In my country, inter-religious marriage is common thingy. I believe other countries do the same. We have different races and religions marry each other because love holds no boundaries. My wife and I are in different religion. She is in Buddhism and I am born again Christian. We have been married some 10 years by next year and we have 2 beautiful girls God has blessed us.
She is serious readers, those people who usually over read with all kind of books. My house in no time turns into a bookshop. Another thing of my wife is she loves creative things such as baking, arts and crafts and writing. As two human being, we have different views in politics, life, way we bring up our little angels, religion, etc….. Talking about religion she has been supportive in my Christian ministry like cooking for cell group, fundraising for church, helping fellow cell members in other issue or even disciplines my angels to pray before sleep. She sometimes questions some teaching about Christianity and compare with real life and her religion. She would sometimes discipline me and remind me about what the bible teaches. I think is a healthy thing to have a wife as understanding and tolerance like her. During Chinese celebration Buddhism will offer food to their Gods and my in laws knows I will not partake any prayed food. They would separate those foods for me. In return, I help to ferry them to their Buddhism celebration. I believe we have a sense of tolerance of own believe and respect of each other religion.
If the world we live in practice like what we do we are in near heaven. However, the reality of religion tolerance is worst than you can imagine. Why tolerance is so difficult to practice. We see that the world has no religious tolerance and we admit it is one major issue constantly challenge by all leaders of this world seeing in mainstream news or television how leaders solve their religion differences by declaring war, killing each other, ethnic cleansing, community caste or even holocaust. How man make it easy way to achieve supremacy in religion and easy way to expect other to follow what they want others to believe. But really does God expect man behave or take the course of action to be that way? How did God handle tolerance?
There are many issues required tolerance and self restraint for us to leave peacefully. No different in Jesus life but the different is He is omnipotent and the level of tolerance He up hold is wisdom.
Let’s look at John 3:17. "For God sent His Son into the world not to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved." Similarly, in the book of Romans, Paul mentioned the same theme: "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus." Christianity does not carry a message of intolerance or condemnation, but a message of reconciliation and salvation.
Let’s look at how Christ exercised tolerance in ways that amazed the people. There is one instance He encountered during His years of ministry. A woman "caught in the act" of adultery was brought to Him. It was all a ploy. Christ had said He came to fulfill the law. Jewish leaders thought they knew the law, so they decided to confront Jesus with a "simple" case. Under "the law," a woman "caught in the act" had to be killed. (Keep in mind that the people doing the "catching" took her to Christ. They didn't bother following their own interpretation of the law.) In ancient Roman time Jerusalem under Roman empire applied Roman law. Roman laws allowed people to be executed, but only for reasons allowed under Roman laws. Capital offenses under Jewish law didn't count. So what is the ploy? If Christ followed the Jewish law, He would violate Roman law and could be executed for that offense.
Christ demonstrated the message that God had shared since the days of the prophets. "He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" How Christ turned the tables on His antagonists and made them the Jewish Leader their failures to act justly. To the woman Jesus showed mercy. As she turned to walk away, He told her to go and sin no more. It is another way of saying "walk humbly with your God."
Today's social activists seem to have lost the message and direction to take. Ponder and emulate exactly the same way that Jesus addressed the woman caught in adultery. He would act justly and show mercy. He would tell the person to go and sin no more. He would leave a message of love and tolerance.
Where is tolerance? It is not in today's social activism. It is in the Christian walk and way of life. If God is not tolerance with us imagine we will be wipe out like Noah's time.
Take time to ponder yourself what makes you so fire up. What makes you such indifferent? Is this necessary for you to do so or you can just make it immaterial to your life? Jesus teaches us to love one another and forgive one another. Even Jesus has to go through the trial like everyone else. Forgive one another as God forgive you.
God Bless
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Poverty Mentality
I read an article title 3 signs of poverty mentality by Randy Gage at www.getmotivation.com today and I was quite agreed with the signs he suggested. He outlines the signs which are natural to human behavior every time a person faces scarcity or lack of resources.
Sign # 1- Constant Fixation on Money- Everybody does that regardless you are poor or rich. The rich dream of getting richer and the poor thinking of how to pay the bills. But it is how and to what degree you manifested yourself on money issue.
Sign #2- Jealousy of Rich People- If you are jealous of rich people and wanting to own what they had you yourself instill hatred of you wanting to get from where you are now to where you want to be at par with them. This is where the real problem starts for yourself. You are not realizing your internal conflict and drawn away the success that comes near you.
Sign #3- Fear Based Decision Making- in Singapore is called “Kiasu” or afraid to lose. This is where you make decision based of fear on loosing your money, your prosperity or your success. The decisions are not made on what the possible benefits are, but made in order to avoid a possible negative outcome. If you make decisions--particularly money and career ones--based on the "moving away from fear" model, you’ve got poverty programming. If your decisions are made based on a positive "move toward prosperity" model, then you have success programming.
The author goes on by saying poverty is a mindset of an individual. How you circumvent the weaknesses, discover and eliminate the poverty mentality replace with positive elements by watch, listen and associates with positive people. He further said prosperity is richness in mindset not abundant of money or resources. This is the end result of what you get by abandon the poverty mentality
Comparatively in Christian world , Bible has taught us that God promises us riches and blessing untold long time ago. In the book of Deutronomy chapter 28 God bless us if we constantly abide in his command. Verse 12 said “ The Lord will open to you His good treasure, the heavens, to give the rain to your land in its seasons, and to bless all the work of your hand. You shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow” As a Christian we should feel blessed with the word of God guarantee us abundant prosperity. We should receive it with open heart and not be doubt if we ever taste of it. Very often we find Christian himself or herself fails to see themself blessed. There are many reason why Christain feel this way. Lack of spiritual confidence, lack of knowledge in the word of God, lack of pastoral guidance and lack of personal experiences with God are some signs where false form of humility masquerades behind this doubtfulness and leads to a poverty mindset.
In the book of Philippians 4:6 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God”. The fear of lack is greatest challenge for everyone but God’s provision is always greater. God’s always attentive to your needs even you did not ask Him. I must admit all of us will face a fear of lack sometime in our lives―whether it’s a lack of food, money, relationships, good health, or the basic provisions needed. God is greater than any fear and he answers our fear of lack with an invitation to faith the He is more than enough. There are many bible story God’s provides on time such as 1 Kings 17, we read two powerful stories of God as provider back-to-back. The prophet Elijah is in need of food and God provides for him in two miraculous but very different ways. Have faith in God and live to ask and pray to God. God will not run out of provision because in Isaiah 40:28 “ Do you not know? Have you not heard? Lord is the everlasting God, the creator of the end of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary and his understanding no one can fathom” So God is forever provider to you. You are precious in the sight of God. In Mathew 6:26 “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?”
If your mentality is always lack of this and that you need to stop yourself and ponder for a while do you want to be this forever or do you want a miraculous change in your life. Meditate on the Bible words each day and pray for God’s guidance through Holy Spirit. If not enough associate with brothers or sisters whose life been touch by God and learn to absorb the positive things from them. God’s promises will always be there for you only will you reach out and touch it.
Sign # 1- Constant Fixation on Money- Everybody does that regardless you are poor or rich. The rich dream of getting richer and the poor thinking of how to pay the bills. But it is how and to what degree you manifested yourself on money issue.
Sign #2- Jealousy of Rich People- If you are jealous of rich people and wanting to own what they had you yourself instill hatred of you wanting to get from where you are now to where you want to be at par with them. This is where the real problem starts for yourself. You are not realizing your internal conflict and drawn away the success that comes near you.
Sign #3- Fear Based Decision Making- in Singapore is called “Kiasu” or afraid to lose. This is where you make decision based of fear on loosing your money, your prosperity or your success. The decisions are not made on what the possible benefits are, but made in order to avoid a possible negative outcome. If you make decisions--particularly money and career ones--based on the "moving away from fear" model, you’ve got poverty programming. If your decisions are made based on a positive "move toward prosperity" model, then you have success programming.
The author goes on by saying poverty is a mindset of an individual. How you circumvent the weaknesses, discover and eliminate the poverty mentality replace with positive elements by watch, listen and associates with positive people. He further said prosperity is richness in mindset not abundant of money or resources. This is the end result of what you get by abandon the poverty mentality
Comparatively in Christian world , Bible has taught us that God promises us riches and blessing untold long time ago. In the book of Deutronomy chapter 28 God bless us if we constantly abide in his command. Verse 12 said “ The Lord will open to you His good treasure, the heavens, to give the rain to your land in its seasons, and to bless all the work of your hand. You shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow” As a Christian we should feel blessed with the word of God guarantee us abundant prosperity. We should receive it with open heart and not be doubt if we ever taste of it. Very often we find Christian himself or herself fails to see themself blessed. There are many reason why Christain feel this way. Lack of spiritual confidence, lack of knowledge in the word of God, lack of pastoral guidance and lack of personal experiences with God are some signs where false form of humility masquerades behind this doubtfulness and leads to a poverty mindset.
In the book of Philippians 4:6 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God”. The fear of lack is greatest challenge for everyone but God’s provision is always greater. God’s always attentive to your needs even you did not ask Him. I must admit all of us will face a fear of lack sometime in our lives―whether it’s a lack of food, money, relationships, good health, or the basic provisions needed. God is greater than any fear and he answers our fear of lack with an invitation to faith the He is more than enough. There are many bible story God’s provides on time such as 1 Kings 17, we read two powerful stories of God as provider back-to-back. The prophet Elijah is in need of food and God provides for him in two miraculous but very different ways. Have faith in God and live to ask and pray to God. God will not run out of provision because in Isaiah 40:28 “ Do you not know? Have you not heard? Lord is the everlasting God, the creator of the end of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary and his understanding no one can fathom” So God is forever provider to you. You are precious in the sight of God. In Mathew 6:26 “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?”
If your mentality is always lack of this and that you need to stop yourself and ponder for a while do you want to be this forever or do you want a miraculous change in your life. Meditate on the Bible words each day and pray for God’s guidance through Holy Spirit. If not enough associate with brothers or sisters whose life been touch by God and learn to absorb the positive things from them. God’s promises will always be there for you only will you reach out and touch it.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Greed in You
19"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Mathew 6.19)
There is a no difference between capitalism, the free market economy, and greed. Capitalism is opposite of religious values and their god is money. Free market economy is an economy license by government to act whatever it can to bring in money .Greed is the primary driver unbridled by any controlling ethical or moral considerations of both capitalism and free market economy.
When people and companies and countries take capitalism to the extreme people and businesses lose focus of what is really important and long-lasting and care about profit and making more and more money in immediate future, but it ultimately kills in the long run. Who cares about the long term after all it is all about me and my few millions.
Who preaches humility any more? How about sacrificial giving? How about storing up treasures in heaven instead of on earth where moths and rust destroy…? Many churches today preaches Five Steps to Financial Freedom, How to Have a Successful Life, Living the Better Life etc and etc. I must admit my church did the same and I feel blessed after each sermon but if I am not careful with the application what the church teaches I myself will be trap by the greed mentality. The gist of these sermons is that as a child of God, you are blessed beyond measure through God’s way. They are all worldly material blessings and bible didn’t said you will be bless material blessing at all. Christians are blessed with all spiritual blessings, according to Ephesians 1:3
Why would we need to be greedy? If we had faith in the provision of God for our daily bread, then why would we want to be greedy? If we trust God for our provision and submit to His providential care and love, then we would know that He cares for us and provides for us. Somehow these question seems so simple but not easily answerable. All this questions leads up to what do you as individual wants.
If I may put up another angle for you let me describe what greed in my own context. Greed is manifested itself in selfishness and by nature is self-centered. Greed cannot be contracted out of thin air like flu but is birth out in and through people. Greed can be disguised by good nature of a person sub consciously without knowing it. If you are not careful greed can be taken to a higher extreme. Greed is idolatry if you ignorance of Gods provisions in your life and you fashion your life slogan “the way it is”.
24 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.”
So how can we practically solve this greed problem? I think you have to ask yourself are you ready to initiate a new life? Well, i believe in practical steps through the teaching of Bible.
Firstly, we first must look at where greed birth from. As I touch earlier greed comes from in and through you. It is practical that you have to build a new nature in life no longer self centered, selfishness or focus on me, I, mine. Allow the word of God pierce through your nature through the working of the Holy Spirit. God’s Word brings revival, God’s teach the things of truth , and live a Biblical life as far as one can. In due time God mortifying the sins in your life through the Spirit working through the Word. I know it sounds simple but in reality it is not. If you don’t try it you wouldn’t know the end of it.
Secondly, we need to be humble and humility to our way of life. I don’t ask Christians to live in poverty voluntarily, but we need to be able to help those in need, especially within our own local congregation, and live a life that reflects the values of our Lord God and not those of the world. Good Christian characteristics build up the life of an individual. Life of an individual reflects the blessing and works of God.
Thirdly, learn to uphold your believe through executing Christians values in your career, places of business or even in with your neighbour. Your thoughts and decisions epitomize the strength of God in you. If you allow greed to seep through your cracks in life in due time you will be broken up.Uphold your values and God will mend all the cracks in your life.
I know it is not an easy subject for all to swallow. I myself must admit i am too see myself struggling to follow the steps i thing a christian should take. Nevertheless, i must strive my first steps to become new nature and hope God and Holy Spirit will guide me.
Money is important but too much money is the root of all kinds of evil enslaving on our lives. Christ never promised it would be easy, but he did promise never to leave us or forsake us, and that he would be with always, to the very end of the age.
God Bless
There is a no difference between capitalism, the free market economy, and greed. Capitalism is opposite of religious values and their god is money. Free market economy is an economy license by government to act whatever it can to bring in money .Greed is the primary driver unbridled by any controlling ethical or moral considerations of both capitalism and free market economy.
When people and companies and countries take capitalism to the extreme people and businesses lose focus of what is really important and long-lasting and care about profit and making more and more money in immediate future, but it ultimately kills in the long run. Who cares about the long term after all it is all about me and my few millions.
Who preaches humility any more? How about sacrificial giving? How about storing up treasures in heaven instead of on earth where moths and rust destroy…? Many churches today preaches Five Steps to Financial Freedom, How to Have a Successful Life, Living the Better Life etc and etc. I must admit my church did the same and I feel blessed after each sermon but if I am not careful with the application what the church teaches I myself will be trap by the greed mentality. The gist of these sermons is that as a child of God, you are blessed beyond measure through God’s way. They are all worldly material blessings and bible didn’t said you will be bless material blessing at all. Christians are blessed with all spiritual blessings, according to Ephesians 1:3
Why would we need to be greedy? If we had faith in the provision of God for our daily bread, then why would we want to be greedy? If we trust God for our provision and submit to His providential care and love, then we would know that He cares for us and provides for us. Somehow these question seems so simple but not easily answerable. All this questions leads up to what do you as individual wants.
If I may put up another angle for you let me describe what greed in my own context. Greed is manifested itself in selfishness and by nature is self-centered. Greed cannot be contracted out of thin air like flu but is birth out in and through people. Greed can be disguised by good nature of a person sub consciously without knowing it. If you are not careful greed can be taken to a higher extreme. Greed is idolatry if you ignorance of Gods provisions in your life and you fashion your life slogan “the way it is”.
24 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.”
So how can we practically solve this greed problem? I think you have to ask yourself are you ready to initiate a new life? Well, i believe in practical steps through the teaching of Bible.
Firstly, we first must look at where greed birth from. As I touch earlier greed comes from in and through you. It is practical that you have to build a new nature in life no longer self centered, selfishness or focus on me, I, mine. Allow the word of God pierce through your nature through the working of the Holy Spirit. God’s Word brings revival, God’s teach the things of truth , and live a Biblical life as far as one can. In due time God mortifying the sins in your life through the Spirit working through the Word. I know it sounds simple but in reality it is not. If you don’t try it you wouldn’t know the end of it.
Secondly, we need to be humble and humility to our way of life. I don’t ask Christians to live in poverty voluntarily, but we need to be able to help those in need, especially within our own local congregation, and live a life that reflects the values of our Lord God and not those of the world. Good Christian characteristics build up the life of an individual. Life of an individual reflects the blessing and works of God.
Thirdly, learn to uphold your believe through executing Christians values in your career, places of business or even in with your neighbour. Your thoughts and decisions epitomize the strength of God in you. If you allow greed to seep through your cracks in life in due time you will be broken up.Uphold your values and God will mend all the cracks in your life.
I know it is not an easy subject for all to swallow. I myself must admit i am too see myself struggling to follow the steps i thing a christian should take. Nevertheless, i must strive my first steps to become new nature and hope God and Holy Spirit will guide me.
Money is important but too much money is the root of all kinds of evil enslaving on our lives. Christ never promised it would be easy, but he did promise never to leave us or forsake us, and that he would be with always, to the very end of the age.
God Bless
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Our Life is Full of Seasons
Our life is full of seasons. There are seasons where we find fulfillment in anything we wish for or thing go along your way. Time where your life is full of satisfactory. There are also seasons where everything seems wrong and always against you. Whatever you wish not to think of it you have it. Who said life is a bed of roses so to speak. God didn’t create us to enjoy our life as we wish. God created us to go through a series of trials and tribulation so that we remember who He is. Your life will still have difficult circumstances if you are committed to Christ. All Christian knows that
For example this credit crisis who ever invented this brilliant idea is full of greed. I mean all of us at some level are greed with something but this is pandemonium greed. See so many lives have been affected not only the greed but also the innocent lives. Millions of people out of work and no roof over their head. Worst of all the greed of these institutions who at one hand asking for aid from government for the sake of continue to lend out to this innocent and another hand have the gusto to issue bonuses for the sake of retaining the best of their breed. I mean this is cream de la cream to a pile of garbage. Enough of this mumbling as if I am affected by it. But seriously are you affected by it?
If you are lost on what hits you remember this Christ is your strength in any and every circumstances. “ For I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances I know what is to be in need, and I know what is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength” Phil 4:11-13
If you grab hold of his strength you will find what you face is lighter not none at all. You will rest and rejuvenate by his love and provision. Even in our weakness when we about to give up and give in to the situation Christ ready to embrace you if you ready to find Him. Gives thanks to Him for all you go through both good and bad.
Well wake up from your pile of troubles and stand out and reach for Him.
God Bless
For example this credit crisis who ever invented this brilliant idea is full of greed. I mean all of us at some level are greed with something but this is pandemonium greed. See so many lives have been affected not only the greed but also the innocent lives. Millions of people out of work and no roof over their head. Worst of all the greed of these institutions who at one hand asking for aid from government for the sake of continue to lend out to this innocent and another hand have the gusto to issue bonuses for the sake of retaining the best of their breed. I mean this is cream de la cream to a pile of garbage. Enough of this mumbling as if I am affected by it. But seriously are you affected by it?
If you are lost on what hits you remember this Christ is your strength in any and every circumstances. “ For I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances I know what is to be in need, and I know what is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength” Phil 4:11-13
If you grab hold of his strength you will find what you face is lighter not none at all. You will rest and rejuvenate by his love and provision. Even in our weakness when we about to give up and give in to the situation Christ ready to embrace you if you ready to find Him. Gives thanks to Him for all you go through both good and bad.
Well wake up from your pile of troubles and stand out and reach for Him.
God Bless
Thursday, August 6, 2009
God Is Love
Love four essential letter that everyone knows what it is and how it does to you. But seriously how well do we know about love?
I pick up the meaning of love in webster dictionary “strong affection for another arising out of kinship or personal ties; attraction based on sexual desire : affection and tenderness felt by lovers; affection based on admiration, benevolence, or common interests; warm attachment, enthusiasm, or devotion” . It seems that man’s meaning of love is a set of condition or event which often intensifies into something. In another words man’s love is conditional. Man’s love also touches on emotional and feelings. I am not saying it is wrong since I have the same experience as you do. What happen when the emotion and feelings fall out or dissipate? Will the love dissipate together? I like to thing not all emotional and feelings will fall out for example the love of a parent and a child. No matter what happen and how bad the situation love of a parent will always bind back to hurt and suffering a child could not understand. Love that parents have for their children is as close to unconditional love. We make a choice to love our children even when we consider them unlovable; our love doesn't stop when we don't "feel" love for them.
If man’s love is conditional what about God’s love? Does God love is conditional. Boy! if the Great I Am does we‘ll be in trouble. There are many scriptures from old to new testament teaches us that “God is Love” 1 John 4:8 and God gives us His love no matter what or how you are as John 3:16 said , "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Since God couldn’t stand the sin we have He sent his beloved son to die for us. The act of sacrifice is an act giving and the act of giving is part of God’s love for us before we were even aware why we needed His love. Does God’s love to us sacrificially?. I doubt that strongly otherwise every now and then God will ask back his scarified which is His Son. Love of God is unconditional and he does not use his feeling and emotion to love us. I believe you wouldn’t want that otherwise one day you are in and another you‘re out from his Book of Life. God love us because he is love and by doing this he scarified His son Jesus to die for us just only to bridge the relationship with us.
If you notice God’s love is not selfish. Can you scarify your own son for someone you don’t even know? God’s love is Agape love. Wow what is this Agape love? Roman 8:9 tell us even though you tend to be hostile, rebellious and unwelcome His love he still loves you. God doesn’t care how much you love Him or even bother to love Him but He first registered his love in us. Again God love is not based on emotional. Emotion is from within a person but God’s love is from without. Agape love is of the mind. It is a way of life that actually controls your emotions. So either your are controlling or be controlled by your emotion so to speak.
Another angle to look at God’s love found in the Bible “GOD IS A SPIRIT: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24). “… the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts BY THE HOLY [SPIRIT] which is given unto us” (Romans 5:5). The Holy Spirit is in fact the love of God in us. To experience God’s love is to have close intimate relationship with Holy Spirit. God gives His Spirit to those who are obedient to what He says (Acts 5:32) If you are not close with the Holy Spirit God can't review the secret of life to you. A departing Holy Spirit means God’s love is distance from you. Have you ever ask yourself why you are so dry spiritually and why you are so down. If you hurt the Holy Spirit God will not forgive you. Because the Father. Jesus and Holy Spirit is the holy trinity. I encourage you to draw closer to Holy Spirit because it is the next best avenue to draw close to God beside Jesus.
So after long explanation let me summarises for you. What is God’s Love?
God’s Love is giving unconditionally.
God’s Love is something you must learned from outside the body. Only God has it not you but God give you the privilege to experience it.
God’s Love is something you must grow into it. Holy Spirit is the agent to help you to draw closer to God.
God’s Love is action and not some temporal emotionally attached to.
God’s Love is something cannot come and go. It is permanent for you. Whether you want it it is there for you.
Struggling to feel His love? Sometime you feel lonely and often ask yourself am I struggling for nothing. If so, you are like many others who long to feel His loving arms around you but, at best, get only glimpses of it in His Word. I believe this is common question we all face on our journey in life. But God has something special for you! No matter how confusing you try to comprehend the Bible of God’s love and knowing that your sin separate both of you and God, God’s love is always there to longing forgive and guide you with every page of His word.
You are not alone belive me you. I am also struggling to find it myself sometimes.
God Bless
I pick up the meaning of love in webster dictionary “strong affection for another arising out of kinship or personal ties; attraction based on sexual desire : affection and tenderness felt by lovers; affection based on admiration, benevolence, or common interests; warm attachment, enthusiasm, or devotion” . It seems that man’s meaning of love is a set of condition or event which often intensifies into something. In another words man’s love is conditional. Man’s love also touches on emotional and feelings. I am not saying it is wrong since I have the same experience as you do. What happen when the emotion and feelings fall out or dissipate? Will the love dissipate together? I like to thing not all emotional and feelings will fall out for example the love of a parent and a child. No matter what happen and how bad the situation love of a parent will always bind back to hurt and suffering a child could not understand. Love that parents have for their children is as close to unconditional love. We make a choice to love our children even when we consider them unlovable; our love doesn't stop when we don't "feel" love for them.
If man’s love is conditional what about God’s love? Does God love is conditional. Boy! if the Great I Am does we‘ll be in trouble. There are many scriptures from old to new testament teaches us that “God is Love” 1 John 4:8 and God gives us His love no matter what or how you are as John 3:16 said , "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Since God couldn’t stand the sin we have He sent his beloved son to die for us. The act of sacrifice is an act giving and the act of giving is part of God’s love for us before we were even aware why we needed His love. Does God’s love to us sacrificially?. I doubt that strongly otherwise every now and then God will ask back his scarified which is His Son. Love of God is unconditional and he does not use his feeling and emotion to love us. I believe you wouldn’t want that otherwise one day you are in and another you‘re out from his Book of Life. God love us because he is love and by doing this he scarified His son Jesus to die for us just only to bridge the relationship with us.
If you notice God’s love is not selfish. Can you scarify your own son for someone you don’t even know? God’s love is Agape love. Wow what is this Agape love? Roman 8:9 tell us even though you tend to be hostile, rebellious and unwelcome His love he still loves you. God doesn’t care how much you love Him or even bother to love Him but He first registered his love in us. Again God love is not based on emotional. Emotion is from within a person but God’s love is from without. Agape love is of the mind. It is a way of life that actually controls your emotions. So either your are controlling or be controlled by your emotion so to speak.
Another angle to look at God’s love found in the Bible “GOD IS A SPIRIT: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24). “… the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts BY THE HOLY [SPIRIT] which is given unto us” (Romans 5:5). The Holy Spirit is in fact the love of God in us. To experience God’s love is to have close intimate relationship with Holy Spirit. God gives His Spirit to those who are obedient to what He says (Acts 5:32) If you are not close with the Holy Spirit God can't review the secret of life to you. A departing Holy Spirit means God’s love is distance from you. Have you ever ask yourself why you are so dry spiritually and why you are so down. If you hurt the Holy Spirit God will not forgive you. Because the Father. Jesus and Holy Spirit is the holy trinity. I encourage you to draw closer to Holy Spirit because it is the next best avenue to draw close to God beside Jesus.
So after long explanation let me summarises for you. What is God’s Love?
God’s Love is giving unconditionally.
God’s Love is something you must learned from outside the body. Only God has it not you but God give you the privilege to experience it.
God’s Love is something you must grow into it. Holy Spirit is the agent to help you to draw closer to God.
God’s Love is action and not some temporal emotionally attached to.
God’s Love is something cannot come and go. It is permanent for you. Whether you want it it is there for you.
Struggling to feel His love? Sometime you feel lonely and often ask yourself am I struggling for nothing. If so, you are like many others who long to feel His loving arms around you but, at best, get only glimpses of it in His Word. I believe this is common question we all face on our journey in life. But God has something special for you! No matter how confusing you try to comprehend the Bible of God’s love and knowing that your sin separate both of you and God, God’s love is always there to longing forgive and guide you with every page of His word.
You are not alone belive me you. I am also struggling to find it myself sometimes.
God Bless
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
A New Life
‘And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you’ Rom 8:10-11 .
Sounds confusing?
What this scripture means is if we our spiritual life is strong the Spirit itself will empower life in you to do exceeding, abundantly, righteously, full like an overflow vessel and victorious Christian life you can imagine. No Christian would like to live a half cup spirit.
There are testimonies after testimonies of how Christian give up his/hers body to a life lead by Holy Spirit and how this transform their old living into marvelous new leaf.
Sometime is easy to say than done don’t you think. No one is perfect not even me. But there are means and ways of how we can take a bold step to enter into a spiritual realm. 5 practical steps you can be active in building up you spiritual life.
1. Read the Bible consistently- that is how you understand what God speaking to you. There is also you find wisdom in life. The more you read your spirit will began to active a communion with you and God.
2. Pray – to be closer to Holy Spirit you need to pray as often as you can. This means discipline your-self to speak with God. The Holy Spirit will gradually guide you.
3. Watch yourself – Behave and not be detestable to God. There are many detestable things that God dislike. But God didn’t ask you to be a perfect person and walk like Christ. But refrain from doing things that will spike God’s wrath. Be quick to ask for forgiveness. Also watch what you speak because it can hurt the Holy Spirit.
4. Speak in tongue - If you are born again Christian you know how to speak in tongue. If you are not then you need to be born again. (No, I just pulling your leg). Speaking in tongue comes naturally if you allow the Holy Spirit to take over you and you will utter words of neither you or your neighbor understands but God only understand.
5. Associate your life with other Christians – if you are poor follower of the first four steps why not follow an example of other Christian brother or sister you know and emulate their way of life. Please pick up the good treats not the bad one. This is called Blessing by Associating
So, don’t let the carnal flesh takes over your life. Refuse yourself to be a defeated Christian life. Give the Spirit a chance to elevate you to a new level of life. God is already waiting to receive you with open arms.
God Bless
Sounds confusing?
What this scripture means is if we our spiritual life is strong the Spirit itself will empower life in you to do exceeding, abundantly, righteously, full like an overflow vessel and victorious Christian life you can imagine. No Christian would like to live a half cup spirit.
There are testimonies after testimonies of how Christian give up his/hers body to a life lead by Holy Spirit and how this transform their old living into marvelous new leaf.
Sometime is easy to say than done don’t you think. No one is perfect not even me. But there are means and ways of how we can take a bold step to enter into a spiritual realm. 5 practical steps you can be active in building up you spiritual life.
1. Read the Bible consistently- that is how you understand what God speaking to you. There is also you find wisdom in life. The more you read your spirit will began to active a communion with you and God.
2. Pray – to be closer to Holy Spirit you need to pray as often as you can. This means discipline your-self to speak with God. The Holy Spirit will gradually guide you.
3. Watch yourself – Behave and not be detestable to God. There are many detestable things that God dislike. But God didn’t ask you to be a perfect person and walk like Christ. But refrain from doing things that will spike God’s wrath. Be quick to ask for forgiveness. Also watch what you speak because it can hurt the Holy Spirit.
4. Speak in tongue - If you are born again Christian you know how to speak in tongue. If you are not then you need to be born again. (No, I just pulling your leg). Speaking in tongue comes naturally if you allow the Holy Spirit to take over you and you will utter words of neither you or your neighbor understands but God only understand.
5. Associate your life with other Christians – if you are poor follower of the first four steps why not follow an example of other Christian brother or sister you know and emulate their way of life. Please pick up the good treats not the bad one. This is called Blessing by Associating
So, don’t let the carnal flesh takes over your life. Refuse yourself to be a defeated Christian life. Give the Spirit a chance to elevate you to a new level of life. God is already waiting to receive you with open arms.
God Bless
Monday, July 20, 2009
Hindering Yourself and Rise Up
My recent post explained I have been sick for a whole week and not able to write something for my blog. I pondered for a while after I published it. Why, why I was so weak and giving excuses after excuses for not writing about Him. Not giving glory of his name because of my feeble body. After all He is the creator of all things so what is a flu to Him.
I ask myself have i ever go all out and do what is right even if I am under the weather. Have you ever just let go all the burdens in your thoughts and give Him first. Most of the times I tend to drifted from the right thoughts into something unproductive things. Excuse again. I think a lot of people would do that. But why? A big Why to me.
I am not someone super spiritual or a pastor or ordained by God. I started this blog to give glory to Him the above and nothing else. No one can stop me not even my cell group or my pastor. I think what is right to serve Him the” Great I am”. Somehow I feel a burden to continue writing more and more because of this and that. I am not surprise my inner being wants to serve Him but my flesh is weak. The greatest enemy I used to say is you yourself. I let myself down, I let my enemy in me takes over me hindering me to be an active Christian instead of pasive and reluctant one.
After all this why and why question I fumble through the Bible and found a scripture in Psalm 143:4-6 “ Therefore my spirit is overwhelmed within me. My heart within me is distressed. I remember the days of old. I meditate on all my works. I muse on the work of Your hands. I spread out my hands to You. My soul longs for you like a thirsty land”. It sounds relevant to me. This scripture taught me how to rise up from my inexcusable slumber by remember Him, His faithfulness, His blessing to me from the olden days and most of all the challenges He guides me through. Well, my answer from my excusable thoughts is meditating in God abilities and not yours brother! I mean me. In another word i find myself no excuse not to write about Him because He is greater than i am.
I believe you too can learn from this scripture if you are overwhelmed by things with many concerns that caught you off guards at the same time. Stop what you are doing. Praise Him and press in into His presence. It could be your dog ran off with other dogs, tensions with your parents, money problems or sickness like me. Any big or small things that hinder you from God just meditate in Him and not think about your liabilities.
God Bless.
I ask myself have i ever go all out and do what is right even if I am under the weather. Have you ever just let go all the burdens in your thoughts and give Him first. Most of the times I tend to drifted from the right thoughts into something unproductive things. Excuse again. I think a lot of people would do that. But why? A big Why to me.
I am not someone super spiritual or a pastor or ordained by God. I started this blog to give glory to Him the above and nothing else. No one can stop me not even my cell group or my pastor. I think what is right to serve Him the” Great I am”. Somehow I feel a burden to continue writing more and more because of this and that. I am not surprise my inner being wants to serve Him but my flesh is weak. The greatest enemy I used to say is you yourself. I let myself down, I let my enemy in me takes over me hindering me to be an active Christian instead of pasive and reluctant one.
After all this why and why question I fumble through the Bible and found a scripture in Psalm 143:4-6 “ Therefore my spirit is overwhelmed within me. My heart within me is distressed. I remember the days of old. I meditate on all my works. I muse on the work of Your hands. I spread out my hands to You. My soul longs for you like a thirsty land”. It sounds relevant to me. This scripture taught me how to rise up from my inexcusable slumber by remember Him, His faithfulness, His blessing to me from the olden days and most of all the challenges He guides me through. Well, my answer from my excusable thoughts is meditating in God abilities and not yours brother! I mean me. In another word i find myself no excuse not to write about Him because He is greater than i am.
I believe you too can learn from this scripture if you are overwhelmed by things with many concerns that caught you off guards at the same time. Stop what you are doing. Praise Him and press in into His presence. It could be your dog ran off with other dogs, tensions with your parents, money problems or sickness like me. Any big or small things that hinder you from God just meditate in Him and not think about your liabilities.
God Bless.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Sick Week
I have been sick for the whole last week and hadn't been thinking spiritually what to write for my blog. The medication i have been consuming drown me with hallucination to my mind and mood. That is why i hate to take medication.
This is not good for my family and myself. Temperamental and mood swing are always there when you are not strong controlling you spiritual muscle. My wife and children have been complaining that i am not myself every time i am out of mood.
Sometimes the spirit is strong but the flesh is weak. Sometimes both are weak and you tend to loose yourself. I must admit myself is not perfect christian but hoping to walk in Christ likeness at least try. Nobody said is easy for a man to be pure. I hope my temporal discomfort will just dissipate off by this week and get on with my blog.
God Bless
This is not good for my family and myself. Temperamental and mood swing are always there when you are not strong controlling you spiritual muscle. My wife and children have been complaining that i am not myself every time i am out of mood.
Sometimes the spirit is strong but the flesh is weak. Sometimes both are weak and you tend to loose yourself. I must admit myself is not perfect christian but hoping to walk in Christ likeness at least try. Nobody said is easy for a man to be pure. I hope my temporal discomfort will just dissipate off by this week and get on with my blog.
God Bless
Sunday, July 12, 2009
God, Wisdom and You
I like to share my devotion with you today. It found in Proverbs 10. The book of proverbs is an amazing book talking about wisdom, love, strength, mind and faithfulness of God. Written by King Solomon one of the wisest of kings known in history. It tells you a simple and plain advises of how to be a blessed Christian and how God's ways added no sorrow to your life if you abide to every word. Matters pertaining to personal conduct, sexual relations, business, wealth, charity, ambition, discipline, debt, child-rearing, character, alcohol, politics, revenge, and godliness are among the many topics covered in this rich collection of wise sayings. If you have any trouble or issue with what i mentioned it is good to read the book of Proverbs. God’s way is so simple but how can we deviated so much from this simple way. I have no answer for you. It is between you and God.
The proverbs of Solomon:
1 A wise son brings joy to his father,
but a foolish son grief to his mother.
2 Ill-gotten treasures are of no value,
but righteousness delivers from death.
3 The LORD does not let the righteous go hungry
but he thwarts the craving of the wicked.
4 Lazy hands make a man poor,
but diligent hands bring wealth.
5 He who gathers crops in summer is a wise son,
but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son.
6 Blessings crown the head of the righteous,
but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked. [a]
7 The memory of the righteous will be a blessing,
but the name of the wicked will rot.
8 The wise in heart accept commands,
but a chattering fool comes to ruin.
9 The man of integrity walks securely,
but he who takes crooked paths will be found out.
10 He who winks maliciously causes grief,
and a chattering fool comes to ruin.
11 The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life,
but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked.
12 Hatred stirs up dissension,
but love covers over all wrongs.
13 Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning,
but a rod is for the back of him who lacks judgment.
14 Wise men store up knowledge,
but the mouth of a fool invites ruin.
15 The wealth of the rich is their fortified city,
but poverty is the ruin of the poor.
16 The wages of the righteous bring them life,
but the income of the wicked brings them punishment.
17 He who heeds discipline shows the way to life,
but whoever ignores correction leads others astray.
18 He who conceals his hatred has lying lips,
and whoever spreads slander is a fool.
19 When words are many, sin is not absent,
but he who holds his tongue is wise.
20 The tongue of the righteous is choice silver,
but the heart of the wicked is of little value.
21 The lips of the righteous nourish many,
but fools die for lack of judgment.
22 The blessing of the LORD brings wealth,
and he adds no trouble to it.
23 A fool finds pleasure in evil conduct,
but a man of understanding delights in wisdom.
24 What the wicked dreads will overtake him;
what the righteous desire will be granted.
25 When the storm has swept by, the wicked are gone,
but the righteous stand firm forever.
26 As vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes,
so is a sluggard to those who send him.
27 The fear of the LORD adds length to life,
but the years of the wicked are cut short.
28 The prospect of the righteous is joy,
but the hopes of the wicked come to nothing.
29 The way of the LORD is a refuge for the righteous,
but it is the ruin of those who do evil.
30 The righteous will never be uprooted,
but the wicked will not remain in the land.
31 The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom,
but a perverse tongue will be cut out.
32 The lips of the righteous know what is fitting,
but the mouth of the wicked only what is perverse
The above is only one of the chapter from book of Proverbs but it tells you that God is everywhere in your life. God’s way is practical to your everyday life. Beautiful verse in this chapter is found in verse 22
“Blessing of the Lord brings wealth and he adds no sorrow into it”
Wealth can be anything from spiritual to earthly desires. If it doesn’t troubles you, you are assured God has blessed you. If you walk with God abide in his word you are assured He is walking by your side.
No matter what the circumstances you face and how desperate you are in if you are a Christian go back to the Word and seek wisdom. “Fear of the Lord is a beginning of wisdom” Proverbs 1:7
If you are a non Christian i encourage you to pick up a bible or surf for book of Proverbs.
Passages from the bible which will in courage you is found in Matthew 11:25-30 “My yoke is easy my burden is light” and John 3:20 “I am the light and the way”. So God's way is light, unburdensome and is the only way to Him.
God Bless
The proverbs of Solomon:
1 A wise son brings joy to his father,
but a foolish son grief to his mother.
2 Ill-gotten treasures are of no value,
but righteousness delivers from death.
3 The LORD does not let the righteous go hungry
but he thwarts the craving of the wicked.
4 Lazy hands make a man poor,
but diligent hands bring wealth.
5 He who gathers crops in summer is a wise son,
but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son.
6 Blessings crown the head of the righteous,
but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked. [a]
7 The memory of the righteous will be a blessing,
but the name of the wicked will rot.
8 The wise in heart accept commands,
but a chattering fool comes to ruin.
9 The man of integrity walks securely,
but he who takes crooked paths will be found out.
10 He who winks maliciously causes grief,
and a chattering fool comes to ruin.
11 The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life,
but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked.
12 Hatred stirs up dissension,
but love covers over all wrongs.
13 Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning,
but a rod is for the back of him who lacks judgment.
14 Wise men store up knowledge,
but the mouth of a fool invites ruin.
15 The wealth of the rich is their fortified city,
but poverty is the ruin of the poor.
16 The wages of the righteous bring them life,
but the income of the wicked brings them punishment.
17 He who heeds discipline shows the way to life,
but whoever ignores correction leads others astray.
18 He who conceals his hatred has lying lips,
and whoever spreads slander is a fool.
19 When words are many, sin is not absent,
but he who holds his tongue is wise.
20 The tongue of the righteous is choice silver,
but the heart of the wicked is of little value.
21 The lips of the righteous nourish many,
but fools die for lack of judgment.
22 The blessing of the LORD brings wealth,
and he adds no trouble to it.
23 A fool finds pleasure in evil conduct,
but a man of understanding delights in wisdom.
24 What the wicked dreads will overtake him;
what the righteous desire will be granted.
25 When the storm has swept by, the wicked are gone,
but the righteous stand firm forever.
26 As vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes,
so is a sluggard to those who send him.
27 The fear of the LORD adds length to life,
but the years of the wicked are cut short.
28 The prospect of the righteous is joy,
but the hopes of the wicked come to nothing.
29 The way of the LORD is a refuge for the righteous,
but it is the ruin of those who do evil.
30 The righteous will never be uprooted,
but the wicked will not remain in the land.
31 The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom,
but a perverse tongue will be cut out.
32 The lips of the righteous know what is fitting,
but the mouth of the wicked only what is perverse
The above is only one of the chapter from book of Proverbs but it tells you that God is everywhere in your life. God’s way is practical to your everyday life. Beautiful verse in this chapter is found in verse 22
“Blessing of the Lord brings wealth and he adds no sorrow into it”
Wealth can be anything from spiritual to earthly desires. If it doesn’t troubles you, you are assured God has blessed you. If you walk with God abide in his word you are assured He is walking by your side.
No matter what the circumstances you face and how desperate you are in if you are a Christian go back to the Word and seek wisdom. “Fear of the Lord is a beginning of wisdom” Proverbs 1:7
If you are a non Christian i encourage you to pick up a bible or surf for book of Proverbs.
Passages from the bible which will in courage you is found in Matthew 11:25-30 “My yoke is easy my burden is light” and John 3:20 “I am the light and the way”. So God's way is light, unburdensome and is the only way to Him.
God Bless
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Just A Matter Of Perspective
I like to share this article my friend sent me and after reading it i am intrigue by the message which exactly an Apostle Barbara Yoder prophesy to our church two weeks ago.
Perspective
One day , the father of a very wealthy family took his son on a trip to the country with the express purpose of showing him how poor people live.
They spent a couple of days and nights on the farm of what would be considered a very poor family.
On their return from their trip , the father asked his son , "How was the trip?"
"It was great , Dad."
"Did you see how poor people live?" the father asked.
"Oh yeah , " said the son.
"So , tell me , what did you learn from the trip?" asked the father.
The son answered:
"I saw that we have one dog and they had four.
We have a pool that reaches to the middle of our garden and they have a creek that has no end.
We have imported lanterns in our garden and they have the stars at night.
Our patio reaches to the front yard and they have the whole horizon.
We have a small piece of land to live on and they have fields that go beyond our sight.
We have servants who serve us , but they serve others.
We buy our food , but they grow theirs.
We have walls around our property to protect us , they have friends to protect them."
The boy's father was speechless.
Then his son added , "Thanks Dad for showing me how poor we are."
I was pondering on the message Apostle Barbara Yoder prophesy to our church that God will restore a child like spirit in us. Will i be a child again or should i speak gaa gaa goo goo with you. It tickle me for a while what does she mean child like spirit. After reading this article i beginning to think how we are use to see things in our own perspective and not God perspective of life. How we have anger for something so trivial with God and overlook something great is on its way. How we miss the opportunity of blessing by shying away the blessing in front of us.
I must admit i have done it thousand of times and now i am sharing my shame with you. God ask us to humble our self and see the greater things to come. "Therefore who ever humble himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven" Matthew 18:4
I am no better than you but know i know i have a way to taste my blessing with this message. Be humble before God almighty and he will show you his own perspective to you.
God Bless
Perspective
One day , the father of a very wealthy family took his son on a trip to the country with the express purpose of showing him how poor people live.
They spent a couple of days and nights on the farm of what would be considered a very poor family.
On their return from their trip , the father asked his son , "How was the trip?"
"It was great , Dad."
"Did you see how poor people live?" the father asked.
"Oh yeah , " said the son.
"So , tell me , what did you learn from the trip?" asked the father.
The son answered:
"I saw that we have one dog and they had four.
We have a pool that reaches to the middle of our garden and they have a creek that has no end.
We have imported lanterns in our garden and they have the stars at night.
Our patio reaches to the front yard and they have the whole horizon.
We have a small piece of land to live on and they have fields that go beyond our sight.
We have servants who serve us , but they serve others.
We buy our food , but they grow theirs.
We have walls around our property to protect us , they have friends to protect them."
The boy's father was speechless.
Then his son added , "Thanks Dad for showing me how poor we are."
I was pondering on the message Apostle Barbara Yoder prophesy to our church that God will restore a child like spirit in us. Will i be a child again or should i speak gaa gaa goo goo with you. It tickle me for a while what does she mean child like spirit. After reading this article i beginning to think how we are use to see things in our own perspective and not God perspective of life. How we have anger for something so trivial with God and overlook something great is on its way. How we miss the opportunity of blessing by shying away the blessing in front of us.
I must admit i have done it thousand of times and now i am sharing my shame with you. God ask us to humble our self and see the greater things to come. "Therefore who ever humble himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven" Matthew 18:4
I am no better than you but know i know i have a way to taste my blessing with this message. Be humble before God almighty and he will show you his own perspective to you.
God Bless
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Hope Against All Hopelessness
We all have hope for something special in our life. Hope for money, hope for marriage, hope for love and hope for life or even hope that is out of this world. You can feel alive and strong when hope arrived and you can feel defeated when hope is far away. there is a famous verse in bible described hope
" Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when it comes , it is a tree of life" Proverb 13:12.
I had a friend i know for sometime,married for more than a decade, full of life and prosperity, humble and God fearing child. Both his wife and himself served in the church feverntly in children ministry and in cell group. They were childless for sometime. God knows we pray for this couple many occassion yet they still hope for God to answer them. They try all sorts of method to conceive but still invain. A big break comes by for an adoption of an unborn child which the mother promised to give it to them. Tear of joy and brightness was upon them as they share the news with us. You could literately see them began to get ready for the baby stuff, checking their EQ and their physical body. When time comes to deliver the baby the baby mother refused to give away. How we see them shattered their hope....... my hope for them too shattered. Having go through this difficult phase of life they woe not to hope for a baby. What a waste.
Bible teaches us there is hope that comes from having faith in Jesus Christ when everything seems hopeless to you.
" Contrary to hope, in hope believe" Rom 4:8
Do not lose hope in everything you do with good intention even you see there is no hope to continue because Bible says God is the same now and forever. I am still hoping and praying for my friend to have a life with a child. This is going to be a supernatural child.
Lastly, i would like to share a passage in the Bible found in Psalms 37:4 " Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desire of your heart". So you still have hope no matter what circumstances you are in just trust in the Lord and pray.
God Bless.
" Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when it comes , it is a tree of life" Proverb 13:12.
I had a friend i know for sometime,married for more than a decade, full of life and prosperity, humble and God fearing child. Both his wife and himself served in the church feverntly in children ministry and in cell group. They were childless for sometime. God knows we pray for this couple many occassion yet they still hope for God to answer them. They try all sorts of method to conceive but still invain. A big break comes by for an adoption of an unborn child which the mother promised to give it to them. Tear of joy and brightness was upon them as they share the news with us. You could literately see them began to get ready for the baby stuff, checking their EQ and their physical body. When time comes to deliver the baby the baby mother refused to give away. How we see them shattered their hope....... my hope for them too shattered. Having go through this difficult phase of life they woe not to hope for a baby. What a waste.
Bible teaches us there is hope that comes from having faith in Jesus Christ when everything seems hopeless to you.
" Contrary to hope, in hope believe" Rom 4:8
Do not lose hope in everything you do with good intention even you see there is no hope to continue because Bible says God is the same now and forever. I am still hoping and praying for my friend to have a life with a child. This is going to be a supernatural child.
Lastly, i would like to share a passage in the Bible found in Psalms 37:4 " Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desire of your heart". So you still have hope no matter what circumstances you are in just trust in the Lord and pray.
God Bless.
Friday, July 3, 2009
Hidden from Man, not Hidden from Jesus Christ
I would like to share something from our church bulletins which i believe you have the same intrigue if you thirst for Jesus Christ and still lost in the woods.
" there remain the youngest and he is keeping the sheep" 1Samuel 16:11
When will my turn come?
Why has it been so long?
Will i ever get out there?
Am I ever going to get to use my God given talents?
Have I been marginalised?
Have you ever ask these questions in your life. I know i have many times when i think what i have accomplished be it my ministry, career or for my family. Sometimes i frustrate myself when i see others has achieved a lot with little help or you somehow know he or she is not right but yet so successful. Sometimes you ask what's wrong with you? Are you living the right life or you have done something wrong which God still punishing you. The longer you hold on the smaller the flame eventually it fizzes out. Is this what a Christian life all about.
The bible taught you to be humble and let God does his work in preparing a secret in your heart just like David developed strong,passionate and hunger for God in place of solitude.
" He also chose David his servant, and took him from the sheepfolds, from following the ewes that had young He brought him. To shepherd Jacob His people, and Isreal His inheritance. So he shephered them according to the integrity of his heart, and guided them by the skillfulness of his hands" Psalm 78:70-72
There you see answers are soundness of your heart meaning mould you spiritual life and integrity of your hands meaning your character. I am talking to myself.
You cannot be hidding from God. You like it or not you have no choice. God is preparing you for something great. You can start running and not stop and still lost in the woods or you can do something like me sharing in cyberworld the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I maybe shooting in the dark but i think i am pretty sure many green sprouts will shoot out. The rest i leave it to God. You never know God is working in your life now at this very moment. So change for the better.
So are you intrigue now.........or you are lost?
God Bless
" there remain the youngest and he is keeping the sheep" 1Samuel 16:11
When will my turn come?
Why has it been so long?
Will i ever get out there?
Am I ever going to get to use my God given talents?
Have I been marginalised?
Have you ever ask these questions in your life. I know i have many times when i think what i have accomplished be it my ministry, career or for my family. Sometimes i frustrate myself when i see others has achieved a lot with little help or you somehow know he or she is not right but yet so successful. Sometimes you ask what's wrong with you? Are you living the right life or you have done something wrong which God still punishing you. The longer you hold on the smaller the flame eventually it fizzes out. Is this what a Christian life all about.
The bible taught you to be humble and let God does his work in preparing a secret in your heart just like David developed strong,passionate and hunger for God in place of solitude.
" He also chose David his servant, and took him from the sheepfolds, from following the ewes that had young He brought him. To shepherd Jacob His people, and Isreal His inheritance. So he shephered them according to the integrity of his heart, and guided them by the skillfulness of his hands" Psalm 78:70-72
There you see answers are soundness of your heart meaning mould you spiritual life and integrity of your hands meaning your character. I am talking to myself.
You cannot be hidding from God. You like it or not you have no choice. God is preparing you for something great. You can start running and not stop and still lost in the woods or you can do something like me sharing in cyberworld the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I maybe shooting in the dark but i think i am pretty sure many green sprouts will shoot out. The rest i leave it to God. You never know God is working in your life now at this very moment. So change for the better.
So are you intrigue now.........or you are lost?
God Bless
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Christianity Now
Christianity what does it mean to you.
We all know Christ inanity was born when Jesus die on the cross for our sin. That is ages ago. With 12 disciples teaching of Christianity spread to every corner of the world. What about now? How does Christianity grow in this era.
We have so many avenues that we can share and reach to non believers such as blogs, Internet, community, tweeter, emails, advertisement or even brick and mortar ways.
I was informed by my pastor that Assembly of God has a membership of 60 million people. I am not complaining since Catholics owns 1 billion member. But the world has 7 billions of inhabitant. So what is that 12%.
The ancient has done so much to build the foundation with only sparing tools they have just feet,mouth and burning desire. We are at the cutting edge of new technology couldn't build even stronger foundation.
So what Christianity to you as a believers mean now. Have we done much to deserve the crown in heaven. I myself does not see myself reaching out and i believe a lot of christian have the same issue.
Factors we Christian are lacking of burning desire ( may not be exhaustive)are below:
1)Lack of knowledge in Bible.
2)Personally shy to approach others feeling reject.
3)Short sighted of opportunity.
4)Alter motive instead of God Motive.
5)Ignorance.
6)Lack of Interest.
7)What benefit me first instead of God.
8)Culture and Traditions.
9)Me, Me, Me, all mine
10)Others
I dont have the answer to all the above but i believe if you put God first you will be lead to greater life. I have put God now for the works i done in this blog to plant seed and see it grow hopping i can touch others. The rest is up to God to work on it. I can see the harvest is in God's hand.
God Bless
We all know Christ inanity was born when Jesus die on the cross for our sin. That is ages ago. With 12 disciples teaching of Christianity spread to every corner of the world. What about now? How does Christianity grow in this era.
We have so many avenues that we can share and reach to non believers such as blogs, Internet, community, tweeter, emails, advertisement or even brick and mortar ways.
I was informed by my pastor that Assembly of God has a membership of 60 million people. I am not complaining since Catholics owns 1 billion member. But the world has 7 billions of inhabitant. So what is that 12%.
The ancient has done so much to build the foundation with only sparing tools they have just feet,mouth and burning desire. We are at the cutting edge of new technology couldn't build even stronger foundation.
So what Christianity to you as a believers mean now. Have we done much to deserve the crown in heaven. I myself does not see myself reaching out and i believe a lot of christian have the same issue.
Factors we Christian are lacking of burning desire ( may not be exhaustive)are below:
1)Lack of knowledge in Bible.
2)Personally shy to approach others feeling reject.
3)Short sighted of opportunity.
4)Alter motive instead of God Motive.
5)Ignorance.
6)Lack of Interest.
7)What benefit me first instead of God.
8)Culture and Traditions.
9)Me, Me, Me, all mine
10)Others
I dont have the answer to all the above but i believe if you put God first you will be lead to greater life. I have put God now for the works i done in this blog to plant seed and see it grow hopping i can touch others. The rest is up to God to work on it. I can see the harvest is in God's hand.
God Bless
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Warning Against The Adulteress
There are many things in life you did not see right in front of you even though you go through many times. I myself is no perfect christian. How often you can see it once and you know what the word said. I am referring to the Bible.
Bible is such a fascinating book from God. There is no ending and no beginning. Every word is a living word that speak to your heart.Is like a double edge sword.
My devotion today is based on the book of Proverbs chapter 7. It explains the coming of adulteress. The bible warned that adulteress lurking everywhere and if you are trap your life is no better than to resuscitate and resurrect again. As i read from verse 7 to 21 the adulteress coerce you into her lear like hushing of the sheep to slaughter house. It really tickles me how it describe the things adulteress does that we cant compare to the daily things we taken for granted such as drugs, gambling, work, socialising, money and etc things that draws you away as mentioned in chapter 7. Little did i realised that such things that you so obsessed so ignorance can cause you your spiritual life and your family to suffer the consequences just like verses 22 and 23. What you so indulge in till it drains you away is the adultress of your life. Start identify it and submit it to God.
God is merciful and always forewarn you like verse 1 to 5 and again 24 to 25. Seek wisdom and store understanding be it spiritually or from the word. God always resuscitate you even you are down at the pit of adulteress. Just ask and seek Him.
I myself need repentent for the things i have neglected.
God Bless
Bible is such a fascinating book from God. There is no ending and no beginning. Every word is a living word that speak to your heart.Is like a double edge sword.
My devotion today is based on the book of Proverbs chapter 7. It explains the coming of adulteress. The bible warned that adulteress lurking everywhere and if you are trap your life is no better than to resuscitate and resurrect again. As i read from verse 7 to 21 the adulteress coerce you into her lear like hushing of the sheep to slaughter house. It really tickles me how it describe the things adulteress does that we cant compare to the daily things we taken for granted such as drugs, gambling, work, socialising, money and etc things that draws you away as mentioned in chapter 7. Little did i realised that such things that you so obsessed so ignorance can cause you your spiritual life and your family to suffer the consequences just like verses 22 and 23. What you so indulge in till it drains you away is the adultress of your life. Start identify it and submit it to God.
God is merciful and always forewarn you like verse 1 to 5 and again 24 to 25. Seek wisdom and store understanding be it spiritually or from the word. God always resuscitate you even you are down at the pit of adulteress. Just ask and seek Him.
I myself need repentent for the things i have neglected.
God Bless
Monday, June 29, 2009
Building Your Life on The Word
I came across this article concerning building your life on the WORD. Many times my cell group taught us to immerse ourself in the word of God. We study and discuss subject every alternate fridays and no matter how much we study and share our opinion the Words seems to be working less penetration in our life.
In fact, i found that by surrender to Him at your own accord you will find your self more drawn to remembering the word better and fear Him. An intimate with God is more crucial than to share as. I believe by fearing Him is more penetrating effect than building your life by the Words. Men is unpredictable and no one is perfectly innocent.
Matthew 7:24-26 Jesus warn us to build a strong foundation.
God Bless
In fact, i found that by surrender to Him at your own accord you will find your self more drawn to remembering the word better and fear Him. An intimate with God is more crucial than to share as. I believe by fearing Him is more penetrating effect than building your life by the Words. Men is unpredictable and no one is perfectly innocent.
Matthew 7:24-26 Jesus warn us to build a strong foundation.
God Bless
Sunday, June 28, 2009
My fellow Brethen Opinion
While i was dreaming of getting this blog started and pursue the purpose i set for it. I enquire with some fellow brothers about my blog. The respond i am getting is not as positive as i expected. Looking the opportunity to share word of God in cyber world is a big challange to me but i almost forget the consequences of sharing the sermons as my fellow brothers explained.
I am innocent or blisfully ignorance of what happen in the church. I am not high profile member they use to describe me which unlikely my fellow brothers thirst of getting into the details of what happen in the church. But they do describe to me some events i feel like violating the freedom of religion.
This might not be happening in free country like first world country but not in third world where religion suppression is almost a lifestyle to us. Wait a minute i shouldn't use the word suppression.
I would bet this bondage will break in due time as world embrace the economic and pyschological depression.
Maybe i may rethink my strategy of sharing my thoughts of Word of God in another context.
Sigh.... what a waste.
I am innocent or blisfully ignorance of what happen in the church. I am not high profile member they use to describe me which unlikely my fellow brothers thirst of getting into the details of what happen in the church. But they do describe to me some events i feel like violating the freedom of religion.
This might not be happening in free country like first world country but not in third world where religion suppression is almost a lifestyle to us. Wait a minute i shouldn't use the word suppression.
I would bet this bondage will break in due time as world embrace the economic and pyschological depression.
Maybe i may rethink my strategy of sharing my thoughts of Word of God in another context.
Sigh.... what a waste.
Friday, June 26, 2009
My first blog
Hi, my name is nelson and i have been a christian since age 13 and now i am almost 40 years old i have found myself lost in many years of opportunity to share the Gospel of Jesus to any of my friend be it i have acquaintance with or just an ordinary stranger.
In fact this is my first blog i set up and i was meddling the idea for quite sometime of sharing the gospel of truth via internet. I know there are plenty of sites or blogs that have the same purpose and intention but i believe i must do what is justify as a child of god to bring in the lost souls.
My knowledge and verses are from my pastor who has been pastoring me for 25 years and i have so much blessing from him as a prophetic pastor and friend.
I will be sharing in due time the sermons from my beloved church Metro Tabenacle and i hope you will be bless with it.
'wisdom is supreme, therefore get wisdom"
In fact this is my first blog i set up and i was meddling the idea for quite sometime of sharing the gospel of truth via internet. I know there are plenty of sites or blogs that have the same purpose and intention but i believe i must do what is justify as a child of god to bring in the lost souls.
My knowledge and verses are from my pastor who has been pastoring me for 25 years and i have so much blessing from him as a prophetic pastor and friend.
I will be sharing in due time the sermons from my beloved church Metro Tabenacle and i hope you will be bless with it.
'wisdom is supreme, therefore get wisdom"
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