us boundary lines so that we will choose what is right. - C. P. Hia
Lord, help us to obey Your Word,
To heed Your still, small voice;
And may we not be swayed by men,
But make Your will our choice. - D. De Haan
God's commandments were given to fulfill us, not to frustrate us.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
Genesis 2:16-17, 3:1-8
Yahweh God commanded the man, saying, "Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat: but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, you shall not eat of it: for in the day that you eat of it you will surely die."
Now the serpent was more subtle than any animal of the field which Yahweh God had made. He said to the woman, "Yes, has God said, 'You shall not eat of any tree of the garden?'" The woman said to the serpent, "Of the fruit of the trees of the garden we may eat, but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, 'You shall not eat of it, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.'" The serpent said to the woman, "You won't surely die, for God knows that in the day you eat it, your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil."
When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a deligt to the eyes, and htat the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit of it, and ate; and she gave some to her husband with her, and he ate. Both of their eyes were opened, and they knew that they were naked. The sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons.
They heard the voice of Yahweh God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of Yahweh God among the tree of the garden.
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
True Freedom can only be found within God's boundary...
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
The Reveal
The glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together. - Isaiah 40:5
The room was a wreck. Mismatched furniture. Faded paint. Ugly light fixtures. Knick-knacks crammed into crowded spaces. The homeowners tried to take some improvements, but the room kept getting worse.
Thus begins a home-improvement TV program. After interviewing the owners, the designer draws a plan to maximize the room's potential. Program producers create suspense by building up to a moment referred to as "the reveal." Viewers watch the progress and ooh and aah with the homeowners when they see the new room.
Over time, the world has become like a neglected room. People bring in things that don't belong. They arrange priorities in ways that hinder potential. Lives become dull, overcrowded, and ineffective. Self-improvement projects offer little help.
The Bible is God's plan that shows the best way to live. God builds suspense throughout the Old Testament. Then, - at the appointed time, comes the great reveal - Jesus! Upon seeing Him, Simeon exclaimed, "My eyes have seen Your salvation..., a light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel" (Luke 2:30-32).
We become part of God's great "reveal" when we follow His design and Christ's example. - Julie Ackerman Link
O send Thy Spirit, Lord, now unto me
That He may touch my eyes and make me see;
Show me the truth concealed within Thy Word,
And in Thy Book revealed I see Thee, Lord. - Lathbury
All that I am I owe to Jesus Christ, revealed to me in His divine Book.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
Luke 2:25-35
Behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ.
He came in the Spirit into the temple. When the parents brought in the child, Jesus, that they might do concerning him according to the custom of the law, then he received him into his arms, and blessed God, and said, "Now you are releasing your servant, Master, According to your word, in peace; For my eyes have seen you salvation, Which you have prepared before the face of all peoples; A light for revelation to the Gentiles, And the glory of your people Israel."
Joseph and his mother were marveling at the things which were spoken concerning him, and Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary, his mother, "Behold, this child is set for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which is spoken against. Yes, a sword will pierve through your own soul, that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed."
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Do our own part... for one day we will be part of the reveal... may God bless us to have a good testimony... People love to use their own way to do something... and always forget about God's planning... or they don't even know about it... Over the time, many miracles and bless were shown... yet not all the people believe... and it still happen today... shall we stop it? by praying to God our Lord?...
The room was a wreck. Mismatched furniture. Faded paint. Ugly light fixtures. Knick-knacks crammed into crowded spaces. The homeowners tried to take some improvements, but the room kept getting worse.
Thus begins a home-improvement TV program. After interviewing the owners, the designer draws a plan to maximize the room's potential. Program producers create suspense by building up to a moment referred to as "the reveal." Viewers watch the progress and ooh and aah with the homeowners when they see the new room.
Over time, the world has become like a neglected room. People bring in things that don't belong. They arrange priorities in ways that hinder potential. Lives become dull, overcrowded, and ineffective. Self-improvement projects offer little help.
The Bible is God's plan that shows the best way to live. God builds suspense throughout the Old Testament. Then, - at the appointed time, comes the great reveal - Jesus! Upon seeing Him, Simeon exclaimed, "My eyes have seen Your salvation..., a light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel" (Luke 2:30-32).
We become part of God's great "reveal" when we follow His design and Christ's example. - Julie Ackerman Link
O send Thy Spirit, Lord, now unto me
That He may touch my eyes and make me see;
Show me the truth concealed within Thy Word,
And in Thy Book revealed I see Thee, Lord. - Lathbury
All that I am I owe to Jesus Christ, revealed to me in His divine Book.
^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^ ... ^.^
Luke 2:25-35
Behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ.
He came in the Spirit into the temple. When the parents brought in the child, Jesus, that they might do concerning him according to the custom of the law, then he received him into his arms, and blessed God, and said, "Now you are releasing your servant, Master, According to your word, in peace; For my eyes have seen you salvation, Which you have prepared before the face of all peoples; A light for revelation to the Gentiles, And the glory of your people Israel."
Joseph and his mother were marveling at the things which were spoken concerning him, and Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary, his mother, "Behold, this child is set for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which is spoken against. Yes, a sword will pierve through your own soul, that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed."
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Do our own part... for one day we will be part of the reveal... may God bless us to have a good testimony... People love to use their own way to do something... and always forget about God's planning... or they don't even know about it... Over the time, many miracles and bless were shown... yet not all the people believe... and it still happen today... shall we stop it? by praying to God our Lord?...
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