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DEVOTION
19.05.13
"Remembernow thy Creator in the days of your youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shall say, i have no pleasure in them."(Ecclesiastes 12:1)
While we are still young and strong, it is important to remember our God. It is important to know God at a young age where evil days are yet to come. This is very crucial indeed for us to know God and have faith in Him in the early stage of our life. It is crucial for us to be in love for God while we are still young because when we are old, we could not do much for God. Our physical strength is no more like when we were young, full of energy and life. Once we are grown up in the Lord, when evil days come, we will be able to withstand their attacks and remain steadfast. Many people are so used to no having God in their life that, even when they are on their death bed, or in great difficulties they are still have no pleasure in God. Thus they are lost. So it is therefore better to serve God while we have the opportunity, especially when we are young. Do not wait to know God when we are too old.
10.05.13
" Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow but woe to him that is alone, when he fall, he had not another to help him up."( Ecc 4: 9-10)
Life is never good if it is all alone. Sooner or later, the person who wants to run away to be on his own, will come back to where there are people. The verse above tells us that it is good to have a friend or to have friends. Work can be accomplished in no time. If one is weak or not skillful, the other will compliment. If one falls, the other can lift him up. When we fall, we need others to lift us up. There warm and strength in numbers. There will be courage and encouragement in numbers. But if we are all alone, then we will have no one to depend on. Imagine if you have no money to buy food? You will need someone to help. So make and keep friendship with someone to make our day.
6.05.13
" There is nothing better for a man than that he should eat and drink and that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labour. This also i saw that it was from the hand of God." ( Ecc 2: 12)
we all know that everyone of us must work with our hands to earn our living, of which food and drink and our life are of utmost important. We work to survive and enjoy the moment God has given to us. The verse above says we need to eat and drink and make our saul enjoy the fruiet of our labour. With the money we earn, we have food and drink and a time to treat ourself accordingly. Some have special family meals together elsewhere. Others go for trip or holidays to enjoy the fruits of their labour. There is nothing wrong with that. Yes eat and drink and be merry but it is not good if it is done on both extreme. Too little food and no enjoyment will make our life so oppressed ans stress. To much food, drink and enjoyment, is also not good. But to make use of what we we earn to brink benefit to our family is what it should be. It must unite, encourage and build up family so that we are able to appreciate the hard work that we do and thank God for His provision. Remember, whatever we earn in an honest way is from the hand of God. That we must not forget all our benefits.
01.05.13
" Son of David, have mercy on us." Cried two blind men as Jesus passed by.( Matt 20:30)
Have mercy on me! That's the cry of the 2 blind men and also the Blind Bertemius. We should know that it is by God's grace that we are alive today and in one piece. We have to recognize the fact that anything that concern us, God knows and only He can do something to us. But sadly, we seldom recognize God's power. We look of healing somewhere when God is the source of healing. The blind men know what Jesus can do because He is God's son. That is why they have no doubt when they cried out for mercy from God. Yes, we must know and acknowledge who God is and submit ourselves to Him. Have mercy means we confess that all power belongs to God and acknowledge that He is God. We must ackonowledge who God is and submit with meekness before God. He knows who we are and would want us to plead and ask for His mercy from our hearts. In fact, when we admit to our condition and ask for mercy, normally our petition is answered.
28.4.2013
"Let not mercy and truth forsake thee, bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart."( Prov. 3:3)
mercy is what God is. He is merciful, ready to forgive those who repent and turn to Him. God had been merciful and is always merciful to everyone of us, and many of us forgot that God has always been forgiving towards us. So we hate others that hurt us and would not want to forgive them. The Scriptures reminded us to forgive others before we ask God to forgive us. Truth is what God is about. God wants us to be honest, to speak the truth and to live in the truth. Living in the truth means no lies, no deceit, no cheatings or blackmailling etc Indeed, we need to keep these about our neck and know it by heart so that we will always be in the light of God. Lies or untruth are of darkness and unmerciful spirit is devoid of love. So let us learn to live in the truth and be merciful.
24.4.2013
" It is not for kings O Lemuel, its not for kings to drink wine, nor for pinces to drink strong drink lest they drink and forget the law and pervert the judgement of any of afflicted." ( Proverbs 31:4-5).
my reading today bring me to this verses which I felt if very important for rulers, for those in authority or for those who sits on the chair as a judge. It is obvious that strong drink or wine will not do any good to anyone because it will affect our mind. It will cause us to lose sound judgement or even common sense. The Lord is not pleased with anyone who pervert justice because our God is the God of justice. He will not accept any unfair judgement upon the afflicted or the weak. Strong drink cause us to do silly and wicked things because when a person is drunk, he is incapable of controlling his mind or himself. A leader must exercise fairness, or justice and he is expected to be fair and wise. We as a leader in our homes too must not drink strong wine lest it brings problems to our own family.
21.4.13
"Whoso offer praise glorify me.." (Psalms 50:23)
The Psalmist makes it very clear that praise glorify God. The words that comes out of our mouth that praise God will definitely glorify God. How we love to hear people talk good about us. But if people speak bad about us, we would be extremely displeased. However it is fitting for us to honour God through our mouths because, only then our confession of God's goodness and greatness is heard by those around us. It is common for people to praise some one through songs, just like singers convey their love for someone by singing love songs. So it is natural for Christians to praise their God through singing. It is right for the upright to sing praises to God. God says he is glorified and honored. Why then are some people so silent and refuse to sing to God? Praising God is a sacrifice that pleases God. This form of sacrifice is also a form of worship to God. Yes, for Christians who are suppose to know God, the sacrifice of praise comes out naturally.
17.4.13
"Remove far from me vanity and lies; give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me." (Proverbs 30: 8)
A widow once told us that "to look for riches is not an easy thing. We will work until we die, and we will still be wanting." if our hearts are set to chase after riches, we will forget other things especially God.If we seek God first, He will make us contented with what we have and we would not need more than we need. Money will cause a lot of problems to us. Riches is a vain thing. It will not follow us when we die. Why putting our life on something that does not last? Lies are things that will make us vile and untrusthworthy. God hates liars and those who lies about other people- hoping to hurt or harm others. That is wickedness. Only the devil wants to destroy human. Are we willing to be part of the devil's plan? Certainly not. Proverbs just want to have what is just enough because there are far better things in life. If God is first in our life, we have not much need of other things indeed.He said that everthing will be in place.
16.4.13
"Where the Spirit of God is, there is liberty."( 2 Cor.3:17)
God's Spirit or the Holy Spirit gives us freedom from doubts when the truth is confirmed by Him in our spirit. Then we know what is the truth and what is not. Therefore when we live in the truth, we no longer has any more fear of doing the wrong thing because we are able to know what is the true and what is not. We therefore feel freed from such fears which if still there will hold us bondage. When the Spirit of God frees us from sin, we are indeed free. Sins confine us or enslave us or keep us under bondage, but when we submit ourselves to God, such bondages are broken and we are free from their power. When my youngest son was so afraid to go alone to the bathroom and must be accompanied by me or my wife, I was worried. So while he was sleeping, I put my hands upon his head and commanded the spirit of fear to leave him. The next morning, he just woke up and go to the bathroom by himself. From that moment, the fear of ghosts in the bathroom no longer hold him, thus giving him the freedom to move to any where. When the Spirit of God is in us, we will be at liberty because we will be able to know what to do and what not to do.
6.4.13
"Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have aganist one another. Forgive as the Lord forgives you."(Colossians 3:13)
Everday, we face all kind of iritations. Most of these can really put us to the test, as far as temper is concern. In fact. these are the things that we will face in life. if we can't overcome these, don't thing that we will be able to overcome bigger irritation or disapointment. As these are what we need to iron out in our life as Christians, we better be serious in looking at the root of the problem. The root of the problem is lack of love. When a person has the love of Christ, he or she will try to make peace with all persons. He will bear with those who irritates him. He will forgive and forget as he does not want to keep grudges with anyone. He feels how people will will. In other words he is quick to sympathize with people. It is important for us to forgive because God had forgiven us through His Son Jesus Christ, who bore it all for us. Let us bear with one another and forgive. A forgiving spirit does not allow the heart to keep a grudge which will grow into full maturity if it allows to grow in our heart. The love of Christ is full of compassion and mercy. When we think for the good of others more than ourselves, we will be able to bear all kinds of irritating behaviours around us.
02.4.13
"Jesus said, "Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing." (Luke 23:24)
One of the most important message of Easter is one of forgiveness. Even at such a situation, Jesus still forgive his enemies. He told his Father to forgive them because they do not know what they were doing. By the corss, God forgave our sins. We are reconciled with God. Not by our own effort but by the grace of God. He just forgive us, no matter how bad we are. What about us? Jesus was in great pain,and was mocked and even spat upon, yet, Jesus asked God to forgive us. Do we forgive those who cause us great harm, like what they did to Jesus. In our situation, a little bit of irritation will make us angry with others. A little bit of wrong others did upon us will make us hate them so much so that we even want to scold or curse them. But on the cross, God forgave us. We must learn from God who loves us. His love is so great that He is ready to forgive. We must have God's love in us so that we will be quick to forgive others and make peace will all people.
13.03.2013
"I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be contented. '(Phil 4:11).
What is our greatest fear is not having enough the following days. That is why we are full of worries or anxieties. Our endless worries are pushing us to act or do something to contain our desires whcih will never satisfy. We chase after fame, and when we thought that we have fame, we found that it was not enough. We want higher salary, but when we reach the amount we crave for, it wasn't enough to get all that we really want. So we chase after the wind. Jesus said that He is the one who can satisfy us. When we have Jesus in our life, we have everything. We do not need more. He bring the peace, contentment and satisfaction in our life. The most important experience that I have in Christ is that I need not worry of tomorrow because Jesus is yesterday, today and tomorrow. I need not go for the extra because there is more important in life, and we will find it in Jesus Christ.
9.03.2013
"Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging, and whosoever is decieved thereby is not wise."(Proverbs 20:1)
The word "decieved" means tricked into believing, or being thought by the person concerned that it is alright. We are influenced by a lot of things that we hear, see or taste and these things do deceive us at times. The verse above advise against being addicted to strong drink or wine. The strong drink will cause a person lose control of his mind. If you have any experience with a drunkard person, you will know what I mean. Everything, the drunkard will say, or expose. There is nothing that a drunkard person will not say, that will bring himself to ridicule. Often, the drunkard is aggressive and dangerous, reminding that there is a raging commotion in side. The book of Proverbs touched a lot about strong drink. It says, a person who are under its control will never be rich. It mentioned that the drink is like a python that will not let go once the person is addicted. That is why people find it difficult to kick out the habit. It says that is is like a viper, which is poisonous. The poison will eventually killed a person spiritually. But those who love strong will tell you all the benefits- to suggest that they are trully deceived by their thoughts, desire of the flesh and by the advertisements.
7.03.2013
Jesus spoke, "She has done a beautiful thing to me." ( Mark 14: 3-9)
This part of the Scriptures tells us about Mary who broke the jar of a very expensive perfume and anointed Jesus. The perfume will cost about a year's wages, and Judas rebuked her for wasting in on Jesus. Jesus commended her action saying that she had performed a beautiful act. Beautiful act that she did was anointing Jesus with a very expensive perfume. Jesus must have been such an important person to her. She was willing to use something of great value to show that Jesus is such an important person to her. She was willing to sacrifice. Likewise, if God is very important in our life, then He deserved to receive the best from us. That will be a beautiful act on our part, to give the best, of great value and that will cost us much. That will then be a real sacrifice. That normally is what we do for someone that we love. Let us think about it. Are the things that we do commendable, or as a beautiful act. The Bible reminded us that our earthly treasures will not follow us when we die, but our deeds will.
04.03.2013
" This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but not rich towards God."( Luke 12:21)
I love to read what Jesus said to his Disciples because the words are direct from Him. The above verse actually is what Jesus said about a rich fool who wants to store and enlarge his barns and plans to enjoy his life and be merry. In the end, God will demand his life from him that very day. The message is for us who think and plan to do something for ourselves and forget about God. It is planning to enjoy life without ever thinking of putting God first in our lives because our life and what we have actually are from God. Many of us are busy doing things for ourselves, and we refuse or give all kinds of excuse not to do something for God. All our efforts are aimed at enriching ourselves so that we can have good life a head of us. There is nothing wrong in working hard to improve our life later, but if we do so without fearing God and not committing our lives and possessions to God, we will actually be very poor in front of God. To be rich in God is to involve ourselves with ministry, supporting the work for God with our effort, time and money. Do we ever realize that whatever we earn for ourselves does not bring anything to us in later life? Unless what we earn is shared with the poor, and with the needy and God's ministry. Do we share God's blessings? Do we commit ourselves in God's work? Nothing that we do for God is in vain and they will be stored up in heaven.
28.02.2013
" A soft answer turneth away wrath but grievous words stir up anger"(Proverb 15:1)
True, this is where I am often tested. When some one answer in an offending way, we will be very angry. We just cannot accept anyone who answers us angrily, sacastically, or in any rough manner. Imagine some one shouting at you when you just want a soft answer. Worst still if he or she adds all kinds of bad words together with the answer. We will be very sore. That is how we feel if someone answered us in such a manner. What if we are the one who are doing it with someone else. That someone else will feel the same way too. The verse above will help us to be wise especially when we speak or answer when somebody asks us. When someone speaks to us angrily, we can counter with a soft answer. That will not intimidate the person concern. If someone responds is a soft way, when I demand an answer, I will feel bad for asking angrily. Is is good to learn to speak in a proper manner so that no one will be offended. Wise words bring peace and that is what God wants us to do. Do not be confrontational with one another.
25.02.13
" He that walked in his uprightness feareth the Lord; but he that is perverse in his ways despised Him." ( Proverbs 14:2)
When we fear God, we will try to do what He says. We will be obedient to God's will. We will try to walk uprightly. But if we keep on sinning, we do not fear God at all and that means we despise Him. God says that He will defend the righteous but those who despises Him will be on their own. Therefore, we must learn to walk in the ways of the Lord. The most difficult test is when we are on our own and nobody sees us. If we know that God watches over us, we will be careful enough to live uprightly all the time. The prayer of a righteous man is very powerful, says James. God blesses the righteous. God says that fearing God is wise indeed because God will be on our side at all times.
23.02.13
"lIKE A FATHER PITIETH HIS CHILDREN, SO THE LORD PITIED THEM THAT FEARED HIM. (Psalms 103:13)
This verse will encourage us because it tells us that God is like a father to us, who will always have pity on his children. Our father will do anything to ensure that we are taken care of, in all things such as our daily needs, our protection and our future. He will make sure that we have enough to sustain. We also know that our earthly father will love us more than any other. Our heavenly Father loves us too, for He is the one who formed each and everyone of us. He will not allow us to be lost too. He will ensures that we remain under His protection and care. Now our God will pity us so long as we fear Him. Fearing God leads us to depend on Him and to obey Him. If we sin day after day, we do not show that we fear God. The reason many of us do not want to fall into sin is because we fear God, who knows whatever we do. Such fear prevents us from committing something that displeases God. If God does pity us, He will bless us even more.
20.02.2013
" This is what the Lord Almighty says, " Give careful thought to your ways. Go up the mountains and bring down timber and build the house so that i may take pelasure in it and be honoured." ( Haggai 1:7)
Do i give careful thoughts to my ways? What is my priority in life? Is things of the Lord more important than mine? Where do i spend most of my money? Do I put aside some for the extension of God's Kingdom on earth? Do I support the ministry? Do I help with the building of God's house? Really, when we think of some people's comment on church building, some are quick to say that it is not necessary. But looking back at what God's people in the Bible did, such as Abraham, Jacob, Moses, David, Solomon and many others, they built something for God. Their intimacy with God led them to build something, a place of worship, as such altar, tent or temple. The verse above is quite clear. God want to take pleasure in the building that we build for Him eventhough He does not need it. He wants a building where He would be honoured. Building house for God is part of our worship to God. It will bring honoured to God because it would be used to glorify and honour God. It will provide the necessary facilities so that God's work can begin. When we give to God, give something of value, not peanut! If we really value God, then we give our best. Yes, everything that we do for God, is part of our worship.
14.02.13
" The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and the knowledge of the holy is understanding" (Proverbs 9; 10)
FEARING God leads us to be obedient to His will. This fear prevents us from living a life that displeases God knowing the fact that, whatever we do under the sun or at night, or in the depth of our heart, the all knowing God will know us. When we fear God we will submit to God and humble ourselves. This brings blessings from God. Nothing that we do for God is in vain. Everything that we do to honour God will bring blessings upon our life, our family and our home. Anyone, educated or non educated, rich or poor, who fear God will be given wisdom from God. To know our God is what understanding is all about. If we choose to ignore the Almighty God, and refuse to know him or search for Him and learn from Him, through His Word, then we are heading for destruction. Let us know that there is a God who makes everything possible for us when we fear Him and obey Him. That is true wisdom and understanding.
4.02.2013
"And say, how have i hated instruction and my heart despised reproof, and have not obeyed the voice of my teachers, nor inclined mine ear to them that instructed me. (Proverbs 5:12-13)
what are the indication that I hated instruction and despised reproof? Instructions are given to guide us so that we do not misbehave or do things against the law, life or rule. Reproof are meant to correct the mistakes we made so that we do not repeat them and get ourselves more and more in trouble. Some clear indication of not wanting to listen and follow instruction is, avoiding learning from the word of God and not wanting to hear the preacher preach. Or not going to sunday worship because we just don't want to hear somebody tell us not to sin etc. And we refuse to do what we are supposed to do. These are clear indication of hating instruction. Despised reproof to is when we get angry with people who try to help us. We grumble and get angry when someone tells us of our mistakes. We do not want to be criticized. We are quick to rebutt or quarrel. This shows that we are indeed not willing to be told of what to do. We need to obey with meekness the instruction of the word of God, our teachers or leaders of the church so that we will become wise. Lord, teach me to humble myself. Amen.
30.01.13
"Free you have receive, freely ye give. (Matt 10;8)
This is one verse that speaks about giving. Many people including myself are born selfish. When we were a child, we want everything for ourselves. Or we want more for ourselves and less for others. Or we will give but the best we keep for our selves. Well, we might give now but the best portion is still ours. We are still keeping the best for ourselves. The verse above tells us that what we gain for ourselves is actually God's provision. He gave our income, our wealth or our possessions. He mad sure that we have a job, or God gives everyone some kind of skills to earn a living. He let companies take us. He ensures that we are not sick. So God actually is behind whatever that we have. He is the actual provider. That is why, we need to learn to give freely because God had been giving to us freely. He gave His Son Jesus Christ to die for our sins. That we might live and obtain salvation and more blessings. Do not think that what we have accumulated is our hard earn income. Give freely and more will be given to us. Lord Jesus, let me learn to give freely to those in need.
28.01.2013
" But just as you excel in everything- in faith, in speech,in knowledge, in complete ernestness and in your love for us, see that you also excel in the grace of giving.'( 2 Corinthians 8:7)
Paul exhorts the Corinthians to excel in everything, such as in faith, speech, knowledge, ernestness and in your love and also in grace of giving. I want to ponder of the last part of this verse- the grace of giving. Giving had been an issue since tithes, pledges etc had entered into the church system. But there are other forms of giving but all under the word- Giving. To excel in giving means there is a level that we can reach and that is excellence. At the first level, we are not willing to give. The second level is we give but partially. The third level is we give but with friction. The higher level is we give without friction, that is with joy. When we reach excellence in giving, it is due to great love and joy, the type of giving that goes beyond the ordinary- in poverty and difficulty. That is what the Macedonians did, if you read the background to the text. They were poor, they were in difficulties but they insist on giving to the saints in Jerusalem. They want to take part because they said it was a pleasure and privilege to give. When we reach such stage, we do not bother whether is for tithes, pledges, commitment, offering etc. We want to share what we have, knowing that our God has always been gracious to us. Lord, teach me to give to Your work with joy.
26.01.2013
"Let the high praises of God be in their mouths and a two edged sword in thier hands, to execute vengeanve upon the heathen and punishment upon the people. To bind their kings with chains, their nobles with fetters of iron."( Psalms 149:6-9)
I had one experience about this many years ago. I had shared this in my testimony. In one of the prayer service that I had attended as an observer, a few of the young participants were unfortunately possessed and we could not cast out the demonic spirits inspite of some prayer warriors with us. When I prayed to cast out, the spirits refused to go out. In the end, I took the mic, get the musicians and of we go, PRAISING THE LORD. Slow at first but went in high gear. The entire congregation suddenly was praising God beyond their normal way, and soon the demonic spirits left the 4 young people. That was the most wonderful experience I had ever had. There is power in praise. So powerful that we just need to praise God and He does the rest. He binds the evil ones with spiritual chains and iron! If we read the history of the kingdom of Israel, at the head of some of their armies were people who would praise God. This is something that everyone of us must know. There is real power in praise.
24.01.13
"Peter spoke, " I now realize how true it is that God does not show favouritism but accepts men from every nation who fear Him and do what is right."(Acts 10:24)
In our world today, people group themselves under races, under colour, under training and under certain spiritual gifts! But God does not show favouritism. Everyone who fear and do what is right, God will accept. The Jews of old had a problem with that before Jesus came. They considered the the other people as unclean etc. and not in the group. They thought that God belongs to them only. But when God changed Peter, his world view changed. What God has cleanse is clean. Everyone belongs to God, those who fear and accepts Him. There are so many denominations in this world, every denomination claim this and that, but to God, He is only looking for those who fear Him, who worship Him in spirit and in truth and who is doing what is right. When any one receive Jesus as Lord and Saviour, he or she belongs to the body of Christ. They become partakers of the New Covenant. They are our brothers and sisters. True Christianity has no favouritism.
22.01.13
"Praise ye the Lord! Praise the Lord, O my soul. While I live, I will praise the Lord; I will sing praises unto my God while I have any being."(Psalms 146: 1-2)
King David was a man of war. He was a busy king and as a king all kinds of problems came to him. Most are life threatening situations. If we read the Bible about him, you will know what I mean. But he had all the time with His God. In so much difficulties and matters of state, king David never stop to sing praises to God. He asked everyone to praise the Lord. He asked his soul to praise the Lord. He said, while he lives, he will praise the Lord. Such difficulties and problems he faced didi not deter him from praising God. He said he will praise the Lord while his being is still there. That is throughout his moments of living. Only when he dies, he won't be able to praise the Lord. He will place all his troubles before God and afterwards, praise God. That is why, king David was a man after God's heart. He wants to please God and God was pleased with him. In spite of wars and many enemies from within and without his kingdom, God eventually gave him peace on all sides. That is why he sang, " God is my fortress! God is my shield in times of troubles..." Why am I finding it hard to thank and praise God even in happy situations? Why am I saying " I need not sing in church?" Why is it so difficult to sing praises unto God when I know that He had supplied all that I need? Let us praise God! Praise God O my soul.
20.01.13
"There is a way which seemeth right to a man; but the end thereof is death (Proverb 14:12)
Education has made us into critical thinkers, Philosphers, etc and because we had been led by many kinds of teachings, we often argue that what we think is the truth and those of others are not. So often we argue and argue and so often we give our opinions against others. These often make us even more unteachable. It often make us even proud because we see a lot of things while others seemed not. In Isaiah we are reminded that God's thoughts are beyond man's thoughts and His ways are also. When our ideas or opinion or thoughts go againsts what's in the Bible, than we better humble ourselves. Our own perceptions, our own opinion might lead us to self- righteousness and to death. It is better accept what a man of God says when he preaches the Word of God, whether his education lower than ours, because God is the difference. If God is in us, you can expect Him to give you some knowledge that others who do not have. A meek looking man of God is a mighty man, if the Holy Spirit is in him. Many people forgot that when a person is bringing the Good News of the Gospel, God is with him. That is why, what ever our level of knowledge is, when a man of God preaches, we better be still and listen so that we will learn some thing from God. To be wise, we need to take heed to the advice of the wise. It is good to be humble in life, especially in areas of knowledge. Knowledge of God is true wisdom. The knowledge of God comes from His Word- the Bible.
16.01.12
"Happy is that people whose God is the Lord.(Psalms 144:1)
My reading this morning leads me to this verse. The beginning of this chapter tells us that God is our shelter our fortress and our deliverer. Those who hope and put their trust in the Lord, who is Jesus Christ find protection. If God is our protector, who dare to destroy us? Storms will pass by and we will not be hurt. A few weeks ago I dreamed of suddenly surrounded by swarms of bees. Naturally I stooped down and the lay on the ground. But many of the bees were on my back, but they did not sting me. Because of God. These swarms of bees will pass by, the same to difficulties of life and attacks from the evil ones. Yes, if God is truly our God, then whatever comes, we will always be protected. Yes happy are we who belong to this God, Hallelujah!
15.01.13
" I remember the days of old; I meditate on all thy works, I muse on the work of Thy hands.(Pslams 143:1)
God always reminded the people of Israel what He had done for them. How he rescued them and how he had helped them. It is a good thing to reflect back upon the mercy and goodness of God in our life. Not many people advise us to do that. But if you read the Bible, God continued to tell them of His mighty deeds of years gone by. To make them see and follow what those before them had done. Testimonies about what God has done in our life is very important for a Church to grow. It encourages, it points us to certain direction and it prevents us from repeating the same mistake. That is why, we need to remember of what God had done in our life. Some churches don't allow testimonies of people, saying it will be a waste of time. There is always time for everything. We need to use our time wisely. In Revelation, the devil feared the testimonies of believers because his works is exposed. If someone being delivered from bondage gives a testimony, all those who are experiencing such difficulties will be helped, they will find a way out. That is why, those who had experienced the miracles of God in their life, if they speak out, will really cause damage to the kingdom of satan. In fact we will do the devil's favor by preventing people from exposing his evil work. Meditating God's word transformed our mind. The word of God enters our mind, over and over, and any bad thoughs will be pushed away. The only way our mind is renewed is through reading the word of God.
14.01.13
"Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in His Holiness."( 1 Heb 12:10)
Our human nature is that we do not want others to tell us what to do and how to do things. Not that we are right or wrong but just because we just don't want others to interfere in our everyday life. Even if we know that there is truth in what others tell us, our pride or ego just don't want us to admit it. We all know that the advised of our parents are to enable us to avoid trouble, to be good or to stay in the correct path. But when God discipline us through rebuke, difficulties or affliction, it is for for our salvation. God wants us to progress through the faith that is in us. We face difficulties so that we will learn to rely on Him. We must know that when we are made low, only then can we go up. To go up, we have to go down first. We can only obtain honour when we are humbled. Pride, as i said is one of the chief obstacle to a teachable heart. The others of course is sin. It is sin that do not want to leave us. It wants to cling to us, so it keeps on tugging at our emotion, pride and desire so that we will oppose any attempt to discipline us towards the path that lead to eternal life. God's discipline is for our salvation, painful it may be, but the end part is to share in His glory. To refine silver or gold, it has to go through the furnace, isn't it. And once it had been refined, it is acceptable to the Maker.
07.01.13
" The Word of God is offensive to them, they find no pleasure in it" (Jeremiah 6: 10)
Even though the Israelites saw sign and wonders over and over again, they were quick to forget what God had done in their lives. In fact, we are no different nowadays. We know the Word of God because we hear it every sunday, or we read it once and while. Some have many Bibles in their homes. The problem is we only want to listen to what is good to us. What i mean, is we only want to accept what is pleasing to our ears. If the preacher touched on our weaknesses or sins, we become very angry. We will say that the pastor preached wrongly this time. We praised the pastor if he preached according to what pleases us. We are so happy when the pastor or preacher said something that we know. If he preached on something that we do not know, we say that he is wrong.
But God's word is there to rebuke us if we have sins. The word of God is there to stop us from going from bad to worse. The word of God is warning us or healing us. So if we are hurt badly by the Word, then that is the real problem with us. That problem need to be removed or dealt with. If we think that the Word of God is offensive, then we must receive it positively and obey it. If not, we will not progress if sins are still there. Of course pride is the real reason for us to dislike the advice of the Word. We don't want the Word to tell us that we are wrong. We don't want to be told of what to do. That is pride and not humility. Some people refuse to go to church because they do not want to be preached about the Word of God. In other word, they refuse to change. They want to remain in sins. That is what sin will do in our life. It prevents us from listening to the Word so that we will remain unsaved and moving towards eternal punsihment.
03.01.13
" Though i walk in the midst of trouble thou will revive me, Thou shall stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies and Thy right hand shall save me."( Psalms 138:7)
This is what I need in this trouble world, where the devil and his gang of demons are trying to destroy God's people with all kinds of ways. Many inventions are made to get us away from the Bible. Our interest in the Word of God is waning because the devil is trying to get other things more interesting and attractive. People are instigated by the evil forces to destroy what is good so that we can't enjoy God's creation. Yes, we are troubled on all sides, but God will make my love for God fresh He will put fences around me so that troubles do not push me down. My enemies can do nothing when my God is shielding me from accusations, from curses and from arrows of the evil forces. God's right hand is my strength, my shield and my help. God will save me from my troubles and from my enemies. In God my trust will stand. In God i walk under His protection all the days of my life. Who can harm me when the God of all creation is my protector? Lord protect me from all anxieties and worries. Let You right hand shield my minds from evil thoughts, worries and trouble. I ask this in Jesus name. Amen
01.01.2013
"Who giveth food to all flesh, for His mercies endureth forever." (Psalms 136:25)
Thinking of what we have last year and what we will have this new year, we can only thank God for all the provision of life, especially food. He gives food to all, believer or non-believer. Of course many people will argue that what belongs to them are out of their own efforts. That is what the proud will say. That is what a person who does not believe in God says and that is what a person who trust in all his abilities says. But God, in His enduring mercies, gives us life, gives us families, gives us skills, gives us knowledge, gives us all that is required to live. Therefore, we should not be hesitant to give thanks to God for what He had done last year. Many will say, its my own effort that i get my food. If God takes our life back, do you think we can live. If you are sick, do you think you would be able to work? All of these are related and from the beginning to the end, God is behind or knows everything. He is the God who cares. What a merciful God we have. There is no other God.
30.12.12
"Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him, Imanuel." (Isaiah 7:14)
Chapter 7 and 8 of the Book of Isaiah is the prophecy on the birth of Jesus. Son of God. This prophecy was given more than 700 years before the birth of Jesus. This is the sign given by God to tell us that indeed, God had sent His Son to this world to save mankind. Mary who has yet to be married gave to a child, who was called Imanuel, God with us. Christmas gives meaning of to all mankind of a generous God who would give the ultimate gift, in His Son Jesus' Christ. That is why Christmas carries the spirit of giving. Christmas gift is from God to man. We need to be generous to all that we come into contact with. We need to bring this virtue to shine forth God's wonderful grace to us all. Make Christmas special. Open our hearts to God so that, we will give freely to the needy world.
4.12.12
"Your Word is a lamp to my feet and light to my path."(Psalms 119:105)
In our world, we will need torch light or lamp if we want to walk at night or in the dark. We need lamp to see where we will place our two feet without knocking something or stepping on something harmful. When we have a lamp, we can walk in the dark as if we walk during the day. When we have the light at night, we will not stumble or we will see whether there is danger or not. As for God's Word, we need it as walk in the spiritual world. We cannot see the spiritual world. We cannot see spirits. We cannot see the evil forces of darkness. So we need the Word of God to guide and give us understanding in order to disern the invisible. We need God,who is a Spirit to help us otherwise we become victims to the invisible demons. Yes God Word will be aou lamp to walk in the spiritual realm.
26.11.12
I spoke to prophets, gave them visions and told parables through them.( Hosea 12:10)
Dreams and visions, or Chizayon in Hebrews means revelation. God sometimes speaks to us through dreams or visions, to reveal to us something that He wants us to know, to warn us, to guide us or to teach us. As God is spirit, He will communicate with us to our spirit. The Bible is about supernatural happening. There are many things that had happened beyond what a human can do. Only God can make things happen, that we cannot make ourselves. So how do the prophets know? Through visions and dreams. God showed to them. So the prophets acted because God showed to them what to do or not to do. God is behind the supernatural happenings. He used parables, to make it easier to understand. There is a pattern or some patterns which will enable us to understand God's message. But many Christians do not regards dreams or vision as important. Thus they are not in constant communication with God. In Joel 2: 28, God is pouring His Spirit on all people. Some will prophesy, some will dream and some see visions. It is important that we take heed to dreams and visions, because if thy are from God, it would really help us to move in our Christian life.
22.11.12
Teach me knowledge and good judgement, for believe in Your command.(Psalms 119:66)
The word of God advises me on many things that i do not know, overlook or purposely don't do. God has said that a lack of konwledge cast off restrain. That is what happen to me Lord. I lack knowledge of your laws, thus causing me do things as i pleased. Your word will counsel or warn me. What i need as a leader is knowledge and good judgement so that i can be of use as a leader of man. I need your laws so that others will be lead according to your ways. I need to understand before i lead others to understand. Teach me and enlighten me Lord as I read your word everyday. Lord enable me to exerise good judgement. Your word gives me wisdom. Lord cause me to delight in your word all the time. I ask this in Jesus' name. Amen
21.11.12
Your statutes are my delight; they are my counselors (Psalms 119: 24)
God' s word is life. God's word brings life and make us vibrant and dinamic because it is alive and powerful. His word brings life to our body and spirit. Our body needs His statutes to revive us so that we will be able to focus on God with a renewed mind. His word teaches us, for they are our counselors. The word advice us and give us wisdom to manage ourselves in this world. Yes, where man's thoughts are but foolishness, God's word will make us live the way God wants us to live. We need counsel and that we can get by reading God's word. Lord, let your word be my guide and my counselors all the day of my life. Amen
19.11.12
'Your boasting is not good. Don't you know that a little yeast works through the whole batch of dough?Get rid of the old yeast that you may be a new batch without yeast- as you really are." ( 1 Cor. 5: 6-7)
Boasting about our good works is not good. It is personal pride that is self lifting or self glorifying. God hates pride, which is sin. The verse above warns of what a sin, no matter how small will bring to a whole body. That sin will enlarge or increase and destroy the whole person. In the new life, the old must not be kept because any old habits or sin, if not dislodge will prick the new life. Live in the new life, without sin of the old. Our mind must be renewed by the truth which is the Word of God. A true commitment is necessary. A partial commitment means some of the whole is still there. It it is still in our life, it will eventually engulf us. If we are being born again, do not fall back to the old ways. As we live in the new life, we are bound to experience successes in the spritual life or currend life, but do not boast. Paul says, he will only boast in his weaknessess. Lord, take away my boasting and let my heart be thankful and humble. I ask this in Jesus' name. Amen
18.11.12
"And when the people complained, it displeased the Lord. (Numbers 11:1)
Man, unless reconciled with God, will always complain about anything that displeases him. We are always looking at what we will get first, or we will not be satisfied. If we are not included, we complain. If our wishes is not met, we complain. If we don't get any benefit from what we do, we complain. If others did not do what we expect of them, we complain. We complain because we are not satisfied. Why are we not satisfied? Because it does not bring any good to us. So at the centre of the complain is of course ourselves. We just want things for us and not for others. This where self is exalted. When we are reconciled with God, we give ourselves to Him. We surrender our self to Him. So we live to please God and be generous to others. To serve others. The ministry of God is serving God, which in actual fact is serving others. God is not pleased with a grumbling and complaining heart. We surrender ourselves to God, we will do what pleases God. Lord, give me a thankful and generous heart. I ask this in Jesus' name.Amen.
8.11.12
" Be joyful always (vs 16), pray continually(vs 18), give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thes. 5: 16-18)
God wants us to be joyful because joy is contagious. It beams happy mood to others. Joy and gladness belong to every child of God because their God is the true God who will hear and help those who believe. Every Christian who is born again will experience this. Those who are not born again will not,because they are yet to be forgiven and cleanse by the Holy Spirit. They may call themselves Christians but in actual fact, they had not made that commitment to be a FOLLOWER OF cHRIST. At any temptation, they will embrace other faith because they haven't really know Jesus. Sing for joy, if you are a Christian. Paul also says, pray always. To protect against evil that we cannot see, we need to pray to God for protection. This is very critical. The devil has all kinds of ways to hurt us, but only God can know and help us. Be thankful in all kinds of situations. Be it, when we are on the mountains, or in the valleys, be thankful always. We must have the heart of gratitude and thanks all the time. Generousity and grace needs to rule our hearts. Lord let my heart be joyful, to always depend on you and to be thankful of what i receive and what i get from you. I pray this in Jesus' name.
31.10.12
"I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust." (Psalms 91:2)
Lord, i am very tired and weary. You have put me up where i am now, and the responsibilities bearing down on me. It like a burden that stick and refuse to go. How wished that i am a no body. But you have put me where i am now. Light and salt. As a servant for You. Lord now, I need you even more. You are my refuge. Where the arrows fly thick, you are my shield. Where the valley is deepest, you will be there to help. I will hide in you O Lord. You are my fortress. I am safe in your care. No evil will befall me. The power of darkness will not touch me because, You my Lord is my God. In You O Lord, i put my trust. Amen
19.10.12
"I would rather be a door keeper in the house of the Lord than dwell in the tents of the wicked."(Psalms 84: 10b)
Yes Lord, I would rather serve you than serve wealth kings. I would rather serve God more than i serve others. Even serving God as a door keeper in God's house is better then to be the chief official in the court of kings. What is the least of all work in God's house? I would rather do it than to hold high position in the house of kings. LORD, help me to acknowledge that serving You is far better than serving other people. Your Kingdom is eternal and everlasting. The kingdom of this world is just for a while. Humble me Lord so that i would regard any little thing I do for You as more valuable than Gold and silver. Pastors and all those who serve the Lord are serving the King of kings and Lord of lord. What a privilege!
16.10.12
"Set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at teh right hand of God."( Col. 3: 3b)
Where there is your treasures there is your heart also- this is what Jesus said. Normally things that we love most is where out attention and effort are. And if we are not careful, the things that will perish will be given our top priority and the thing that is eternal might be forgotten until too late. The rich young man, went to Jesus and asked Him what must he do to gain eternal life. He did almost all, except that he did not want to part with his wealth. He turned away sadly. Wealth of this world might blind our hearts to things above. If our hearts is set on something, we will do anything for that something. The above verse wants us to set our hearts on things above. Once we love Jesus and heaven, we will sure to do anything to gain access to heaven. Heaven is our ultimate destination. We must put that as top priority.
15.10.12
" For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.( 1 Tim 4: 4-5)"
Many of us are not aware of the important of God's Word and prayer for our daily life. In fact reading God's word is so important that, without reading it, we would be just like going without our daily bath. Imagine not taking our bath for a day in warm conditions. It would be very unhealthy not to clean ourselves with water, everyday. In fact many of us take our bath at least 2 time a day. The word of God consecrates us daily because we are bound to come into contact with the world. Prayer is a continuos communication with God. We are being attacked on all sides by the lure of the world or by evil forces who would not allow us to remain faithful to God. So prayer is surrounding ourselves with God's protection all along the way. We are walking in bad territories, we better take heed. Prayer also consecrate us by the power of God.
13.10.12
"In nothing be anxious; but in everything by prayer and suplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known unto God.( Phil 4:6)
eeveryone of us are not free from anxieties. We are troubled by all kinds of thoughts due to job pressure, peer pressure, business or examinations that we are going to sit. Yes, we are often not at peace in our mind and hearts. But the verse above is telling us how to get rid of anxiety. Bring them to God in prayer, supplication and thankgiving because God will take care of our troubles. He is our peace. He is our fortress. He is our protector. Who can be against us? We must put our faith in God. The beginning of anxiety is the end of faith and the beginning of true faith is the end of anxiety. So let us practise faith with the full conviction that God is always there to help us.
1.10.2012
" Through Jesus therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise, the fruit of our lips to confess His name." (Hebrew 13:15)
Praising God with our lips is a sacrifice that we can offer to God everyday. I believe every Christian can sing song of praise. We don't have to wait to sing praises unto God only on Sunday. We can do it any where, at work in the office, while we drive or when we are at home. Why should we sing worldly songs or listen to world songs when we have many worship songs that can quicken our mind to pray and worship God. Once we have Christ in us, we shopuld bear fruits, and one of the fruits of course is the fruit of our lips- praises unto God. So let us remember some choruses of short hymns to sing to God as our daily sacrifice.
7.9.12
"But my people would not listen to me, Israel would not submit to me. So i gave them over to their stubborn hearts, to follow their own devices. If my people would listen to me, if Israel would follow my ways, how quickly would i subdue their enemies, and turn my hand against their foes.( Psalms 81: 11- 14)
When we don't listen, we refuse to submit and that is selfcenteredness. That is following ourselves. Stubbornness is sin and it will lead to destruction. The self follows its own desire, the desire of the world and will eventually be under the control of the evil one. If we remain stubborn, God will just leave us to our destruction. But if we listen and submit to Him, he will be our defense, our tower of strength, our shield of protection. He will destroy the work of darkness within and outside us. He will save us from our enemies who are self, the world and the devil.
30.08.2012
"The other servant came and said, "Sir, here is what belongs to you." The master answered, "Well you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so when i returned i would have received it back with interest.....throw that worthless servant outside, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." ( Matthew 25:14-30)
BROTHERS and sisters, this is the sin of ommission. Not wanting to do anything with your gift is also sin. The spiritual gift given to us is for us to help with the ministry and to be fruitful to the body of Christ. The above parable is an obvious case where the last servant hid the talent and returned it back. To us, nothing was wrong because the master got back his money. But the master was not happy. He expected the servant to do something but he did not. Disobedience and not doing anything with something given by God is a grave sin too. The poor servant, not only have the talent taken away from him, but HE ALSO THROWN out into hell!
17.8.2012
"Now to each one, the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.(I Corinthians 12: 7)"
One thing all the believers must know is that everyone who believes and receives Jesus as Lord and savior has al least a Spiritual gift. At least one, according to this verse. It is to be used for the common good, or for the church. We cannot say we don't have. What then is our spiritual gift or gifts? We must identify it so that we can play our role accordingly. At least we will be of help to any members of the church. Our spiritual gifts are linked to what we can do best, or our current vocation. It is often linked to our natural abilities, if we commit such for God. Not doing anything is like burying our gift and give it back to the master when he ask for it. We are stewards of such gift, and if you remember the parable of the talents and minas, what is given to us, we will have to give an account. Can we excuse ourselves? We are not answerable to our church leaders! We are answerable to GOD, the giver of gift. We have to tell Him ourself why we do not exercise the gift entrusted to us. Or are we accusing our church members of not playing their role but we ourselves are not even exercising ours? Don't be busy looking at how others exercise their gifts, lets busy with ours also. So we must remind ourselves that we have a spiritual gift and we need to identify and play our role. Lord, forgive me for telling others what to do, but myself not doing what i am suppose to do. I ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.
11.8.2012
"Every man also to whom God hath given riches and wealth, and hath given him power to eat thereof, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labour; this is the gift of God."( Ecclesiastes 5:19)
LET no one therefore, take personal pride in his own abilities or his possessions!They are in deepest sense, gifts of God's grace. God make us rich by giving us skill and abilities. Our natural abilities are God's will for us to be able to manage our life. The verse says that we can take our portion for ourselves. The 10% still belongs to God. You see, the other portion is ours. But do we acknowledge that what we have is from God? Do we forget the Giver of gift thinking that all that we have is because our our own efforts? Our prosperity, our successes is God's gift to us. We are given the power to eat and rejoice in our labour for that is God's gift to us. To take and enjoy our portion. Thank you God for all the good things that i have. Continue to bless me so that I could bless others In Jesus name i pray.Amen.
6.8.2012
" But as for me, my feet has almost slipped. I had nearly lost my foothold. For i envied the arrogant when i saw the prosperity of the wicked."( Psalm 73)
Why are we so angry at times? The reason is we are not happy to see those who are living wicked lives enjoying themselves. Or sometimes, we think others are getting what they don't deserve. This made us jealous and unsatisfied. So we are busy judging or casting look upon others. This is where many Christians sin. They envy those whom they think did not deserve the prosperity and enjoyment of life. But God gives to everybody, Christians and non believers and will be accountable with that they do at the end of their day. That is why, we need not be envious of what we see around us and commit sin. David admitted that he almost sin by being envious. We need to be thankful of what we have and is going to have for eternity. The wicked will not bring their riches with them when they die. They have nothing, but we have everything ready for us in heaven. Lord, help me see what you will give to me and receive when i enter your dwelling place at the end of my life on earth. I pray this in Jesus' name. Amen.
29.7.2012
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.(1 John 1:9)
Everyone of us sins. Everytime i think of what I had done every week, I realized that i had always done something that might have caused others to sin or I had not been obedient enough in my faith. I sin and as such, i need God's forgiveness. That is what we need to do everyday, to seek for forgiveness from God so that we remain in His care. Jesus is faithful and He will always forgive us. We are bound to sin, unconsciously and consciously and that is why we need forgiveness. To be forgiven release us to move on in the Christian faith. We need to acknowledge that we fall into sins time and again and we neet to admit that and come to repentance. We need to confess it with our lips. But be forgiven, we need to forgive others who had sins against us. This is difficult but the principle is that we need to forgive others before we seek for forgiveness from God. When we forgive others, we are free from all kinds of bondages such as hatred, jealousy etc.
22.07.2012
"Do everything without arguing or complaining, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crocked and depraved generation.( Philipians 2: 14-15)
Shining like stars is the heading of this part of the Scriptures. When something is pure, it emits light or it shines. The believer is to grow in the faith and love of Christ. He is to pursue righteousness that is until the day of Christ. We all know that the reason for us to always complain and argue is that there are things that we are not happy about. There are dissatisfaction for all kinds of reason, all of course point to the self. Moving away from selfcentered to Christ centeredness will quieting the grumbling of the heart because we tend to think more of others than ourselves. When we complain or argue, more wrongs will we do and as such, purity is out of the question. In fact, the less we control our mouth, the less we are likely to encounter problems. We need humility so that we are able to prevent ourselves from pushing ourselves up. It is good to love on another and help one another more. We need self control in this generation where people want to above the other.
10.07.2012
""The love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit." (Romans 5:5)
Obviously we cannot have the love of God in our heart unless the Holy Spirit puts it there. No action on our part can do that at all. It is by the grace of God through the work of the Holy Spirit can we have love from God to understand what God's love really means. The world can't understand or experience it, neither anyone who has no God in his heart. So we need the Holy Spirit to dwell in our hearts and take control so that we can produce the fruits of the Holy Spirit. Let us understand this. Without God, we will never be able to understand what the love of God really means. People who do not know God will think that the love of God is similar to the way the world love. Lord, we need the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit in my heart. Amen.
23.6.12
"There is a way which seemed right to a man; but the end thereof is death..(Proverb 14:12)
We must all know that man always think that what he does is right. You will seldom come across anyone who wants to admit that what he is doing is wrong. We sometimes know that we had done something wrong, but due to pride, we insist that we are right although deep in our heart, we are feeling guilty. There is no gain in holding to something which is wrong. We must all know that death waits for us every turn of the day. Death should remind us that its no use to conceal anything that is not right. Man is inclined to make a mistake but we must be humble enough to put things right before death over take us. Yes, things that we do seemed right but it is always safe to check what we do with the Word of God so that, we are always ready when the time comes.
18.6.12
"Let death take my enemies by surprise, let them go down alive to the grave, for evil find lodging among them( Psalms 55:15)
"People allows themselves to do bad things, especially to themselves and even worst, to others. Evil is something that bend on destruction of the self and others. Evil is the work of the devil, trying to find a lodge in the heart of man, so that the evil forces will perform their evil deeds. Evil won't triumph unless we allow it to. To prevent evil from doing its work, we have to prevent it from entering our heart and dwelling within. Once we plant it there, evil will spread within, and it will cause us to do evil deeds with the sole purpose of completeing the work of the devil- through man. Hence, do not let the seeds of evil find lodge in our hearts. Give our hearts to God and evil will find no room to dwell in.
14.6.12
"Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out.(Acts 3:19)
Repenting is changing our life pattern to another pattern. To stop doing something that we did before for a different or new thing or new way. When we repent of our sins, we do not do such sins again. We stop committing it. Repentance is conversion. So there should not be a turning back. But if we do, we haven't repented. If we do repent, the sins that we had committed before is forgiven and blotted out. But if not, then, the sins is still there, not blotted out. So let us repent.
6.6.2012
"The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run into it and are safe.( Proverbs 8: 10)
Such is when we put our trust in God. When we receive Jesus as our Lord and saviour we have a strong tower where we will find refuge in times of trouble. So as a child of God, who can destroy us? Who can touch us, when God is our strong tower and our defense? The name of Jesus has power to protect, to heal and the power to destroy the work of evil. Yes, we will find refuge in Jesus' name. Those who receive and confess the name of Jesus will be save. The Christian will be safe because he will call upon the name of the Lord and he is saved. Let us receive Jesus as our Lord and Saviour.
26.05.12
" The sacrifice of God is a broken spirit ; a broken and contrite heart, O God thou will not despise.( Psalms 51:17)
A broken heart and spirit is one that is emotionally and spiritually touched and will cry or weep unashamedly. They will acknowledge God and confess their transgression before God and men. Many people regard those who cry or weep in the service as weak minded and too emotional. but God would not. God knows that when a person is broken, the person will cry to God. When we see and feel how wretched we are we will break. Normally who are broken returns to God.
22.05.12
"By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward. Psalms 19:11)
The Word of God warns us about the dangers of sins and the devices of the devil, who has no other work except to kill and destroy. When we read the word of God we will know the truth and avoid going against God's will. People cast off restrain because they do not know the warnings of God in the Bible. Keeping the Word of God brings reward in the form of blessings etc. Anyone who reads and keep God's word will definitely receive rewards from God. Therefore, read and keep God's Word and He will bless us.
21.05.12
"You are the most excellent of men and your lips have been anointed with grace." (Psalms 45:2)
The grace of the lips are often the one that elude any wise person especially when his temper rises. Many people including myself are often at the mercy of an unguarded tongue and will regret it as soon as harsh words come out. Word that comes out are often dangerous not only to the speaker but also to those it was intended. We must avoid at all cost, curses or slander because the Bible says these are not good. Often we would think that our actions or deeds, our giving etc is just enough for us to earn merit or approval in the eyes of men. But the verse above and many other verses in the Bible do remind us that the lips do bear fruits of all kinds, be it good or bad, depending on the seeds planted deep in the heart. But when the Holy Spirit is IN our hearts, the lips bear fruits of praise BECAUSE the lips are annointed with grace. When we talk about grace, its the gentleness, kind and loving spirit that characterizes the born again Christian. When the lips is anointed with grace, then it is the kind, gentle and loving words that flow out of our mouth that will build up the faith of others. Hence, we Christians do need to listen to what we speak so that we do not become a poor example of a believer of Jesus Christ.
05.05.12
"Thy Word is a lamp to my feet. (Ps 119:105)
The Lun Bawang ladies in ancient times made tatooes on their legs and arms. Only on their legs and arms. They believed that when they die, the tatooes would shine like a lamp to show them the way through the dark world of the dead! That is why. they have those tatooes. The psalmist refers to the Word of God as a lamp unto his feet. We are walking in the dark world. We cannot see the spiritual realms or the evil forces that is trying to destroy God's creation including man. We cannot fight the unseen forces of evil with what we have, except through God's Word. God works through His Word and we are able to unmasked and exposed the work of evil among us by reading and leaning on the Word of God. The Word of God is the one that enable us to see and act. It shows us the way, just like a lamp is when we walk at night. It teaches us to fight and train us to move and act. When we have the Word of God in us, we are able to discern what is true and false. Therefore, the Word of God must be read, meditate upon so that we would know where to go.
21.04.12
" Avoid godless chatter because those who induldge in it will become more and more udgodly."( 2 Timothy 2:16)
Avoid means refrain or don't get involve in it, or try to prevent oneself from doing it. Getting involve makes us taking part and be part of it. Christian talks improves a person commitment in the faith. But a fruitless talks only make us thinking away from something which is fruitful. If we talk about sex, we will think about sex. If we talk about money, our mind will think of it. Talk about something, and we will focus on that something. Godless chatter will definitely bring or draw us into the topic of the talk. Paul reminds Timothy to be pure, to be an example and to be a leader whose heart is focuss on things of God. This way, we remain pure of impurities that could drag us further from God. When we do not get involve in ungodly chatter, we prevent ourselves from ungoldy thoughts. Paul also remind us to put our sights on things above. Because we are heading upward, or we are heading towards heaven. Therefore keep our mind in tune with God.
HEAVENLY FATHER, MAY OUR MINDS BE UTILIZED TO FOCUS AND MEDITATE ON THIS GODLY. I ASK THIS IN JESUS' PRECIOUS NAME. AMEN.
1.4.2012
"I must go on boasting. Although there is nothing to be gained, i will go on to visions and revelations from the Lord. I know a man in Christ who, fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven.." ( 2 Corinthians 12: 1-4)
Many of the prophets and the people of the Bible saw visions of heaven. They saw something that made them speechless. Paul, according to the verses above also went to the third heaven, which is the City of God. Many people in this world nowadays were given the priviledge to take a glimpse of that beautiful place. Paul also went there. He said that he will continue to boast about it even though he will not gain anything. It is not for him to gain anything from it. That was not his intention to gain popularity or to pride in it, but it is for us that he choose to boast about it. So that we have hope and increase in faith when we know that there is truly a heaven up there. We must know that God will show to us things that will spur us on towards heaven. He choose to boast about it to tell us that he meant what he had preached about and that we must look forward to that day, when we will be in the third heaven.
14.03.2012
"He who loves pleasure will become poor; whoever loves wine and oil will never be rich( Proverbs 21: 17).
People loves to enjoy themselves. If we cannot find enjoyment, we consider it boring and lifeless. We consider pleasure as something that will make our life happy and fruitful. Many people regard pleasure as something that we must have to fill our life activities. Therefore, they regard pleasure as doing something that they like to do regardless whether it is allowed or prohibited. There are some things that will bring pleasure to the will of the flesh: such as sex, wealth, drinking strong drinks. The verse above touches on the wine, which is drinking strong drink. The Bible, especially in Proverbs warned that wine is not good because of it will strangle a person like a python and will not let go. It will attract the person so much that, he will forget his family and his life because he will spend his money on the wine and his days drinking. So he becomes poor because his money and time flows down the drain. The wine is also like a viper which is poisonous. It causes a person to be so in love with the wine that he lost reason once he becomes intoxcated. His reason is poison to the extreme causing evil things to come in. That evil thing is the poison. God warns us not to be controlled by strong drink so that we can manage our life towards the good life.
3.03.2012
"God gives strength to His people ;The Lord blesses His people with peace." ( Psalms 29:11)
GOD gives strength to the humble and weak and not to the proud or haughty. Those who depend on the Lord will get the strength from on high. Once God bestows strength to His people, he will be able to defeat all opposition from the evil spirits and evil schemes. God knows who to give to and who not to. But God will give to His people the necessary strength ot endure difficulties. What people really need is peace. God gives peace as a blessing. When we have peace in our heart, the condition of a person is good and healthy. If a person is not at peace, he will make poor decisions which in turn will cause more problems to a person. The presence of peace enable us to live in orderly manner and in safety. Peace means we are safe, from all kinds of worries, threats or difficulties. Nothing will borther us. When God is in us, peace reigns and no power can lay their hands upon us. Peace really comes when God is presence. Pray that God will give us peace on all sides, like what God did for David. King David died at a ripe old age even though he was a man of war, because God gives him rest on all sides.
28.02.12
"Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me;at His tabernacle will i sacrifice with shouts of joy; i will sing and make music to the Lord." (Psalms 27:6)
I will sacrifice with shouts of joy and will sing and make music to the Lord. David wants to sacrifice with a shouts of Joy. Shouts of joy according to David is also a sacrifice to the Lord. There is clap offering too. Making noise to the Lord can also means to celebrate God. How can Christians be so unhappy when the God they worship is the true God? Joy is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit, but many of us, especially church leaders do not want people to express the joy in them. Joy cannot be contained or hide. It sure to be seen by others. Joy is contagious, like a flowing stream, the others will be caught in its flow. There is a time where we must be silent before God but there are times of joy too. My praise and worship had always had the element of joy, because " with joy you can draw water from the well of salvation." So we must not stop joyful worship of praise to God. Express yourselves for the Lord as an act of faith.
21.02.12
"By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward." (Psalms 19:11)
The Word of God warns us of sins and dangers. It tells us and rebukes us of our sins so that we are always alert and careful in whatever we do. In this way we do not commit sins. We are able to restraint ourselves of doing things contrary to the will of God. If we do not read the Bible, nothing will check or tell us that we are going the wrong way. In the end we move away from God and is punished for our sins. There is reward for those who keep God's word in his heart. God knows what reward is best for us, so we will expect what is the best from God. When we talk about reward, we must know that reward is only given for something done as an act of obedience. So God rewards those who makes every effort to read and keep His word. Let us therefore read His Word because it will bring plenty of benefits to us.
11.02.12
"In his pride the wicked does not seek Him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God."(Pslams 10:4)
The greatest danger to a person is to forget about God all together and regards himself as invincible, independent and prosperous by his own efforts. There are many ways a person can eventually forget God. One is distraction due to busyness with things do not really last, materialism or things of the world. Once a person is too busy with his work and activities of life, he will have no room for God. No room for God means, there is not even thought of fear of God and he shut out anything that that concern God. He won't get himself involved in christian activities because he does not acknowledge God and he won't borther at all. Another way is to befriend people who does not believe in God. To be in the company of bad people and people who has no God in them will lead us away from God. Their influence is bad for a weak Christian. One wickedness is to forget God.
07.02.2012
"Through Jesus therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise, the fruits of lips that confess His name."(Hebrews 13:15)
What will bear fruits? Fruit trees! How fruit trees grow to become fruitful? Of course, it begins as a seed being planted in the ground. It grows and if it is well taken care of it will grow to maturity and then bear fruits. It must have the necessary capability within to produce fruits. Like wise, our spiritual life, should grow and when matured it should produce fruits of the Holy Spirit. The fruits of the lips is praising God. A heart full of thanksgiving and gratitude will produce praises. How often do our lips praise God? How often do we choose to glorify and exalt God? This depends on whether we have the desire and capability to produce words in whatever forms to speak good things about God and bring honors to Him. Yes, we are to offer the sacrifice of praise to God. It is an offering to God. Don't avoid praising God. He says that those who offer the sacrifice of praise honors me! (Psalms 50:23). Is your lips fruitful?
31.01.2012
" Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life.(Rev.21:27)
Those who are permitted to enter the city of God or heaven will be those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life. Those who believed in Jesus, received Him and being forgiven and cleanse by Him will have his name written in there. Why the Lamb's book of life? Because Jesus came to the world to redeemed and to save us. He is the only one who has the right to record those who came to Him and to submit their life to Him. It was the blood of Christ which as shed for the remission of our sins. He is the only way, the only truth and the life. He is the only door by which we must enter. If we do not enter this door, we are finished. Because there is no other door to heaven. All man have sin and fall short of the glory of God. We are all dead in sin and cannot help ourselves to get out of sin. We were to be condemned to eternal condemnation until God send His Son Jesus Christ to redeem and save us. Those who believe and give their life to Him will be forgiven and given a new life. The person who is given this new life will have his name written in the the Lamb's book of life. The Lamb is Jesus Christ. He was the One who was sent to be crucified, to be the sacrifice. So who else can receive us and cleanse us? Only Jesus is the one!
29.12.2011
"For God will bring every deed into judgement, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil."(Ecclesiastes 12;14)
God is holy and righteous. He reminded us to be holy and to follow the way of truth. To be truthful we must be obedient to the word of God. Holiness is to avoid sin and not to sin. The heart is where we store everything so that others could not see. But God sees what we hide in our hearts. All deeds, good or evil begins in the heart of man. But if the heart of man is not surrendered to God, then evil will hide itself within. Jesus said that the heart is full of darkness, but once the Holy Spirit enters, light enters and every thing which are bad will go away. The evil things find no place to hide. You see, unless we receive Jesus into our hearts, evil will surely enter and try to control us. God sees everything that we do. When our hearts has Christ, we do what is good. Avoid deceit, avoid quarrels, avoid all kinds of immorality. Yes, avoid sins so that God's judgment will not befall us. There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
7.12.2011
"But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord." (Joshua 24:27)
Joshua died at the age of 110 years. God gave him an inheritance, but he finished all his years helping his brothers, the 12 tribes to possess their inheritance that God had given them. He spoke that verse above. The entire of his life was in service for the Lord. He was a soldier, a commander, a leader of Israel and was also a spiritual leader. When the the last of the tribes got their inheritance, only then did he occupied his, at that was as an old man. Therefore he did not enjoy his possession because his life was not long after that. You know, in most cases, we always want to enjoy the blessings of God as soon as possible and to the full. Which can also mean that we think more of our needs than the will of God. Joshua had decided, not only for himself but also for his household, to serve God. To serve God is not necessary as a pastor, deacons or a committee members. If we help with the cleaning in church, feed the poor, share your testimonies etc for God, that is serving God. We can train our children to do the little help in church because some of the great prophets served God at a tender age, for example Samuel. Yes, serve our God any where any time. Don't wait to be a church deacon or a pastor to serve God.
3.12.2011
"The Lord is a God of knowledge, and by Him, actions are weighed (1 Sam 2:3)"
Our God knows what every human being does. He knows what we do, good or bad. Noone escape being noticed by our Lord. The book of Revelation
reminds us that when we die, we take nothing else with us except our deeds. We cannot bring our worldly wealth whatever. Our deeds accompany us<brLS
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