Day XXXVII
Friends today another scriptures that would remind us to live a righteous life.
1 Thessalonians 4
1 Finally then, brothers and sisters, we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received instruction from us about how you must live and please God (as you are in fact living) that you do so more and more. 2 For you know what commands we gave you through the Lord Jesus. 3 For this is God’s will: that you become holy, that you keep away from sexual immorality, 4 that each of you know how to possess his own body in holiness and honor,note 5 not in lustful passion like the Gentiles who do not know God. 6 In this matter no one should violate the rights of his brother or take advantage of him, because the Lord is the avenger in all these cases, as we also told you earlier and warned you solemnly. 7 For God did not call us to impurity but in holiness. 8 Consequently the one who rejects this is not rejecting human authority but God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you.
9 Now on the topic of brotherly love you have no need for anyone to write you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another. 10 And indeed you are practicing it toward all the brothers and sisters in all of Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers and sisters, to do so more and more, 11 to aspire to lead a quiet life, to attend to your own business, and to work with your hands, as we commanded you. 12 In this way you will live a decent life before outsiders and not be in need.
Brothers and Sisters let us keep on watch on our behavior and actions. May we always evaluate our activities if it is pleasing to the God. Let us keep a constant correction and learning on our mistakes to strive to do good. I am also struggling with keeping my self clean all the time - but let us keep on fighting to make things right always. Constantly ask God and the holy spirit to help us in our chosen path which is to the the right things. Amen
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Monday, May 30, 2011
Rules of Christian Living
Day XXXVI
Brothers and Sisters let this scripture add knowledge to our Christian living. Guide to our righteous living - if we consider these instruction we would know that these things are for our own good.
Colossians 3
18 Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. 19 Husbands, love your wives and do not be embittered against them. 20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing in the Lord. 21 Fathers, do not provoke your children, so they will not become disheartened. 22 Slaves, obey your earthly masters in every respect, not only when they are watching – like those who are strictly people-pleasers – but with a sincere heart, fearing the Lord. 23 Whatever you are doing, work at it with enthusiasm, as to the Lord and not for people, 24 because you know that you will receive your inheritance from the Lord as the reward. Serve the Lord Christ. 25 For the one who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there are no exceptions.
Colossians 4
1 Masters, treat your slaves with justice and fairness, because you know that you also have a master in heaven. Eph 6:9;
2 Be devoted to prayer, keeping alert in it with thanksgiving. 3 At the same time pray for us too, that God may open a door for the message so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. 4 Pray that I may make it known as I should.note 5 Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunities. 6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer everyone.
May our inner man accept these truths and give us light to live a holy life. Amen!
Brothers and Sisters let this scripture add knowledge to our Christian living. Guide to our righteous living - if we consider these instruction we would know that these things are for our own good.
Colossians 3
18 Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. 19 Husbands, love your wives and do not be embittered against them. 20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing in the Lord. 21 Fathers, do not provoke your children, so they will not become disheartened. 22 Slaves, obey your earthly masters in every respect, not only when they are watching – like those who are strictly people-pleasers – but with a sincere heart, fearing the Lord. 23 Whatever you are doing, work at it with enthusiasm, as to the Lord and not for people, 24 because you know that you will receive your inheritance from the Lord as the reward. Serve the Lord Christ. 25 For the one who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there are no exceptions.
Colossians 4
1 Masters, treat your slaves with justice and fairness, because you know that you also have a master in heaven. Eph 6:9;
2 Be devoted to prayer, keeping alert in it with thanksgiving. 3 At the same time pray for us too, that God may open a door for the message so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. 4 Pray that I may make it known as I should.note 5 Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunities. 6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer everyone.
May our inner man accept these truths and give us light to live a holy life. Amen!
Sunday, May 29, 2011
How great our Father in Heaven - the Lord we serve
Day XXXV
Today the message is about how great our Father heaven was, is and will always. It was explained through the parable of the Lost Son.
Luke 15
11 Then Jesus said, “A man had two sons. 12 The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the estate that will belong to me.’ So he divided his assets between them. 13 After a few days, the younger son gathered together all he had and left on a journey to a distant country, and there he squandered his wealth with a wild lifestyle. 14 Then after he had spent everything, a severe famine took place in that country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and worked for one of the citizens of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. 16 He was longing to eat the carob pods the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything. 17 But when he came to his senses he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired workers have food enough to spare, but here I am dying from hunger! 18 I will get up and go to my father and say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me like one of your hired workers.”’ 20 So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way from home his father saw him, and his heart went out to him; he ran and hugged his son and kissed him. 21 Then his son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 22 But the father said to his slaves, ‘Hurry! Bring the best robe, and put it on him! Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet! 23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it! Let us eat and celebrate, 24 because this son of mine was dead, and is alive again – he was lost and is found!’ So they began to celebrate.
25 “Now his older son was in the field. As he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 So he called one of the slaves and asked what was happening. 27 The slave replied, ‘Your brother has returned, and your father has killed the fattened calf because he got his son back safe and sound.’ 28 But the older son became angry and refused to go in. His father came out and appealed to him, 29 but he answered his father, ‘Look! These many years I have worked like a slave for you, and I never disobeyed your commands. Yet you never gave me even a goat so that I could celebrate with my friends! 30 But when this son of yours came back, who has devoured your assets with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him!’ 31 Then the father said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and everything that belongs to me is yours. 32 It was appropriate to celebrate and be glad, for your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost and is found.’”
It was explained perfectly by Pastor Butch of Covenant Renewal Church when he explained the scriptures. He said "Our heavenly Father is like the father in the story where he would wait patiently to his lost son. The Son who choose to live the way he wanted to live thinking he can do things on his own. The father who given us freewill to choose our path. But at any time when we get our senses back is would always be the looking at us - waiting for our return. When we decided to live back for him after all what we have done - without question like the father he welcomes his son - HUGGED AND KISS him with Joy."
Friends, we have a loving father in heaven that loves us unconditionally. He is a great father who considers us his son (not servants), a father that would celebrate our union with him and who said whatever mine is yours (reign with him). That how mighty and great our father in heaven was, is and will always be.
You might have decided not to pray because you used to do pray timely before but you always failed and did the wrong thing. Thinking if God can still forgive you, you have all the doubt and choose not to pray for it is shameful to ask God for guidance because you were a sinner. Brother/Sister for God so love the world that he gave his only begotten son to save YOU! To remove your sins to consider you clean and love you unconditionally.
The truth is God's grace is base on our faith not at our work. If we only believe that Jesus is our God, our salvation our way to the father - we will be saved. If we love Jesus Christ we will live with the father.
Do you know how to love Jesus? He said if you love me you will obey my commandments. Amen.
Today the message is about how great our Father heaven was, is and will always. It was explained through the parable of the Lost Son.
Luke 15
11 Then Jesus said, “A man had two sons. 12 The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the estate that will belong to me.’ So he divided his assets between them. 13 After a few days, the younger son gathered together all he had and left on a journey to a distant country, and there he squandered his wealth with a wild lifestyle. 14 Then after he had spent everything, a severe famine took place in that country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and worked for one of the citizens of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. 16 He was longing to eat the carob pods the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything. 17 But when he came to his senses he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired workers have food enough to spare, but here I am dying from hunger! 18 I will get up and go to my father and say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me like one of your hired workers.”’ 20 So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way from home his father saw him, and his heart went out to him; he ran and hugged his son and kissed him. 21 Then his son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 22 But the father said to his slaves, ‘Hurry! Bring the best robe, and put it on him! Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet! 23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it! Let us eat and celebrate, 24 because this son of mine was dead, and is alive again – he was lost and is found!’ So they began to celebrate.
25 “Now his older son was in the field. As he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 So he called one of the slaves and asked what was happening. 27 The slave replied, ‘Your brother has returned, and your father has killed the fattened calf because he got his son back safe and sound.’ 28 But the older son became angry and refused to go in. His father came out and appealed to him, 29 but he answered his father, ‘Look! These many years I have worked like a slave for you, and I never disobeyed your commands. Yet you never gave me even a goat so that I could celebrate with my friends! 30 But when this son of yours came back, who has devoured your assets with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him!’ 31 Then the father said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and everything that belongs to me is yours. 32 It was appropriate to celebrate and be glad, for your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost and is found.’”
It was explained perfectly by Pastor Butch of Covenant Renewal Church when he explained the scriptures. He said "Our heavenly Father is like the father in the story where he would wait patiently to his lost son. The Son who choose to live the way he wanted to live thinking he can do things on his own. The father who given us freewill to choose our path. But at any time when we get our senses back is would always be the looking at us - waiting for our return. When we decided to live back for him after all what we have done - without question like the father he welcomes his son - HUGGED AND KISS him with Joy."
Friends, we have a loving father in heaven that loves us unconditionally. He is a great father who considers us his son (not servants), a father that would celebrate our union with him and who said whatever mine is yours (reign with him). That how mighty and great our father in heaven was, is and will always be.
You might have decided not to pray because you used to do pray timely before but you always failed and did the wrong thing. Thinking if God can still forgive you, you have all the doubt and choose not to pray for it is shameful to ask God for guidance because you were a sinner. Brother/Sister for God so love the world that he gave his only begotten son to save YOU! To remove your sins to consider you clean and love you unconditionally.
The truth is God's grace is base on our faith not at our work. If we only believe that Jesus is our God, our salvation our way to the father - we will be saved. If we love Jesus Christ we will live with the father.
Do you know how to love Jesus? He said if you love me you will obey my commandments. Amen.
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Rules of Holy Living
Day XXXIV
Today as we are strengthening our protection and keeping our ways right. Let us read this scriptures that would substantiate the previous messages.
Friends, like you I am in constant battle in the 3 factors of this world as I have said (the world, the devil and our own flesh). We are in constant assault in temptation and sin, however no matter what PLEASE let us keep our focus in God.
Like me when I had my failure in keeping my righteousness God used this to show me his words of wisdom to share to everyone. His worlds are: Philippians 3:13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself to have attained this. Instead I am single-minded: Forgetting the things that are behind and reaching out for the things that are ahead, 14 with this goal in mind, I strive toward the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Therefore let those of us who are “perfect” embrace this point of view. If you think otherwise, God will reveal to you the error of your ways. 16 Nevertheless, let us live up to the standard that we have already attained.
We are weaklings and will eventually fall short BUT let us keep our downfall a stepping stone to move up into perfection.
May this scriptures add knowledge to our inner man. May the spirit of truth speak to us and reveal righteousness in our life with this passages. Let us make it our rules in Living.
Colossians 3
1 Therefore, if you have been raised with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Keep thinking about things above, not things on the earth, 3 for you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ (who is your life) appears, then you too will be revealed in glory with him.note 5 So put to death whatever in your nature belongs to the earth: sexual immorality, impurity, shameful passion, evil desire, and greed which is idolatry. 6 Because of these things the wrath of God is coming on the sons of disobedience. 7 You also lived your lives in this way at one time, when you used to live among them. 8 But now, put off all such things as anger, rage, malice, slander, abusive language from your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another since you have put off the old man with its practices 10 and have been clothed with the new man that is being renewed in knowledge according to the image of the one who created it. 11 Here there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all and in all.
12 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with a heart of mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if someone happens to have a complaint against anyone else. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also forgive others. 14 And to all these virtues add love, which is the perfect bond. 15 Let the peace of Christ be in control in your heart (for you were in fact called as one body to this peace), and be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and exhorting one another with all wisdom, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, all with grace in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Amen!
Today as we are strengthening our protection and keeping our ways right. Let us read this scriptures that would substantiate the previous messages.
Friends, like you I am in constant battle in the 3 factors of this world as I have said (the world, the devil and our own flesh). We are in constant assault in temptation and sin, however no matter what PLEASE let us keep our focus in God.
Like me when I had my failure in keeping my righteousness God used this to show me his words of wisdom to share to everyone. His worlds are: Philippians 3:13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself to have attained this. Instead I am single-minded: Forgetting the things that are behind and reaching out for the things that are ahead, 14 with this goal in mind, I strive toward the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Therefore let those of us who are “perfect” embrace this point of view. If you think otherwise, God will reveal to you the error of your ways. 16 Nevertheless, let us live up to the standard that we have already attained.
We are weaklings and will eventually fall short BUT let us keep our downfall a stepping stone to move up into perfection.
May this scriptures add knowledge to our inner man. May the spirit of truth speak to us and reveal righteousness in our life with this passages. Let us make it our rules in Living.
Colossians 3
1 Therefore, if you have been raised with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Keep thinking about things above, not things on the earth, 3 for you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ (who is your life) appears, then you too will be revealed in glory with him.note 5 So put to death whatever in your nature belongs to the earth: sexual immorality, impurity, shameful passion, evil desire, and greed which is idolatry. 6 Because of these things the wrath of God is coming on the sons of disobedience. 7 You also lived your lives in this way at one time, when you used to live among them. 8 But now, put off all such things as anger, rage, malice, slander, abusive language from your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another since you have put off the old man with its practices 10 and have been clothed with the new man that is being renewed in knowledge according to the image of the one who created it. 11 Here there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all and in all.
12 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with a heart of mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if someone happens to have a complaint against anyone else. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also forgive others. 14 And to all these virtues add love, which is the perfect bond. 15 Let the peace of Christ be in control in your heart (for you were in fact called as one body to this peace), and be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and exhorting one another with all wisdom, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, all with grace in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Amen!
Friday, May 27, 2011
Living as Children of the Light Part 2
Day XXXIII
Continuation to yesterdays learning let us know more about our need to live in the light. As Christians let us clean ourselves with righteousness and live with this perspective.
Ephesians 5
1 Therefore, be imitators of God as dearly loved children 2 and live in love, just as Christ also loved us and gave himself for us, a sacrificial and fragrant offering3 to God. 3 But among you there must not be either sexual immorality, impurity of any kind, or greed, as these are not fitting for the saints.4 Neither should there be vulgar speech, foolish talk, or coarse jesting – all of which are out of character – but rather thanksgiving.note 5 For you can be confident of this one thing: that no person who is immoral, impure, or greedy (such a person is an idolater) has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.
6 Let nobody deceive you with empty words, for because of these things God’s wrath comes on the sons of disobedience. 7 Therefore do not be partakers with them, 8 for you were at one time darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of the light – 9 for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth – 10 trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. 11 Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. 12 For the things they do in secret are shameful even to mention. 13 But all things being exposed by the light are made evident. 14 For everything made evident is light, and for this reason it says:
“Awake, O sleeper!
Rise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you!”
15 Therefore be very careful how you live – not as unwise but as wise, 16 taking advantage of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 For this reason do not be foolish, but be wise by understanding what the Lord’s will is. 18 And do not get drunk with wine, which is debauchery, but be filled by the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making music in your hearts to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for each other in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 and submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.
Dear friends, this is one part of the scripture I read to get support and strength to continue my commitment to do things right. I treat this as my daily guide to remind me how to do things right and choose the right path. I hope that together we would remind ourselves with this over and over until it is permanently written in our hearts. God bless us always in our struggle to live a life in accordance with God. Amen!
Continuation to yesterdays learning let us know more about our need to live in the light. As Christians let us clean ourselves with righteousness and live with this perspective.
Ephesians 5
1 Therefore, be imitators of God as dearly loved children 2 and live in love, just as Christ also loved us and gave himself for us, a sacrificial and fragrant offering3 to God. 3 But among you there must not be either sexual immorality, impurity of any kind, or greed, as these are not fitting for the saints.4 Neither should there be vulgar speech, foolish talk, or coarse jesting – all of which are out of character – but rather thanksgiving.note 5 For you can be confident of this one thing: that no person who is immoral, impure, or greedy (such a person is an idolater) has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.
6 Let nobody deceive you with empty words, for because of these things God’s wrath comes on the sons of disobedience. 7 Therefore do not be partakers with them, 8 for you were at one time darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of the light – 9 for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth – 10 trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. 11 Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. 12 For the things they do in secret are shameful even to mention. 13 But all things being exposed by the light are made evident. 14 For everything made evident is light, and for this reason it says:
“Awake, O sleeper!
Rise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you!”
15 Therefore be very careful how you live – not as unwise but as wise, 16 taking advantage of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 For this reason do not be foolish, but be wise by understanding what the Lord’s will is. 18 And do not get drunk with wine, which is debauchery, but be filled by the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making music in your hearts to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for each other in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 and submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.
Dear friends, this is one part of the scripture I read to get support and strength to continue my commitment to do things right. I treat this as my daily guide to remind me how to do things right and choose the right path. I hope that together we would remind ourselves with this over and over until it is permanently written in our hearts. God bless us always in our struggle to live a life in accordance with God. Amen!
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Living as Children of the Light Part 1
Day XXXII
Today dear friends let us take this message from the letter of Paul to the Ephesians. He give us insights about living the good life. Given us teaching about anger, stealing, right talking and being righteous. May the words speak to our inner man and may it be food to our soul that nourishes our spirit.
Ephesians 4
17 So I say this, and insist in the Lord, that you no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. 18 They are darkened in their understanding, being alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardness of their hearts. 19 Because they are callous, they have given themselves over to indecency for the practice of every kind of impurity with greediness. 20 But you did not learn about Christ like this, 21 if indeed you heard about him and were taught in him, just as the truth is in Jesus. 22 You were taught with reference to your former way of life to lay aside the old man who is being corrupted in accordance with deceitful desires, 23 to be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and to put on the new man who has been created in God’s image – in righteousness and holiness that comes from truth.
25 Therefore, having laid aside falsehood, each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members of one another.26 Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on the cause of your anger. 27 Do not give the devil an opportunity. 28 The one who steals must steal no longer; rather he must labor, doing good with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with the one who has need. 29 You must let no unwholesome word come out of your mouth, but only what is beneficial for the building up of the one in need, that it may give grace to those who hear. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 You must put away every kind of bitterness, anger, wrath, quarreling, and evil, slanderous talk. 32 Instead, be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ also forgave you.
Brothers and Sisters may we received these words with open heart. Let us believe like a child and obey without objection in this word of truth. Amen.
Today dear friends let us take this message from the letter of Paul to the Ephesians. He give us insights about living the good life. Given us teaching about anger, stealing, right talking and being righteous. May the words speak to our inner man and may it be food to our soul that nourishes our spirit.
Ephesians 4
17 So I say this, and insist in the Lord, that you no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. 18 They are darkened in their understanding, being alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardness of their hearts. 19 Because they are callous, they have given themselves over to indecency for the practice of every kind of impurity with greediness. 20 But you did not learn about Christ like this, 21 if indeed you heard about him and were taught in him, just as the truth is in Jesus. 22 You were taught with reference to your former way of life to lay aside the old man who is being corrupted in accordance with deceitful desires, 23 to be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and to put on the new man who has been created in God’s image – in righteousness and holiness that comes from truth.
25 Therefore, having laid aside falsehood, each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members of one another.26 Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on the cause of your anger. 27 Do not give the devil an opportunity. 28 The one who steals must steal no longer; rather he must labor, doing good with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with the one who has need. 29 You must let no unwholesome word come out of your mouth, but only what is beneficial for the building up of the one in need, that it may give grace to those who hear. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 You must put away every kind of bitterness, anger, wrath, quarreling, and evil, slanderous talk. 32 Instead, be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ also forgave you.
Brothers and Sisters may we received these words with open heart. Let us believe like a child and obey without objection in this word of truth. Amen.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Protecting our Body
Day XXXI
Friends today let us remember this teaching about our Body. As we have said our body is the temple of God let us make it holy and clean.
Romans 6
11 So you too consider yourselves dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus.
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. 14 For sin will have no mastery over you, because you are not under law but under grace.
Brothers and Sisters let us keep our faith strong and seek for God's guidance in keeping our body clean. Let us always protect it and keep it holy.
Friends today let us remember this teaching about our Body. As we have said our body is the temple of God let us make it holy and clean.
Romans 6
11 So you too consider yourselves dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus.
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. 14 For sin will have no mastery over you, because you are not under law but under grace.
Brothers and Sisters let us keep our faith strong and seek for God's guidance in keeping our body clean. Let us always protect it and keep it holy.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Doing Good for All
Day XXX
Today we will continue our learning from the letter of Paul to the Galatians. Yesterday it is about the life in the spirit today in addition to that let us keep watch our actions. This is a great instruction to us may it speak its wisdom to our inner being and may we have the humble spirit to understand and follow.
Galatians 6
1 Brothers and sisters, if a person is discovered in some sin, you who are spiritual restore such a person in a spirit of gentleness. Pay close attention to yourselves, so that you are not tempted too. 2 Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 3 For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 Let each one examine his own work. Then he can take pride in himself and not compare himself with someone else.note 5 For each one will carry his own load.
6 Now the one who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with the one who teaches it. 7 Do not be deceived. God will not be made a fool. For a person will reap what he sows, 8 because the person who sows to his own flesh will reap corruption from the flesh, but the one who sows to the Spirit will reap eternal life from the Spirit. 9 So we must not grow weary in doing good, for in due time we will reap, if we do not give up. 10 So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who belong to the family of faith.
Today we will continue our learning from the letter of Paul to the Galatians. Yesterday it is about the life in the spirit today in addition to that let us keep watch our actions. This is a great instruction to us may it speak its wisdom to our inner being and may we have the humble spirit to understand and follow.
Galatians 6
1 Brothers and sisters, if a person is discovered in some sin, you who are spiritual restore such a person in a spirit of gentleness. Pay close attention to yourselves, so that you are not tempted too. 2 Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 3 For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 Let each one examine his own work. Then he can take pride in himself and not compare himself with someone else.note 5 For each one will carry his own load.
6 Now the one who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with the one who teaches it. 7 Do not be deceived. God will not be made a fool. For a person will reap what he sows, 8 because the person who sows to his own flesh will reap corruption from the flesh, but the one who sows to the Spirit will reap eternal life from the Spirit. 9 So we must not grow weary in doing good, for in due time we will reap, if we do not give up. 10 So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who belong to the family of faith.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Life by the Spirit
Day XXIX
Friends in our Journey with Jesus Christ after we decided to live a life of righteousness we need to understand this truth. In the letter of Paul to the Galatians he teaches them and reminded them about living a right life.
Today let us remind ourselves HOW to LIVE by the spirit. Remember that after we commit ourselves to Jesus we believe in his power, his death on the cross is our death also in our sin and Jesus renew us to live a life in union with him. He given us the Holy Spirit to expose the truth about life and our body becomes his temple. As we live this life let us remember that our body has spirit with in who should take control in our journey to righteousness.
Let the scriptures speak on us.
Galatians 5
16 But I say, live by the Spirit and you will not carry out the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh has desires that are opposed to the Spirit, and the Spirit has desires that are opposed to the flesh, for these are in opposition to each other, so that you cannot do what you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 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.
It is true that most of the desires of our flesh are all evil and will result to bad things. But look at the ways or the fruit of the Spirit - if we only remind ourselves again and again. Friends when you feel the need to recall this passage go back to this verse and let it empower you. Let this be our guideline in moving towards righteousness. That is why it is said we have to live by spirit because it will lead us to purity.
Friends in our Journey with Jesus Christ after we decided to live a life of righteousness we need to understand this truth. In the letter of Paul to the Galatians he teaches them and reminded them about living a right life.
Today let us remind ourselves HOW to LIVE by the spirit. Remember that after we commit ourselves to Jesus we believe in his power, his death on the cross is our death also in our sin and Jesus renew us to live a life in union with him. He given us the Holy Spirit to expose the truth about life and our body becomes his temple. As we live this life let us remember that our body has spirit with in who should take control in our journey to righteousness.
Let the scriptures speak on us.
Galatians 5
16 But I say, live by the Spirit and you will not carry out the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh has desires that are opposed to the Spirit, and the Spirit has desires that are opposed to the flesh, for these are in opposition to each other, so that you cannot do what you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 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.
It is true that most of the desires of our flesh are all evil and will result to bad things. But look at the ways or the fruit of the Spirit - if we only remind ourselves again and again. Friends when you feel the need to recall this passage go back to this verse and let it empower you. Let this be our guideline in moving towards righteousness. That is why it is said we have to live by spirit because it will lead us to purity.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Do not be decieved
Day XXVIII
Words for today is about our ways of being careful in finding our true God. In the letter of Apostle Paul to the Corinthians he said.
2 Corinthians 4
4 among whom the god of this age has blinded the minds of those who do not believe so they would not see the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God. 5 For we do not proclaim ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your slaves for Jesus’ sake. 6 For God, who said “Let light shine out of darkness,” is the one who shined in our hearts to give us the light of the glorious knowledge of God in the face of Christ.
God has given us knowledge and freewill to search for truth. Let us always test and study our way to righteousness. In finding people and church let us always pray for guidance and wisdom to have the right help. May we always keep watch on the teaching and practices of people. Let us keep reading the bible for truth and ask the holy spirit to help us. Let our Lord always be in control in giving us the true light that leads to life.
Words for today is about our ways of being careful in finding our true God. In the letter of Apostle Paul to the Corinthians he said.
2 Corinthians 4
4 among whom the god of this age has blinded the minds of those who do not believe so they would not see the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God. 5 For we do not proclaim ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your slaves for Jesus’ sake. 6 For God, who said “Let light shine out of darkness,” is the one who shined in our hearts to give us the light of the glorious knowledge of God in the face of Christ.
God has given us knowledge and freewill to search for truth. Let us always test and study our way to righteousness. In finding people and church let us always pray for guidance and wisdom to have the right help. May we always keep watch on the teaching and practices of people. Let us keep reading the bible for truth and ask the holy spirit to help us. Let our Lord always be in control in giving us the true light that leads to life.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Conversion is For All People
Day XXVII
Friends let us find time to read this scripture that would enlighten us about the favor of God to all who would believe in Him.
Acts 10
9 About noon the next day, while they were on their way and approaching the city, Peter went up on the roof to pray. 10 He became hungry and wanted to eat, but while they were preparing the meal, a trance came over him. 11 He saw heaven opened and an object something like a large sheet descending, being let down to earth by its four corners. 12 In it were all kinds of four-footed animals and reptiles of the earth and wild birds. 13 Then a voice said to him, “Get up, Peter; slaughter and eat!” 14 But Peter said, “Certainly not, Lord, for I have never eaten anything defiled and ritually unclean!” 15 The voice spoke to him again, a second time, “What God has made clean, you must not consider ritually unclean!” 16 This happened three times, and immediately the object was taken up into heaven. 17 Now while Peter was puzzling over what the vision he had seen could signify, the men sent by Cornelius had learned where Simon’s house was and approached the gate. 18 They called out to ask if Simon, known as Peter, was staying there as a guest. 19 While Peter was still thinking seriously about the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Look! Three men are looking for you. 20 But get up, go down, and accompany them without hesitation, because I have sent them.” 21 So Peter went down to the men and said, “Here I am, the person you’re looking for. Why have you come?” 22 They said, “Cornelius the centurion, a righteous and God-fearing man, well spoken of by the whole Jewish nation, was directed by a holy angel to summon you to his house and to hear a message from you.” 23 So Peter invited them in and entertained them as guests.
On the next day he got up and set out with them, and some of the brothers from Joppa accompanied him. 24 The following day he entered Caesarea. Now Cornelius was waiting anxiously for them and had called together his relatives and close friends. 25 So when Peter came in, Cornelius met him, fell at his feet, and worshiped him. 26 But Peter helped him up, saying, “Stand up. I too am a mere mortal.” 27 Peter continued talking with him as he went in, and he found many people gathered together. 28 He said to them, “You know that it is unlawful for a Jew to associate with or visit a Gentile, yet God has shown me that I should call no person defiled or ritually unclean. 29 Therefore when you sent for me, I came without any objection. Now may I ask why you sent for me?” 30 Cornelius replied, “Four days ago at this very hour, at three o’clock in the afternoon, I was praying in my house, and suddenly a man in shining clothing stood before me 31 and said, ‘Cornelius, your prayer has been heard and your acts of charity have been remembered before God. 32 Therefore send to Joppa and summon Simon, who is called Peter. This man is staying as a guest in the house of Simon the tanner, by the sea.’ 33 Therefore I sent for you at once, and you were kind enough to come. So now we are all here in the presence of God to listen to everything the Lord has commanded you to say to us.”
34 Then Peter started speaking: “I now truly understand that God does not show favoritism in dealing with people, 35 but in every nation the person who fears him and does what is right is welcomed before him. 36 You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, proclaiming the good news of peace through Jesus Christ (he is Lord of all) – 37 you know what happened throughout Judea, beginning from Galilee after the baptism that John announced: 38 with respect to Jesus from Nazareth, that God anointed him with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, because God was with him. 39 We are witnesses of all the things he did both in Judea and in Jerusalem. They killed him by hanging him on a tree, 40 but God raised him up on the third day and caused him to be seen, 41 not by all the people, but by us, the witnesses God had already chosen, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. 42 He commanded us to preach to the people and to warn them that he is the one appointed by God as judge of the living and the dead. 43 About him all the prophets testify, that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”
44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all those who heard the message. 45 The circumcised believers who had accompanied Peter were greatly astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles, 46 for they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God. Then Peter said, 47 “No one can withhold the water for these people to be baptized, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we did, can he?” 48 So he gave orders to have them baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to stay for several days.
You would always see the word Gentile/Gentiles in the bible.
The term Gentile (from Latin gentilis, by the French "gentil", female: "gentille", meaning of or belonging to a clan or tribe) refers to non-Israelite peoples or nations in English translations of the Bible.
It was said that salvation is only for the Israelite and lord only favors for them. When Jesus came that separation was removed. Our Lord wants salvation for everyone and all who would believe in God. Friends no matter what religion we are in let us find real teaching and real salvation. May we feel this Gospel that God wants YOU and Me to be his. May we seek for our Conversion to be with our Lord and live with his Kingdom.
Friends let us find time to read this scripture that would enlighten us about the favor of God to all who would believe in Him.
Acts 10
9 About noon the next day, while they were on their way and approaching the city, Peter went up on the roof to pray. 10 He became hungry and wanted to eat, but while they were preparing the meal, a trance came over him. 11 He saw heaven opened and an object something like a large sheet descending, being let down to earth by its four corners. 12 In it were all kinds of four-footed animals and reptiles of the earth and wild birds. 13 Then a voice said to him, “Get up, Peter; slaughter and eat!” 14 But Peter said, “Certainly not, Lord, for I have never eaten anything defiled and ritually unclean!” 15 The voice spoke to him again, a second time, “What God has made clean, you must not consider ritually unclean!” 16 This happened three times, and immediately the object was taken up into heaven. 17 Now while Peter was puzzling over what the vision he had seen could signify, the men sent by Cornelius had learned where Simon’s house was and approached the gate. 18 They called out to ask if Simon, known as Peter, was staying there as a guest. 19 While Peter was still thinking seriously about the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Look! Three men are looking for you. 20 But get up, go down, and accompany them without hesitation, because I have sent them.” 21 So Peter went down to the men and said, “Here I am, the person you’re looking for. Why have you come?” 22 They said, “Cornelius the centurion, a righteous and God-fearing man, well spoken of by the whole Jewish nation, was directed by a holy angel to summon you to his house and to hear a message from you.” 23 So Peter invited them in and entertained them as guests.
On the next day he got up and set out with them, and some of the brothers from Joppa accompanied him. 24 The following day he entered Caesarea. Now Cornelius was waiting anxiously for them and had called together his relatives and close friends. 25 So when Peter came in, Cornelius met him, fell at his feet, and worshiped him. 26 But Peter helped him up, saying, “Stand up. I too am a mere mortal.” 27 Peter continued talking with him as he went in, and he found many people gathered together. 28 He said to them, “You know that it is unlawful for a Jew to associate with or visit a Gentile, yet God has shown me that I should call no person defiled or ritually unclean. 29 Therefore when you sent for me, I came without any objection. Now may I ask why you sent for me?” 30 Cornelius replied, “Four days ago at this very hour, at three o’clock in the afternoon, I was praying in my house, and suddenly a man in shining clothing stood before me 31 and said, ‘Cornelius, your prayer has been heard and your acts of charity have been remembered before God. 32 Therefore send to Joppa and summon Simon, who is called Peter. This man is staying as a guest in the house of Simon the tanner, by the sea.’ 33 Therefore I sent for you at once, and you were kind enough to come. So now we are all here in the presence of God to listen to everything the Lord has commanded you to say to us.”
34 Then Peter started speaking: “I now truly understand that God does not show favoritism in dealing with people, 35 but in every nation the person who fears him and does what is right is welcomed before him. 36 You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, proclaiming the good news of peace through Jesus Christ (he is Lord of all) – 37 you know what happened throughout Judea, beginning from Galilee after the baptism that John announced: 38 with respect to Jesus from Nazareth, that God anointed him with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, because God was with him. 39 We are witnesses of all the things he did both in Judea and in Jerusalem. They killed him by hanging him on a tree, 40 but God raised him up on the third day and caused him to be seen, 41 not by all the people, but by us, the witnesses God had already chosen, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. 42 He commanded us to preach to the people and to warn them that he is the one appointed by God as judge of the living and the dead. 43 About him all the prophets testify, that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”
44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all those who heard the message. 45 The circumcised believers who had accompanied Peter were greatly astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles, 46 for they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God. Then Peter said, 47 “No one can withhold the water for these people to be baptized, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we did, can he?” 48 So he gave orders to have them baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to stay for several days.
You would always see the word Gentile/Gentiles in the bible.
The term Gentile (from Latin gentilis, by the French "gentil", female: "gentille", meaning of or belonging to a clan or tribe) refers to non-Israelite peoples or nations in English translations of the Bible.
It was said that salvation is only for the Israelite and lord only favors for them. When Jesus came that separation was removed. Our Lord wants salvation for everyone and all who would believe in God. Friends no matter what religion we are in let us find real teaching and real salvation. May we feel this Gospel that God wants YOU and Me to be his. May we seek for our Conversion to be with our Lord and live with his Kingdom.
Friday, May 20, 2011
Sin, Faith and Duty
Day XXVI
For today we will remind ourselves about Sin, Faith and Duty. In the book of Luke in chapter 17 Jesus given us these teachings.
Luke 17
1 Jesus said to his disciples, “Stumbling blocks are sure to come, but woe to the one through whom they come! 2 It would be better for him to have a millstone tied around his neck and be thrown into the sea than for him to cause one of these little ones to sin. 3 Watch yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him. If he repents, forgive him. 4 Even if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times returns to you saying, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.” 5 The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!” 6 So the Lord replied, “If you had faith the size of a mustard seed, you could say to this black mulberry tree, ‘Be pulled out by the roots and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you. 7 “Would any one of you say to your slave who comes in from the field after plowing or shepherding sheep, ‘Come at once and sit down for a meal’? 8 Won’t the master instead say to him, ‘Get my dinner ready, and make yourself ready to serve me while I eat and drink. Then you may eat and drink’? 9 He won’t thank the slave because he did what he was told, will he? 10 So you too, when you have done everything you were commanded to do, should say, ‘We are slaves undeserving of special praise; we have only done what was our duty.’”
In this scriptures Jesus want us to picture Sin, Faith and Duty. Sin as something that we would be in constant battle, we are also reminded not to sin something that would make others fall down, and lastly we are to forgive others who sin against us as many times needed. We should also try to correct others who sin that they may learn to do things right. Sin should be labeled sin for us to remove its grasp against us.
Faith - even with little faith we can do so much. Our faith is should not be measured but should be tested to keep its flame burning with our God. Let us always have it even if we see things obscure let us have at least little faith that God can still do so much.
Duty, as the story goes there are things in this world that does not need to boast for something we are required to do. Our duty is to worship the Lord and obey HIM let us keep that in mind. We should not seek for reasons why we need to or look for compensation for us to do it. We have to do it out of duty and willingly obey. Let those who have ears listen and understand.
For today we will remind ourselves about Sin, Faith and Duty. In the book of Luke in chapter 17 Jesus given us these teachings.
Luke 17
1 Jesus said to his disciples, “Stumbling blocks are sure to come, but woe to the one through whom they come! 2 It would be better for him to have a millstone tied around his neck and be thrown into the sea than for him to cause one of these little ones to sin. 3 Watch yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him. If he repents, forgive him. 4 Even if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times returns to you saying, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.” 5 The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!” 6 So the Lord replied, “If you had faith the size of a mustard seed, you could say to this black mulberry tree, ‘Be pulled out by the roots and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you. 7 “Would any one of you say to your slave who comes in from the field after plowing or shepherding sheep, ‘Come at once and sit down for a meal’? 8 Won’t the master instead say to him, ‘Get my dinner ready, and make yourself ready to serve me while I eat and drink. Then you may eat and drink’? 9 He won’t thank the slave because he did what he was told, will he? 10 So you too, when you have done everything you were commanded to do, should say, ‘We are slaves undeserving of special praise; we have only done what was our duty.’”
In this scriptures Jesus want us to picture Sin, Faith and Duty. Sin as something that we would be in constant battle, we are also reminded not to sin something that would make others fall down, and lastly we are to forgive others who sin against us as many times needed. We should also try to correct others who sin that they may learn to do things right. Sin should be labeled sin for us to remove its grasp against us.
Faith - even with little faith we can do so much. Our faith is should not be measured but should be tested to keep its flame burning with our God. Let us always have it even if we see things obscure let us have at least little faith that God can still do so much.
Duty, as the story goes there are things in this world that does not need to boast for something we are required to do. Our duty is to worship the Lord and obey HIM let us keep that in mind. We should not seek for reasons why we need to or look for compensation for us to do it. We have to do it out of duty and willingly obey. Let those who have ears listen and understand.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Trusting Jesus
Day XXV
Let us read this passage from the book of Luke in Chapter 5 :1-11
1 Now Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, and the crowd was pressing around him to hear the word of God. 2 He saw two boats by the lake, but the fishermen had gotten out of them and were washing their nets. 3 He got into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, and asked him to put out a little way from the shore. Then Jesus sat down and taught the crowds from the boat. 4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep water and lower your nets for a catch.” 5 Simon answered, “Master, we worked hard all night and caught nothing! But at your word I will lower the nets.” 6 When they had done this, they caught so many fish that their nets started to tear. 7 So they motioned to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both boats, so that they were about to sink. 8 But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!” 9 For Peter and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish that they had taken, 10 and so were James and John, Zebedee’s sons, who were Simon’s business partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people.” 11 So when they had brought their boats to shore, they left everything and followed him.
Friends in the story Simon/Peter shows our personality that at some point we are helpless and know there is nothing. Let us learn to have the same confidence Simon had that even with our situation we believe that when Jesus said something it will happen. The only problem we have is that sometime or most of the time no one can tell us what to do. We are at lost and we often rely on our own intuition. God did not left us in the dark he given us the bible to guide us about his plans and promises.
Let us also consider how Simon showed his honesty as a sinner to our Lord. Did you see how Jesus responded? He comforted Simon and said "do not be afraid from now on you will be catching people". God knows his plans, knows our heart and knows everything. May we all give him our full confidence and trust. Amen!
Let us read this passage from the book of Luke in Chapter 5 :1-11
1 Now Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, and the crowd was pressing around him to hear the word of God. 2 He saw two boats by the lake, but the fishermen had gotten out of them and were washing their nets. 3 He got into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, and asked him to put out a little way from the shore. Then Jesus sat down and taught the crowds from the boat. 4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep water and lower your nets for a catch.” 5 Simon answered, “Master, we worked hard all night and caught nothing! But at your word I will lower the nets.” 6 When they had done this, they caught so many fish that their nets started to tear. 7 So they motioned to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both boats, so that they were about to sink. 8 But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!” 9 For Peter and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish that they had taken, 10 and so were James and John, Zebedee’s sons, who were Simon’s business partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people.” 11 So when they had brought their boats to shore, they left everything and followed him.
Friends in the story Simon/Peter shows our personality that at some point we are helpless and know there is nothing. Let us learn to have the same confidence Simon had that even with our situation we believe that when Jesus said something it will happen. The only problem we have is that sometime or most of the time no one can tell us what to do. We are at lost and we often rely on our own intuition. God did not left us in the dark he given us the bible to guide us about his plans and promises.
Let us also consider how Simon showed his honesty as a sinner to our Lord. Did you see how Jesus responded? He comforted Simon and said "do not be afraid from now on you will be catching people". God knows his plans, knows our heart and knows everything. May we all give him our full confidence and trust. Amen!
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Jesus the Bread of Life
Day XXIV
Let us remind ourselves about the greatness of our Lord. Today we will recall the what Jesus wanted us to understand. In John 6:28 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.”
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.”
Friends our lord Jesus Christ is our bread and water. Literally it is like our daily need to be alive. He is the source of energy and strength to deal with our life. He is the only way to have that life in eternal kingdom. May we feel the need for that bread of life and always look for HIM.
Let us remind ourselves about the greatness of our Lord. Today we will recall the what Jesus wanted us to understand. In John 6:28 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.”
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.”
Friends our lord Jesus Christ is our bread and water. Literally it is like our daily need to be alive. He is the source of energy and strength to deal with our life. He is the only way to have that life in eternal kingdom. May we feel the need for that bread of life and always look for HIM.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
ENVY - Good or Bad?
Day XXIII
Have you recall asking your self - "why this person who seem to be so evil is so successful or having great things in life? He/she almost have everything and can do anything. Seem so very happy not to mention very good looking!"
Or we might have said "If I only have this or that..."
Familiar with these ideas? Familiar with the word envy? Todays reminder is about envy. In 1 Corinthians 13:4 it says - Love is patient, love is kind, it is not envious. Love does not brag, it is not puffed up.
Jesus commanded us to love God and love others but why not envy them? Come to think of it - when we do most likely we would feel pity about ourselves because they seem better than us. When we envy the evil spirit can give us other ideas that leads to questions - doubt - worries - bitterness - up to Sin!
What can we get out of envy? Let us see how Job relate to this problem of ours.
Job 21
4 Is my complaint against a man?
If so, why should I not be impatient?
5 Look at me and be appalled;
put your hands over your mouths.
6 For, when I think about this, I am terrified
and my body feels a shudder.
7 “Why do the wicked go on living,
grow old, even increase in power?
8 Their children are firmly established
in their presence,
their offspring before their eyes.
9 Their houses are safe and without fear;
and no rod of punishment from God is upon them.
10 Their bulls breed without fail;
their cows calve and do not miscarry.
11 They allow their children to run like a flock;
their little ones dance about.
12 They sing to the accompaniment of tambourine and harp,
and make merry to the sound of the flute.
13 They live out their years in prosperity
and go down to the grave in peace.
14 So they say to God, ‘Turn away from us!
We do not want to know your ways.
15 Who is the Almighty, that we should serve him?
What would we gain
if we were to pray to him?’
16 But their prosperity is not their own doing.
The counsel of the wicked is far from me!
17 “How often is the lamp of the wicked extinguished?
How often does their misfortune come upon them?
How often does God apportion pain to them in his anger?
18 How often are they like straw before the wind,
and like chaff swept away by a whirlwind?
19 You may say, ‘God stores up a man’s punishment for his children!’
Instead let him repay the man himself
so that he may know it!
20 Let his own eyes see his destruction;
let him drink of the anger of the Almighty.
21 For what is his interest in his home
after his death,
when the number of his months
has been broken off?
Just like Job there would always be times that we would COMPARE. It is so natural for us to look at other people when we are in a bad situation to seek the feeling of compassion to ourselves that we are not that helpless. In us, we would always wanted to feel good and better off than others or feel not the lowest/the last. If you would think of it - we just want to prove that if they can do it we can also do it (most of the time in material things or achievements). But, God is quite good in teaching us the way of life. To teach us to be humble he would always give us situation to let us feel not even equal to some. And use situation to keep our feet from the ground or give us circumstances that would break our being proud.
Friends, in the same chapter in the book of Job 21:22 Can anyone teach God knowledge,
since he judges those that are on high?
God knows everything! His plans might be beyond our comprehension but HE IS ALWAYS in control. If we feel having ENVY let us remind ourselves NOT TO entertain it. Pray to God to remove that idea from us. God knows better. Jeremiah 29:11 For I know what I have planned for you,’ says the LORD. ‘I have plans to prosper you, not to harm you. I have plans to give you a future filled with hope.
Have you recall asking your self - "why this person who seem to be so evil is so successful or having great things in life? He/she almost have everything and can do anything. Seem so very happy not to mention very good looking!"
Or we might have said "If I only have this or that..."
Familiar with these ideas? Familiar with the word envy? Todays reminder is about envy. In 1 Corinthians 13:4 it says - Love is patient, love is kind, it is not envious. Love does not brag, it is not puffed up.
Jesus commanded us to love God and love others but why not envy them? Come to think of it - when we do most likely we would feel pity about ourselves because they seem better than us. When we envy the evil spirit can give us other ideas that leads to questions - doubt - worries - bitterness - up to Sin!
What can we get out of envy? Let us see how Job relate to this problem of ours.
Job 21
4 Is my complaint against a man?
If so, why should I not be impatient?
5 Look at me and be appalled;
put your hands over your mouths.
6 For, when I think about this, I am terrified
and my body feels a shudder.
7 “Why do the wicked go on living,
grow old, even increase in power?
8 Their children are firmly established
in their presence,
their offspring before their eyes.
9 Their houses are safe and without fear;
and no rod of punishment from God is upon them.
10 Their bulls breed without fail;
their cows calve and do not miscarry.
11 They allow their children to run like a flock;
their little ones dance about.
12 They sing to the accompaniment of tambourine and harp,
and make merry to the sound of the flute.
13 They live out their years in prosperity
and go down to the grave in peace.
14 So they say to God, ‘Turn away from us!
We do not want to know your ways.
15 Who is the Almighty, that we should serve him?
What would we gain
if we were to pray to him?’
16 But their prosperity is not their own doing.
The counsel of the wicked is far from me!
17 “How often is the lamp of the wicked extinguished?
How often does their misfortune come upon them?
How often does God apportion pain to them in his anger?
18 How often are they like straw before the wind,
and like chaff swept away by a whirlwind?
19 You may say, ‘God stores up a man’s punishment for his children!’
Instead let him repay the man himself
so that he may know it!
20 Let his own eyes see his destruction;
let him drink of the anger of the Almighty.
21 For what is his interest in his home
after his death,
when the number of his months
has been broken off?
Just like Job there would always be times that we would COMPARE. It is so natural for us to look at other people when we are in a bad situation to seek the feeling of compassion to ourselves that we are not that helpless. In us, we would always wanted to feel good and better off than others or feel not the lowest/the last. If you would think of it - we just want to prove that if they can do it we can also do it (most of the time in material things or achievements). But, God is quite good in teaching us the way of life. To teach us to be humble he would always give us situation to let us feel not even equal to some. And use situation to keep our feet from the ground or give us circumstances that would break our being proud.
Friends, in the same chapter in the book of Job 21:22 Can anyone teach God knowledge,
since he judges those that are on high?
- Isa 40:13 Who comprehends the mind of the LORD, or gives him instruction as his counselor?
- Rom 11:34 For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?
- 1 Cor 2:16 For who has known the mind of the Lord, so as to advise him?
God knows everything! His plans might be beyond our comprehension but HE IS ALWAYS in control. If we feel having ENVY let us remind ourselves NOT TO entertain it. Pray to God to remove that idea from us. God knows better. Jeremiah 29:11 For I know what I have planned for you,’ says the LORD. ‘I have plans to prosper you, not to harm you. I have plans to give you a future filled with hope.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Warning to be Alert - Keep on watch
Day XXII
Let us always remember this passage for us to focus on watching our ways of living. Let us remember how Jesus said this scripture:
Mark 13
32 “But as for that day or hour no one knows it – neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son – except the Father. 33 Watch out! Stay alert! For you do not know when the time will come. 34 It is like a man going on a journey. He left his house and put his slaves in charge, assigning to each his work, and commanded the doorkeeper to stay alert. 35 Stay alert, then, because you do not know when the owner of the house will return – whether during evening, at midnight, when the rooster crows, or at dawn – 36 or else he might find you asleep when he returns suddenly. 37 What I say to you I say to everyone: Stay alert!”
You may have heard this before, there may be times that we are very aware of this warning. As time goes by we get back to our old routine and live the same worldly behavior. Friends, we may or may not see the end of the days but our death is inevitable. This is the same end that we have to keep in mind that NO ONE knows. Let us always be alert and keep reminding ourselves "is this decision/action I would do be for Good or Bad?" Focus on what is eternal and what matters most. Let us keep our righteousness.
Let us always remember this passage for us to focus on watching our ways of living. Let us remember how Jesus said this scripture:
Mark 13
32 “But as for that day or hour no one knows it – neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son – except the Father. 33 Watch out! Stay alert! For you do not know when the time will come. 34 It is like a man going on a journey. He left his house and put his slaves in charge, assigning to each his work, and commanded the doorkeeper to stay alert. 35 Stay alert, then, because you do not know when the owner of the house will return – whether during evening, at midnight, when the rooster crows, or at dawn – 36 or else he might find you asleep when he returns suddenly. 37 What I say to you I say to everyone: Stay alert!”
You may have heard this before, there may be times that we are very aware of this warning. As time goes by we get back to our old routine and live the same worldly behavior. Friends, we may or may not see the end of the days but our death is inevitable. This is the same end that we have to keep in mind that NO ONE knows. Let us always be alert and keep reminding ourselves "is this decision/action I would do be for Good or Bad?" Focus on what is eternal and what matters most. Let us keep our righteousness.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Surrendering to God
Day XXI
Today is a great day to praise God for all he has done for us. He is all worthy of our worship and praise. Hallelujah!!!
I asked God what would be his lesson for me today while I was in church. He speak to me with this message:
Hosea 6
1 “Come on! Let’s return to the LORD!
He himself has torn us to pieces,
but he will heal us!
He has injured us,
but he will bandage our wounds!
2 He will restore us in a very short time;
he will heal us in a little while,
so that we may live in his presence.
3 So let us acknowledge him!
Let us seek to acknowledge the LORD!
He will come to our rescue as certainly as the appearance of the dawn,
as certainly as the winter rain comes,
as certainly as the spring rain that waters the land.”
Amen to this!!! Brothers and Sisters remember the word surrender? Surrender may be a degrading word for some because we are use to the word WINNER, victorious, triumphant and others who would claim success. But in our testing time here on earth we cannot be winners on our own.
See the scriptures? Lord may have torn us to pieces but he will heal! He may injured us but he will bandage? Almost an oxymoron is it? The thing is God will always be looking for ways to let his people look for him, seek for him and worship him. Friends I know you have number of wake up calls from God that most of the time we ignore and be stubborn to know it all. We always wanted to take control even up to the situation that we get so frustrated because everything is becoming so impossible! Well YOUR right! That is how God wants you to look at things. IMPOSSIBLE! This world is impossible! Keep that in mind! Impossible WITHOUT GOD!
He is the only way and the only answer to ALL our needs. He is our peace of mind, our strength and our hope. As you may have heard it "cast your burden upon him!" cause he can carry it for you. May you STOP and THINK. What are the IMPOSSIBLE things I still try to fix? What are the things that I am so stubborn to claim that I can do it? Think all of them and present it to God. Surrender your all to him and let him show you the way and follow it. Trust him completely remember He is not in a hurry but will never delay.
Today is a great day to praise God for all he has done for us. He is all worthy of our worship and praise. Hallelujah!!!
I asked God what would be his lesson for me today while I was in church. He speak to me with this message:
Hosea 6
1 “Come on! Let’s return to the LORD!
He himself has torn us to pieces,
but he will heal us!
He has injured us,
but he will bandage our wounds!
2 He will restore us in a very short time;
he will heal us in a little while,
so that we may live in his presence.
3 So let us acknowledge him!
Let us seek to acknowledge the LORD!
He will come to our rescue as certainly as the appearance of the dawn,
as certainly as the winter rain comes,
as certainly as the spring rain that waters the land.”
Amen to this!!! Brothers and Sisters remember the word surrender? Surrender may be a degrading word for some because we are use to the word WINNER, victorious, triumphant and others who would claim success. But in our testing time here on earth we cannot be winners on our own.
See the scriptures? Lord may have torn us to pieces but he will heal! He may injured us but he will bandage? Almost an oxymoron is it? The thing is God will always be looking for ways to let his people look for him, seek for him and worship him. Friends I know you have number of wake up calls from God that most of the time we ignore and be stubborn to know it all. We always wanted to take control even up to the situation that we get so frustrated because everything is becoming so impossible! Well YOUR right! That is how God wants you to look at things. IMPOSSIBLE! This world is impossible! Keep that in mind! Impossible WITHOUT GOD!
He is the only way and the only answer to ALL our needs. He is our peace of mind, our strength and our hope. As you may have heard it "cast your burden upon him!" cause he can carry it for you. May you STOP and THINK. What are the IMPOSSIBLE things I still try to fix? What are the things that I am so stubborn to claim that I can do it? Think all of them and present it to God. Surrender your all to him and let him show you the way and follow it. Trust him completely remember He is not in a hurry but will never delay.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Courage in the battle of Faith
Day XX
For the message for today I seek for the scripture from God and given me the story of Faith - Apostle Paul. During his preaching, there were number of plots to kill him because of his bold teaching about Jesus Christ whom he believe is the messiah. In the book of Acts the struggle of Paul trial after trials against the false accusations of the Chief priest were written. His enemies were too many that would like to see him dead. Paul also went through hard times from beatings up to almost drowning on their way to places because of his arrest.
As Paul being bold, confident and firm in his faith in our Lord he never doubted. He is not afraid of dying for our Lord. In his great faith God was never silent during his journey. God send him messengers and fill him with the Holy Spirit.
May the story of Paul inspires us to be firm in our faith in Jesus Christ. Like Paul may we have that strong belief that even if our body dies the power of the resurrection that made Jesus become alive would give us the same resurrection. May we keep watching our steps and continuously pray for strength in faith that we would always be firm in our union with Jesus Christ.
For the message for today I seek for the scripture from God and given me the story of Faith - Apostle Paul. During his preaching, there were number of plots to kill him because of his bold teaching about Jesus Christ whom he believe is the messiah. In the book of Acts the struggle of Paul trial after trials against the false accusations of the Chief priest were written. His enemies were too many that would like to see him dead. Paul also went through hard times from beatings up to almost drowning on their way to places because of his arrest.
As Paul being bold, confident and firm in his faith in our Lord he never doubted. He is not afraid of dying for our Lord. In his great faith God was never silent during his journey. God send him messengers and fill him with the Holy Spirit.
May the story of Paul inspires us to be firm in our faith in Jesus Christ. Like Paul may we have that strong belief that even if our body dies the power of the resurrection that made Jesus become alive would give us the same resurrection. May we keep watching our steps and continuously pray for strength in faith that we would always be firm in our union with Jesus Christ.
Friday, May 13, 2011
Justified by Faith
Day XIX
As King David have said.
Romans 4
6 So even David himself speaks regarding the blessedness of the man to whom God credits righteousness apart from works:
7 “Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered;
8 blessed is the one against whom the Lord will never count sin.”
Brothers and Sisters we should admit that in this world of wickedness we would always fall and commit sin. As long as we are in this body we are in constant assault to temptation. In the same book of Romans it is clearly stated that:
Romans 4
5 But to the one who does not work, but believes in the one who declares the ungodly righteous, his faith is credited as righteousness.
Do you know how can we be considered righteous and walk in the path of it? It is only through our faith in God in Jesus Christ who justifies the ungodly.
We all need forgiveness, it is foolish for anyone who would claim he/she is sinless. All of us fall short in the eyes of God. Let us seek forgiveness of our Lord Jesus and let him guide us in the new life with him.
When we unite with Jesus we should put to death our old self and walk in the light.
As King David have said.
Romans 4
6 So even David himself speaks regarding the blessedness of the man to whom God credits righteousness apart from works:
7 “Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered;
8 blessed is the one against whom the Lord will never count sin.”
Brothers and Sisters we should admit that in this world of wickedness we would always fall and commit sin. As long as we are in this body we are in constant assault to temptation. In the same book of Romans it is clearly stated that:
Romans 4
5 But to the one who does not work, but believes in the one who declares the ungodly righteous, his faith is credited as righteousness.
Do you know how can we be considered righteous and walk in the path of it? It is only through our faith in God in Jesus Christ who justifies the ungodly.
We all need forgiveness, it is foolish for anyone who would claim he/she is sinless. All of us fall short in the eyes of God. Let us seek forgiveness of our Lord Jesus and let him guide us in the new life with him.
When we unite with Jesus we should put to death our old self and walk in the light.
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Love
Day XVIII
Jesus said if you love me obey my commandments and will have eternal life. Brothers and Sisters today let us remember LOVE the way to Jesus and to the Father. Showing our love to God and to our neighbors is what God commanded us to do here on earth. Let us relearn it again from the scriptures.
Romans 12
9 Love must be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil, cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another with mutual love, showing eagerness in honoring one another. 11 Do not lag in zeal, be enthusiastic in spirit, serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, endure in suffering, persist in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints, pursue hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you, bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty but associate with the lowly. Do not be conceited. 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil; consider what is good before all people. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all people. 19 Do not avenge yourselves, dear friends, but give place to God’s wrath, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 Rather, if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in doing this you will be heaping burning coals on his head. 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
The love that the bible is teaching us is the unconditional love we have to extend to God and to others. Unconditional in the sense that we do not have to doubt or entertain evil/worldly thoughts before we show love. Let us practice showing love without reason but we show love due to obedience to our Father in heaven. I know it is hard but YOU and I need to practice this every time. We should always observe this attitude of love for it is the great commandment of our lord Jesus Christ.
Jesus said if you love me obey my commandments and will have eternal life. Brothers and Sisters today let us remember LOVE the way to Jesus and to the Father. Showing our love to God and to our neighbors is what God commanded us to do here on earth. Let us relearn it again from the scriptures.
Romans 12
9 Love must be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil, cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another with mutual love, showing eagerness in honoring one another. 11 Do not lag in zeal, be enthusiastic in spirit, serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, endure in suffering, persist in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints, pursue hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you, bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty but associate with the lowly. Do not be conceited. 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil; consider what is good before all people. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all people. 19 Do not avenge yourselves, dear friends, but give place to God’s wrath, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 Rather, if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in doing this you will be heaping burning coals on his head. 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
The love that the bible is teaching us is the unconditional love we have to extend to God and to others. Unconditional in the sense that we do not have to doubt or entertain evil/worldly thoughts before we show love. Let us practice showing love without reason but we show love due to obedience to our Father in heaven. I know it is hard but YOU and I need to practice this every time. We should always observe this attitude of love for it is the great commandment of our lord Jesus Christ.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
The Word Became Flesh
Day XVII
The scripture for today is one of the words I love in the bible. These are the words that testify about Jesus Christ as the beginning and the end. The alpha and the omega. The way, the truth, the life, the power and everything! Let us read and absorb.
John 1
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was fully God.
2 The Word was with God in the beginning.
3 All things were created by him, and apart from him not one thing was created that has been created.
4 In him was life, and the life was the light of mankind.
5 And the light shines on in the darkness, but the darkness has not mastered it.
6 A man came, sent from God, whose name was John.7 He came as a witness to testify about the light, so that everyone might believe through him. 8 He himself was not the light, but he came to testify about the light. 9 The true light, who gives light to everyone1 was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was created by him, but the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to what was his own, but his own people did not receive him. 12 But to all who have received him – those who believe in his name – he has given the right to become God’s children
13 – children not born by human parents or by human desire or a husband’s decision, but by God. 14 Now the Word became flesh and took up residence among us. We saw his glory – the glory of the one and only, full of grace and truth, who came from the Father. 15 John testified about him and shouted out, “This one was the one about whom I said, ‘He who comes after me is greater than I am, because he existed before me.’”
16 For we have all received from his fullness one gracious gift after another.
17 For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came about through Jesus Christ.
18 No one has ever seen God. The only one, himself God, who is in closest fellowship with the Father, has made God known.
The scripture for today is one of the words I love in the bible. These are the words that testify about Jesus Christ as the beginning and the end. The alpha and the omega. The way, the truth, the life, the power and everything! Let us read and absorb.
John 1
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was fully God.
- Prov 8:22 The LORD created me as the beginning of his works, before his deeds of long ago. ;
- 1 John 1:1 This is what we proclaim to you: what was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and our hands have touched (concerning the word of life
- 1John 1:2 and the life was revealed, and we have seen and testify and announce1 to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was revealed to us)
2 The Word was with God in the beginning.
- John 17:5 And now, Father, glorify me at your side with the glory I had with you before the world was created;
3 All things were created by him, and apart from him not one thing was created that has been created.
- Gen 1:3 God said, “Let there be light.” And there was light! ;
- Ps 33:6 By the LORD’s decree the heavens were made; by a mere word from his mouth all the stars in the sky were created.
- Eph 3:9 and to enlighten everyone about God’s secret plan – a secret that has been hidden for ages in God who has created all things.
- Col 1:16 for all things in heaven and on earth were created by him – all things, whether visible or invisible, whether thrones or dominions, whether principalities or powers – all things were created through him and for him.
- Heb 1:2 in these last days he has spoken to us in a son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he created the world.;
4 In him was life, and the life was the light of mankind.
- 2 John 5:26 For just as the Father has life in himself, thus he has granted the Son to have life in himself,;
- 1John 5:11 And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.;
- John 8:12 Then Jesus spoke out again, “I am the light of the world. The one who follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.;
- John 9:5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world;
- John 12:46 In him was life,1 and the life was the light of mankind;
5 And the light shines on in the darkness, but the darkness has not mastered it.
- John 3:19 Now this is the basis for judging: that the light has come into the world and people loved the darkness rather than the light, because their deeds were evil;
6 A man came, sent from God, whose name was John.7 He came as a witness to testify about the light, so that everyone might believe through him. 8 He himself was not the light, but he came to testify about the light. 9 The true light, who gives light to everyone1 was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was created by him, but the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to what was his own, but his own people did not receive him. 12 But to all who have received him – those who believe in his name – he has given the right to become God’s children
- Isa 56:5 I will set up within my temple and my walls a monument that will be better than sons and daughters. I will set up a permanent monument for them that will remain.
- Rom 8:15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery leading again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry, “Abba, Father.
- Gal 3:26 For in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God through faith.;
- 2Pet 1:4 Through these things he has bestowed on us his precious and most magnificent promises, so that by means of what was promised you may become partakers of the divine nature, after escaping the worldly corruption that is produced by evil desire.;
- 1John 3:1; (See what sort of love the Father has given to us: that we should be called God’s children – and indeed we are! For this reason the world does not know us: because it did not know him
13 – children not born by human parents or by human desire or a husband’s decision, but by God. 14 Now the Word became flesh and took up residence among us. We saw his glory – the glory of the one and only, full of grace and truth, who came from the Father. 15 John testified about him and shouted out, “This one was the one about whom I said, ‘He who comes after me is greater than I am, because he existed before me.’”
- John 1:26 John answered them, “I baptize with water. Among you stands one whom you do not recognize,;
- John 1:30 This is the one about whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who is greater than I am, because he existed before me.;
- Matt 3:11 “I baptize you with water, for repentance, but the one coming after me is more powerful than I am – I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.;
- Mark 1:7 He proclaimed, “One more powerful than I am is coming after me; I am not worthy to bend down and untie the strap of his sandals.;
- Luke 3:16 John answered them all, “I baptize you with water, but one more powerful than I am is coming – I am not worthy to untie the strap of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.;
16 For we have all received from his fullness one gracious gift after another.
- 1 Col 2:10 and you have been filled in him, who is the head over every ruler and authority.;
17 For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came about through Jesus Christ.
- Exod 20:1 God spoke all these words:;
18 No one has ever seen God. The only one, himself God, who is in closest fellowship with the Father, has made God known.
- Exod 33:20 But he added, “You cannot see my face, for no one can see me and live.;
- Deut 4:12 Then the LORD spoke to you from the middle of the fire; you heard speech but you could not see anything – only a voice was heard.;
- John 6:46 (Not that anyone has seen the Father except the one who is from God – he has seen the Father.);
- 1Tim 6:16 He alone possesses immortality and lives in unapproachable light, whom no human has ever seen or is able to see. To him be honor and eternal power! Amen;
- 1John 4:12 No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God resides in us, and his love is perfected in us;
- Matt 11:27 All things have been handed over to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son decides to reveal him.;
Wow Amen! These scriptures testify about our Lord Jesus Christ as the promised savior and the Holy One who would rescue us. Brothers and Sisters I hope we have welcomed Christ in our lives for the word of God or the bible talks about him. He is the ONLY option and our greatest gift we can get from our father in heaven. May the words speak to us and ignite our vision in the greatness of our Lord Jesus Christ who removed his Godliness and lived as human to save me and to save YOU.
If you have not yet received Jesus as your savior and be part of your life. I want you to say this prayer -
Father in Heaven I thank you for your greatness and your love to us. I thank you for your wisdom and grace. Lord God I am accepting Jesus Christ as your son and our savior.
Lord Jesus Christ, I thank you for your sacrifice on the cross to save me. I BELIEVE in you Lord that you are MY savior and the way to righteousness. Lord Jesus I am accepting you as my savior and my guide towards heaven. Lord, I am asking for your forgiveness for all the sins I have done, I know now that the reason you died is because of ME. I am now asking for your grace to give me the Holy Spirit to guide me in my quest to be righteous. Starting today Lord lead me the way and guide me in my journey with you until the day we meet in person.
Amen.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
The Beatitudes
Day VI
Today we will strengthen again our faith by looking at our reward in eternity. We are always reminded that this life on earth is just too short compared to the life after. Our hardship in this fallen state would be our test for the everlasting reward we would get together with Jesus. We should be glad in our challenges for we are blessed by God. This is the scripture that would give us the confidence to Thank and Praise our Lord in times of troubles.
Matthew 5
1 When he saw the crowds, he went up the mountain. After he sat down his disciples came to him. 2 Then he began to teach them by saying:
3 “Blessed1 are the poor in spirit, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to them.
4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
5 “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.
7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God.
10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to them.
11 “Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you and say all kinds of evil things about you falsely on account of me.
12 Rejoice and be glad because your reward is great in heaven, for they persecuted the prophets before you in the same way.
Amen! Let the scriptures speak to us and give us confidence to face our challenges. Let us remember our Lord Jesus Christ who suffered so much for he know the end our be great reward. Let us armor ourselves with endurance that our reward is in heaven. Amen!
Today we will strengthen again our faith by looking at our reward in eternity. We are always reminded that this life on earth is just too short compared to the life after. Our hardship in this fallen state would be our test for the everlasting reward we would get together with Jesus. We should be glad in our challenges for we are blessed by God. This is the scripture that would give us the confidence to Thank and Praise our Lord in times of troubles.
Matthew 5
1 When he saw the crowds, he went up the mountain. After he sat down his disciples came to him. 2 Then he began to teach them by saying:
3 “Blessed1 are the poor in spirit, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to them.
4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
5 “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.
7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God.
10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to them.
11 “Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you and say all kinds of evil things about you falsely on account of me.
12 Rejoice and be glad because your reward is great in heaven, for they persecuted the prophets before you in the same way.
Amen! Let the scriptures speak to us and give us confidence to face our challenges. Let us remember our Lord Jesus Christ who suffered so much for he know the end our be great reward. Let us armor ourselves with endurance that our reward is in heaven. Amen!
Monday, May 9, 2011
Faith spells Integrity
Day XV
Jesus said "If you love me you will obey my commandments". Jesus modeled obedience to the Father up to death knowing that this will give Glory to the Father. We are also in the journey to obey God and live in righteousness. As we progress we will be tempted continuously to test our faith and most of the testing happens inside us. When no one is watching, when we are alone, when we are idle or when times get busy. You might have heard someone saying "there is always someone watching up there!" God knows what we are doing and what is in our hearts. Today is another reminder that we should develop integrity in Faith. We should always keep in mind that there is someone watching. We need to please the Father and make our Savior Jesus Christ happy with our action.
There was a story in the book of Acts about a couple who were part of the Believers together with the Apostles.
Acts 5
1 Now a man named Ananias, together with Sapphira his wife, sold a piece of property. 2 He kept back for himself part of the proceeds with his wife’s knowledge; he brought only part of it and placed it at the apostles’ feet. 3 But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back for yourself part of the proceeds from the sale of the land? 4 Before it was sold, did it not belong to you? And when it was sold, was the money not at your disposal? How have you thought up this deed in your heart? You have not lied to people but to God!” 5 When Ananias heard these words he collapsed and died, and great fear gripped all who heard about it. 6 So the young men came, wrapped him up, carried him out, and buried him. 7 After an interval of about three hours, his wife came in, but she did not know what had happened. 8 Peter said to her, “Tell me, were the two of you paid this amount for the land?” Sapphira said, “Yes, that much.” 9 Peter then told her, “Why have you agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look! The feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out!” 10 At once she collapsed at his feet and died. So when the young men came in, they found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her beside her husband. 11 Great fear gripped the whole church and all who heard about these things.
The story maybe brutal as it seems however during those times all believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any possessions was his own, they shared everything they had. There were no needy persons among them.
Acts 4
32 The group of those who believed were of one heart and mind, and no one said that any of his possessions was his own, but everything was held in common.
33 With great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was on them all. 34 For there was no one needy among them, because those who were owners of land or houses were selling them and bringing the proceeds from the sales 35 and placing them at the apostles’ feet. The proceeds were distributed to each, as anyone had need.
36 So Joseph, a Levite who was a native of Cyprus, called by the apostles Barnabas (which is translated “son of encouragement”), 37 sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and placed it at the apostles’ feet.
One way of looking at it brothers and sisters is that we would never know when will our death end be. Nothing kept in secret would not be exposed. Let us always remember that our actions and decisions should be pleasing in the eyes of God. The hardest testing we all face is our battle inside us and the question of integrity. Let us always examine ourself to correct our action and go back to the right path. May we always have the strength, may the voice of truth always be stronger in us. May the Holy Spirit be in control in us always in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen
Jesus said "If you love me you will obey my commandments". Jesus modeled obedience to the Father up to death knowing that this will give Glory to the Father. We are also in the journey to obey God and live in righteousness. As we progress we will be tempted continuously to test our faith and most of the testing happens inside us. When no one is watching, when we are alone, when we are idle or when times get busy. You might have heard someone saying "there is always someone watching up there!" God knows what we are doing and what is in our hearts. Today is another reminder that we should develop integrity in Faith. We should always keep in mind that there is someone watching. We need to please the Father and make our Savior Jesus Christ happy with our action.
There was a story in the book of Acts about a couple who were part of the Believers together with the Apostles.
Acts 5
1 Now a man named Ananias, together with Sapphira his wife, sold a piece of property. 2 He kept back for himself part of the proceeds with his wife’s knowledge; he brought only part of it and placed it at the apostles’ feet. 3 But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back for yourself part of the proceeds from the sale of the land? 4 Before it was sold, did it not belong to you? And when it was sold, was the money not at your disposal? How have you thought up this deed in your heart? You have not lied to people but to God!” 5 When Ananias heard these words he collapsed and died, and great fear gripped all who heard about it. 6 So the young men came, wrapped him up, carried him out, and buried him. 7 After an interval of about three hours, his wife came in, but she did not know what had happened. 8 Peter said to her, “Tell me, were the two of you paid this amount for the land?” Sapphira said, “Yes, that much.” 9 Peter then told her, “Why have you agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look! The feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out!” 10 At once she collapsed at his feet and died. So when the young men came in, they found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her beside her husband. 11 Great fear gripped the whole church and all who heard about these things.
The story maybe brutal as it seems however during those times all believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any possessions was his own, they shared everything they had. There were no needy persons among them.
Acts 4
32 The group of those who believed were of one heart and mind, and no one said that any of his possessions was his own, but everything was held in common.
- Acts 2:44 All who believed were together and held everything in common
- 1Pet 3:8 Finally, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, affectionate, compassionate, and humble.
33 With great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was on them all. 34 For there was no one needy among them, because those who were owners of land or houses were selling them and bringing the proceeds from the sales 35 and placing them at the apostles’ feet. The proceeds were distributed to each, as anyone had need.
- Isa 58:7 I want you to share your food with the hungry
- and to provide shelter for homeless, oppressed people.
- When you see someone naked, clothe him!
- Don’t turn your back on your own flesh and blood!
36 So Joseph, a Levite who was a native of Cyprus, called by the apostles Barnabas (which is translated “son of encouragement”), 37 sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and placed it at the apostles’ feet.
One way of looking at it brothers and sisters is that we would never know when will our death end be. Nothing kept in secret would not be exposed. Let us always remember that our actions and decisions should be pleasing in the eyes of God. The hardest testing we all face is our battle inside us and the question of integrity. Let us always examine ourself to correct our action and go back to the right path. May we always have the strength, may the voice of truth always be stronger in us. May the Holy Spirit be in control in us always in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen
Sunday, May 8, 2011
The Glory of our Creator
Day XIV
In our reading for today we will look on the Psalm of David.
Psalms 139
1 For the music director, a psalm of David.
O LORD, you examine me and know.
2 You know when I sit down and when I get up;
even from far away you understand my motives.
3 You carefully observe me when I travel or when I lie down to rest;
you are aware of everything I do.
4 Certainly my tongue does not frame a word
without you, O LORD, being thoroughly aware of it.
5 You squeeze me in from behind and in front;
you place your hand on me.
6 Your knowledge is beyond my comprehension;
it is so far beyond me, I am unable to fathom it.
7 Where can I go to escape your spirit?
Where can I flee to escape your presence?
8 If I were to ascend to heaven, you would be there.
If I were to sprawl out in Sheol, there you would be.
9 If I were to fly away on the wings of the dawn,
and settle down on the other side of the sea,
10 even there your hand would guide me,
your right hand would grab hold of me.
11 If I were to say, “Certainly the darkness will cover me,
and the light will turn to night all around me,”
12 even the darkness is not too dark for you to see,
and the night is as bright as day;
darkness and light are the same to you.
13 Certainly you made my mind and heart;
you wove me together in my mother’s womb.
14 I will give you thanks because your deeds are awesome and amazing.
You knew me thoroughly;
15 my bones were not hidden from you,
when I was made in secret
and sewed together in the depths of the earth.
16 Your eyes saw me when I was inside the womb.
All the days ordained for me
were recorded in your scroll
before one of them came into existence.
17 How difficult it is for me to fathom your thoughts about me, O God!
How vast is their sum total!
18 If I tried to count them,
they would outnumber the grains of sand.
Even if I finished counting them,
I would still have to contend with you.
19 If only you would kill the wicked, O God!
Get away from me, you violent men!
20 They rebel against you and act deceitfully;
your enemies lie.
21 O LORD, do I not hate those who hate you,
and despise those who oppose you?
22 I absolutely hate them,
they have become my enemies!
23 Examine me, and probe my thoughts!
Test me, and know my concerns!
24 See if there is any idolatrous tendency in me,
and lead me in the reliable ancient path!
Friends, the Love of our God is truly remarkable to imagine. In the Psalm of David he testify that our God knows us very well. He knows us before, now and in the future. He is in control of our life and he is powerful in all our action. Brothers and Sisters today let us praise our God for his everlasting Glory. Our existence is enough to honor his Glory and show continuous praise to our Lord. Let us remember his control in our lives he is the author of our being and let us thank him forever and ever. May we always give him Glory until we see him face to face. Amen.
In our reading for today we will look on the Psalm of David.
Psalms 139
1 For the music director, a psalm of David.
O LORD, you examine me and know.
2 You know when I sit down and when I get up;
even from far away you understand my motives.
3 You carefully observe me when I travel or when I lie down to rest;
you are aware of everything I do.
4 Certainly my tongue does not frame a word
without you, O LORD, being thoroughly aware of it.
5 You squeeze me in from behind and in front;
you place your hand on me.
6 Your knowledge is beyond my comprehension;
it is so far beyond me, I am unable to fathom it.
7 Where can I go to escape your spirit?
Where can I flee to escape your presence?
8 If I were to ascend to heaven, you would be there.
If I were to sprawl out in Sheol, there you would be.
9 If I were to fly away on the wings of the dawn,
and settle down on the other side of the sea,
10 even there your hand would guide me,
your right hand would grab hold of me.
11 If I were to say, “Certainly the darkness will cover me,
and the light will turn to night all around me,”
12 even the darkness is not too dark for you to see,
and the night is as bright as day;
darkness and light are the same to you.
13 Certainly you made my mind and heart;
you wove me together in my mother’s womb.
14 I will give you thanks because your deeds are awesome and amazing.
You knew me thoroughly;
15 my bones were not hidden from you,
when I was made in secret
and sewed together in the depths of the earth.
16 Your eyes saw me when I was inside the womb.
All the days ordained for me
were recorded in your scroll
before one of them came into existence.
17 How difficult it is for me to fathom your thoughts about me, O God!
How vast is their sum total!
18 If I tried to count them,
they would outnumber the grains of sand.
Even if I finished counting them,
I would still have to contend with you.
19 If only you would kill the wicked, O God!
Get away from me, you violent men!
20 They rebel against you and act deceitfully;
your enemies lie.
21 O LORD, do I not hate those who hate you,
and despise those who oppose you?
22 I absolutely hate them,
they have become my enemies!
23 Examine me, and probe my thoughts!
Test me, and know my concerns!
24 See if there is any idolatrous tendency in me,
and lead me in the reliable ancient path!
Friends, the Love of our God is truly remarkable to imagine. In the Psalm of David he testify that our God knows us very well. He knows us before, now and in the future. He is in control of our life and he is powerful in all our action. Brothers and Sisters today let us praise our God for his everlasting Glory. Our existence is enough to honor his Glory and show continuous praise to our Lord. Let us remember his control in our lives he is the author of our being and let us thank him forever and ever. May we always give him Glory until we see him face to face. Amen.
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Our Righteousness Through Faith in Jesus Christ
Day XIII
I have been talking about Righteousness often. Today we will explore what righteousness is about. In the book of Romans it is explained as:
Romans 3
21 But now apart from the law the righteousness of God (which is attested by the law and the prophets) has been disclosed –
22 namely, the righteousness of God through the faithfulness of Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. 24 But they are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. 25 God publicly displayed him at his death as the mercy seat accessible through faith. This was to demonstrate his righteousness, because God in his forbearance had passed over the sins previously committed.
26 This was also to demonstrate his righteousness in the present time, so that he would be just and the justifier of the one who lives because of Jesus’ faithfulness. 27 Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded! By what principle? Of works? No, but by the principle of faith! 28 For we consider that a person is declared righteous by faith apart from the works of the law.
29 Or is God the God of the Jews only? Is he not the God of the Gentiles too? Yes, of the Gentiles too! 30 Since God is one, he will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith. 31 Do we then nullify the law through faith? Absolutely not! Instead we uphold the law.
Remember that Jesus says he is the way, the truth and the life? Our salvation dear friends will ONLY come from Jesus Christ who died on the cross to redeem the world from sins. Brothers and Sisters if you don't have that relationship with Jesus Christ please seek for it. He is the only way to our salvation and he is the source of Life. Today, I hope that the greatness of his name may come upon you to search your heart for his compassion and love. May we always praise Jesus for all he has done forever and ever. Amen.
I have been talking about Righteousness often. Today we will explore what righteousness is about. In the book of Romans it is explained as:
Romans 3
21 But now apart from the law the righteousness of God (which is attested by the law and the prophets) has been disclosed –
- Rom 1:17 For the righteousness of God is revealed in the gospel from faith to faith, just as it is written, “The righteous by faith will live.”
- Phil 3:9 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
22 namely, the righteousness of God through the faithfulness of Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. 24 But they are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. 25 God publicly displayed him at his death as the mercy seat accessible through faith. This was to demonstrate his righteousness, because God in his forbearance had passed over the sins previously committed.
- 2 Cor 5:19 In other words, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting people’s trespasses against them, and he has given us the message of reconciliation.
- Col 1:20 and through him to reconcile all things to himself by making peace through the blood of his cross – through him,1 whether things on earth or things in heaven
- Heb 4:16 Therefore let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and find grace whenever we need help.
- 1John 4:10 In this is love: not that we have loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins.
26 This was also to demonstrate his righteousness in the present time, so that he would be just and the justifier of the one who lives because of Jesus’ faithfulness. 27 Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded! By what principle? Of works? No, but by the principle of faith! 28 For we consider that a person is declared righteous by faith apart from the works of the law.
- Acts 13:38 Therefore let it be known to you, brothers, that through this one forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you,
- Rom 8:3 For God achieved what the law could not do because1 it was weakened through the flesh. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and concerning sin, he condemned sin in the flesh
- Gal 2:16 yet we know that no one is justified by the works of the law but by the faithfulness of Jesus Christ. And we have come to believe in Christ Jesus, so that we may be justified by the faithfulness of Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no one will be justified.
- Heb 7:25 So he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them
29 Or is God the God of the Jews only? Is he not the God of the Gentiles too? Yes, of the Gentiles too! 30 Since God is one, he will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith. 31 Do we then nullify the law through faith? Absolutely not! Instead we uphold the law.
Remember that Jesus says he is the way, the truth and the life? Our salvation dear friends will ONLY come from Jesus Christ who died on the cross to redeem the world from sins. Brothers and Sisters if you don't have that relationship with Jesus Christ please seek for it. He is the only way to our salvation and he is the source of Life. Today, I hope that the greatness of his name may come upon you to search your heart for his compassion and love. May we always praise Jesus for all he has done forever and ever. Amen.
Friday, May 6, 2011
The Kingdom of Heaven - Explained in Parables
Day XII
Our scriptures for today is about Parables given by our Lord Jesus Christ. Friends, in our daily struggle to do what is right and make our ways holy we should have our Goal in our mind to keep our passion burning. Just like in a company they always have to set their mission and vision.
Just like a company who is trying to ensure they will be successful - they set their goals. They spend time to STOP and THINK about their GOAL or what would their vision be. Then to keep their pace at par with their goal they created their mission statement to remind them in their daily operation to be on track.
Likewise, we should have our Purpose in life and we should have the vision of our future. Do you know your purpose in life? Why are you living for?
In the parable of Jesus he said.
Here he compare the Kingdom of Heaven and what it offers to two individuals who do want something bigger and better. The person who have found the treasure and the merchant who found the pearl of great value both of them WHEN they have found what seem to offer great things (such as Joy and Wealth) they would be willing to give up everything they have to get it. May it be done in our lives, you might have heard the greatness of heaven from different stories. I hope you could find time to search the bible about its greatness to prove it yourself.
Revelation 21
1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and earth had ceased to exist, and the sea existed no more. 2 And I saw the holy city – the new Jerusalem – descending out of heaven from God, made ready like a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying: “Look! The residence of God is among human beings. He will live among them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them. 4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death will not exist any more – or mourning, or crying, or pain, for the former things have ceased to exist.”
Brothers and Sisters, I hope that you would carefully search treasures that would last forever. When I have found the idea of heaven and what it offers. The idea that no more tears and no pain - that is something I would really want. Our time on earth is just too short, it is compare to a smoke.
James 4:14 You do not know about tomorrow. What is your life like? For you are a puff of smoke that appears for a short time and then vanishes
It would be stupid for us not to think about death. Everyone eventually dies or if we are too good we can be taken up to heaven not seeing death but still there would be the end in this life on earth. Let us prepare for it and do something about it. Let us keep our focus on the right path for Jesus and envision our life in heaven with him. When you keep that vision in your mind over and over you would see an incredible gain from the unseen beauty of eternity.
May we find what we were looking for then let us keep praying to have that vision in our lives to remind us during our testing so that we could be strong in doing what is right. Amen.
Friends heaven is so great! There is life and great joy in there beyond your imagination! Your Lord Jesus Christ is waiting for you there. Love God, obey the commandments and love your neighbors as you love yourself.
Our scriptures for today is about Parables given by our Lord Jesus Christ. Friends, in our daily struggle to do what is right and make our ways holy we should have our Goal in our mind to keep our passion burning. Just like in a company they always have to set their mission and vision.
Just like a company who is trying to ensure they will be successful - they set their goals. They spend time to STOP and THINK about their GOAL or what would their vision be. Then to keep their pace at par with their goal they created their mission statement to remind them in their daily operation to be on track.
Likewise, we should have our Purpose in life and we should have the vision of our future. Do you know your purpose in life? Why are you living for?
In the parable of Jesus he said.
Matthew 13
44 “The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure, hidden in a field, that a person found and hid. Then because of joy he went and sold all that he had and bought that field.
45 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant searching for fine pearls. 46 When he found a pearl of great value, he went out and sold everything he had and bought it.
Here he compare the Kingdom of Heaven and what it offers to two individuals who do want something bigger and better. The person who have found the treasure and the merchant who found the pearl of great value both of them WHEN they have found what seem to offer great things (such as Joy and Wealth) they would be willing to give up everything they have to get it. May it be done in our lives, you might have heard the greatness of heaven from different stories. I hope you could find time to search the bible about its greatness to prove it yourself.
Revelation 21
1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and earth had ceased to exist, and the sea existed no more. 2 And I saw the holy city – the new Jerusalem – descending out of heaven from God, made ready like a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying: “Look! The residence of God is among human beings. He will live among them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them. 4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death will not exist any more – or mourning, or crying, or pain, for the former things have ceased to exist.”
Brothers and Sisters, I hope that you would carefully search treasures that would last forever. When I have found the idea of heaven and what it offers. The idea that no more tears and no pain - that is something I would really want. Our time on earth is just too short, it is compare to a smoke.
James 4:14 You do not know about tomorrow. What is your life like? For you are a puff of smoke that appears for a short time and then vanishes
It would be stupid for us not to think about death. Everyone eventually dies or if we are too good we can be taken up to heaven not seeing death but still there would be the end in this life on earth. Let us prepare for it and do something about it. Let us keep our focus on the right path for Jesus and envision our life in heaven with him. When you keep that vision in your mind over and over you would see an incredible gain from the unseen beauty of eternity.
May we find what we were looking for then let us keep praying to have that vision in our lives to remind us during our testing so that we could be strong in doing what is right. Amen.
Friends heaven is so great! There is life and great joy in there beyond your imagination! Your Lord Jesus Christ is waiting for you there. Love God, obey the commandments and love your neighbors as you love yourself.
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