John Wesley's Holy Club asked themselves every day in their private devotion the following questions?
1. Do I think myself better than I really am? Am I a
hypocrite?
2. Am I honest in my action, and words or do I exaggerate?
3. Do I gossip or tell others what I received in confidence?
4. Can I be trusted?
5. Am I a slave to clothes, friends, work, or habits?
6. Am I self-conscious, self-pitying, or self-justifying?
7. Did the Bible live in me today?
8. Do I give it time to speak to me everyday?
9. Am I enjoying prayer?
10. When did I last speak to someone else about my faith?
11. Do I pray about the money I spend?
12. Do I get to bed on time and get up on time?
13. Do I disobey God in anything?
14. Do I practice doing something that my conscience is
uneasy about.
15. Am I defeated in any part of my life?
16. Am I jealous, impure, critical, irritable, touchy, or
distrustful.
17. How do I spend my spare time?
18. Am I proud?
19. Do I thank God that I am not as other people?
20. Is there anyone whom I fear, dislike, disown, criticize,
hold resentment toward or disregard? If so what am I
doing about it?
21. Do I grumble or complain constantly?
22. Is Christ real to me?
If you can't say Amen, say ouch!
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Meditate
There exist much confusions in Christianity on the subject of meditation and many formulas which are used in churches today comes from unbiblical sources. The definition of the word meditate from the dictionary is:
"To dwell on anything in thought, to contemplate, to turn or revolve on subject in the
mind, a consideration of the great truth of religion.
Most people think that meditating is to get away from it all, sitting down closing your eyes and think on nothing. Others believe meditating is sitting down crossing their legs with their hands on their knees with their palms facing toward ceiling repeating a mantra over and over again. Some other believe it is sitting down in a comfortable chair with soft music contemplating the things of this world. None of the above mention is biblical at all. I believe this kind of meditation did not originate from God, and anyone opening their hearts and emptying their mind with this kind of meditation is only inviting trouble, misery and depression.
God, in His Word, is not opposed to the practice of meditation but only if we meditate on the right thing. The psalmist says,
But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law does he meditate day
and night. (Psalm 1:2.)
Great things happens when you meditate on God's Word. If we would just meditate on His Word more often instead of all the other things we would probably see more like God sees things. There are a few example of people meditating on the things of God and they saw the glory of the Lord in action. Take for example Isaac,
And Isaac went out to meditate in the field in the evening; and he lifted up
his eyes, and saw, and behold, the camels were coming. (Genesis 24:63).
Isaac saw his future bride coming after a time of meditating in the evening. Maybe if we would meditate on God's Word more often, we could look up, like Isaac, and behold the blessings that God wants to bring our way. Joshua is another prime example of someone who knew that meditating was a good thing. He instructed his people to meditate on God's Word.
This book of the law shall not depart out of your mouth; but you shall
meditate therein day and night, that you may observe to do according
to all that is written therein: for then you shall make your way prosperous
and then shall you have great success. (Joshua 1:8).
God's way to prosperity and success is to meditate on His Word day and night. God wants to bless you spiritually and materially if you do it His way. He promised to supply all our needs. He will give you what you need to advance in this life. Allow me to give you 6 things the Lord wants you to meditate on.
1. We are to look around and meditate on the marvelous creation of God, appreciate it and talk
about it.
I will meditate also of all your work, and talk of your doings:
Psalm 77:12
Have you ever looked in the sky on a clear night all the stars that God has breathed
out into existence? Have you ever observe birds and other animals how they act and
move? What an awesome God and Creator!
2. We are to meditate on God's precepts.
I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways.
Psalm 119:15
Precepts are commandments that the Lord gave us throughout the Word of God.
It includes the Ten Commandments and much more, even the commandments in
the New Testament like in I Thessalonians 5:17; and II Timothy 2:15 and Acts 2:38.
3. We are to meditate on the Ordinances that God instituted.
... but thy servant did meditate in thy statutes.
Psalm 119:23
This imperative for us to meditate on the Lord's Supper and Baptism which was
instituted by Jesus. We must examine ourselves before we partake of the Lord's
Supper. Also it is important to meditate and look back on our own baptism when
we see a new believer being baptized.
4. We are to meditate on God's Word sometimes even when we are tired.
Mine eyes prevent the night watches, that i might meditate in thy word.
Psalm 119:148
Even when you feel sleepy and tired you must meditate on His Word. Sometimes
it will be the best time you will ever have alone with the Lord during the course of
your day. Even waking up early in the morning to meditate on the Word is good
for the soul.
5. We are to meditate on God's sweetness and He will bring us joy.
My meditation of Him shall be sweet; I will be glad in the Lord.
Psalm 104:34
Meditating on the Lord is sweet. He is and has the sweetest name I know. He
has provided the sweetest salvation that no other religion in the world can offer.
He has given us access to the sweetest place to meditate, before the throne of
God. Jesus is indeed a sweet Savior.
6. We are to meditate on God's Word for understanding.
I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies
are my meditation.
Psalm 119:99
To get a better understanding of God's Word, one must memorize it, meditate
on it and practice it. Nobody can understand the Bible properly unless God
reveals it to him, unless he meditates on it, unless he memorizes it and hides
it in his heart.
Meditating on the Word of God is not an easy task you need determination, perseverance and force yourself to do it regularly. It is not easy, but to grow in your Christian life it must be done. If you do it you will be more alert to God's will and His Word will come alive in your life.
"To dwell on anything in thought, to contemplate, to turn or revolve on subject in the
mind, a consideration of the great truth of religion.
Most people think that meditating is to get away from it all, sitting down closing your eyes and think on nothing. Others believe meditating is sitting down crossing their legs with their hands on their knees with their palms facing toward ceiling repeating a mantra over and over again. Some other believe it is sitting down in a comfortable chair with soft music contemplating the things of this world. None of the above mention is biblical at all. I believe this kind of meditation did not originate from God, and anyone opening their hearts and emptying their mind with this kind of meditation is only inviting trouble, misery and depression.
God, in His Word, is not opposed to the practice of meditation but only if we meditate on the right thing. The psalmist says,
But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law does he meditate day
and night. (Psalm 1:2.)
Great things happens when you meditate on God's Word. If we would just meditate on His Word more often instead of all the other things we would probably see more like God sees things. There are a few example of people meditating on the things of God and they saw the glory of the Lord in action. Take for example Isaac,
And Isaac went out to meditate in the field in the evening; and he lifted up
his eyes, and saw, and behold, the camels were coming. (Genesis 24:63).
Isaac saw his future bride coming after a time of meditating in the evening. Maybe if we would meditate on God's Word more often, we could look up, like Isaac, and behold the blessings that God wants to bring our way. Joshua is another prime example of someone who knew that meditating was a good thing. He instructed his people to meditate on God's Word.
This book of the law shall not depart out of your mouth; but you shall
meditate therein day and night, that you may observe to do according
to all that is written therein: for then you shall make your way prosperous
and then shall you have great success. (Joshua 1:8).
God's way to prosperity and success is to meditate on His Word day and night. God wants to bless you spiritually and materially if you do it His way. He promised to supply all our needs. He will give you what you need to advance in this life. Allow me to give you 6 things the Lord wants you to meditate on.
1. We are to look around and meditate on the marvelous creation of God, appreciate it and talk
about it.
I will meditate also of all your work, and talk of your doings:
Psalm 77:12
Have you ever looked in the sky on a clear night all the stars that God has breathed
out into existence? Have you ever observe birds and other animals how they act and
move? What an awesome God and Creator!
2. We are to meditate on God's precepts.
I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways.
Psalm 119:15
Precepts are commandments that the Lord gave us throughout the Word of God.
It includes the Ten Commandments and much more, even the commandments in
the New Testament like in I Thessalonians 5:17; and II Timothy 2:15 and Acts 2:38.
3. We are to meditate on the Ordinances that God instituted.
... but thy servant did meditate in thy statutes.
Psalm 119:23
This imperative for us to meditate on the Lord's Supper and Baptism which was
instituted by Jesus. We must examine ourselves before we partake of the Lord's
Supper. Also it is important to meditate and look back on our own baptism when
we see a new believer being baptized.
4. We are to meditate on God's Word sometimes even when we are tired.
Mine eyes prevent the night watches, that i might meditate in thy word.
Psalm 119:148
Even when you feel sleepy and tired you must meditate on His Word. Sometimes
it will be the best time you will ever have alone with the Lord during the course of
your day. Even waking up early in the morning to meditate on the Word is good
for the soul.
5. We are to meditate on God's sweetness and He will bring us joy.
My meditation of Him shall be sweet; I will be glad in the Lord.
Psalm 104:34
Meditating on the Lord is sweet. He is and has the sweetest name I know. He
has provided the sweetest salvation that no other religion in the world can offer.
He has given us access to the sweetest place to meditate, before the throne of
God. Jesus is indeed a sweet Savior.
6. We are to meditate on God's Word for understanding.
I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies
are my meditation.
Psalm 119:99
To get a better understanding of God's Word, one must memorize it, meditate
on it and practice it. Nobody can understand the Bible properly unless God
reveals it to him, unless he meditates on it, unless he memorizes it and hides
it in his heart.
Meditating on the Word of God is not an easy task you need determination, perseverance and force yourself to do it regularly. It is not easy, but to grow in your Christian life it must be done. If you do it you will be more alert to God's will and His Word will come alive in your life.
Monday, November 23, 2009
The Crucified Life
As I reminisced on my past as a young believer in Jesus Christ, I vividly remember the first time I came across this passage of Scripture, "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live, yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me." Galatians 2:20. I was flabbergasted and intrigued about the possibility to live in a earthly body and yet live a crucified life in Christ? As the years went by and as the Lord continued to reveal to me the importance of a crucified life in him, and after thirty years of being a Christian I am just starting to understand the importance of the CRUCIFIED LIFE.
With proper teachings in the Word of God, a Christian will soon discover that the key to victory over sin is accomplished when he begins to identify himself with the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. Our victory over sin depends totally on our union with Christ in His death and resurrection. Take the time someday to sit by yourself in a quiet place with God and ask Him to reveal to you what He inspired the Apostle Paul to write in Romans chapters 5 and 6. Because, since we are crucified with Christ, God has given us the ability to spiritually put our old nature to death, "For sin shall not have dominion over you: for you are not under the law, but under grace." Romans 6:14. Jesus did not give us a license to sin but a license to have victory over sins.
But a CRUCIFIED LIFE demands a life of holiness and righteousness. There are no selfish motives in a Born Crucified Life. It is impossible to live a Crucified Life without the help of the Holy Spirit in our life. Your brain will be consumed with the demands of the commandments of God, which is an impossibility to follow on our own, because they are contrary to our human nature's demands. God requires things from us that are impossible to accomplish in the natural realm without His help. For example the Crucified Life demands that we love our enemy. This is not a natural thing to do; you need Christ and His Holy Spirit to be able to carry this to fruition. We are supposed to rejoice in the Lord when we are persecuted, but only a Crucified Life with Christ can understand that.
But a CRUCIFIED LIFE demands a life of holiness and righteousness. There are no selfish motives in a Born Crucified Life. It is impossible to live a Crucified Life without the help of the Holy Spirit in our life. Your brain will be consumed with the demands of the commandments of God, which is an impossibility to follow on our own, because they are contrary to our human nature's demands. God requires things from us that are impossible to accomplish in the natural realm without His help. For example the Crucified Life demands that we love our enemy. This is not a natural thing to do; you need Christ and His Holy Spirit to be able to carry this to fruition. We are supposed to rejoice in the Lord when we are persecuted, but only a Crucified Life with Christ can understand that.
According to Galatians 2:20, it is Jesus who actually lives in us. Jesus the King of glory took residence in my body and is constantly working on me from the inside out. He is presently chiseling everything that does not resemble Him. The only thing we are required to do is allow the Holy Spirit to speak to us and let God work in us for the purpose of reflecting Christ in our life. If you allow the Holy Spirit to fill you understand that He has set you free, He is setting you free and He will set you free from the bondage of sin and Satan. Satan has been defeated at the cross two thousand years ago. Satan will constantly try to mess you up and make you believe lies. Remember what Jesus said, "The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." John 10:10.
When you live a CRUCIFIED LIFE you will live a life of sacrifice. You will, on many occasion, go against the world views and be ostracized, laughed at, mocked and ridicule by many for your stand on the Word of God. If you live in the Crucified life you will not be tempted to go back into the world because you have placed yourself on the transforming altar of the Lord. Paul admonishes us to place ourselves on that altar, "I beseech you therefore, Brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:1-2.
The CRUCIFIED LIFE will reveal to us down deep in our soul that we are saved, sanctified, redeemed and purchased by the blood that Jesus Christ shed on Calvary for us. In Jesus Christ I am dead to sin. When God look down on us, even though many times we stumble and fall, He sees the blood of Christ. Since Jesus paid it all, and I am in Him, and I am crucified with Him, therefore I am justified before God in Christ, as the Apostle Peter explained to us in his first Epistle, "Who his own self (Jesus) bare our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness." I Peter 2:24. To have victory over sin you must be in Christ and be Crucified With Him. As soon as a person experience this freedom in Christ, the sooner the Holy Spirit will start a fire that no man can extinguish. If you want your Christian life to go stagnant, empty and full of bitterness just come down from the position of the CRUCIFIED LIFE and live in defeat instead of the victorious life in Christ.
We are called to live a CRUCIFIED LIFE , we are in this world but not of this world. All our focus should be on Christ and aallowing Him to live His life in us. We are called to be an influence in this world not being influenced by the world. Our soul purpose to live a crucified life is for us to present our Lord to a lost world. The world must see the Lord Jesus Christ in our life. It is God that places us on that cross with Christ for the world to see. Nowhere in the Bible is God asking us to crucify ourselves, but He does require us to take up our cross daily, "And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. Luke 9:23. This death position once taken, the Christian must learn the CRUCIFIED LIFE. What I mean by this is that it takes a lifetime of picking up your cross daily to possess a daily walk with Christ. When you do, you will see life in Christ in a total different way, and no one will be able to disturb your faith and assurance of salvation in the Lord Jesus Christ.
In conclusion, just like Christ picked up His cross to be led by the Holy Spirit to die for us on the cross of Calvary, so we must also pick up our cross daily to die for Him, and like this we will be able to say like the Apostle Paul, "Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body." II Corinthians 4:10.
We are called to live a CRUCIFIED LIFE , we are in this world but not of this world. All our focus should be on Christ and aallowing Him to live His life in us. We are called to be an influence in this world not being influenced by the world. Our soul purpose to live a crucified life is for us to present our Lord to a lost world. The world must see the Lord Jesus Christ in our life. It is God that places us on that cross with Christ for the world to see. Nowhere in the Bible is God asking us to crucify ourselves, but He does require us to take up our cross daily, "And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. Luke 9:23. This death position once taken, the Christian must learn the CRUCIFIED LIFE. What I mean by this is that it takes a lifetime of picking up your cross daily to possess a daily walk with Christ. When you do, you will see life in Christ in a total different way, and no one will be able to disturb your faith and assurance of salvation in the Lord Jesus Christ.
In conclusion, just like Christ picked up His cross to be led by the Holy Spirit to die for us on the cross of Calvary, so we must also pick up our cross daily to die for Him, and like this we will be able to say like the Apostle Paul, "Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body." II Corinthians 4:10.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Three Fold Sanctification
1. Positional Sanctification
Since Jesus has opened our hearts so we can receive the Word of God and He saved us from
our sins. We are now sanctified through the offering of His body on the cross of Calvary by the
will of God.
By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of
Jesus Christ once for all. (Hebrews 10:10.)
Because of Christ offering His body for us, we are separated unto Christ, and in God's sight we
are holy, not because we are on our own but because of Jesus' sacrifice which He
accomplished for us.Our standing in Jesus Christ is, I am holy because the Father sees the
Blood of His dear Son all over us.
Jesus Christ accomplished this for us by one and only one offering, His body on the cross,
For by one offering he has perfected for ever them that are sanctified.
(Hebrews 10:14.)
The positional sanctification cannot be achieved by human strength, good works, going to church
or giving money. It is a divine act of our Sovereign Lord.
2. Experimental Sanctification
Now, the experimental sanctification, this aspect of the Sovereign work of God for the believers
is progressive. It is accomplished by the power of God through the mighty power of the Holy
Spirit and the Word of God.
Sanctify them through thy truth: thy Word is Truth.
John 17:17.)
But we all, with one face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord,
are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the
Spirit of the Lord.
(II Corinthians 3:18.)
Husband, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and
gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing
of water by the word.
(Ephesians 5:25-26.)
All this is according to various relationships. God has a part to do with it and He allows us
to have a part to play in this.
a. In relation to the believer's yielding to God by presenting his body a living sacrifice.
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present
your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your
reasonable service.
And be not conformed to this world but be ye transformed by the renewing
of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and
perfect will of God.
(Romans 12:1-2)
b. In relation to sin.
Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the
lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness
unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead,
and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.
For sin shall not have dominion over you: for you are not under the law, but
under grace.
(Romans 6:12-14)
c. In relation to Christian growth.
It is progressive. It is an everyday step by step, development and advancement toward
God. It is God beginning a good work in you and completing it.
Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in
you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.
(Philippians 1:6)
But grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
(II Peter 3:18)
3. Ultimate Sanctification.
This will only happen in glory when we enter into God's presence in glory.
That he might present it (the church) to himself a glorious church, not having
spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without
blemish.
(Ephesians 5:27)
Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the father, through sanctification
of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ; Grace
unto you, and peace, be multiplied.
(I Peter 1:2)
All this Biblical sanctification is really saying is this:
We are being sanctified, and we will be sanctified and perfected in eternity and for
eternity when we enter into the presence of God the Father, God the Son and God
the Holy Spirit. In this world we are being transformed by God through the power of
the Holy Spirit into the very image of His Son, the Lord jesus Christ.
Since Jesus has opened our hearts so we can receive the Word of God and He saved us from
our sins. We are now sanctified through the offering of His body on the cross of Calvary by the
will of God.
By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of
Jesus Christ once for all. (Hebrews 10:10.)
Because of Christ offering His body for us, we are separated unto Christ, and in God's sight we
are holy, not because we are on our own but because of Jesus' sacrifice which He
accomplished for us.Our standing in Jesus Christ is, I am holy because the Father sees the
Blood of His dear Son all over us.
Jesus Christ accomplished this for us by one and only one offering, His body on the cross,
For by one offering he has perfected for ever them that are sanctified.
(Hebrews 10:14.)
The positional sanctification cannot be achieved by human strength, good works, going to church
or giving money. It is a divine act of our Sovereign Lord.
2. Experimental Sanctification
Now, the experimental sanctification, this aspect of the Sovereign work of God for the believers
is progressive. It is accomplished by the power of God through the mighty power of the Holy
Spirit and the Word of God.
Sanctify them through thy truth: thy Word is Truth.
John 17:17.)
But we all, with one face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord,
are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the
Spirit of the Lord.
(II Corinthians 3:18.)
Husband, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and
gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing
of water by the word.
(Ephesians 5:25-26.)
All this is according to various relationships. God has a part to do with it and He allows us
to have a part to play in this.
a. In relation to the believer's yielding to God by presenting his body a living sacrifice.
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present
your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your
reasonable service.
And be not conformed to this world but be ye transformed by the renewing
of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and
perfect will of God.
(Romans 12:1-2)
b. In relation to sin.
Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the
lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness
unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead,
and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.
For sin shall not have dominion over you: for you are not under the law, but
under grace.
(Romans 6:12-14)
c. In relation to Christian growth.
It is progressive. It is an everyday step by step, development and advancement toward
God. It is God beginning a good work in you and completing it.
Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in
you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.
(Philippians 1:6)
But grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
(II Peter 3:18)
3. Ultimate Sanctification.
This will only happen in glory when we enter into God's presence in glory.
That he might present it (the church) to himself a glorious church, not having
spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without
blemish.
(Ephesians 5:27)
Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the father, through sanctification
of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ; Grace
unto you, and peace, be multiplied.
(I Peter 1:2)
All this Biblical sanctification is really saying is this:
We are being sanctified, and we will be sanctified and perfected in eternity and for
eternity when we enter into the presence of God the Father, God the Son and God
the Holy Spirit. In this world we are being transformed by God through the power of
the Holy Spirit into the very image of His Son, the Lord jesus Christ.
Friday, August 28, 2009
SATAN'S MEETING
Satan called a worldwide convention of demons. In his opening address he said,
"We can't keep Christians from going to church. We can't keep them from reading their Bibles and knowing the truth. We can't even keep them from forming an intimate relationship with their Savior. Once they gain that connection with Jesus, our power over them is broken. So let them go to their churches; let them have their covered dish dinners, but steal their time, so they don't have time to develop a relationship with Jesus Christ. This is what I want you to do."
"Distract them from gaining hold of their Savior and maintaining that vital connection throughout that day."
"How shall we do this? his demons shouted.
1. Keep them busy in the non-essentials of life and invent innumerable
schemes to occupy their minds.
2. Tempt them to spend, spend, spend, and borrow, borrow, borrow.
3. Persuade the wives to go to work for long hours and the husband to
work 6-7 days each week, 10-12 hours a day, so they can afford their
empty lifestyles.
4. Keep them from spending time with their children.
5. As their families fragment, soon, their homes will offer no escape from
the pressures of work!
6. Over-stimulate their minds so that they cannot hear that still, small
voice.
7. Entice them to play the radio or cassette and CD whenever they drive
and in their homes.
8. Fill the coffee tables with magazines and newspapers.
9. Pound their minds with the news 24 hours a day.
10. Invade their driving moments with billboards.
11. Flood their mailboxes with junk mail, mail order catalogs,
sweepstakes, and every kind of news letter and promotional offering
free products, services and false hopes.
12. Keep beautiful models on the magazines and TV so their husbands will
believe that outward beauty is what's important, and they'll become
dissatisfied with their wives.
13 Keep the wives too tired to love their husbands at night. Give them
headaches too! If they don't give their husbands the love they need.
they will begin to look elsewhere. That will fragment their families
quickly!
14. Give them Santa Claus to distract them from teaching their children
the real meaning of Christmas.
15. Give them an Easter bunny so they won't talk about Jesus' resurrection
and power over sin and death.
16. Keep them involved with recreation activities, and return from their
recreation activities exhausted, and tired so they can't go to church the
next morning.
17. Keep them so busy they can't go out in nature and reflect on God's
creation. Send them to amusement parks, sporting events, plays,
concerts, and movies instead.
18. Keep them busy, busy, busy! And when they meet for spiritual
fellowship, involve them in gossip and small talk so that they leave
with troubled consciences.
19. Crowd their lives with so many good causes they have no time to seek
power from Jesus. Soon they will be working in their own strength,
sacrificing their health and family for the good of the causes.
"It will work!'
It was quite a plan! The demons went eagerly to their assignments causing Christians everywhere to get busier and more rushed, going here and there. having little time for their God or their families. Having no time to tell others about the power of Jesus to change lives.
The question is...has the devil been successful in his schemes?
You be the judge.
Does BUSY mean: B-eing U-nder S-atan's Y-oke?
-Author Unknown
Satan called a worldwide convention of demons. In his opening address he said,
"We can't keep Christians from going to church. We can't keep them from reading their Bibles and knowing the truth. We can't even keep them from forming an intimate relationship with their Savior. Once they gain that connection with Jesus, our power over them is broken. So let them go to their churches; let them have their covered dish dinners, but steal their time, so they don't have time to develop a relationship with Jesus Christ. This is what I want you to do."
"Distract them from gaining hold of their Savior and maintaining that vital connection throughout that day."
"How shall we do this? his demons shouted.
1. Keep them busy in the non-essentials of life and invent innumerable
schemes to occupy their minds.
2. Tempt them to spend, spend, spend, and borrow, borrow, borrow.
3. Persuade the wives to go to work for long hours and the husband to
work 6-7 days each week, 10-12 hours a day, so they can afford their
empty lifestyles.
4. Keep them from spending time with their children.
5. As their families fragment, soon, their homes will offer no escape from
the pressures of work!
6. Over-stimulate their minds so that they cannot hear that still, small
voice.
7. Entice them to play the radio or cassette and CD whenever they drive
and in their homes.
8. Fill the coffee tables with magazines and newspapers.
9. Pound their minds with the news 24 hours a day.
10. Invade their driving moments with billboards.
11. Flood their mailboxes with junk mail, mail order catalogs,
sweepstakes, and every kind of news letter and promotional offering
free products, services and false hopes.
12. Keep beautiful models on the magazines and TV so their husbands will
believe that outward beauty is what's important, and they'll become
dissatisfied with their wives.
13 Keep the wives too tired to love their husbands at night. Give them
headaches too! If they don't give their husbands the love they need.
they will begin to look elsewhere. That will fragment their families
quickly!
14. Give them Santa Claus to distract them from teaching their children
the real meaning of Christmas.
15. Give them an Easter bunny so they won't talk about Jesus' resurrection
and power over sin and death.
16. Keep them involved with recreation activities, and return from their
recreation activities exhausted, and tired so they can't go to church the
next morning.
17. Keep them so busy they can't go out in nature and reflect on God's
creation. Send them to amusement parks, sporting events, plays,
concerts, and movies instead.
18. Keep them busy, busy, busy! And when they meet for spiritual
fellowship, involve them in gossip and small talk so that they leave
with troubled consciences.
19. Crowd their lives with so many good causes they have no time to seek
power from Jesus. Soon they will be working in their own strength,
sacrificing their health and family for the good of the causes.
"It will work!'
It was quite a plan! The demons went eagerly to their assignments causing Christians everywhere to get busier and more rushed, going here and there. having little time for their God or their families. Having no time to tell others about the power of Jesus to change lives.
The question is...has the devil been successful in his schemes?
You be the judge.
Does BUSY mean: B-eing U-nder S-atan's Y-oke?
-Author Unknown
Monday, August 24, 2009
New Testament Giving
As a Christian it is very important to grasp the importance and reality of giving. Giving is not just a nice gesture toward God and the Church because we have to give or are forced to give. Giving should come because we want to and because we love God. God teaches us through Scriptures that it is part of His character to give, which means we must imitate Him
The most quoted verse of the Bible is a proof that Almighty God is a giving God, "For God so loved the world, that He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." God gave His very best to us, Jesus Christ, that we might become His children and have eternal life. It is my belief that we should give to the Lord and His church for the advancement of the Gospel throughout the world. We give because we love the Lord and we believe His message is true. We do not give to have points with God or to have access to God's presence someday, it is impossible to buy our way to heaven. Jesus Christ paid the whole thing for us in full in the cross of Calvary for us to be able to reach Him someday. We cannot earn salvation or pay for it. We give unto the Lord because we are members of His family. We give because in reality it is God who has given us our health, our jobs, and the ability to earn money to be able to give. The Apostle Paul left us in II Corinthians 9:6-15 an outline on giving,
1. God wants us to sow bountifully, we shall reap bountifully - Verse 6.
2. God loves a cheerful giver - Verse 7.
3. God is able to make all grace abound on the givers - Verse 8.
4. God wants us to support the poor - Verse 9.
4. God wants us to support our church - Verse 10.
5. God wants to bless us - Verse 11.
6. God wants us to support the missionaries - Verse 12.
7. God wants us to give to glorify Jesus Christ - Verse 13.
8. God gives us the gift to be able to give - Verse15.
We are to give of ourselves for the cause of Christ. We are to give our all to our Creator and Lord. We should give ourselves also to "prayer and fasting" - I Corinthians 7:5.
Giving is a big part of Christianity for the advancement of the Kingdom of God, but with all our giving we must also remember to give God thanks for all that He has done, for what He is doing and all that He will be doing. Let us pray and fast to ask God what he would have us to give Him this week.
The most quoted verse of the Bible is a proof that Almighty God is a giving God, "For God so loved the world, that He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." God gave His very best to us, Jesus Christ, that we might become His children and have eternal life. It is my belief that we should give to the Lord and His church for the advancement of the Gospel throughout the world. We give because we love the Lord and we believe His message is true. We do not give to have points with God or to have access to God's presence someday, it is impossible to buy our way to heaven. Jesus Christ paid the whole thing for us in full in the cross of Calvary for us to be able to reach Him someday. We cannot earn salvation or pay for it. We give unto the Lord because we are members of His family. We give because in reality it is God who has given us our health, our jobs, and the ability to earn money to be able to give. The Apostle Paul left us in II Corinthians 9:6-15 an outline on giving,
1. God wants us to sow bountifully, we shall reap bountifully - Verse 6.
2. God loves a cheerful giver - Verse 7.
3. God is able to make all grace abound on the givers - Verse 8.
4. God wants us to support the poor - Verse 9.
4. God wants us to support our church - Verse 10.
5. God wants to bless us - Verse 11.
6. God wants us to support the missionaries - Verse 12.
7. God wants us to give to glorify Jesus Christ - Verse 13.
8. God gives us the gift to be able to give - Verse15.
We are to give of ourselves for the cause of Christ. We are to give our all to our Creator and Lord. We should give ourselves also to "prayer and fasting" - I Corinthians 7:5.
Giving is a big part of Christianity for the advancement of the Kingdom of God, but with all our giving we must also remember to give God thanks for all that He has done, for what He is doing and all that He will be doing. Let us pray and fast to ask God what he would have us to give Him this week.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Is God at work today?
God is at work today, whether we like it or not, and in mysterious ways in the various branches of Christianity. It don't matter if you are Orthodox, Mennonites, Baptists, Pentecostals or Reformed Christians, God is at work at this very moment. I believe that all expressions of the Christian faith has valid variations of insight into God's revelation of Christ. It's very hard to explain these things to others, because I get a blessing from everyone I meet from other Christian denominations.
The Apostle Paul writes, The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God for they are spiritually discerned. I Corinthians 2:14.
It never cease to amaze me when I meet with other Christians how some are really afraid of the Holy Spirit. They are afraid of what He can do for them and their churches. I strongly believe it is because the Holy Spirit will challenge or is challenging their positions of power and influential domain they hold in their congregation.
There are many Christians who finds public satisfaction when they possess a high position in a local congregation and feel threatened by the fact that when God comes in a mighty way there will be a tectonic shake up and they will lose everything they work so hard for on the ladder of church success. They are fearful of losing influential power and control. They are so fearful that a new thing may cause such a change in the church that they and the church will lose their reputation in the community.
Normally people who thrives for respect and public approval will be upset, but what God really want to do is upset their religious apple carts, tip their canoes, and mess up their theology. Isn't this what the Word of God says about the first century Christians? These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also. Acts 17:6.
Most of us Christians hate to get out of our comfort zone. We seem to have a fear of the unknown or I should say we are afraid of what the Holy Spirit can do and will do for us. We prefer to stay in the known and explainable and forget that God wants us to work by faith and revelation. We have a tendency to forget that God works in mysterious ways and not our ways, He is in fact in control.
We are afraid of the Holy Spirit's spontaneity and prefer to dwell in the predictable and the explainable. Most of our church services are controlled by the order of service and by the time indicated by the clock on the wall. Maybe this is what impedes any possibilities of the Holy Spirit working in the lives of people coming to church and in our own life? Isn't it our way of excluding and domesticating the Holy Spirit in our churches? When we do this aren't we making Him fit our programs instead of His?
Just imagine what would happen if we would just let Jesus have His way in our churches and in our lives through the Holy Spirit? I believe revival would come to town. What do you think?
The Apostle Paul writes, The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God for they are spiritually discerned. I Corinthians 2:14.
It never cease to amaze me when I meet with other Christians how some are really afraid of the Holy Spirit. They are afraid of what He can do for them and their churches. I strongly believe it is because the Holy Spirit will challenge or is challenging their positions of power and influential domain they hold in their congregation.
There are many Christians who finds public satisfaction when they possess a high position in a local congregation and feel threatened by the fact that when God comes in a mighty way there will be a tectonic shake up and they will lose everything they work so hard for on the ladder of church success. They are fearful of losing influential power and control. They are so fearful that a new thing may cause such a change in the church that they and the church will lose their reputation in the community.
Normally people who thrives for respect and public approval will be upset, but what God really want to do is upset their religious apple carts, tip their canoes, and mess up their theology. Isn't this what the Word of God says about the first century Christians? These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also. Acts 17:6.
Most of us Christians hate to get out of our comfort zone. We seem to have a fear of the unknown or I should say we are afraid of what the Holy Spirit can do and will do for us. We prefer to stay in the known and explainable and forget that God wants us to work by faith and revelation. We have a tendency to forget that God works in mysterious ways and not our ways, He is in fact in control.
We are afraid of the Holy Spirit's spontaneity and prefer to dwell in the predictable and the explainable. Most of our church services are controlled by the order of service and by the time indicated by the clock on the wall. Maybe this is what impedes any possibilities of the Holy Spirit working in the lives of people coming to church and in our own life? Isn't it our way of excluding and domesticating the Holy Spirit in our churches? When we do this aren't we making Him fit our programs instead of His?
Just imagine what would happen if we would just let Jesus have His way in our churches and in our lives through the Holy Spirit? I believe revival would come to town. What do you think?
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Contagious Zeal
I want to draw your attention on the following questions for you to ponder upon today. Are you excited about your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ? Are you excited about what Jesus is doing in your own life? Is Jesus really real in your life?
Many Christian get excited about this meeting and that conference, and are always running from church to church in search of spiritual excitement. Always looking to find a place to satisfy their souls, ever searching and never coming to the knowledge of the truth. Others stay home doing nothing, while others are trying to re-develop church with new man made projects, concepts and programs that will last only for a season until they discover something new.
God has got only one plan, Love God, love people and preach the Word. You will never find satisfaction in a program, but you will find it in a person; the Lord Jesus Christ. Is the fire of the Holy Spirit burning down deep in your soul? Do you have this exciting urge to serve God and people printed down deep upon you heart? Do you have this intense desire to know Christ intimately and to make Him known in your community? Or, do you know only church, structure and religion?
Let me share with you from Scripture the excitement four individuals had about their faith. The account is found in Mark 2:1-12. These men knew that Jesus was in the house (verse 1). They knew that Jesus was holding evangelistic meeting in this particular house, He was preaching to them. They knew there was salvation and healing in the air. They knew that if they could just get to Jesus something would happen.
They decided to unite together for the same cause and bring their paralysed friend to Jesus (verses 2-3), this was their goal. They joined their efforts to bring someone who could not bring himself to Jesus. Isn't this the same goal churches should have in their communities, join together to bring people to Jesus?
As they approached the house they realized that it would be impossible for them to go through the crowd. The crowd will always try to stop you from getting to Jesus, but only if you let them, specially the religious crowd. These men were determined to bring this sick person to Jesus. They were determined not to let the crowd win. If they couldn't go through the door then let's go through the roof and lower the sick man at Jesus' feet.
These men had a contagious zeal they were excited about their faith (verse 4) and what Jesus was about to do. They knew without a shadow of a doubt what Jesus could and would do for the man's condition. They did not just sit down and talked about it. They put their faith in action. Are you as excited about Jesus and what he can do like these men were?
After taking the roof apart (verse 5), the Bible records that Jesus saw their faith, and said to the paralyzed man, Son, your sins are forgiven. This man found healing and salvation on the same day, because four men got together, gathered their strength and did what was needed to bring him to Jesus. They were excited about their faith, they had a contagious zeal. What an exiting time to be there. You would think that everyone would be as contagious as these men, but it is never the case.
It just happened that the religious class was sitting there in the house (Verse 6). It seems like they did not stand up to help the four. They were sitting there reasoning in their hearts, accusing Jesus of blasphemy. When revival broke in the house it seams that the spiritual fire extinguishers showed up to put a stop to their faith. Happens all the time. You will always find three kinds of people in church: the pickers, the kickers and the stickers. The pickers will pick at everything you do, the kickers will kick at everything you have done, but the stickers will be there for you all the way. They will be there for you and with you in hard times and in good times.
The criticism never stop Jesus from continuing what he had started (verse 8-10). Jesus did not say to the religious crown I am so sorry I have offended you, you're right I have gone to far I will take back what I said because I was not religiously correct. After rebuking those who sat down and did nothing he proceeded in commanding the paralytic (verse 11), Arise, take your bed and go home.
The bible says (Verse 12), Immediately he arose, he took up his bed and went home praising and glorifying God. He left the rest of the crowd amazed and in awe at what just occurred and expressing the famous seven words always quoted in churches when something different is done in the name of Jesus, We never saw it done this way.
Let me ask you, where are you standing today in your faith? Do you possess a contagious zeal like these four men? Or, are you sitting amongst the religious crowd reasoning amongst yourself and criticizing what Jesus is doing? Are you excited about your faith? Only you know the condition of your heart and the only way out of the rut you're in is to confess your sins to God, repent and invite Jesus in your house.
Many Christian get excited about this meeting and that conference, and are always running from church to church in search of spiritual excitement. Always looking to find a place to satisfy their souls, ever searching and never coming to the knowledge of the truth. Others stay home doing nothing, while others are trying to re-develop church with new man made projects, concepts and programs that will last only for a season until they discover something new.
God has got only one plan, Love God, love people and preach the Word. You will never find satisfaction in a program, but you will find it in a person; the Lord Jesus Christ. Is the fire of the Holy Spirit burning down deep in your soul? Do you have this exciting urge to serve God and people printed down deep upon you heart? Do you have this intense desire to know Christ intimately and to make Him known in your community? Or, do you know only church, structure and religion?
Let me share with you from Scripture the excitement four individuals had about their faith. The account is found in Mark 2:1-12. These men knew that Jesus was in the house (verse 1). They knew that Jesus was holding evangelistic meeting in this particular house, He was preaching to them. They knew there was salvation and healing in the air. They knew that if they could just get to Jesus something would happen.
They decided to unite together for the same cause and bring their paralysed friend to Jesus (verses 2-3), this was their goal. They joined their efforts to bring someone who could not bring himself to Jesus. Isn't this the same goal churches should have in their communities, join together to bring people to Jesus?
As they approached the house they realized that it would be impossible for them to go through the crowd. The crowd will always try to stop you from getting to Jesus, but only if you let them, specially the religious crowd. These men were determined to bring this sick person to Jesus. They were determined not to let the crowd win. If they couldn't go through the door then let's go through the roof and lower the sick man at Jesus' feet.
These men had a contagious zeal they were excited about their faith (verse 4) and what Jesus was about to do. They knew without a shadow of a doubt what Jesus could and would do for the man's condition. They did not just sit down and talked about it. They put their faith in action. Are you as excited about Jesus and what he can do like these men were?
After taking the roof apart (verse 5), the Bible records that Jesus saw their faith, and said to the paralyzed man, Son, your sins are forgiven. This man found healing and salvation on the same day, because four men got together, gathered their strength and did what was needed to bring him to Jesus. They were excited about their faith, they had a contagious zeal. What an exiting time to be there. You would think that everyone would be as contagious as these men, but it is never the case.
It just happened that the religious class was sitting there in the house (Verse 6). It seems like they did not stand up to help the four. They were sitting there reasoning in their hearts, accusing Jesus of blasphemy. When revival broke in the house it seams that the spiritual fire extinguishers showed up to put a stop to their faith. Happens all the time. You will always find three kinds of people in church: the pickers, the kickers and the stickers. The pickers will pick at everything you do, the kickers will kick at everything you have done, but the stickers will be there for you all the way. They will be there for you and with you in hard times and in good times.
The criticism never stop Jesus from continuing what he had started (verse 8-10). Jesus did not say to the religious crown I am so sorry I have offended you, you're right I have gone to far I will take back what I said because I was not religiously correct. After rebuking those who sat down and did nothing he proceeded in commanding the paralytic (verse 11), Arise, take your bed and go home.
The bible says (Verse 12), Immediately he arose, he took up his bed and went home praising and glorifying God. He left the rest of the crowd amazed and in awe at what just occurred and expressing the famous seven words always quoted in churches when something different is done in the name of Jesus, We never saw it done this way.
Let me ask you, where are you standing today in your faith? Do you possess a contagious zeal like these four men? Or, are you sitting amongst the religious crowd reasoning amongst yourself and criticizing what Jesus is doing? Are you excited about your faith? Only you know the condition of your heart and the only way out of the rut you're in is to confess your sins to God, repent and invite Jesus in your house.
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