Day CI
Today dear brothers and sisters our scriptures is about renewing our mind and declare to make it pure for holiness. I want to share this part of Scripture Confessions I declare everyday. For your information there is this booklet named Scripture Confessions that composed of prayers/declarations. I believed and it is proven that when we read the words of prayer aloud, hearing our voice and speaking them out to our soul and spirit. It is like given them an instruction what to do for the day or for that moment. This is very effective and it is proven that it does give a remarkable result. I will add these confessions everyday so that you also can share the blessings from these.
Instructions: Before you read aloud pray that these words become the food for your spirit and help your inner man in its being powerful in spirit.
I dedicate my self to renewing my mind by reading, meditating and speaking God's Word. It is my desire to keep my mind pure and clear from anything that would hurt or weaken me spiritually. I think on things that are pure, lovely, just, of a good report, virtuous and praiseworthy.
I choose to think about good things I refuse thoughts that are inappropriate. I cast down vain imaginations. I will not let doubt, worry, or fear pollute my mind. I will be quick to respond to wrong thoughts and desires by replacing them with proper thoughts and by speaking God's Word over my life.
I refuse to fill my mind with the poison of gossip, backbiting, and jealousy. I will guard and protect my mind by not watching, reading or listening to anything that is not pleasing to the Lord. I make a quality decision to meditate on God's Word and to keep my mind pure and undefiled, that I might be receptive to God's voice and ever ready to do His will.
I consecrate my mind, my will and my emotions to God, for His Service.
Scriptures:
Romans 12:2 Do not be conformed to this present world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may test and approve what is the will of God – what is good and well-pleasing and perfect.
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of respect, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if something is excellent or praiseworthy, think about these things.
2 Corinthians 10:5 and every arrogant obstacle that is raised up against the knowledge of God, and we take every thought captive to make it obey Christ.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Start the Day with God
Day C
Starting today dear brothers and sisters I will post Scriptures from "Scripture Confessions". I want to share part of Scripture Confessions I declare everyday. For your information there is this booklet named Scripture Confessions that composed of prayers/declarations. I believed and it is proven that when we read the words of prayer aloud, hearing our voice and speaking them out to our soul and spirit. It is like given them an instruction what to do for the day or for that moment. This is very effective and it is proven that it does give a remarkable result. I will add these confessions everyday so that you also can share the blessings from these. Try this and see its results!
As its purpose it is said: It is a powerful book, a unique compilation of Scriptures that will enable you to speak the Word over the situations you face on a daily basis. Whether at work or home, you can access that Scripture Confession and release your faith in God's promises and arm yourself with the Word of God for life's battles.
Instructions: Before you read aloud pray that these words become the food for your spirit and help your inner man in its being powerful in spirit.
This is the day the Lord has made, and I will rejoice and be glad in it. God's mercy and grace are new every morning in my life.
I rejoice because I am God's child. I have been filled with His Spirit. Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world. The Holy Spirit is bigger than any problem, obstacle or challenge. The Holy Spirit will give me wisdom and discernment regarding every decisions I need to make today.
When I acknowledge God through prayer and worship, my steps are ordered and directed of Him. The Lord gives me wisdom and insight concerning all the affairs of my life.
I choose to be a blessing to all those around me.
No matter what happens today, I know God will see me through. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, and if God is for me than no one can be against me.
I choose to honor God today by the words I speak; I will honor God by the way I act. I will honor God by allowing His love, light and truth to shine through me.
I am the head and not the tail; I am above and not beneath. I am blessed coming in and blessed going out. I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Christ Jesus. He always causes me to triumph. No weapon formed against me shall prosper. I am strong in the Lord and the power of His might. Today is going to be a great day!
Scriptures
This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24
It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassion fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22, 23
In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:6
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Philippians 4:13
What shall we say to these thikngs? If God be for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31
Monday, August 1, 2011
Worship that pleases God
Day XCCIX
Mark 12:30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’
Today our words of wisdom comes from the book of Rick Warren - The Purpose Driven Life. As he have said:
God wants all from us. God does not want a part of our life. He asks for all of our heart, all of our soul, all of our mind and all of our strength.
He have mentioned Four characteristics of worship saying.
Mark 12:30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’
Today our words of wisdom comes from the book of Rick Warren - The Purpose Driven Life. As he have said:
God wants all from us. God does not want a part of our life. He asks for all of our heart, all of our soul, all of our mind and all of our strength.
He have mentioned Four characteristics of worship saying.
- God is pleased when our worship is accurate
- God is pleased when our worship is authentic
- God is pleased when our worship is thoughtful
- God is pleased when our worship is practical
He have said that when we worship as Jesus told the Samaritan woman,"True worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks," To "worship in truth" means to worship God as he is truly revealed in the Bible.
When Jesus Said we must "worship in spirit" he wasn't referring to the Holy Spirit, but our spirit. Made in God's image, we are a spirit that resides in a body, and God designed our spirit to communicate with Him. Worship is our spirit responding to God's Spirit.
When Jesus said, "Love God with all your heart and soul" he meant that worship must be genuine and heartfelt. The Bible says, "Man looks at the outward appearance but the Lord looks at the heart."
Jesus command to "Love God with all your mind" is repeated four times in the New Testament. We should be fully aware and specific with our knowledge how we worship God.
When Jesus Said we must "worship in spirit" he wasn't referring to the Holy Spirit, but our spirit. Made in God's image, we are a spirit that resides in a body, and God designed our spirit to communicate with Him. Worship is our spirit responding to God's Spirit.
When Jesus said, "Love God with all your heart and soul" he meant that worship must be genuine and heartfelt. The Bible says, "Man looks at the outward appearance but the Lord looks at the heart."
Jesus command to "Love God with all your mind" is repeated four times in the New Testament. We should be fully aware and specific with our knowledge how we worship God.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
The Snare of Envy
Day XCVIII
Today again brothers and sisters we will get the message of the Lord from the book of Thomas a Kephis "Come Lord Jesus a devotional readings from "The Imitation of Christ edited for Toda's reader by David Hazard.
Proverbs 14:30 A tranquil spirit revives the body,
but envy is rottenness to the bones.
The most miserable person on earth is the man or woman who does not know to turn to God - or how to draw from God all that soul needs to live. They are easily disturbed, easily driven to fear and anxiety, easily driven to self-pity and dissatisfaction.
Why are these people so easily troubled?
It is because they cannot control circumstances or get life to turn out exactly the way they want it to. Also because they cannot have exactly what they want. They're constantly looking at others, thinking, Look at him. He's had all the advantages. But I have to work so hard, and I don't get the rewards. It's not fair. Or she's so gifted. So talented. Everyone just loves her. Why did God not bless me in that way?
Well, I would love to meet these "specially blessed" people who have "so many advantages" you don't have. Where are they? Show me one.
No one who lives in this world can avoid hardship, loss, trouble, sickness, or heartache. Not even a king or pope himself.
I'll tell you the source of our trouble. We imagine that a perfect someone else learned how to find more "favor" with God than you do - or that God chooses certain "favorites," while He mistreats or ignores others. The whole basis of our thinking is wrong because we equate worldly comforts - health, money good looks, great opportunities - with spiritual blessing.
The one who is most favored by God is one who has been taught by the Spirit how to bear all things with patience and joy, for the sake of knowing God better. This man or woman is powerful in spirit, and they overcome every hardship or loss with grace, strength, and brilliance from within They have favor with God because they are humble and easy for Him to direct, so He can quickly show them how to turn their suffering and loss into victory.
If you want to say weak in spirit, caught in a snare of envy that rips our soul apart, then keep praying as we praying: Look at so-and-so. He has everything - wealth, power, position, people admire him - and on top of all that, he's great looking. How is that fair, God?
But if you want to escape Satan's trap, then fix the eyes of your soul on the goodness of God himself, as He orders all things... and who gives eternal rewards that do not decay and crumble like these earthly things you value so much. Only in the light of eternal things will you be able to see reality as it is - to see that the things we are tempted to envy will fail, and soon pass away.
Let us pray:
Father, it's so easy for me to envy someone who seems to have "everything" - or to think you've treated me unfairly when someone has been given advantages I don't have.
Help me to take my eyes off other people - their possessions, position, power or looks. By your Spirit, open my eyes to see your amazing wisdom... to know and accept the pat you've chosen for me... even if it leads through pain loss, impairment, and being ignored by others.
Only let me know your living presence with me.. and that will be enough. In the mighty name of Jesus. Amen
Saturday, July 30, 2011
The Snare of Pleasure
Day XCVII
Today brothers and sisters we will get the message of the Lord from the book of Thomas a Kephis "Come Lord Jesus a devotional readings from "The Imitation of Christ edited for Toda's reader by David Hazard.
2 Timothy 3:1 But understand this, that in the last days difficult times will come. 2 For people will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 unloving, irreconcilable, slanderers, without self-control, savage, opposed to what is good, 4 treacherous, reckless, conceited, loving pleasure rather than loving God.
Do you think your soul is secure and immovable - not as long as we are in this life. Haven't you ever known a man or woman who seems good and spiritual - and then see them fall away from God?
The person who thinks they will never gall suffers even greater damage when they slip. You remain humble and depend on God for every moment of your soul's safety and strength. Only in this humble spirit do you stand a change of avoiding the snares of the evil one.
And here is a hidden snare we must avid:
Many Christians allow themselves to daydream about pleasures they know are forbidden. They think, I am not acting on these thoughts. So what does it hurt? They are already many steps down the road, deep in enemy territory.
Before we know it, Satan has mesmerized us using our own appetites. He has led us out of our fantasies into real indulgence. He has stirred our flesh, and our senses have move us out of the realm of the spirit and into the world where we are left to grub out a few moments of pleasure. But what you desire is shiny illusions, dangled before our eyes. In the end, we do not experience the inner delight we thought sin would give us. In fact, we are empty and cold within, slinking back home with guilt and remorse. We have burned our conscience and shattered the peace of our soul.
It is often said: "A few moments of happiness tonight - a heartful of ache and sorrow in the morning."
So it is - with empty illusions that promise satisfaction - Satan hypnotizes and leads astray. So it is he leads us out from the presence, safety, and fulfillment that is in God - out to were his dark forces can gnaw on our soul with the teeth of regret, bitterness and sorrow.
Let us pray:
Father, keep me alert to the voice that whispers inside, "What does it matter if you indulge these thoughts?" Let me see through the shinny illusions - and see the snare that lies beyond.
Teach me, Father, how to let you give me what my soul really needs to live: respect... acceptance... integrity... love a "home" in your heart.
Keep me from following after evil.
Today brothers and sisters we will get the message of the Lord from the book of Thomas a Kephis "Come Lord Jesus a devotional readings from "The Imitation of Christ edited for Toda's reader by David Hazard.
2 Timothy 3:1 But understand this, that in the last days difficult times will come. 2 For people will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 unloving, irreconcilable, slanderers, without self-control, savage, opposed to what is good, 4 treacherous, reckless, conceited, loving pleasure rather than loving God.
Do you think your soul is secure and immovable - not as long as we are in this life. Haven't you ever known a man or woman who seems good and spiritual - and then see them fall away from God?
The person who thinks they will never gall suffers even greater damage when they slip. You remain humble and depend on God for every moment of your soul's safety and strength. Only in this humble spirit do you stand a change of avoiding the snares of the evil one.
And here is a hidden snare we must avid:
Many Christians allow themselves to daydream about pleasures they know are forbidden. They think, I am not acting on these thoughts. So what does it hurt? They are already many steps down the road, deep in enemy territory.
Before we know it, Satan has mesmerized us using our own appetites. He has led us out of our fantasies into real indulgence. He has stirred our flesh, and our senses have move us out of the realm of the spirit and into the world where we are left to grub out a few moments of pleasure. But what you desire is shiny illusions, dangled before our eyes. In the end, we do not experience the inner delight we thought sin would give us. In fact, we are empty and cold within, slinking back home with guilt and remorse. We have burned our conscience and shattered the peace of our soul.
It is often said: "A few moments of happiness tonight - a heartful of ache and sorrow in the morning."
So it is - with empty illusions that promise satisfaction - Satan hypnotizes and leads astray. So it is he leads us out from the presence, safety, and fulfillment that is in God - out to were his dark forces can gnaw on our soul with the teeth of regret, bitterness and sorrow.
Let us pray:
Father, keep me alert to the voice that whispers inside, "What does it matter if you indulge these thoughts?" Let me see through the shinny illusions - and see the snare that lies beyond.
Teach me, Father, how to let you give me what my soul really needs to live: respect... acceptance... integrity... love a "home" in your heart.
Keep me from following after evil.
Friday, July 29, 2011
Useless Works
Day XCVI
Matthew 6:2 Thus whenever you do charitable giving, do not blow a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in synagogues and on streets so that people will praise them. I tell you the truth, they have their reward. 3 But when you do your giving, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your gift may be in secret. And your Father, who sees in secret, will reward you.
Today dear brothers and sisters may we take this message from our God. May this teaching be part of our inner man and do it wholeheartedly. Ever had a situation when you did something that turns out to be a waste of time and effort? This is the same situation when we do something thinking it is for God (actually it may be just a show) that we do a charitable work.
God is clear about this and we have to obediently obey. Dear brother and sisters may we not go into the trap of the enemy that we are deceived thinking we helped for good reason/purpose. May we always look into our hearts before giving for God only accepts a joyful giver. How could we know? When you feel you have doubt, when you felt the money is too big for you to give, when you question the other person/the receiver about your giving, when you do charitable work because you are thinking this favor will get reward from the other person or someone in authority and other confusion that question whether to give or not. These are the things that complicate the work for charity. How can we change it? We can fight it by saying NO to these thoughts and ask God to give you the charitable heart willing to give. Let him direct you to the right decision and consult God for your action. Lift up to God your doubt and ask him to give you the cheerful heart in giving because we should remember that when we give its a privileged because we don't do it to them but we did it to Jesus. Think of this thought - think that this is a test that an angel or Jesus Christ went in the form of human/worldly things that test our response. Best of all let us do it in secret cause what we do in secret, God sees them.
Matthew 6:2 Thus whenever you do charitable giving, do not blow a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in synagogues and on streets so that people will praise them. I tell you the truth, they have their reward. 3 But when you do your giving, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your gift may be in secret. And your Father, who sees in secret, will reward you.
Today dear brothers and sisters may we take this message from our God. May this teaching be part of our inner man and do it wholeheartedly. Ever had a situation when you did something that turns out to be a waste of time and effort? This is the same situation when we do something thinking it is for God (actually it may be just a show) that we do a charitable work.
God is clear about this and we have to obediently obey. Dear brother and sisters may we not go into the trap of the enemy that we are deceived thinking we helped for good reason/purpose. May we always look into our hearts before giving for God only accepts a joyful giver. How could we know? When you feel you have doubt, when you felt the money is too big for you to give, when you question the other person/the receiver about your giving, when you do charitable work because you are thinking this favor will get reward from the other person or someone in authority and other confusion that question whether to give or not. These are the things that complicate the work for charity. How can we change it? We can fight it by saying NO to these thoughts and ask God to give you the charitable heart willing to give. Let him direct you to the right decision and consult God for your action. Lift up to God your doubt and ask him to give you the cheerful heart in giving because we should remember that when we give its a privileged because we don't do it to them but we did it to Jesus. Think of this thought - think that this is a test that an angel or Jesus Christ went in the form of human/worldly things that test our response. Best of all let us do it in secret cause what we do in secret, God sees them.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Surrender - The heart of Worship
Day XCV
Romans 6:12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its desires, 13 and do not present your members to sin as instruments to be used for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who are alive from the dead and your members to God as instruments to be used for righteousness.
Dear brothers and sisters the only way we can live a full life with God is when we surrendered everything for HIM. The words for today to me and for you is to remind us that surrender not a portion of ourselves but our whole being to be used for his purpose. God seeks for true worshipers and the heart of true worship is when we fully submit ourselves to his will and direction.
It may be hard to give it all but when we stand firm and decide to let God take control, we would understand and see that anything that surrendered to him results perfectly. God is a great God! He can do amazing things for you and me. We just need to let him do it.
Romans 6:12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its desires, 13 and do not present your members to sin as instruments to be used for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who are alive from the dead and your members to God as instruments to be used for righteousness.
Dear brothers and sisters the only way we can live a full life with God is when we surrendered everything for HIM. The words for today to me and for you is to remind us that surrender not a portion of ourselves but our whole being to be used for his purpose. God seeks for true worshipers and the heart of true worship is when we fully submit ourselves to his will and direction.
It may be hard to give it all but when we stand firm and decide to let God take control, we would understand and see that anything that surrendered to him results perfectly. God is a great God! He can do amazing things for you and me. We just need to let him do it.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Being Led by the Holy Spirit
Day XCIV
Psalm 1:1-3
1 How blessed is the one who does not follow the advice of the wicked,
or stand in the pathway with sinners,
or sit in the assembly of scoffers!
2 Instead he finds pleasure in obeying the LORD’s commands;
he meditates on his commands day and night.
3 He is like a tree planted by flowing streams;
it yields its fruit at the proper time,
and its leaves never fall off.
He succeeds in everything he attempts.
Scriptures for today dear brothers and sisters are words of wisdom that teaches us to keep rooted in the stream of righteousness. Let us ensure that we grow our roots in the ground of holiness, let us eat from the living water of life in God's words. Let us stand firm in the ground of living in the right path.
Let us protect our living and keep it firm and nourished. For we are sure that if we stand firm in the ground of God we will be abundantly blessed by our source. In the power of the kingdom of God and the grace of Jesus Christ we will succeed in everything we do! Amen!
Psalm 1:1-3
1 How blessed is the one who does not follow the advice of the wicked,
or stand in the pathway with sinners,
or sit in the assembly of scoffers!
2 Instead he finds pleasure in obeying the LORD’s commands;
he meditates on his commands day and night.
3 He is like a tree planted by flowing streams;
it yields its fruit at the proper time,
and its leaves never fall off.
He succeeds in everything he attempts.
Scriptures for today dear brothers and sisters are words of wisdom that teaches us to keep rooted in the stream of righteousness. Let us ensure that we grow our roots in the ground of holiness, let us eat from the living water of life in God's words. Let us stand firm in the ground of living in the right path.
Let us protect our living and keep it firm and nourished. For we are sure that if we stand firm in the ground of God we will be abundantly blessed by our source. In the power of the kingdom of God and the grace of Jesus Christ we will succeed in everything we do! Amen!
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Evil's Antidote
Day XCIII
Remember the prayer that our Lord Jesus Christ taught us?
Matthew 6:9
9 So pray this way:
Our Father in heaven, may your name be honored,
10 may your kingdom come,
may your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us today our daily bread,
12 and forgive us our debts, as we ourselves have forgiven our debtors.
13 And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
14 “For if you forgive others their sins, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
15 But if you do not forgive others, your Father will not forgive you your sins.
take note of the words in bold and underlined. Also in the book of Psalm 116:8-9
8 Yes, LORD, you rescued my life from death,
and kept my feet from stumbling.
9 I will serve the LORD
in the land of the living.
Today brothers and sisters I would like to rewrite the words from the book COME LORD JESUS by Thomas Kempis. For me it was said perfectly and great utterance for us to learn to fight evil.
And He said:
The enemy is easily defeated, if we resist him and shut him out of the heart - the way you bar the gate on an invading enemy...
One way that we are easily defeated is to despair when we are tempted. When we despair, we look at ourselves, and say "Look at me. I'am so hopeless." That is a mistake, because our hope is not in ourselves, it is in the Lord!
A second mistake is to give up the battle when we have only lost the first small skirmish. By that He means, we may catch ourselves entertaining a tempting thought... and give in wholeheartedly, thinking, I've given in this far. I might as well go the rest of the way.
Let's say an impure thought comes to mind - not one of us can help this from happening. The difference is this : you can turn aside from it and fix our eyes on the Lord - or you can dwell on the thought and develop it into a dull image in your mind. Then you begin to direct the fantasy until it gives you the satisfaction you desire... until the day comes when the evil images are so rooted in you that you act on them, and they are not fantasy but sin born out of the corruption in your heart.
Isn't this the way it goes?
And so the enemy gains his foothold little by little, till he has full entrance in us. Because we did not resist him at the very beginning. The more lax we are, failing to put him out immediately, the more ground he gains in us, inch by inch. And every day he becomes a little stronger, more sure about winning the victory over our soul.
Let us not be like the person who waits too long to take strong medicine, until a sickness has taken hold of our body... and help is too late. Turn to the Lord, place all our hope in HIM, the moment we are tempted. The vision of His goodness and strength will make us strong to resist the enemy.
THIS IS THE BEST KNOWN ANTIDOTE for temptation and sin.
Remember the prayer that our Lord Jesus Christ taught us?
Matthew 6:9
9 So pray this way:
Our Father in heaven, may your name be honored,
10 may your kingdom come,
may your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us today our daily bread,
12 and forgive us our debts, as we ourselves have forgiven our debtors.
13 And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
14 “For if you forgive others their sins, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
15 But if you do not forgive others, your Father will not forgive you your sins.
take note of the words in bold and underlined. Also in the book of Psalm 116:8-9
8 Yes, LORD, you rescued my life from death,
and kept my feet from stumbling.
9 I will serve the LORD
in the land of the living.
Today brothers and sisters I would like to rewrite the words from the book COME LORD JESUS by Thomas Kempis. For me it was said perfectly and great utterance for us to learn to fight evil.
And He said:
The enemy is easily defeated, if we resist him and shut him out of the heart - the way you bar the gate on an invading enemy...
One way that we are easily defeated is to despair when we are tempted. When we despair, we look at ourselves, and say "Look at me. I'am so hopeless." That is a mistake, because our hope is not in ourselves, it is in the Lord!
A second mistake is to give up the battle when we have only lost the first small skirmish. By that He means, we may catch ourselves entertaining a tempting thought... and give in wholeheartedly, thinking, I've given in this far. I might as well go the rest of the way.
Let's say an impure thought comes to mind - not one of us can help this from happening. The difference is this : you can turn aside from it and fix our eyes on the Lord - or you can dwell on the thought and develop it into a dull image in your mind. Then you begin to direct the fantasy until it gives you the satisfaction you desire... until the day comes when the evil images are so rooted in you that you act on them, and they are not fantasy but sin born out of the corruption in your heart.
Isn't this the way it goes?
And so the enemy gains his foothold little by little, till he has full entrance in us. Because we did not resist him at the very beginning. The more lax we are, failing to put him out immediately, the more ground he gains in us, inch by inch. And every day he becomes a little stronger, more sure about winning the victory over our soul.
Let us not be like the person who waits too long to take strong medicine, until a sickness has taken hold of our body... and help is too late. Turn to the Lord, place all our hope in HIM, the moment we are tempted. The vision of His goodness and strength will make us strong to resist the enemy.
THIS IS THE BEST KNOWN ANTIDOTE for temptation and sin.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Satan's Foothold
Day XCII
Reverently fear and worship the Lord, and turn entirely away from evil. Proverbs 3:7
Today's word of wisdom comes from the book of COME LORD JESUS by Thomas Kempis.
In our journey to righteousness and looking for guidance from God. These words from Thomas Kempis would help us perfect our walk towards fighting evil.
He said:
Our life on earth is warfare. What Christ offers us is peace, and a way to overcome the spirits that war against us - if we follow Him.
On our way to victory, we will benefit if we also learn to practice VIGILANCE - that is, the discipline of keeping watch over our own soul in prayer. Like a guard on a fortress wall, I say, keep a sharp eye out for the place, people, and things that tempt you. For behind them lies our soul's great enemy.
Satan, our enemy, never rests. He waits in quiet. He comes in pleasant guise. That is why we need to be alert so that he will not sneak up on us or deceive us...
And do not be fooled by thinking you are beyond temptation. No one is so holy he cannot be tempted, and no place is so safe that the Evil One cannot find you. As long as we are in the body we are subject to the things forbidden. If we are not drawn by one temptation, we are pulled by another. This is the state we are in, since we lost our first innocence.
Many people try to escape temptation merely by staying away from people and places that tempt them. This is admirable and helps for a time. But in the end those who run away from temptation will fail. Why? it is because they use the wrong strategy. You cannot run from temptation. And if you fail to face the truth about the unsatisfied hunger in you, you leave Satan a foothold.
The only thing to do to defeat evil, is this: Stand your ground when temptation comes. Turn your face to the Lord and humbly surrender yourself to Him, saying, "Look at the evil desire that is in me. If you do not show me how to fill my hunger with something good, I will fall to this temptation. Help me. Show me the way of escape, and I will do whatever you say."
then patiently do what the Lord shows you to do He will help you. And you will find that evil loses its frip as you seek after what is good.
A man or woman can run away from outward occasions for sin But if they do not deal with the hungers that gnaw at them from within, they will never even begin to win in the battle of spirit and flesh. And they will always be subject to the wiles of the evil one.
Reverently fear and worship the Lord, and turn entirely away from evil. Proverbs 3:7
Today's word of wisdom comes from the book of COME LORD JESUS by Thomas Kempis.
In our journey to righteousness and looking for guidance from God. These words from Thomas Kempis would help us perfect our walk towards fighting evil.
He said:
Our life on earth is warfare. What Christ offers us is peace, and a way to overcome the spirits that war against us - if we follow Him.
On our way to victory, we will benefit if we also learn to practice VIGILANCE - that is, the discipline of keeping watch over our own soul in prayer. Like a guard on a fortress wall, I say, keep a sharp eye out for the place, people, and things that tempt you. For behind them lies our soul's great enemy.
Satan, our enemy, never rests. He waits in quiet. He comes in pleasant guise. That is why we need to be alert so that he will not sneak up on us or deceive us...
And do not be fooled by thinking you are beyond temptation. No one is so holy he cannot be tempted, and no place is so safe that the Evil One cannot find you. As long as we are in the body we are subject to the things forbidden. If we are not drawn by one temptation, we are pulled by another. This is the state we are in, since we lost our first innocence.
Many people try to escape temptation merely by staying away from people and places that tempt them. This is admirable and helps for a time. But in the end those who run away from temptation will fail. Why? it is because they use the wrong strategy. You cannot run from temptation. And if you fail to face the truth about the unsatisfied hunger in you, you leave Satan a foothold.
The only thing to do to defeat evil, is this: Stand your ground when temptation comes. Turn your face to the Lord and humbly surrender yourself to Him, saying, "Look at the evil desire that is in me. If you do not show me how to fill my hunger with something good, I will fall to this temptation. Help me. Show me the way of escape, and I will do whatever you say."
then patiently do what the Lord shows you to do He will help you. And you will find that evil loses its frip as you seek after what is good.
A man or woman can run away from outward occasions for sin But if they do not deal with the hungers that gnaw at them from within, they will never even begin to win in the battle of spirit and flesh. And they will always be subject to the wiles of the evil one.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Life is a Temporary Assignment
Day XCI
Our guide for today are from the words of God from the bible and from the book of Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren chapter/day 6.
He started it with:
LORD, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered, and that my life is fleeing away. Psalm 39:4
I am here on earth for just a little while. Psalm 119:19
It is true that in the bible our life is a temporary assignment as Rick Warren also put it. He also mentioned that there are numerous stories in the bible that would display the reality that our life on earth is a small portion of living. We should accept that fact and understand AND believe that there is life after death. We should look forward to have that eternal life after our stay here on earth. We should believe and accept that Jesus is the only way to eternity. May we always remind ourselves that this life we have now will only last for a little while - we have to consider living a life as if it is our last. As one clip shows the dash in our tombstone that shows our birthdate (dash) deathdate. And that dash represents how we live our lives here on earth. And only the people who knows us can tell how we spend that dash. So come to think of it. When our eulogy is read/rehearse what would people say about your dash?
Our guide for today are from the words of God from the bible and from the book of Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren chapter/day 6.
He started it with:
LORD, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered, and that my life is fleeing away. Psalm 39:4
I am here on earth for just a little while. Psalm 119:19
It is true that in the bible our life is a temporary assignment as Rick Warren also put it. He also mentioned that there are numerous stories in the bible that would display the reality that our life on earth is a small portion of living. We should accept that fact and understand AND believe that there is life after death. We should look forward to have that eternal life after our stay here on earth. We should believe and accept that Jesus is the only way to eternity. May we always remind ourselves that this life we have now will only last for a little while - we have to consider living a life as if it is our last. As one clip shows the dash in our tombstone that shows our birthdate (dash) deathdate. And that dash represents how we live our lives here on earth. And only the people who knows us can tell how we spend that dash. So come to think of it. When our eulogy is read/rehearse what would people say about your dash?
Saturday, July 23, 2011
More than Conquerors
Day XC
Romans 8
28 And we know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose, 29 because those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; and those he called, he also justified; and those he justified, he also glorified.
31 What then shall we say about these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 Indeed, he who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all – how will he not also, along with him, freely give us all things? 33 Who will bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is the one who will condemn? Christ is the one who died (and more than that, he was raised), who is at the right hand of God, and who also is interceding for us. 35 Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will trouble, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 36 As it is written, “For your sake we encounter death all day long; we were considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” 37 No, in all these things we have complete victory through him who loved us! 38 For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor heavenly rulers, nor things that are present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
As the scriptures says brothers and sisters we are more than Conquerors - as such we should accept the challenge that we need to succeed in this battle to fight our enemy. We are ordered by our Commander to be like his Son Jesus in ways of living. He assured that if we are with him in faith then we can face anyone - who can be against us when we have God? We can have our firm faith in God he will take care of us until we get the victory up to eternity.
Romans 8
28 And we know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose, 29 because those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; and those he called, he also justified; and those he justified, he also glorified.
31 What then shall we say about these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 Indeed, he who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all – how will he not also, along with him, freely give us all things? 33 Who will bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is the one who will condemn? Christ is the one who died (and more than that, he was raised), who is at the right hand of God, and who also is interceding for us. 35 Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will trouble, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 36 As it is written, “For your sake we encounter death all day long; we were considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” 37 No, in all these things we have complete victory through him who loved us! 38 For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor heavenly rulers, nor things that are present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
As the scriptures says brothers and sisters we are more than Conquerors - as such we should accept the challenge that we need to succeed in this battle to fight our enemy. We are ordered by our Commander to be like his Son Jesus in ways of living. He assured that if we are with him in faith then we can face anyone - who can be against us when we have God? We can have our firm faith in God he will take care of us until we get the victory up to eternity.
Friday, July 22, 2011
Our greatest sacrifice for God
Day LXXXIX
Brothers and Sisters our scriptures for today revealed to us what great sacrifice we can offer to God. Sacrifice my friends is our expression of gratitude to God for his loving-kindness, for forgiveness of our sins and expressing our love to him.
You might have heard the stories of animal sacrifices given to God. In the old testament there are numerous type of sacrifice required for specific purpose. When Jesus came, he shown us the greatest example of what sacrifice really matter to God the Father. Again, I would say that Jesus is our source of knowledge and path. He is the best model, the person who practices what he preached.
As Jesus Christ given his life as a sacrifice not only to the Father but for the whole human race. We are also commanded to do the same.
Romans 12
1 Therefore I exhort you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a sacrifice – alive, holy, and pleasing to God – which is your reasonable service. 2 Do not be conformed to this present world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may test and approve what is the will of God – what is good and well-pleasing and perfect.
also in the book of Galatians 5:16 But I say, live by the Spirit and you will not carry out the desires of the flesh.
Ourselves are the most important sacrifice we can offer to God. We should live as a servant of God - doing righteous service in everything that we do (like doing it for God). We should die daily by renewing ourselves to be righteous and be strong in the battle for righteousness.
Brothers and Sisters our scriptures for today revealed to us what great sacrifice we can offer to God. Sacrifice my friends is our expression of gratitude to God for his loving-kindness, for forgiveness of our sins and expressing our love to him.
You might have heard the stories of animal sacrifices given to God. In the old testament there are numerous type of sacrifice required for specific purpose. When Jesus came, he shown us the greatest example of what sacrifice really matter to God the Father. Again, I would say that Jesus is our source of knowledge and path. He is the best model, the person who practices what he preached.
As Jesus Christ given his life as a sacrifice not only to the Father but for the whole human race. We are also commanded to do the same.
Romans 12
1 Therefore I exhort you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a sacrifice – alive, holy, and pleasing to God – which is your reasonable service. 2 Do not be conformed to this present world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may test and approve what is the will of God – what is good and well-pleasing and perfect.
also in the book of Galatians 5:16 But I say, live by the Spirit and you will not carry out the desires of the flesh.
Ourselves are the most important sacrifice we can offer to God. We should live as a servant of God - doing righteous service in everything that we do (like doing it for God). We should die daily by renewing ourselves to be righteous and be strong in the battle for righteousness.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Knowing our purpose simplifies our lives
Day LXXXVIII
Philippians 4:5 Let everyone see your gentleness. The Lord is near! 6 Do not be anxious about anything. Instead, in every situation, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, tell your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of respect, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if something is excellent or praiseworthy, think about these things. 9 And what you learned and received and heard and saw in me, do these things. And the God of peace will be with you.
Today brothers and sisters God proves to me and to several people around me that God is so Good! God is in total control and God is loving. God's words today are these. These are given to us few weeks back but still in control if we make it part of our lives! Let us simplify our lives by focusing on what matters most. How do we know what kind of personality would that be? Simple Follow these instructions. In the holy name of Jesus! Amen
Philippians 4:5 Let everyone see your gentleness. The Lord is near! 6 Do not be anxious about anything. Instead, in every situation, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, tell your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of respect, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if something is excellent or praiseworthy, think about these things. 9 And what you learned and received and heard and saw in me, do these things. And the God of peace will be with you.
Today brothers and sisters God proves to me and to several people around me that God is so Good! God is in total control and God is loving. God's words today are these. These are given to us few weeks back but still in control if we make it part of our lives! Let us simplify our lives by focusing on what matters most. How do we know what kind of personality would that be? Simple Follow these instructions. In the holy name of Jesus! Amen
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Everything happens for His Glory
Day LXXXVII
2 Timothy 4:17 But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message would be fully proclaimed for all the Gentiles to hear. And so I was delivered from the lion’s mouth! 18 The Lord will deliver me from every evil deed and will bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever! Amen.
Brothers and Sisters you might face a very difficult situation, you might not know it but you are in the midst of worry about your future. You may be facing number of enemies that surrounds you, belittling you and crushing you down. YOU and I don't know it either that ourselves are in constant assault with the attack of the enemy giving us evil desires and suggesting a fight for our right.
Friends, let us remember our Purpose! The purpose to be like Christ! May it be, when we are confused - we go back to where we should start and consider what is the standard mesurement of righteousness. The right question you might have heard and was familiar with - "What would Jesus Do? or How did Jesus does it?"
Let us remember how he humbled himself towards the world, how he fight temptations and how he practiced what he preached. We can never know anything unless we direct our focus on what matters most. Let us make Jesus the starting point of our lives and these heavenly things will happen to us!
2 Timothy 4:17 But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message would be fully proclaimed for all the Gentiles to hear. And so I was delivered from the lion’s mouth! 18 The Lord will deliver me from every evil deed and will bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever! Amen.
Brothers and Sisters you might face a very difficult situation, you might not know it but you are in the midst of worry about your future. You may be facing number of enemies that surrounds you, belittling you and crushing you down. YOU and I don't know it either that ourselves are in constant assault with the attack of the enemy giving us evil desires and suggesting a fight for our right.
Friends, let us remember our Purpose! The purpose to be like Christ! May it be, when we are confused - we go back to where we should start and consider what is the standard mesurement of righteousness. The right question you might have heard and was familiar with - "What would Jesus Do? or How did Jesus does it?"
Let us remember how he humbled himself towards the world, how he fight temptations and how he practiced what he preached. We can never know anything unless we direct our focus on what matters most. Let us make Jesus the starting point of our lives and these heavenly things will happen to us!
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Guide to be our Virtue
Day LXXXVI
Philippians 4
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of respect, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if something is excellent or praiseworthy, think about these things. 9 And what you learned and received and heard and saw in me, do these things. And the God of peace will be with you.
Brothers and Sisters today the scriptures would give us the guide in the things we need to do. God said whatever is true, worthy of respect, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent or praiseworthy we do it. Come to think of the effect if we perfect that kind of virtue. The words that says if we are for God who can be against us. If we have these do you think we will have a great life? YES! In Jesus name may these words be part of the voice of truth that guide our lives. Amen!
Philippians 4
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of respect, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if something is excellent or praiseworthy, think about these things. 9 And what you learned and received and heard and saw in me, do these things. And the God of peace will be with you.
Brothers and Sisters today the scriptures would give us the guide in the things we need to do. God said whatever is true, worthy of respect, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent or praiseworthy we do it. Come to think of the effect if we perfect that kind of virtue. The words that says if we are for God who can be against us. If we have these do you think we will have a great life? YES! In Jesus name may these words be part of the voice of truth that guide our lives. Amen!
Monday, July 18, 2011
Let God Take Full Control
Day LXXXV
Today the word of God is to let him take full control of our situation. We might be facing a difficult challenge/s, we might be worrying about tomorrow or confused what to do. Well dear brothers and sisters should it be time for us to think of all the things that happened to our lives?
Let us recall all the things that happened to us. How are we today than yesterday? Are these things the almost the same situation we had before? In reality things happen over and over again to let us realized that in this world we are not in total control of things. These things also would substantiate that life is better when we admit that "Life is 10% how we make of it and 90% how we take it". Life is only a matter of perception. Our God is a great God who knows everything about this life from generations to generations from eternity to eternity.
Dear friends, let us admit that we cannot take this life without God. Today let us pause - stop and come to think how we lived our lives? If you come to realize that really things were different when we acknowledge God as our Lord and provider, when we believe in his power and capacity to do everything for us.
As it is perfectly said in Proverbs 3:6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Let trust God in everything - in this I mean EVERYTHING. Remember he knows better. This makes our living simple and make us focus on doing what pleases him. May these words speak to your inner man and be the voice of truth inside us. Amen!
Today the word of God is to let him take full control of our situation. We might be facing a difficult challenge/s, we might be worrying about tomorrow or confused what to do. Well dear brothers and sisters should it be time for us to think of all the things that happened to our lives?
Let us recall all the things that happened to us. How are we today than yesterday? Are these things the almost the same situation we had before? In reality things happen over and over again to let us realized that in this world we are not in total control of things. These things also would substantiate that life is better when we admit that "Life is 10% how we make of it and 90% how we take it". Life is only a matter of perception. Our God is a great God who knows everything about this life from generations to generations from eternity to eternity.
Dear friends, let us admit that we cannot take this life without God. Today let us pause - stop and come to think how we lived our lives? If you come to realize that really things were different when we acknowledge God as our Lord and provider, when we believe in his power and capacity to do everything for us.
As it is perfectly said in Proverbs 3:6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Let trust God in everything - in this I mean EVERYTHING. Remember he knows better. This makes our living simple and make us focus on doing what pleases him. May these words speak to your inner man and be the voice of truth inside us. Amen!
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Greatness in God
Day LXXXIV
Today the word of God to us was about his great love to us. As the prayer of Apostle Paul shows it. May the great love of Jesus flow through us and complete us. May this love make us satisfied with his presence and only him.
Ephesians 3
14 For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on the earth is named. 16 I pray that according to the wealth of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inner person, 17 that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, so that, because you have been rooted and grounded in love, 18 you may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and thus to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.
20 Now to him who by the power that is working within us is able to do far beyond all that we ask or think, 21 to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
As the scripture have mentioned may our inner being be filled with the power of the spirit to guide us. May this inner man feel the great love of Jesus and the greatness/fullness of God in us. Hallelujah.
Today the word of God to us was about his great love to us. As the prayer of Apostle Paul shows it. May the great love of Jesus flow through us and complete us. May this love make us satisfied with his presence and only him.
Ephesians 3
14 For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on the earth is named. 16 I pray that according to the wealth of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inner person, 17 that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, so that, because you have been rooted and grounded in love, 18 you may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and thus to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.
20 Now to him who by the power that is working within us is able to do far beyond all that we ask or think, 21 to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
As the scripture have mentioned may our inner being be filled with the power of the spirit to guide us. May this inner man feel the great love of Jesus and the greatness/fullness of God in us. Hallelujah.
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Encouragement to be Faithful
Day LXXXIII
Today's scriptures gives us the encouragement to keep our faith strong. Brothers and sisters in our journey towards righteousness let us keep our ways firm towards our Lord. It was a message given to me by God again today as a warning to me to check my ways and evaluate my doings.
So as to everyone of us who might be reading this. Let us stop and think about this words. I posted this last Sunday July 10, 2011 and this same message was given to us for a purpose.
2 Timothy 1
6 Because of this I remind you to rekindle God’s gift that you possess through the laying on of my hands. 7 For God did not give us a Spirit of fear but of power and love and self-control. 8 So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me, a prisoner for his sake, but by God’s power accept your share of suffering for the gospel. 9 He is the one who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not based on our works but on his own purpose and grace, granted to us in Christ Jesus before time began,10 but now made visible through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus. He has broken the power of death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel! 11 For this gospel I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher.12 Because of this, in fact, I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, because I know the one in whom my faith is set and I am convinced that he is able to protect what has been entrusted to me until that day. 13 Hold to the standard of sound words that you heard from me and do so with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.14 Protect that good thing entrusted to you, through the Holy Spirit who lives within us.
These same words like last Sunday - words that our God given us for us to ask ourselves. Why?
Let us put it this way, our Father told us same teaching twice at the time we never expected it to be said? How would you feel or what would you think? For me it would mean this is something different I guess God really meant something very important for me to be careful to learn about this.
Today dear friends let us stop and think strong, are there things that we are doing now that make us fall into the temptation of diverting our attention slightly away from God. Are there things that we are doing that compromise our faith. Maybe entertaining images, thoughts or situations that lure us towards the desires of our flesh. LET US STOP AND THINK.
When you see them, don't hesitate - that's it! Stop and pray. Father in heaven, I know that your words have meaning for my own good. I know you meant this words for me to correct my doings. Help me have the great power of my spirit to have self-control and to stop whatever that compromises my spiritual being. Help me live a spirit controlled life and make my inner man stronger than the desire of my flesh. Father remove the evil spirits in me - spirit of lust, spirit of fear, spirit of doubt, spirit of python, spirit of insecurities and all other desires that lead me to sin. Bless me with your wisdom of truth and help me succeed in my decision to be firm to be righteous in Jesus name! Amen!
Today's scriptures gives us the encouragement to keep our faith strong. Brothers and sisters in our journey towards righteousness let us keep our ways firm towards our Lord. It was a message given to me by God again today as a warning to me to check my ways and evaluate my doings.
So as to everyone of us who might be reading this. Let us stop and think about this words. I posted this last Sunday July 10, 2011 and this same message was given to us for a purpose.
2 Timothy 1
6 Because of this I remind you to rekindle God’s gift that you possess through the laying on of my hands. 7 For God did not give us a Spirit of fear but of power and love and self-control. 8 So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me, a prisoner for his sake, but by God’s power accept your share of suffering for the gospel. 9 He is the one who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not based on our works but on his own purpose and grace, granted to us in Christ Jesus before time began,10 but now made visible through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus. He has broken the power of death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel! 11 For this gospel I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher.12 Because of this, in fact, I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, because I know the one in whom my faith is set and I am convinced that he is able to protect what has been entrusted to me until that day. 13 Hold to the standard of sound words that you heard from me and do so with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.14 Protect that good thing entrusted to you, through the Holy Spirit who lives within us.
These same words like last Sunday - words that our God given us for us to ask ourselves. Why?
Let us put it this way, our Father told us same teaching twice at the time we never expected it to be said? How would you feel or what would you think? For me it would mean this is something different I guess God really meant something very important for me to be careful to learn about this.
Today dear friends let us stop and think strong, are there things that we are doing now that make us fall into the temptation of diverting our attention slightly away from God. Are there things that we are doing that compromise our faith. Maybe entertaining images, thoughts or situations that lure us towards the desires of our flesh. LET US STOP AND THINK.
When you see them, don't hesitate - that's it! Stop and pray. Father in heaven, I know that your words have meaning for my own good. I know you meant this words for me to correct my doings. Help me have the great power of my spirit to have self-control and to stop whatever that compromises my spiritual being. Help me live a spirit controlled life and make my inner man stronger than the desire of my flesh. Father remove the evil spirits in me - spirit of lust, spirit of fear, spirit of doubt, spirit of python, spirit of insecurities and all other desires that lead me to sin. Bless me with your wisdom of truth and help me succeed in my decision to be firm to be righteous in Jesus name! Amen!
Friday, July 15, 2011
Be a living sacrifice
Day LXXXI
Romans 12
1 Therefore I exhort you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a sacrifice – alive, holy, and pleasing to God – which is your reasonable service. 2 Do not be conformed to this present world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may test and approve what is the will of God – what is good and well-pleasing and perfect.
Dear brothers and sisters in this scriptures we were commanded to do the right sacrifice. What does sacrifice means? In some dictionaries the word implies offering - offering is an act of giving freely (should have free will and happiness in giving). In old times you might have heard stories about how our ancestors offered somethings to our God. These things are like our payment for the blessings of the God we worship and the provider of our needs.
Remember Jesus when he sacrificed his body on the cross for you? He FREELY given up his body, fully accepted the suffering he had received to save you and me. Jesus Christ our Lord commanded us to offer our bodies as a living sacrifice for God - in our words and deeds. Our Lord Jesus Christ practiced what he preached. He go through it up to his death! Imagine a teacher doing that for you to be a great example and to tell you this is how it is done. And the gift at the end is everlasting life!
Friends may the God said in our words last Sunday - God does not give us the spirit of fear but the spirit of power, love and sound mind. Live the life of spirit and make our body the right sacrifice for the Glory of God.
Romans 12
1 Therefore I exhort you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a sacrifice – alive, holy, and pleasing to God – which is your reasonable service. 2 Do not be conformed to this present world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may test and approve what is the will of God – what is good and well-pleasing and perfect.
Dear brothers and sisters in this scriptures we were commanded to do the right sacrifice. What does sacrifice means? In some dictionaries the word implies offering - offering is an act of giving freely (should have free will and happiness in giving). In old times you might have heard stories about how our ancestors offered somethings to our God. These things are like our payment for the blessings of the God we worship and the provider of our needs.
Remember Jesus when he sacrificed his body on the cross for you? He FREELY given up his body, fully accepted the suffering he had received to save you and me. Jesus Christ our Lord commanded us to offer our bodies as a living sacrifice for God - in our words and deeds. Our Lord Jesus Christ practiced what he preached. He go through it up to his death! Imagine a teacher doing that for you to be a great example and to tell you this is how it is done. And the gift at the end is everlasting life!
Friends may the God said in our words last Sunday - God does not give us the spirit of fear but the spirit of power, love and sound mind. Live the life of spirit and make our body the right sacrifice for the Glory of God.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Learning from the Parable of the weeds
Day LXXXII
Matthew 13
24 He presented them with another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a person who sowed good seed in his field. 25 But while everyone was sleeping, an enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat and went away. 26 When the plants sprouted and bore grain, then the weeds also appeared. 27 So the slaves of the owner came and said to him, ‘Sir, didn’t you sow good seed in your field? Then where did the weeds come from?’ 28 He said, ‘An enemy has done this.’ So the slaves replied, ‘Do you want us to go and gather them?’ 29 But he said, ‘No, since in gathering the weeds you may uproot the wheat with them. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest. At harvest time I will tell the reapers, “First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned, but then gather the wheat into my barn.”’”
36 Then he left the crowds and went into the house. And his disciples came to him saying, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field.” 37 He answered, “The one who sowed the good seed is the Son of Man. 38 The field is the world and the good seed are the people of the kingdom. The weeds are the people of the evil one, 39 and the enemy who sows them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels. 40 As the weeds are collected and burned with fire, so it will be at the end of the age. 41 The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will gather from his kingdom everything that causes sin as well as all lawbreakers. 42 They will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 43 Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. The one who has ears had better listen!
Brothers and Sisters in this scriptures we were cautioned by our Lord Jesus when he is teaching that in this world we would be dealing with the wicked ones. Like the weeds they will be part of our environment and most of the time will share the place where we are and live with us. Let us ensure that they can never choke us and influence us. Let us maintain our focus on growing strong in our Lord knowing that we are surrounded by the world of weeds. The one who has ears had better listen!
Matthew 13
24 He presented them with another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a person who sowed good seed in his field. 25 But while everyone was sleeping, an enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat and went away. 26 When the plants sprouted and bore grain, then the weeds also appeared. 27 So the slaves of the owner came and said to him, ‘Sir, didn’t you sow good seed in your field? Then where did the weeds come from?’ 28 He said, ‘An enemy has done this.’ So the slaves replied, ‘Do you want us to go and gather them?’ 29 But he said, ‘No, since in gathering the weeds you may uproot the wheat with them. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest. At harvest time I will tell the reapers, “First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned, but then gather the wheat into my barn.”’”
36 Then he left the crowds and went into the house. And his disciples came to him saying, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field.” 37 He answered, “The one who sowed the good seed is the Son of Man. 38 The field is the world and the good seed are the people of the kingdom. The weeds are the people of the evil one, 39 and the enemy who sows them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels. 40 As the weeds are collected and burned with fire, so it will be at the end of the age. 41 The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will gather from his kingdom everything that causes sin as well as all lawbreakers. 42 They will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 43 Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. The one who has ears had better listen!
Brothers and Sisters in this scriptures we were cautioned by our Lord Jesus when he is teaching that in this world we would be dealing with the wicked ones. Like the weeds they will be part of our environment and most of the time will share the place where we are and live with us. Let us ensure that they can never choke us and influence us. Let us maintain our focus on growing strong in our Lord knowing that we are surrounded by the world of weeds. The one who has ears had better listen!
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Life in Spirit vs works of the flesh
Day LXXX
Galatians 5
19 Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, depravity, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hostilities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish rivalries, dissensions, factions, 21 envying, murder, drunkenness, carousing, and similar things. I am warning you, as I had warned you before: Those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God!
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Now those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also behave in accordance with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, being jealous of one another.
Brothers and Sisters these words are caution/warning to us. Our scriptures enumerated the list of the works of the flesh and what the spirit wants us to follow. Let us the open minded acceptance of these truth and follow our Father to live by these things. Let us remember that our Father in our heavenly kingdom requires us to be holy like him. Let us do everything to make our lives holy and presentable to God.
Galatians 5
19 Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, depravity, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hostilities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish rivalries, dissensions, factions, 21 envying, murder, drunkenness, carousing, and similar things. I am warning you, as I had warned you before: Those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God!
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Now those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also behave in accordance with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, being jealous of one another.
Brothers and Sisters these words are caution/warning to us. Our scriptures enumerated the list of the works of the flesh and what the spirit wants us to follow. Let us the open minded acceptance of these truth and follow our Father to live by these things. Let us remember that our Father in our heavenly kingdom requires us to be holy like him. Let us do everything to make our lives holy and presentable to God.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
No Confidence in the Flesh
Day LXXIX
In connection to our previous verses this scriptures would teach us to be watchful on the enemies snare.
Philippians 3
2 Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of those who mutilate the flesh! 3 For we are the circumcision, the ones who worship by the Spirit of God, exult in Christ Jesus, and do not rely on human credentials 4 – though mine too are significant. If someone thinks he has good reasons to put confidence in human credentials, I have more: 5 I was circumcised on the eighth day, from the people of Israel and the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews. I lived according to the law as a Pharisee. 26 In my zeal for God I persecuted the church. According to the righteousness stipulated in the law I was blameless. 7 But these assets I have come to regard as liabilities because of Christ. 8 More than that, I now regard all things as liabilities compared to the far greater value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things – indeed, I regard them as dung! – that I may gain Christ, 9 and be found in him, not because I have my own righteousness derived from the law, but because I have the righteousness that comes by way of Christ’s faithfulness – a righteousness from God that is in fact based on Christ’s faithfulness. 10 My aim is to know him, to experience the power of his resurrection, to share in his sufferings, and to be like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.
This is the letter of Apostle Paul to the Philippians. Like them we should be very careful on how we live our lives guard our faith to keep it pure and blameless.
In connection to our previous verses this scriptures would teach us to be watchful on the enemies snare.
Philippians 3
2 Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of those who mutilate the flesh! 3 For we are the circumcision, the ones who worship by the Spirit of God, exult in Christ Jesus, and do not rely on human credentials 4 – though mine too are significant. If someone thinks he has good reasons to put confidence in human credentials, I have more: 5 I was circumcised on the eighth day, from the people of Israel and the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews. I lived according to the law as a Pharisee. 26 In my zeal for God I persecuted the church. According to the righteousness stipulated in the law I was blameless. 7 But these assets I have come to regard as liabilities because of Christ. 8 More than that, I now regard all things as liabilities compared to the far greater value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things – indeed, I regard them as dung! – that I may gain Christ, 9 and be found in him, not because I have my own righteousness derived from the law, but because I have the righteousness that comes by way of Christ’s faithfulness – a righteousness from God that is in fact based on Christ’s faithfulness. 10 My aim is to know him, to experience the power of his resurrection, to share in his sufferings, and to be like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.
This is the letter of Apostle Paul to the Philippians. Like them we should be very careful on how we live our lives guard our faith to keep it pure and blameless.
Monday, July 11, 2011
Be on watch
Day LXXVIII
Today and at this moment while I am writing this - temptation is calling me. To be together with wicked people and enjoy the life I had before conversion. This words of today gives me the wisdom to BE ON WATCH and decide to resist.
1 Peter 5
8 Be sober and alert. Your enemy the devil, like a roaring lion, is on the prowl looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, strong in your faith, because you know that your brothers and sisters throughout the world are enduring the same kinds of suffering. 10 And, after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace who called you to his eternal glory in Christ will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 11 To him belongs the power forever. Amen.
When we were sinner we enjoyed everything that make our flesh feel happy. Those things lead us to destruction, pain and bitterness. When we choose a good life and enjoyed the blessings of God ( prosperity, Love and Peace) we would also get the sound mind to listen to the voice of truth.
Friends, we cannot play with temptation it will drown us with sin. Let us resist them and not go close to them for the ways of the wicked is contagious.
Today and at this moment while I am writing this - temptation is calling me. To be together with wicked people and enjoy the life I had before conversion. This words of today gives me the wisdom to BE ON WATCH and decide to resist.
1 Peter 5
8 Be sober and alert. Your enemy the devil, like a roaring lion, is on the prowl looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, strong in your faith, because you know that your brothers and sisters throughout the world are enduring the same kinds of suffering. 10 And, after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace who called you to his eternal glory in Christ will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 11 To him belongs the power forever. Amen.
When we were sinner we enjoyed everything that make our flesh feel happy. Those things lead us to destruction, pain and bitterness. When we choose a good life and enjoyed the blessings of God ( prosperity, Love and Peace) we would also get the sound mind to listen to the voice of truth.
Friends, we cannot play with temptation it will drown us with sin. Let us resist them and not go close to them for the ways of the wicked is contagious.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Keep the Fire burning
Day LXXVII
This words comes from God through our Pastor Larry of Covenant Renewal Church. Words of wisdom that would make our inner man burning in God's spirit.
2 Timothy 1
6 Because of this I remind you to rekindle God’s gift that you possess through the laying on of my hands. 7 For God did not give us a Spirit of fear but of power and love and self-control. 8 So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me, a prisoner for his sake, but by God’s power accept your share of suffering for the gospel. 9 He is the one who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not based on our works but on his own purpose and grace, granted to us in Christ Jesus before time began,10 but now made visible through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus. He has broken the power of death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel! 11 For this gospel I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher.12 Because of this, in fact, I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, because I know the one in whom my faith is set and I am convinced that he is able to protect what has been entrusted to me until that day. 13 Hold to the standard of sound words that you heard from me and do so with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.14 Protect that good thing entrusted to you, through the Holy Spirit who lives within us.
Brothers and Sisters we must always keep the fire burning in us that we may continue to be on fire in GOD. May we always keep the passion towards God and enjoy his might forever.
Let us remember that if we fall short it will lead us back to where we are those times that we are not proud of. Let us always have the power of our spirit as the scriptures said God given us the spirit of power, love and self-control/sound mind. May our inner man/holy spirit be the voice of truth that lead us in this righteous journey.
This words comes from God through our Pastor Larry of Covenant Renewal Church. Words of wisdom that would make our inner man burning in God's spirit.
2 Timothy 1
6 Because of this I remind you to rekindle God’s gift that you possess through the laying on of my hands. 7 For God did not give us a Spirit of fear but of power and love and self-control. 8 So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me, a prisoner for his sake, but by God’s power accept your share of suffering for the gospel. 9 He is the one who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not based on our works but on his own purpose and grace, granted to us in Christ Jesus before time began,10 but now made visible through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus. He has broken the power of death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel! 11 For this gospel I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher.12 Because of this, in fact, I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, because I know the one in whom my faith is set and I am convinced that he is able to protect what has been entrusted to me until that day. 13 Hold to the standard of sound words that you heard from me and do so with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.14 Protect that good thing entrusted to you, through the Holy Spirit who lives within us.
Brothers and Sisters we must always keep the fire burning in us that we may continue to be on fire in GOD. May we always keep the passion towards God and enjoy his might forever.
Let us remember that if we fall short it will lead us back to where we are those times that we are not proud of. Let us always have the power of our spirit as the scriptures said God given us the spirit of power, love and self-control/sound mind. May our inner man/holy spirit be the voice of truth that lead us in this righteous journey.
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Imitating Christ's Humility (part 2) Shining as Starts
Day LXXVI
Philippians 2
12 So then, my dear friends, just as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence but even more in my absence, continue working out your salvation with awe and reverence, 13 for the one bringing forth in you both the desire and the effort – for the sake of his good pleasure – is God. 14 Do everything without grumbling or arguing, 15 so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God without blemish though you live in a crooked and perverse society, in which you shine as lights in the world 16 by holding on to the word of life so that on the day of Christ I will have a reason to boast that I did not run in vain nor labor in vain. 17 But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice together with all of you.18 And in the same way you also should be glad and rejoice together with me.
Please note dear brothers and sisters that our relationship with God and our commitment to walk the holy life is between ourselves and God. Integrity matters, because when we are concerned to do right we are not concerned about what others would say - we are more concerned what God would say.
Philippians 2
12 So then, my dear friends, just as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence but even more in my absence, continue working out your salvation with awe and reverence, 13 for the one bringing forth in you both the desire and the effort – for the sake of his good pleasure – is God. 14 Do everything without grumbling or arguing, 15 so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God without blemish though you live in a crooked and perverse society, in which you shine as lights in the world 16 by holding on to the word of life so that on the day of Christ I will have a reason to boast that I did not run in vain nor labor in vain. 17 But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice together with all of you.18 And in the same way you also should be glad and rejoice together with me.
Please note dear brothers and sisters that our relationship with God and our commitment to walk the holy life is between ourselves and God. Integrity matters, because when we are concerned to do right we are not concerned about what others would say - we are more concerned what God would say.
Friday, July 8, 2011
Imitating Christ's Humility (part 1)
Day LXXV
Brothers and Sisters this scriptures would give us the confidence to be humble for the great mighty Lord of us teaches us how he have done it. Being a supreme God he put on the human life to be like us and suffered in this wicked world to teach us the right way of doing it. The perfect IDOL, the perfect Teacher and our Perfect Lord.
He practice what he preach and he really walk his talk!
Philippians 2
1 Therefore, if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort provided by love, any fellowship in the Spirit, any affection or mercy, 2 complete my joy and be of the same mind, by having the same love, being united in spirit, and having one purpose. 3 Instead of being motivated by selfish ambition or vanity, each of you should, in humility, be moved to treat one another as more important than yourself. 4 Each of you should be concerned not only about your own interests, but about the interests of others as well. 5 You should have the same attitude toward one another that Christ Jesus had,
6 who though he existed in the form of God
did not regard equality with God
as something to be grasped,
7 but emptied himself
by taking on the form of a slave,
by looking like other men,
and by sharing in human nature.
8 He humbled himself,
by becoming obedient to the point of death
– even death on a cross!
9 As a result God exalted him
and gave him the name
that is above every name,
10 so that at the name of Jesus
every knee will bow
– in heaven and on earth and under the earth –
11 and every tongue confess
that Jesus Christ is Lord
to the glory of God the Father.
Brothers and Sisters this scriptures would give us the confidence to be humble for the great mighty Lord of us teaches us how he have done it. Being a supreme God he put on the human life to be like us and suffered in this wicked world to teach us the right way of doing it. The perfect IDOL, the perfect Teacher and our Perfect Lord.
He practice what he preach and he really walk his talk!
Philippians 2
1 Therefore, if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort provided by love, any fellowship in the Spirit, any affection or mercy, 2 complete my joy and be of the same mind, by having the same love, being united in spirit, and having one purpose. 3 Instead of being motivated by selfish ambition or vanity, each of you should, in humility, be moved to treat one another as more important than yourself. 4 Each of you should be concerned not only about your own interests, but about the interests of others as well. 5 You should have the same attitude toward one another that Christ Jesus had,
6 who though he existed in the form of God
did not regard equality with God
as something to be grasped,
7 but emptied himself
by taking on the form of a slave,
by looking like other men,
and by sharing in human nature.
8 He humbled himself,
by becoming obedient to the point of death
– even death on a cross!
9 As a result God exalted him
and gave him the name
that is above every name,
10 so that at the name of Jesus
every knee will bow
– in heaven and on earth and under the earth –
11 and every tongue confess
that Jesus Christ is Lord
to the glory of God the Father.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Jesus said Pray and Never Give up
LXXIV
Luke 18
1 Then Jesus told them a parable to show them they should always pray and not lose heart. 2 He said,1 “In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected people. 3 There was also a widow in that city who kept coming to him and saying, ‘Give me justice against my adversary.’ 4 For a while he refused, but later on he said to himself, ‘Though I neither fear God nor have regard for people, 5 yet because this widow keeps on bothering me, I will give her justice, or in the end she will wear me out by her unending pleas.’” 6 And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unrighteous judge says! 7 Won’t God give justice to his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he delay long to help them? 8 I tell you, he will give them justice speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”
Brothers and Sisters let us be persistent and continuously pray. We can be assured that we have a generous loving father God who would listen to us. To strengthen us more - let us be confident that our future is in his hands and we know that he have good plans for it.
Luke 18
1 Then Jesus told them a parable to show them they should always pray and not lose heart. 2 He said,1 “In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected people. 3 There was also a widow in that city who kept coming to him and saying, ‘Give me justice against my adversary.’ 4 For a while he refused, but later on he said to himself, ‘Though I neither fear God nor have regard for people, 5 yet because this widow keeps on bothering me, I will give her justice, or in the end she will wear me out by her unending pleas.’” 6 And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unrighteous judge says! 7 Won’t God give justice to his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he delay long to help them? 8 I tell you, he will give them justice speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”
Brothers and Sisters let us be persistent and continuously pray. We can be assured that we have a generous loving father God who would listen to us. To strengthen us more - let us be confident that our future is in his hands and we know that he have good plans for it.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Controlling our thoughts
Day LXXIII
Brothers and Sisters with our efforts to do what is right and live a holy life there is a great factor that would define our path. This is the greatest challenge we will face every moment and continually. It is our thoughts, what is in our mind influenced our feelings thus it becomes our behavior, and that behavior leads to action (if in wrong) lead to sin that leads to Death. As the scriptures says:
Romans 12:2 Do not be conformed to this present world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may test and approve what is the will of God – what is good and well-pleasing and perfect.
Friends let us stop and take time to think about it. The secret of becoming someone, or changing our course of way is by renewing our mind with what we wanted to do. Imagine a ship - no matter how big it is it is controlled to move to any direction by a small rudder. Our mind is so powerful that it can be our greatest tool for success or for destruction. If our minds are consumed then we are in trouble. Pray that our mind will always be pure.
How to do it? Again, what is in our mind influenced our feelings thus it becomes our behavior, and that behavior leads to action (if in wrong) lead to sin that leads to Death. Now if we know this pattern we know where to control it. we can never control sinning because when we are there its too late. we cannot control our actions cause our behavior is uncontrollable on that stage. What we can control is how we THINK, our thoughts manipulate everything.
Let say for example - we got a thought of what to say to a person when he ask you something - then there comes a thought "i can just tell a WHITE lie", from that moment of thinking - change it with RIGHT thought. Supported by what the scriptures says - any type of lie is a lie. And when you see the scripture believe it and DO IT! Change the way you think.
What if you did not, let's see. You convinced yourself that you will tell that white lie cause you might be perceived a bad person if you did not. The person ask you "Did my husband really use that drug?", here comes your answer "I don't know, actually I am not with him". When she confronted her husband the husband says to ask you because he is with you. And that drug is deadly to him because of a complication in his health and so on...
Our thoughts can go a long way, that is why we need to control it while it is there. We cannot control what thoughts will be coming to our minds but WE CAN CONTROL what we would entertain. Renew our minds for the right thoughts that would give us good direction, thoughts that are pure and righteous. And surely it will lead you well.
Brothers and Sisters with our efforts to do what is right and live a holy life there is a great factor that would define our path. This is the greatest challenge we will face every moment and continually. It is our thoughts, what is in our mind influenced our feelings thus it becomes our behavior, and that behavior leads to action (if in wrong) lead to sin that leads to Death. As the scriptures says:
Romans 12:2 Do not be conformed to this present world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may test and approve what is the will of God – what is good and well-pleasing and perfect.
Friends let us stop and take time to think about it. The secret of becoming someone, or changing our course of way is by renewing our mind with what we wanted to do. Imagine a ship - no matter how big it is it is controlled to move to any direction by a small rudder. Our mind is so powerful that it can be our greatest tool for success or for destruction. If our minds are consumed then we are in trouble. Pray that our mind will always be pure.
How to do it? Again, what is in our mind influenced our feelings thus it becomes our behavior, and that behavior leads to action (if in wrong) lead to sin that leads to Death. Now if we know this pattern we know where to control it. we can never control sinning because when we are there its too late. we cannot control our actions cause our behavior is uncontrollable on that stage. What we can control is how we THINK, our thoughts manipulate everything.
Let say for example - we got a thought of what to say to a person when he ask you something - then there comes a thought "i can just tell a WHITE lie", from that moment of thinking - change it with RIGHT thought. Supported by what the scriptures says - any type of lie is a lie. And when you see the scripture believe it and DO IT! Change the way you think.
What if you did not, let's see. You convinced yourself that you will tell that white lie cause you might be perceived a bad person if you did not. The person ask you "Did my husband really use that drug?", here comes your answer "I don't know, actually I am not with him". When she confronted her husband the husband says to ask you because he is with you. And that drug is deadly to him because of a complication in his health and so on...
Our thoughts can go a long way, that is why we need to control it while it is there. We cannot control what thoughts will be coming to our minds but WE CAN CONTROL what we would entertain. Renew our minds for the right thoughts that would give us good direction, thoughts that are pure and righteous. And surely it will lead you well.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Beginning of Success
Day LXXII
Today our scriptures is short and straight forward.
IN Psalm 37:23 The LORD grants success to the one
whose behavior he finds commendable.
Friends if we want to succeed in life with great measure of peace and success without compromise, let us be obedient with GOD. On the previous article we were taught how to be obedient. This message supports those scriptures - if we obey the commandments and walk the right path the Lord will grant us success not only in this world but also give us eternal life plus treasures in heaven.
Today our scriptures is short and straight forward.
IN Psalm 37:23 The LORD grants success to the one
whose behavior he finds commendable.
Friends if we want to succeed in life with great measure of peace and success without compromise, let us be obedient with GOD. On the previous article we were taught how to be obedient. This message supports those scriptures - if we obey the commandments and walk the right path the Lord will grant us success not only in this world but also give us eternal life plus treasures in heaven.
Monday, July 4, 2011
Exhortations
Day LXXI
Today the word of God given to me and I want to share with you is EXHORTATION. In the dictionary it says
This is also the message given by my Mentor Pastor Larry Romero of Covenant Renewal Church.
Today the word of God given to me and I want to share with you is EXHORTATION. In the dictionary it says
- The act or practice of exhorting; the act of inciting to laudable deeds; incitement to that which is good or commendable.
- Language intended to incite and encourage; advice; counsel; admonition.
Philippians 4
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I say, rejoice! 5 Let everyone see your gentleness. The Lord is near! 6 Do not be anxious about anything. Instead, in every situation, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, tell your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of respect, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if something is excellent or praiseworthy, think about these things. 9 And what you learned and received and heard and saw in me, do these things. And the God of peace will be with you.
In the sermon of Pastor Larry I would use his message for I believe it was cascaded perfectly. He said this scriptures gives us a teaching that when we are facing difficult situation or in the middle of a worry let us not entertain the problem but focus on the greatness of our God. Rejoice in our Lord is our way to praise God and make him be happy for us. In doing so when you praise wholeheartedly I guarantee you that it helps you feel good too. The scripture also promise the peace be given to us the peace coming from God that is priceless and unconditionally extraordinary.
There are commands on these verses that we should consider. To be good to others, do what is good, think what is good and live good. For the Lord will judge us by what we do.
Let us not stop praising and thanking God for his holiness. You might ask what if you are in deep trouble can you still do praise? We'll to tell you frankly - it is all in your mind that you are in deep trouble, in reality its the evil spirit that gives you that idea. You can be so thankful because you are alive - remember as long as you are alive there is HOPE. You have to be thankful for the circumstances because it gives you the side of need and prove you need to trust God. That situation also gives you an opportunity to see how can your trust to God make things better. That problem you may have will prove the power of GOD when you fully trust him. And best of all God can show his plan and love to you when you know that its only GOD who can help you.
We can never know that God is the only one we need until the time that God is only what we GOT.
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I say, rejoice! 5 Let everyone see your gentleness. The Lord is near! 6 Do not be anxious about anything. Instead, in every situation, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, tell your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of respect, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if something is excellent or praiseworthy, think about these things. 9 And what you learned and received and heard and saw in me, do these things. And the God of peace will be with you.
In the sermon of Pastor Larry I would use his message for I believe it was cascaded perfectly. He said this scriptures gives us a teaching that when we are facing difficult situation or in the middle of a worry let us not entertain the problem but focus on the greatness of our God. Rejoice in our Lord is our way to praise God and make him be happy for us. In doing so when you praise wholeheartedly I guarantee you that it helps you feel good too. The scripture also promise the peace be given to us the peace coming from God that is priceless and unconditionally extraordinary.
There are commands on these verses that we should consider. To be good to others, do what is good, think what is good and live good. For the Lord will judge us by what we do.
Let us not stop praising and thanking God for his holiness. You might ask what if you are in deep trouble can you still do praise? We'll to tell you frankly - it is all in your mind that you are in deep trouble, in reality its the evil spirit that gives you that idea. You can be so thankful because you are alive - remember as long as you are alive there is HOPE. You have to be thankful for the circumstances because it gives you the side of need and prove you need to trust God. That situation also gives you an opportunity to see how can your trust to God make things better. That problem you may have will prove the power of GOD when you fully trust him. And best of all God can show his plan and love to you when you know that its only GOD who can help you.
We can never know that God is the only one we need until the time that God is only what we GOT.
Obedience in God
Day LXX
Brothers and Sisters today let us take a look at our obedience with God. Obedience in God is our duty to trust him, accept his words and do whatever God want us to do, we do it immediately without question or doubt.
Let us look on these verses that would give us the a great sample of total obedience.
Luke 1
28 The angel came to her and said, “Greetings, favored one, the Lord is with you!” 29 But she was greatly troubled by his words and began to wonder about the meaning of this greeting. 30 So the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God! 31 Listen: You will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. 32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of his father David. 33 He1 will reign over the house of Jacob2 forever, and his kingdom will never end.” 34 Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I have not had sexual relations with a man?” 35 The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called the Son of God.
36 “And look, your relative Elizabeth has also become pregnant with a son in her old age – although she was called barren, she is now in her sixth month! 37 For nothing will be impossible with God.” 38 So Mary said, “Yes, I am a servant of the Lord; let this happen to me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.
There are numerous example of total obedience in God shown in the bible. Like Mary, Abraham and his wife Sarah believed in the promise of getting a son. Moses was asked to lead Israelite community to the promise land. Is it easy? Definitely NOT. They obeyed because they believed in the great power of God because they have faith that God can do anything. Mary was obedient even not knowing HOW, Abraham and Sarah accepted the promise not knowing WHEN, after having a Son - Abraham followed to sacrifice his only son not knowing WHY, Moses obeyed not knowing WHERE, and there are number of stories that tested human faith to trust God.
In our times, do we have the capacity to obey without question? What do you think? Can we do it?
The answer is WE HAVE TO. The stories in the bible not only gives you the command to follow but also given us testimonies that if we follow great things are prepared for us. God tested our faith because he have the great plan for us. May these words be part of our inner man and may our spirit absorb these message.
Dear brothers and sisters God loves YOU and ME, He never left us in darkness - he sent the HOLY SPIRIT to be our helper to have the confidence and strengthen our faith. All we need is to pray.
Brothers and Sisters today let us take a look at our obedience with God. Obedience in God is our duty to trust him, accept his words and do whatever God want us to do, we do it immediately without question or doubt.
Let us look on these verses that would give us the a great sample of total obedience.
Luke 1
28 The angel came to her and said, “Greetings, favored one, the Lord is with you!” 29 But she was greatly troubled by his words and began to wonder about the meaning of this greeting. 30 So the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God! 31 Listen: You will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. 32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of his father David. 33 He1 will reign over the house of Jacob2 forever, and his kingdom will never end.” 34 Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I have not had sexual relations with a man?” 35 The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called the Son of God.
36 “And look, your relative Elizabeth has also become pregnant with a son in her old age – although she was called barren, she is now in her sixth month! 37 For nothing will be impossible with God.” 38 So Mary said, “Yes, I am a servant of the Lord; let this happen to me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.
There are numerous example of total obedience in God shown in the bible. Like Mary, Abraham and his wife Sarah believed in the promise of getting a son. Moses was asked to lead Israelite community to the promise land. Is it easy? Definitely NOT. They obeyed because they believed in the great power of God because they have faith that God can do anything. Mary was obedient even not knowing HOW, Abraham and Sarah accepted the promise not knowing WHEN, after having a Son - Abraham followed to sacrifice his only son not knowing WHY, Moses obeyed not knowing WHERE, and there are number of stories that tested human faith to trust God.
In our times, do we have the capacity to obey without question? What do you think? Can we do it?
The answer is WE HAVE TO. The stories in the bible not only gives you the command to follow but also given us testimonies that if we follow great things are prepared for us. God tested our faith because he have the great plan for us. May these words be part of our inner man and may our spirit absorb these message.
Dear brothers and sisters God loves YOU and ME, He never left us in darkness - he sent the HOLY SPIRIT to be our helper to have the confidence and strengthen our faith. All we need is to pray.
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Forgiveness of Sins and the Helper Against it
Day LXIX
Acts 2
36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know beyond a doubt that God has made this Jesus whom you crucified both Lord and Christ.”
37 Now when they heard this, they were acutely distressed and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “What should we do, brothers?” 38 Peter said to them, “Repent, and each one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is for you and your children, and for all who are far away, as many as the Lord our God will call to himself.” 40 With many other words he testified and exhorted them saying, “Save yourselves from this perverse generation!”
Brothers and Sisters during the time of Jesus Christ as you may know the story the Priests, Romans, Elders, Teachers of the Law, Ordinary people ridicule and throw accusations to Jesus. Literally they shouted even more to crucify him on the cross for the sins they accused him of. Did you know that everything that happened then is because of YOU and ME?
Imagine this as my Spiritual Father and Mentor Pastor Larry had illustrated it perfectly. A man is on a death row, in the day of execution - in the moment that his name was called for the killing someone shouted from the crowd to save you from dying and in replacement HE would be more than willing to die on your behalf. That is what Jesus did for you and for me.
In the verses we have read Peter answered the unbelievers for their inquiry how to be saved. This is after the encounter in the Pentecost when the holy spirit comes to all believers and the unbelievers questioned their faith after some discussions with Peter they asked what to do to be transformed.
And this is the answer - First we need to accept that we are sinners admit that we are guilty of being wicked in this fallen world. Believe in Jesus Christ as our savior, God and way to the eternal life. Then being baptized, this is a symbolism of our acceptance to a changed being - cleansed throughout and start living for Christ (start living right). Then after our baptism let us open our heart to the Holy Spirit who is our helper and guide in our Journey in faith with Jesus.
Acts 2
36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know beyond a doubt that God has made this Jesus whom you crucified both Lord and Christ.”
37 Now when they heard this, they were acutely distressed and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “What should we do, brothers?” 38 Peter said to them, “Repent, and each one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is for you and your children, and for all who are far away, as many as the Lord our God will call to himself.” 40 With many other words he testified and exhorted them saying, “Save yourselves from this perverse generation!”
Brothers and Sisters during the time of Jesus Christ as you may know the story the Priests, Romans, Elders, Teachers of the Law, Ordinary people ridicule and throw accusations to Jesus. Literally they shouted even more to crucify him on the cross for the sins they accused him of. Did you know that everything that happened then is because of YOU and ME?
Imagine this as my Spiritual Father and Mentor Pastor Larry had illustrated it perfectly. A man is on a death row, in the day of execution - in the moment that his name was called for the killing someone shouted from the crowd to save you from dying and in replacement HE would be more than willing to die on your behalf. That is what Jesus did for you and for me.
In the verses we have read Peter answered the unbelievers for their inquiry how to be saved. This is after the encounter in the Pentecost when the holy spirit comes to all believers and the unbelievers questioned their faith after some discussions with Peter they asked what to do to be transformed.
And this is the answer - First we need to accept that we are sinners admit that we are guilty of being wicked in this fallen world. Believe in Jesus Christ as our savior, God and way to the eternal life. Then being baptized, this is a symbolism of our acceptance to a changed being - cleansed throughout and start living for Christ (start living right). Then after our baptism let us open our heart to the Holy Spirit who is our helper and guide in our Journey in faith with Jesus.
Friday, July 1, 2011
Heart of Helping and Giving
Day LXVIII
Matthew 25
31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 All the nations will be assembled before him, and he will separate people one from another like a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. 34 Then the king will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.’37 Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or naked and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ 40 And the king will answer them, ‘I tell you the truth, just as you did it for one of the least of these brothers or sisters of mine, you did it for me.’
41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you accursed, into the eternal fire that has been prepared for the devil and his angels! 42 For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink. 43 I was a stranger and you did not receive me as a guest, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’ 44 Then they too will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not give you whatever you needed?’ 45 Then he will answer them, ‘I tell you the truth, just as you did not do it for one of the least of these, you did not do it for me.’ 46 And these will depart into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”
Brothers and Sisters let us stop and think how we do things e.g. in giving help. Sometimes we ignore people who might be needing help, pretended we did not see, when a beggar showed we sometimes think its their ways of living to beg and we should not give because we are tolerating their poverty or there are times we think if we need to help/ignore people in need because of our reasoning.
Like me I am guilty with that behavior. May this passages give us an instruction that when someone is needing its Jesus who needs help and testing our action towards them. Think about it - they said this - "what would Jesus do?" now let us put it this way "What would you do for Jesus?"
May it lead us to more purity and righteousness. God bless you.
Matthew 25
31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 All the nations will be assembled before him, and he will separate people one from another like a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. 34 Then the king will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.’37 Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or naked and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ 40 And the king will answer them, ‘I tell you the truth, just as you did it for one of the least of these brothers or sisters of mine, you did it for me.’
41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you accursed, into the eternal fire that has been prepared for the devil and his angels! 42 For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink. 43 I was a stranger and you did not receive me as a guest, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’ 44 Then they too will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not give you whatever you needed?’ 45 Then he will answer them, ‘I tell you the truth, just as you did not do it for one of the least of these, you did not do it for me.’ 46 And these will depart into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”
Brothers and Sisters let us stop and think how we do things e.g. in giving help. Sometimes we ignore people who might be needing help, pretended we did not see, when a beggar showed we sometimes think its their ways of living to beg and we should not give because we are tolerating their poverty or there are times we think if we need to help/ignore people in need because of our reasoning.
Like me I am guilty with that behavior. May this passages give us an instruction that when someone is needing its Jesus who needs help and testing our action towards them. Think about it - they said this - "what would Jesus do?" now let us put it this way "What would you do for Jesus?"
May it lead us to more purity and righteousness. God bless you.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Jesus the bread of Life
Day LXVII
John 6
25 When they found him on the other side of the lake, they said to him, “Rabbi, when did you get here?” 26 Jesus replied, “I tell you the solemn truth, you are looking for me not because you saw miraculous signs, but because you ate all the loaves of bread you wanted. 27 Do not work for the food that disappears, but for the food that remains to eternal life – the food which the Son of Man will give to you. For God the Father has put his seal of approval on him.”
28 So then they said to him, “What must we do to accomplish the deeds God requires?” 29 Jesus replied, “This is the deed God requires – to believe in the one whom he sent.” 30 So they said to him, “Then what miraculous sign will you perform, so that we may see it and believe you? What will you do? 31 Our ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness, just as it is written, ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’”
32 Then Jesus told them, “I tell you the solemn truth, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but my Father is giving you the true bread from heaven. 33 For the bread of God is the one who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” 34 So they said to him, “Sir, give us this bread all the time!”
35 Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. The one who comes to me will never go hungry, and the one who believes in me will never be thirsty. 36 But I told you that you have seen me and still do not believe. 37 Everyone whom the Father gives me will come to me, and the one who comes to me I will never send away. 38 For I have come down from heaven not to do my own will but the will of the one who sent me. 39 Now this is the will of the one who sent me – that I should not lose one person of every one he has given me, but raise them all up at the last day. 40 For this is the will of my Father – for everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him to have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.”
41 Then the Jews who were hostile to Jesus began complaining about him because he said, “I am the bread that came down from heaven,” 42 and they said, “Isn’t this Jesus the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How can he now say, ‘I have come down from heaven’?” 43 Jesus replied, “Do not complain about me to one another. 44 No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day. 45 It is written in the prophets, ‘And they will all be taught by God.’ Everyone who hears and learns from the Father comes to me. 46 (Not that anyone has seen the Father except the one who is from God – he has seen the Father.) 47 I tell you the solemn truth, the one who believes has eternal life. 48 I am the bread of life. 49 Your ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. 50 This is the bread that has come down from heaven, so that a person may eat from it and not die. 51 I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats from this bread he will live forever. The bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.”
52 Then the Jews who were hostile to Jesus began to argue with one another, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?”53 Jesus said to them, “I tell you the solemn truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in yourselves. 54 The one who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. 55 For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. 56 The one who eats my flesh and drinks my blood resides in me, and I in him. 57 Just as the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so the one who consumes me will live because of me. 58 This is the bread that came down from heaven; it is not like the bread your ancestors ate, but then later died. The one who eats this bread will live forever.”
Brothers and Sisters as we continue our last conversation about Jesus Christ our savior let us explore what he have said. He said he is the bread of life - bread is a symbol of food to live. We cannot live without bread or FOOD here on earth. In the same context we cannot have life after death without him. God's words are true, real and it lives forever. When God said thousand of years before Christ that someone is going to come and he will be raised from dead - it happened. The scriptures proved and continuously showing its power of reality. If you want to have life, if you need that kind of life and you have faith that there is eternity the only way to that is through Jesus Christ. He said the his body and blood are what we need to have this life. Who ever eats this will gain that life. I asked the Holy Spirit for these interpretation and these are what he said.
The word "EAT" them represents for us to take it in our hearts and be hungry and thirsty for them. Hungry for the greatness of Jesus, to be with him in eternity, to have the need to be like him and to be in us.
The word "Body" represents a lot of meanings - The Human ways how Jesus lived or being like Christ in our ways (his being) - walk, talk, think and act like him. Body represents our imitation of earthly body to be like without defect and perfect like him. We should imitate his character and always take look on his holiness every time to purify us.
The "Blood" represents the words of our God which flows with wisdom, teaching, guidance, praise, love and holiness. We would need these words daily to guide us and to strengthen our faith. Like fluid we need to have a great circulation of great holy spirit in our lives.
Friends Jesus is the real way, truth and life. Have you ever heard of having an IDOL or Mentor or role Model that a person is looking at to become like him/her? May we find a great model without fault and defect. And I am sure all human beings are not perfect enough to be like the Model I believe in. Let us look at Jesus the perfecter of our Faith because through him we can see hope and future. God bless you with hungry and thirst for Jesus and seek for his favor. As he have said - ask and you will receive, seek and you will find and knock and the door will be open. We just need to act and believe.
John 6
25 When they found him on the other side of the lake, they said to him, “Rabbi, when did you get here?” 26 Jesus replied, “I tell you the solemn truth, you are looking for me not because you saw miraculous signs, but because you ate all the loaves of bread you wanted. 27 Do not work for the food that disappears, but for the food that remains to eternal life – the food which the Son of Man will give to you. For God the Father has put his seal of approval on him.”
28 So then they said to him, “What must we do to accomplish the deeds God requires?” 29 Jesus replied, “This is the deed God requires – to believe in the one whom he sent.” 30 So they said to him, “Then what miraculous sign will you perform, so that we may see it and believe you? What will you do? 31 Our ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness, just as it is written, ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’”
32 Then Jesus told them, “I tell you the solemn truth, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but my Father is giving you the true bread from heaven. 33 For the bread of God is the one who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” 34 So they said to him, “Sir, give us this bread all the time!”
35 Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. The one who comes to me will never go hungry, and the one who believes in me will never be thirsty. 36 But I told you that you have seen me and still do not believe. 37 Everyone whom the Father gives me will come to me, and the one who comes to me I will never send away. 38 For I have come down from heaven not to do my own will but the will of the one who sent me. 39 Now this is the will of the one who sent me – that I should not lose one person of every one he has given me, but raise them all up at the last day. 40 For this is the will of my Father – for everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him to have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.”
41 Then the Jews who were hostile to Jesus began complaining about him because he said, “I am the bread that came down from heaven,” 42 and they said, “Isn’t this Jesus the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How can he now say, ‘I have come down from heaven’?” 43 Jesus replied, “Do not complain about me to one another. 44 No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day. 45 It is written in the prophets, ‘And they will all be taught by God.’ Everyone who hears and learns from the Father comes to me. 46 (Not that anyone has seen the Father except the one who is from God – he has seen the Father.) 47 I tell you the solemn truth, the one who believes has eternal life. 48 I am the bread of life. 49 Your ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. 50 This is the bread that has come down from heaven, so that a person may eat from it and not die. 51 I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats from this bread he will live forever. The bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.”
52 Then the Jews who were hostile to Jesus began to argue with one another, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?”53 Jesus said to them, “I tell you the solemn truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in yourselves. 54 The one who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. 55 For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. 56 The one who eats my flesh and drinks my blood resides in me, and I in him. 57 Just as the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so the one who consumes me will live because of me. 58 This is the bread that came down from heaven; it is not like the bread your ancestors ate, but then later died. The one who eats this bread will live forever.”
Brothers and Sisters as we continue our last conversation about Jesus Christ our savior let us explore what he have said. He said he is the bread of life - bread is a symbol of food to live. We cannot live without bread or FOOD here on earth. In the same context we cannot have life after death without him. God's words are true, real and it lives forever. When God said thousand of years before Christ that someone is going to come and he will be raised from dead - it happened. The scriptures proved and continuously showing its power of reality. If you want to have life, if you need that kind of life and you have faith that there is eternity the only way to that is through Jesus Christ. He said the his body and blood are what we need to have this life. Who ever eats this will gain that life. I asked the Holy Spirit for these interpretation and these are what he said.
The word "EAT" them represents for us to take it in our hearts and be hungry and thirsty for them. Hungry for the greatness of Jesus, to be with him in eternity, to have the need to be like him and to be in us.
The word "Body" represents a lot of meanings - The Human ways how Jesus lived or being like Christ in our ways (his being) - walk, talk, think and act like him. Body represents our imitation of earthly body to be like without defect and perfect like him. We should imitate his character and always take look on his holiness every time to purify us.
The "Blood" represents the words of our God which flows with wisdom, teaching, guidance, praise, love and holiness. We would need these words daily to guide us and to strengthen our faith. Like fluid we need to have a great circulation of great holy spirit in our lives.
Friends Jesus is the real way, truth and life. Have you ever heard of having an IDOL or Mentor or role Model that a person is looking at to become like him/her? May we find a great model without fault and defect. And I am sure all human beings are not perfect enough to be like the Model I believe in. Let us look at Jesus the perfecter of our Faith because through him we can see hope and future. God bless you with hungry and thirst for Jesus and seek for his favor. As he have said - ask and you will receive, seek and you will find and knock and the door will be open. We just need to act and believe.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Choosing Jesus Christ as your Lord
Day LXVI
1 Peter 2
4 So as you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but chosen and priceless in God’s sight, 5 you yourselves, as living stones, are built up as a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood and to offer spiritual sacrifices that are acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 For it says in scripture, “Look, I lay in Zion a stone, a chosen and priceless cornerstone, and whoever believes in him will never be put to shame.” 7 So you who believe see his value, but for those who do not believe, the stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone, 8 and a stumbling-stone and a rock to trip over. They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do. 9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people of his own, so that you may proclaim the virtues of the one who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 10 You once were not a people, but now you are God’s people. You were shown no mercy, but now you have received mercy.
11 Dear friends, I urge you as foreigners and exiles to keep away from fleshly desires that do battle against the soul, 12 and maintain good conduct among the non-Christians, so that though they now malign you as wrongdoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God when he appears.
Dear brothers and sisters as we accepted Christ as our savior let us claim the promise of God to us. We are the chosen ones who would become the HOLY priesthood to proclaim the virtues of the one who called us. We have discussed the holy living in the previous days. Now let us claim that we should act like a priest under the law of God who is very careful in the ways of their living because we have the responsibility to please our GOD. We should live our lives the way the spirit needs to live for the glory of God and not to live in our fleshly desires.
1 Peter 2
4 So as you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but chosen and priceless in God’s sight, 5 you yourselves, as living stones, are built up as a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood and to offer spiritual sacrifices that are acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 For it says in scripture, “Look, I lay in Zion a stone, a chosen and priceless cornerstone, and whoever believes in him will never be put to shame.” 7 So you who believe see his value, but for those who do not believe, the stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone, 8 and a stumbling-stone and a rock to trip over. They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do. 9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people of his own, so that you may proclaim the virtues of the one who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 10 You once were not a people, but now you are God’s people. You were shown no mercy, but now you have received mercy.
11 Dear friends, I urge you as foreigners and exiles to keep away from fleshly desires that do battle against the soul, 12 and maintain good conduct among the non-Christians, so that though they now malign you as wrongdoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God when he appears.
Dear brothers and sisters as we accepted Christ as our savior let us claim the promise of God to us. We are the chosen ones who would become the HOLY priesthood to proclaim the virtues of the one who called us. We have discussed the holy living in the previous days. Now let us claim that we should act like a priest under the law of God who is very careful in the ways of their living because we have the responsibility to please our GOD. We should live our lives the way the spirit needs to live for the glory of God and not to live in our fleshly desires.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
BE HOLY part 2
Day LXV
In relation to our previous message how we can be holy.
In relation to our previous message how we can be holy.
22 You have purified your souls by obeying the truth in order to show sincere mutual love. So love one another earnestly from a pure heart. 23 You have been born anew, not from perishable but from imperishable seed, through the living and enduring word of God.
For all flesh is like grass
and all its glory like the flower of the grass;
the grass withers and the flower falls off,
25 but the word of the Lord endures forever.
And this is the word that was proclaimed to you.
1 Peter 2
1 So get rid of all evil and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. 2 And yearn like newborn infants for pure, spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up to salvation, 3 if you have experienced the Lord’s kindness.
When we accepted our Faith in God and we commit ourselves to be HOLY. Let us remember these things.
- Purify our souls always by obeying the truth in order to show our love to GOD. As Jesus have said if you love me you will obey my commandments.
- Love one another with pure heart because it matters to God. One of the commandment to holy people.
- After our conversion to do right we are like a seed that died in its form and become new being living for GOD.
- Let us keep in mind that this life is temporary and the word of GOD is true and will stay forever.
- 1 So get rid of all evil and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. 2 And yearn like newborn infants for pure, spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up to salvation, 3 if you have experienced the Lord’s kindness.
May our journey to be righteous be guided by our helper - The Holy Spirit. May God bless us with great strength and self-control to be HOLY. Amen!
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