Scripture:
"And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God." (Luke 16:15)
Justification is not something to be earned, but a gift to be received. Seeking to earn salvation is the only sin that will prevent a person from being saved, because you cannot submit yourself to the righteousness of God which comes as a gift through faith as long as you are seeking to establish your own righteousness.
Most people are unaware that there are two kinds of righteousness. Only one type of righteousness is acceptable to God. There is our righteousness, which is our compliance with the requirements of the law. This is an imperfect righteousness because human nature is imperfect and incapable of fulfilling the law. And there is God's righteousness, which only comes as a gift and is received by faith. God's righteousness is perfect. Our righteousness is as filthy rags (Isa. 64:6). A person who believes that he must earn God's acceptance by his holy actions is not believing in God's righteousness, which is a gift. It has to be one or the other; we cannot mix the two.
Righteousness is not what Jesus has done for us plus some minimum standard of holiness that we have to accomplish.
Right standing before a holy God is not to be achieved in the keeping of the law, but in humble trust in the person and work of Jesus Christ. No one who is trusting in his own righteousness can have the benefit of Christ's righteousness. The righteousness that gives men relationship with God is the RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD, and it comes freely through faith in Jesus Christ (Rom. 3:22). It is true that the way we obtained this righteousness is by putting faith IN what Christ has done for us. But when we place our faith in Christ, then the righteousness that Jesus obtained by His faith becomes ours. We are possessors of Christ's righteousness, which His faith produced.
Prayer:
Thank you Lord for the righteous you gave us when we put our trust in you. We know that we can do nothing save by your grace and at the same time we can do all things through you who gives us your strength.
(http://www.awmi.net/devotion/jesus/jul_31)
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Give Me Your Last Meal
Scripture:
"I am gathering a few sticks to take home and make a meal for myself and my son, that we may eat it, and die" (1 Kings 17:12).
Imagine telling a widow who was about to eat her last meal with her only son to give you a portion of that meal. That would seem like a cruel and unusually selfish thing to do. Imagine you have a need for provision and God tells you to go to the most desperate person in the land to get your provision.
God led Elijah to a poor widow who was on her last meal of flour. Why would God lead Elijah from one desperate situation into another? He wished to perform yet another miracle and show His faithfulness to those who needed it most.
Elijah proceeded to tell the widow: "But first make a small cake of bread for me from what you have and bring it to me, and then make something for yourself and your son. For this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: 'The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the LORD gives rain on the land'" (1 Kings 17:13-14).
Would you have questioned such logic in the face of a life-threatening situation? The woman demonstrates her faith in God and Elijah by giving him her last meal. This act of faith insured that her provision would be there day after day. God multiplied her flour and her jug of oil. Provision followed obedience.
"For the jar of flour was not used up and the jug of oil did not run dry, in keeping with the word of the LORD spoken by Elijah" (1 Kings 17:16).
God often multiplies what we already have in our hand in a miraculous way when we yield it to Him. God took her only resource just like He took the loaves and fishes, and multiplied it for those who were in need.
God has placed skills and resources in our hand already. We need to apply faith to that which He has placed in our hand in order to see His provision manifested through them.
Prayer:
Lord thank you for your abundance and for blessing us so much. We desire to know and to do your will. We surrender all to you. To you be all the honor and glory. Hallelujah, for you are worthy. Amen
(Today God Is First Volume 2, by Os Hillman)
"I am gathering a few sticks to take home and make a meal for myself and my son, that we may eat it, and die" (1 Kings 17:12).
Imagine telling a widow who was about to eat her last meal with her only son to give you a portion of that meal. That would seem like a cruel and unusually selfish thing to do. Imagine you have a need for provision and God tells you to go to the most desperate person in the land to get your provision.
God led Elijah to a poor widow who was on her last meal of flour. Why would God lead Elijah from one desperate situation into another? He wished to perform yet another miracle and show His faithfulness to those who needed it most.
Elijah proceeded to tell the widow: "But first make a small cake of bread for me from what you have and bring it to me, and then make something for yourself and your son. For this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: 'The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the LORD gives rain on the land'" (1 Kings 17:13-14).
Would you have questioned such logic in the face of a life-threatening situation? The woman demonstrates her faith in God and Elijah by giving him her last meal. This act of faith insured that her provision would be there day after day. God multiplied her flour and her jug of oil. Provision followed obedience.
"For the jar of flour was not used up and the jug of oil did not run dry, in keeping with the word of the LORD spoken by Elijah" (1 Kings 17:16).
God often multiplies what we already have in our hand in a miraculous way when we yield it to Him. God took her only resource just like He took the loaves and fishes, and multiplied it for those who were in need.
God has placed skills and resources in our hand already. We need to apply faith to that which He has placed in our hand in order to see His provision manifested through them.
Prayer:
Lord thank you for your abundance and for blessing us so much. We desire to know and to do your will. We surrender all to you. To you be all the honor and glory. Hallelujah, for you are worthy. Amen
(Today God Is First Volume 2, by Os Hillman)
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
How Sharp is your Ax?
Scripture:
"If the ax is dull and its edge unsharpened, more strength is needed but skill will bring success" (Eccl 10:10).
Manufacturing companies live and die by the ability of its designers, engineers, and staff to bring new products to market quickly. Yet for many organizations, a team's capacity to turn promising ideas into new revenue is diminished because of fragmented business processes, a geographically dispersed workforce, and a lack of standards across the supply chain according to an industry expert on innovation in technology.
We live in an information age where the level of knowledge is increasing at warp speed. The way you did things two years ago may not be the same way you do it today. The knowledge you have two years ago may not be adequate to compete in the global marketplace today. Businesses have gone bankrupt because they were not willing to change with the times. Have you seen a Polaroid camera lately? Do you know someone over sixty years old who chose not to learn about computers? The world passes by such people because they are unwilling to "sharpen their ax."
God calls every workplace believer to model four key attributes: 1) Excellence, 2) Ethics and Integrity, 3) Extravagant Love and Service, and 4) Signs and Wonders.
The first quality of a Christian worker should be excellence. Excellence does not just mean the way we do our jobs, but it also means staying abreast of how we do our jobs. God desires to reveal His innovations in His creation. You will not compete in the marketplace today unless you make a commitment to stay abreast of innovation. This too is good stewardship.
How is your "workplace ax"? Does it need sharpening? What are the areas in your working life that need to be sharpened? What innovation is needed to insure that you will be the "head, not the tail" in your workplace calling? Begin today to evaluate action steps you may need to take to have a very sharp "ax".
Request:
For all of us here at Avery Dennison, that we would server our Lord by doing the best that we can.
Prayer:
Thank you Father for caring for us by giving to us jobs here at Avery Dennison, a company that believes in Integrity and Excellence. Prosper Avery and all of us who work here.
(TGIF Today God Is First Volume 2, by Os Hillman)
"If the ax is dull and its edge unsharpened, more strength is needed but skill will bring success" (Eccl 10:10).
Manufacturing companies live and die by the ability of its designers, engineers, and staff to bring new products to market quickly. Yet for many organizations, a team's capacity to turn promising ideas into new revenue is diminished because of fragmented business processes, a geographically dispersed workforce, and a lack of standards across the supply chain according to an industry expert on innovation in technology.
We live in an information age where the level of knowledge is increasing at warp speed. The way you did things two years ago may not be the same way you do it today. The knowledge you have two years ago may not be adequate to compete in the global marketplace today. Businesses have gone bankrupt because they were not willing to change with the times. Have you seen a Polaroid camera lately? Do you know someone over sixty years old who chose not to learn about computers? The world passes by such people because they are unwilling to "sharpen their ax."
God calls every workplace believer to model four key attributes: 1) Excellence, 2) Ethics and Integrity, 3) Extravagant Love and Service, and 4) Signs and Wonders.
The first quality of a Christian worker should be excellence. Excellence does not just mean the way we do our jobs, but it also means staying abreast of how we do our jobs. God desires to reveal His innovations in His creation. You will not compete in the marketplace today unless you make a commitment to stay abreast of innovation. This too is good stewardship.
How is your "workplace ax"? Does it need sharpening? What are the areas in your working life that need to be sharpened? What innovation is needed to insure that you will be the "head, not the tail" in your workplace calling? Begin today to evaluate action steps you may need to take to have a very sharp "ax".
Request:
For all of us here at Avery Dennison, that we would server our Lord by doing the best that we can.
Prayer:
Thank you Father for caring for us by giving to us jobs here at Avery Dennison, a company that believes in Integrity and Excellence. Prosper Avery and all of us who work here.
(TGIF Today God Is First Volume 2, by Os Hillman)
Monday, July 28, 2008
Hollow Faith?
Scriptures: I went in response to a revelation and set before them the gospel that I preach among the Gentiles. But I did this privately to those who seemed to be leaders, for fear that I was running or had run my race in vain. (Galatians 2:2)
There used to be a TV commercial where an owner of a nation-wide hamburger chain store was standing in the elevator. One of his employees stepped into the elevator with a box of donuts in hand. The employee offered donuts to this owner. The owner angrily responded, “Why do I want to eat something that, when you get to the center of it, has a hole in it?”
Though the question this owner asked was for food, I think it’s a great question for our faith. What is it that is in the center of our belief? Some great and noble ideas and concepts? Some unreal, impractical, and out of date instructions for life, as some have claimed? Or a true and living God who loves us and redeems us for eternity?
I am always convinced that at the core of our faith is a relationship made possible through the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus. The doctrines and theology came into being to help us nourish this relationship. In his second epistle to Timothy, Paul said, “This is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him to that day.” (II Timothy 1:12)
At the center of his faith was the Lord Jesus Himself whom Paul knew well. It was this true living God whom Paul said, “…the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength…” (II Timothy 4:17) Trials and persecutions were there for him. But he did not face these trying times in life with peace simply because he was doing the right thing. He was doing the right thing. But his strength came from God and God’s presence.
God and His guidance and instructions were more than noble ideas. Many would love to reduce God to a noble idea. They conceptualized Jesus and said there is a Historical Jesus and a Jesus of faith. They want us to embrace the concepts but ignore the historical evidences. But, He was every bit a real person just like you and me. He came and lived in this sinful world. He fulfilled the promises of the scriptures. He demonstrated the power of God. His teachings were in fact descriptions of His life, perfect and blameless. Then, He died to pay for our sins and was raised from the dead so we may be called righteous and may receive the hope of eternal life.
More than real, He cares; He loves; He comforts; and He strengthened. Even up until today, He continues to touch and change lives of many, including those of yours and mine. Not just once when we were converted, but everyday ever since. Like parents for their children, their love never stops. Their love did not stop after their children were born, nor did it stop after they turn into adults. “Love never ends.” (I Corinthians 13:8) God’s love for us never ends.
When we look into our faith, what do we find in the center of our faith? Is it a solid and growing relationship with a true and living God whose love and power sustains and strengthen us daily? Or is it only a set of noble ideas and theories that make sense to us? May God stand at the center of our faith and help us to meet and experience Him on a daily basis!
Prayer Requests:
For theologians
Prayer:
Father, please open our eyes so we may see You and feel Your loving touches in our lives. Please strengthen our understanding of You through the enrich walk with You. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen!
There used to be a TV commercial where an owner of a nation-wide hamburger chain store was standing in the elevator. One of his employees stepped into the elevator with a box of donuts in hand. The employee offered donuts to this owner. The owner angrily responded, “Why do I want to eat something that, when you get to the center of it, has a hole in it?”
Though the question this owner asked was for food, I think it’s a great question for our faith. What is it that is in the center of our belief? Some great and noble ideas and concepts? Some unreal, impractical, and out of date instructions for life, as some have claimed? Or a true and living God who loves us and redeems us for eternity?
I am always convinced that at the core of our faith is a relationship made possible through the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus. The doctrines and theology came into being to help us nourish this relationship. In his second epistle to Timothy, Paul said, “This is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him to that day.” (II Timothy 1:12)
At the center of his faith was the Lord Jesus Himself whom Paul knew well. It was this true living God whom Paul said, “…the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength…” (II Timothy 4:17) Trials and persecutions were there for him. But he did not face these trying times in life with peace simply because he was doing the right thing. He was doing the right thing. But his strength came from God and God’s presence.
God and His guidance and instructions were more than noble ideas. Many would love to reduce God to a noble idea. They conceptualized Jesus and said there is a Historical Jesus and a Jesus of faith. They want us to embrace the concepts but ignore the historical evidences. But, He was every bit a real person just like you and me. He came and lived in this sinful world. He fulfilled the promises of the scriptures. He demonstrated the power of God. His teachings were in fact descriptions of His life, perfect and blameless. Then, He died to pay for our sins and was raised from the dead so we may be called righteous and may receive the hope of eternal life.
More than real, He cares; He loves; He comforts; and He strengthened. Even up until today, He continues to touch and change lives of many, including those of yours and mine. Not just once when we were converted, but everyday ever since. Like parents for their children, their love never stops. Their love did not stop after their children were born, nor did it stop after they turn into adults. “Love never ends.” (I Corinthians 13:8) God’s love for us never ends.
When we look into our faith, what do we find in the center of our faith? Is it a solid and growing relationship with a true and living God whose love and power sustains and strengthen us daily? Or is it only a set of noble ideas and theories that make sense to us? May God stand at the center of our faith and help us to meet and experience Him on a daily basis!
Prayer Requests:
For theologians
Prayer:
Father, please open our eyes so we may see You and feel Your loving touches in our lives. Please strengthen our understanding of You through the enrich walk with You. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen!
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Map
Scriptures: Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. (Psalm 119:105)
It was late at night and the lighting in the campground wasn’t very bright. An elderly couple, standing outside the conference building, asked each other, “Where’s our cabin?” With the dim lights and the name plates on the cabins not readable, every cabin looked the same to them and this couple was having problems finding their way around.
We happened to be on our way to the conference building and ran into this couple. As we just checked in ourselves, we still have the map in hand. Though also new to the camp, with the help of the map, we were able to take them to their cabin in no time. You should see the relief on their faces when they go to their cabin.
Sometimes life can be just like this experience. We seem to know where we are going. But, the signs are not clear, the light is dim, we can’t see very well, and we seem to have been left alone. Where do we go from here? Which path should we take? Why does every path look the same?
When it’s time of confusion, we need a map, a manual, a guide, a pointer that helps point us to the way we need to go. Bible is this map, the guide that God prepares for us so we will not get lost in life. Made up of 66 books and presented in various writing styles, through Bible, God wants to point us back to Himself.
In the law and commandment books, He expressed His expectations for us. Through history books, He showed His character and works in our midst and reminded us to learn from the history. Through psalms, He invited us to go deeper in our relationship with Him and to enjoy the goodness and mercy He has for us. Through wisdom books, He gave us practical instructions on how to live wisely by divine standards. Through prophecies, He revealed His wills and plans for us as well as for the world.
He is trying to reach every one of us through every possible writing style for “He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (II Peter 3:9) He has been sending His servants since ancient time to preach His messages to kings and beggars alike. He has made His words, the Bible, available to all so all may come to know Him and turn away from their wicked and destructive paths.
Life is still a great mystery to just about everyone, full of surprises and challenges. As we continue down this journey, we have a couple of choices: choice number one is to go down our lives with His instructions and guidance set aside and with the uneasiness of not knowing what’s going to happen in and after life. Choice number two is to move on with careful observation of His instructions and guidance and with the peace and certainty knowing that our lives are in the hands of God who said, “For I know the plans I have for you … plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 28:11)
Which choice is it going to be? Choice number one? Why?
Prayer Requests:
For all those trying to make a sense out of life
Prayer:
Father, You know us all. You know who we are, where we are, and how we are. Thank You for giving us the living Word, our Lord Jesus, and the written Word, the Bible, so we may come to know You and experience the riches of life You have in store for us. As we struggle through this journey called life, please help us to heed to Your instructions and guidance so that we will not only be certain of Your will, but also be pointers for others to come to know You. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen!
It was late at night and the lighting in the campground wasn’t very bright. An elderly couple, standing outside the conference building, asked each other, “Where’s our cabin?” With the dim lights and the name plates on the cabins not readable, every cabin looked the same to them and this couple was having problems finding their way around.
We happened to be on our way to the conference building and ran into this couple. As we just checked in ourselves, we still have the map in hand. Though also new to the camp, with the help of the map, we were able to take them to their cabin in no time. You should see the relief on their faces when they go to their cabin.
Sometimes life can be just like this experience. We seem to know where we are going. But, the signs are not clear, the light is dim, we can’t see very well, and we seem to have been left alone. Where do we go from here? Which path should we take? Why does every path look the same?
When it’s time of confusion, we need a map, a manual, a guide, a pointer that helps point us to the way we need to go. Bible is this map, the guide that God prepares for us so we will not get lost in life. Made up of 66 books and presented in various writing styles, through Bible, God wants to point us back to Himself.
In the law and commandment books, He expressed His expectations for us. Through history books, He showed His character and works in our midst and reminded us to learn from the history. Through psalms, He invited us to go deeper in our relationship with Him and to enjoy the goodness and mercy He has for us. Through wisdom books, He gave us practical instructions on how to live wisely by divine standards. Through prophecies, He revealed His wills and plans for us as well as for the world.
He is trying to reach every one of us through every possible writing style for “He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (II Peter 3:9) He has been sending His servants since ancient time to preach His messages to kings and beggars alike. He has made His words, the Bible, available to all so all may come to know Him and turn away from their wicked and destructive paths.
Life is still a great mystery to just about everyone, full of surprises and challenges. As we continue down this journey, we have a couple of choices: choice number one is to go down our lives with His instructions and guidance set aside and with the uneasiness of not knowing what’s going to happen in and after life. Choice number two is to move on with careful observation of His instructions and guidance and with the peace and certainty knowing that our lives are in the hands of God who said, “For I know the plans I have for you … plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 28:11)
Which choice is it going to be? Choice number one? Why?
Prayer Requests:
For all those trying to make a sense out of life
Prayer:
Father, You know us all. You know who we are, where we are, and how we are. Thank You for giving us the living Word, our Lord Jesus, and the written Word, the Bible, so we may come to know You and experience the riches of life You have in store for us. As we struggle through this journey called life, please help us to heed to Your instructions and guidance so that we will not only be certain of Your will, but also be pointers for others to come to know You. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen!
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Jesus Made Peace for Us
Scripture:
"For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross."
(Colossians 1:19-20)
Wow, it pleased God that "all his fullness" dwelt in Jesus and through the blood of Jesus he reconciled to himself "all things", both in heaven and earth. God put everything of himself on the line and in exchange won back, so to speak, "making peace".
I started off today by thinking about how the peace of God came to us through the blood of Jesus Christ in the last part of verse 20 but when I expended the focus to include all of verse 20 and verse 19, I began to see all the implications that one has to really meditate on to begin to see.
For the first thing, not only was Jesus God incarnate, but everything God is, was in Jesus. That is ALL of God was in Jesus and this pleased him. The second thing, not only did he, through the blood of his son, do the work of reconcilation, but he did it for EVERYTHING. That is there was nothing that was not covered in the reconcilation process. That includes all things on the earth and all things in heaven. (Note is does not say anything about "under" the earth."
The implication seems clear that the converse of this was also true. That is that everything needed this reconcilation and that there was nothing that did not need this reconcilation. In addition, that the only way that he could "win back", that which he had lost to sin, he would have to give "all of himself" to reconcile all things back to himself. I see a HUGE, celestial battle before this reconcilation and a HUGE "win" for God after the blood of Jesus. Peace was "made", implying also, that there was need for peace because there was such turmoil or chaos, as in Genesis 1.
This work that God did through Jesus Christ was HUGE as it says in Isaiah 53, "the chasetisement of our peace was upon him," and not only was His peace upon us, but by his "stripes we were healed" (thought for another blog posting.) Hallelujah.
Request:
That God would refresh us with His peace.
Prayer:
Thank you Lord for coming down and bring your fulness with you and reconciling not only us, but all of heaven and earth, to yourself. Thank you that by your blood, everything is already reconciled for. Help us believe what we read in your Word, that we already have this peace.
"For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross."
(Colossians 1:19-20)
Wow, it pleased God that "all his fullness" dwelt in Jesus and through the blood of Jesus he reconciled to himself "all things", both in heaven and earth. God put everything of himself on the line and in exchange won back, so to speak, "making peace".
I started off today by thinking about how the peace of God came to us through the blood of Jesus Christ in the last part of verse 20 but when I expended the focus to include all of verse 20 and verse 19, I began to see all the implications that one has to really meditate on to begin to see.
For the first thing, not only was Jesus God incarnate, but everything God is, was in Jesus. That is ALL of God was in Jesus and this pleased him. The second thing, not only did he, through the blood of his son, do the work of reconcilation, but he did it for EVERYTHING. That is there was nothing that was not covered in the reconcilation process. That includes all things on the earth and all things in heaven. (Note is does not say anything about "under" the earth."
The implication seems clear that the converse of this was also true. That is that everything needed this reconcilation and that there was nothing that did not need this reconcilation. In addition, that the only way that he could "win back", that which he had lost to sin, he would have to give "all of himself" to reconcile all things back to himself. I see a HUGE, celestial battle before this reconcilation and a HUGE "win" for God after the blood of Jesus. Peace was "made", implying also, that there was need for peace because there was such turmoil or chaos, as in Genesis 1.
This work that God did through Jesus Christ was HUGE as it says in Isaiah 53, "the chasetisement of our peace was upon him," and not only was His peace upon us, but by his "stripes we were healed" (thought for another blog posting.) Hallelujah.
Request:
That God would refresh us with His peace.
Prayer:
Thank you Lord for coming down and bring your fulness with you and reconciling not only us, but all of heaven and earth, to yourself. Thank you that by your blood, everything is already reconciled for. Help us believe what we read in your Word, that we already have this peace.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Beautiful Gifts
Scriptures: We have different gifts, according to the grace given us…Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. (Romans 12:6, 11)
Over the weekend, our church had a joint retreat with another church. In one morning devotion, we met one sister for this church who is 85 years old. She told us that she came to know the Lord when she was 65 and how wonderful her life has been since then. Her passion in life now is to bring her sons and daughters-in-law as well as other residents in the senior apartment where she lives to Christ.
Throughout the retreat, we had many activities, workshops, revival meetings, and recreational activities. Before the start of every activity, a bell would ring to remind participants of this retreat to prepare their hearts for the upcoming activity. The bell would ring again at the start and end of each activity. I noticed that the man who was ringing the bell was an elderly brother, more than likely in either late seventies or early eighties.
From the 7 AM morning devotion to the 9 PM evening prayer meeting, from the spiritually challenging meetings to the physically satisfying meal time, from the start of the retreat to the last call to board the bus for home, he never missed one and was always on time. His dedication to his role and responsibility of keeping the schedule moving on time was a blessing to us all. He didn’t talk much. But his call to everyone could be heard throughout the camp.
This church with whom we had this joint retreat was known for their senior ministry. They said more than 80 percent of their membership was senior citizens 70 years old or older. But, from what I have seen, this is not an old church at all. Their members are young at heart and energetic in serving the Lord. “Retirement” doesn’t seem to appear in their vocabulary at all.
When I came to know them better, I couldn’t but remember what the bible says, “… If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.” (Romans 12:6-8) Each one of them, regardless of their age, offered the gifts given them with love. Such was a beautiful testimony of what God can do through us if only we are willing to give ourselves to Him for His purpose.
We all have received gifts from God. Apostle Paul told us that gifts were given us “to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.” (Ephesians 4:12) God’s desire is we use the gifts given us according to His will and the leading of the Holy Spirit so that the body of Christ may “reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” (Ephesians 4:13)
These elderly brothers and sisters from our sister church taught me many important lessons. Their faithfulness and dedication reminded me to stay faithful. But the most important lesson I learned from them is the love of God who, despite their old age, is still lovingly blessing them, giving them the strength to care and serve and to bring others to Himself. How I long to be blessed like that, even to the last day of my life!
Prayer Requests:
For senior brothers and sisters who are physically weak and need our care, service, support and prayers
Prayer:
Dear Lord, thank You for those elderly brothers and sisters whose love and dedication to You are both precious examples for us to follow and powerful testimonies of Your power for life transformation. Help us to learn from them the important lesson of being faithful to the calling given us and of being loving to the ones You have sent to us. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen!
Over the weekend, our church had a joint retreat with another church. In one morning devotion, we met one sister for this church who is 85 years old. She told us that she came to know the Lord when she was 65 and how wonderful her life has been since then. Her passion in life now is to bring her sons and daughters-in-law as well as other residents in the senior apartment where she lives to Christ.
Throughout the retreat, we had many activities, workshops, revival meetings, and recreational activities. Before the start of every activity, a bell would ring to remind participants of this retreat to prepare their hearts for the upcoming activity. The bell would ring again at the start and end of each activity. I noticed that the man who was ringing the bell was an elderly brother, more than likely in either late seventies or early eighties.
From the 7 AM morning devotion to the 9 PM evening prayer meeting, from the spiritually challenging meetings to the physically satisfying meal time, from the start of the retreat to the last call to board the bus for home, he never missed one and was always on time. His dedication to his role and responsibility of keeping the schedule moving on time was a blessing to us all. He didn’t talk much. But his call to everyone could be heard throughout the camp.
This church with whom we had this joint retreat was known for their senior ministry. They said more than 80 percent of their membership was senior citizens 70 years old or older. But, from what I have seen, this is not an old church at all. Their members are young at heart and energetic in serving the Lord. “Retirement” doesn’t seem to appear in their vocabulary at all.
When I came to know them better, I couldn’t but remember what the bible says, “… If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.” (Romans 12:6-8) Each one of them, regardless of their age, offered the gifts given them with love. Such was a beautiful testimony of what God can do through us if only we are willing to give ourselves to Him for His purpose.
We all have received gifts from God. Apostle Paul told us that gifts were given us “to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.” (Ephesians 4:12) God’s desire is we use the gifts given us according to His will and the leading of the Holy Spirit so that the body of Christ may “reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” (Ephesians 4:13)
These elderly brothers and sisters from our sister church taught me many important lessons. Their faithfulness and dedication reminded me to stay faithful. But the most important lesson I learned from them is the love of God who, despite their old age, is still lovingly blessing them, giving them the strength to care and serve and to bring others to Himself. How I long to be blessed like that, even to the last day of my life!
Prayer Requests:
For senior brothers and sisters who are physically weak and need our care, service, support and prayers
Prayer:
Dear Lord, thank You for those elderly brothers and sisters whose love and dedication to You are both precious examples for us to follow and powerful testimonies of Your power for life transformation. Help us to learn from them the important lesson of being faithful to the calling given us and of being loving to the ones You have sent to us. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen!
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Is Your Sign Up?
Scriptures: I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. (Philippians 1:20)
This morning, on my way to work, I saw a pickup with the following words painted over it: “Is your sign up?” The pickup was actually a moving advertisement for a security company. But this question got me to think about what a sign is and what it meant for me.
When I think of a sign, I think of the signs on freeways. I still remember, when I first came to Southern California, especially new the East LA Interchange area, I was always confused by those signs which did not tell you if they were going north or south. They simply said “Pasadena”, “San Pedro”, “Long Beach”, or “Santa Monica.”
As I was new to this area, these names, though familiar, were not registered on the map inside me. Yet, signs are signs. They served their function of pointing people to a place. Signs were never an end to themselves. They were set up to deliver a message, such as those set up on the beaches to warn people of polluted water, or to point people to some place or things.
In a very real way, I think we Christians are like signs, too. We do carry a message from God to people in this world about His love and salvation for them. Paul said to the disciples in Corinth, “You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on the tablets of human hearts.” (II Corinthians 3:3)
This letter Christ sent was intended to be a love letter and an invitation letter. It is first a love letter sprinkled with the fragrance of Christ through the good news of His life, death and resurrection. It is meant to satisfy the deepest longing for love in human life. How blissful it is that we are chosen to deliver such a loving and life-transforming message.
It is then an invitation letter for all to partake, to enjoy and to share this amazing grace of love from God through Christ. An invitation always comes with directions that point the invitees to the inviter. Just like a wedding invitation, whether for the ceremony or for the reception, there’s always time and place, and a map and direction that tells the guests how to get there. Likewise, our lives are meant to point the lost and searching souls to their Savior Jesus.
Signs also serve as an indication. I remember when my kid was still a toddler, one time he had a fever and we took him to the doctor. The doctor told us that the fever itself was not a sickness. It was, he said, a sign of infection somewhere in my son’s body. In a similar way, we, as signs, are indications that the good news of Jesus is true, that the grace of God is sufficient for all, and that God desires that all be saved.
But, for signs to function as they should, they should be up first. Signs stored away or laid on the ground do little good to help people. So, here is the question: Is your sign up? What’s the message on the sign?
Prayer Requests:
For children of God to know the role and the importance of being a sign for Christ
Prayer:
Father, thank You for our Lord Jesus through whom we may come to know You. As we have been blessed by all kinds of signs in life, spiritual and material, help us to be signs for Christ Jesus so others may come to know Jesus and have a personal relationship with Him, our Savior. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen!
This morning, on my way to work, I saw a pickup with the following words painted over it: “Is your sign up?” The pickup was actually a moving advertisement for a security company. But this question got me to think about what a sign is and what it meant for me.
When I think of a sign, I think of the signs on freeways. I still remember, when I first came to Southern California, especially new the East LA Interchange area, I was always confused by those signs which did not tell you if they were going north or south. They simply said “Pasadena”, “San Pedro”, “Long Beach”, or “Santa Monica.”
As I was new to this area, these names, though familiar, were not registered on the map inside me. Yet, signs are signs. They served their function of pointing people to a place. Signs were never an end to themselves. They were set up to deliver a message, such as those set up on the beaches to warn people of polluted water, or to point people to some place or things.
In a very real way, I think we Christians are like signs, too. We do carry a message from God to people in this world about His love and salvation for them. Paul said to the disciples in Corinth, “You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on the tablets of human hearts.” (II Corinthians 3:3)
This letter Christ sent was intended to be a love letter and an invitation letter. It is first a love letter sprinkled with the fragrance of Christ through the good news of His life, death and resurrection. It is meant to satisfy the deepest longing for love in human life. How blissful it is that we are chosen to deliver such a loving and life-transforming message.
It is then an invitation letter for all to partake, to enjoy and to share this amazing grace of love from God through Christ. An invitation always comes with directions that point the invitees to the inviter. Just like a wedding invitation, whether for the ceremony or for the reception, there’s always time and place, and a map and direction that tells the guests how to get there. Likewise, our lives are meant to point the lost and searching souls to their Savior Jesus.
Signs also serve as an indication. I remember when my kid was still a toddler, one time he had a fever and we took him to the doctor. The doctor told us that the fever itself was not a sickness. It was, he said, a sign of infection somewhere in my son’s body. In a similar way, we, as signs, are indications that the good news of Jesus is true, that the grace of God is sufficient for all, and that God desires that all be saved.
But, for signs to function as they should, they should be up first. Signs stored away or laid on the ground do little good to help people. So, here is the question: Is your sign up? What’s the message on the sign?
Prayer Requests:
For children of God to know the role and the importance of being a sign for Christ
Prayer:
Father, thank You for our Lord Jesus through whom we may come to know You. As we have been blessed by all kinds of signs in life, spiritual and material, help us to be signs for Christ Jesus so others may come to know Jesus and have a personal relationship with Him, our Savior. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen!
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Do you have the peace of Jesus?
Scripture:
"Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you; not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
(John 14:27)
During the week, my wife and I usually wind down at the end of the day by watching an episode or two of the sitcom Get Smart on KOCE. We find this relaxing and is just about the only thing on TV that we do not find offensive these days. After that there is usually a news broadcast on one of the channels and even that gets so depressing as we hear of a murder or a scandal or an abduction or a war and we both go from a peaceful, relaxing time to an anxious or deturbing time.
In Romans 3:17 it says that "the way of peace have they not known" and how can they. The world does not give us peace because they don't know peace. Only Jesus can give us real peace. But instead of "relaxing" right before we go to sleep what do we do? We put something that is not peaceful, things of this world, in our minds.
Last night I got up around 2 am as I do ocassionally during the night. When that happens I usually go to a rocking chair that is in the living room and sit and meditate and pray. Well last night while there, all of a sudden I heard the words, "I need to take these Legos out." That is right, but I did not hear this in my head, I heard these with my own ears. Why? Because my 5 year old grandson must have come out of his room and was sleeping on the couch and he was talking in his sleep.
Many of us have no clue that we are dreaming, unless it wakes us up. If we do remember something about a dream, we usually will forget it after a short time. And the point of this is not so much to focus on the dreaming but to focus on what we put in our minds, that could give us peace, if we would just do things like read the Bible or talk to God or meditate on the Word, just before we went to sleep.
The world does not know God's peace, the world can not give us the kind of peace that God can give us and yet, we let things of the world be an active part of our lives, to many times the exclusion of things that God wants to use in our lives to give us His peace.
Jesus says he has left with us, and has given us His peace and then tells us to not to "let" our hearts be troubled and nor "let" it be afraid. From this I am understanding that it is possible to not "let" my heart, or me, be troubled or afraid. That is to say, that my heart has the ability to be troubled and be afraid and I have the ability to not "let" that happen. Why to I say this? Because Jesus tells us not to "let" that happen.
Now immediately you me say, well I can't help that from happening. If I am afraid, then I am afraid. Then that would mean that you believe what you are feeling about being afraid more then you believe what Jesus is telling us. He said don't "let" your heart be troubled or afraid. So if we believe what Jesus says when he told us to not "let" our hearts be afraid, then there must be a way for us to do that.
"My peace I give to you," Jesus says. That is Jesus said he already did that, He gave us His peace. But you don't feel that peace. Your are still afraid. Ok, what are you going to believe, what Jesus says, that He has already given you His peace or what you are feeling, being afraid. I know you can't deny what you are feeling, but you can make yourself believe what Jesus says. Because if you "let" your heart be afraid, not only are you not doing what Jesus says to do, but you are also demonstrating that you don't believe what Jesus says because you are "letting" your heart be troubled. Simply put. If you are afraid, then this is proof that you are not believing what Jesus says.
It has been said that if you say a lie long enough and often enough eventually the lie will seem like the truth to you. So, tell yourself often enough what Jesus says, "peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you." Again! "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you." Again! "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you." Now say "let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." Again! "Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." Again! "Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." Get the point here? This is not an exercise to memorize this verse of scripture in your head. It is "making" yourself believe what God's Word says by putting God's Word in your head enough so you begin believing what you probably already say you believe.
Prayer:
Dear Jesus. We need your peace. The world does not have real peace. It only has lulls in the confusions of this world. Thank you for giving us your peace. We know you have told us that we already have that peace. Lead us to know your Word more then we know the world.
"Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you; not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
(John 14:27)
During the week, my wife and I usually wind down at the end of the day by watching an episode or two of the sitcom Get Smart on KOCE. We find this relaxing and is just about the only thing on TV that we do not find offensive these days. After that there is usually a news broadcast on one of the channels and even that gets so depressing as we hear of a murder or a scandal or an abduction or a war and we both go from a peaceful, relaxing time to an anxious or deturbing time.
In Romans 3:17 it says that "the way of peace have they not known" and how can they. The world does not give us peace because they don't know peace. Only Jesus can give us real peace. But instead of "relaxing" right before we go to sleep what do we do? We put something that is not peaceful, things of this world, in our minds.
Last night I got up around 2 am as I do ocassionally during the night. When that happens I usually go to a rocking chair that is in the living room and sit and meditate and pray. Well last night while there, all of a sudden I heard the words, "I need to take these Legos out." That is right, but I did not hear this in my head, I heard these with my own ears. Why? Because my 5 year old grandson must have come out of his room and was sleeping on the couch and he was talking in his sleep.
Many of us have no clue that we are dreaming, unless it wakes us up. If we do remember something about a dream, we usually will forget it after a short time. And the point of this is not so much to focus on the dreaming but to focus on what we put in our minds, that could give us peace, if we would just do things like read the Bible or talk to God or meditate on the Word, just before we went to sleep.
The world does not know God's peace, the world can not give us the kind of peace that God can give us and yet, we let things of the world be an active part of our lives, to many times the exclusion of things that God wants to use in our lives to give us His peace.
Jesus says he has left with us, and has given us His peace and then tells us to not to "let" our hearts be troubled and nor "let" it be afraid. From this I am understanding that it is possible to not "let" my heart, or me, be troubled or afraid. That is to say, that my heart has the ability to be troubled and be afraid and I have the ability to not "let" that happen. Why to I say this? Because Jesus tells us not to "let" that happen.
Now immediately you me say, well I can't help that from happening. If I am afraid, then I am afraid. Then that would mean that you believe what you are feeling about being afraid more then you believe what Jesus is telling us. He said don't "let" your heart be troubled or afraid. So if we believe what Jesus says when he told us to not "let" our hearts be afraid, then there must be a way for us to do that.
"My peace I give to you," Jesus says. That is Jesus said he already did that, He gave us His peace. But you don't feel that peace. Your are still afraid. Ok, what are you going to believe, what Jesus says, that He has already given you His peace or what you are feeling, being afraid. I know you can't deny what you are feeling, but you can make yourself believe what Jesus says. Because if you "let" your heart be afraid, not only are you not doing what Jesus says to do, but you are also demonstrating that you don't believe what Jesus says because you are "letting" your heart be troubled. Simply put. If you are afraid, then this is proof that you are not believing what Jesus says.
It has been said that if you say a lie long enough and often enough eventually the lie will seem like the truth to you. So, tell yourself often enough what Jesus says, "peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you." Again! "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you." Again! "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you." Now say "let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." Again! "Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." Again! "Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." Get the point here? This is not an exercise to memorize this verse of scripture in your head. It is "making" yourself believe what God's Word says by putting God's Word in your head enough so you begin believing what you probably already say you believe.
Prayer:
Dear Jesus. We need your peace. The world does not have real peace. It only has lulls in the confusions of this world. Thank you for giving us your peace. We know you have told us that we already have that peace. Lead us to know your Word more then we know the world.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Tune In
Scriptures: Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – His good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:2)
There was a time in my life, for a period of about 3 months, when I had to leave my family in Northern California and came to work on a project alone in Southern California. It was a difficult time for us and I missed my family a lot. So, every other Friday night, I would drive home to spend the weekend with my family.
It was a long drive, about 5 to 6 hours of drive, and was very challenging, especially after working long hours throughout the week. I relied on radio programs from gospel radio stations throughout the state to help keep me awake. I noticed that, not long after I passed Castaic Lake and went into the mountainous area, the signals from various gospel stations in Southern California would become weak. Before I got to Gorman, I would lose all signals from any gospel radio stations.
As soon as I came out of the mountainous area and got to Grapevine area, I was able to pick up signals from some other gospel radio stations in Central California. But I would have to turn the dial to find them. Throughout the entire trip home, I had to repeat this effort 2 to 3 times.
This may sound troublesome, but it really wasn’t. There were truthful sermon messages, uplifting worship songs, inspiring apologetic arguments, touching personal testimonies and insightful analysis of our time from biblical perspectives. You would think that driving for 5 to 6 hours all by yourself is exhausting, but, with these programs, I knew I was strengthened more than exhausted.
I think, in many ways, our life is just like these trips I took. Things are constantly changing, so fast and frequent that we didn’t see them coming. We are so deep into what we do everyday that we don’t realize our situations have been different. Sometimes, we don’t even realize that we missed the channels of God. The music has changed and we continue to hum along, thinking we are still tuned in.
Then, when something happened, we realized that we were no longer tuned in to the channels of God. So, we started to seek God again, turning the dials and moving from one station to another until we hear that loving and familiar voice of God.
To us, life can be unpredictable, and certainly uncomfortable and exhausting at times. But, if we tuned in to the voice and guidance of God daily, then, just as Apostle Paul said, we can be transformed by the renewing of our mind and “be table to test and approve what God’s will is – His good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2)
All that’s required of us is constant introspective self-examination to determine if we are still tuned in and to adjust our dial accordingly. His messages of encouragements and inspiration are still there, available for the enrichment of our life. His Spirit is still with us, waiting to renew and empower us for His glory and purposes. All we need to do is to turn our dial and tune in!
Prayer Requests:
1. For church leaders seeking to explore new frontiers for the Kingdom of God
2. For people feeling so far away from their Lord and Savior in life
Prayer:
Our loving and mighty Lord, You are the one we seek to exalt and worship. Help us to tune in to Your frequency so we may be inspired by Your wisdom and wonder, be motivated with Your love, be guided by Your Spirit and be empowered to do the good work You have called us to. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen!
There was a time in my life, for a period of about 3 months, when I had to leave my family in Northern California and came to work on a project alone in Southern California. It was a difficult time for us and I missed my family a lot. So, every other Friday night, I would drive home to spend the weekend with my family.
It was a long drive, about 5 to 6 hours of drive, and was very challenging, especially after working long hours throughout the week. I relied on radio programs from gospel radio stations throughout the state to help keep me awake. I noticed that, not long after I passed Castaic Lake and went into the mountainous area, the signals from various gospel stations in Southern California would become weak. Before I got to Gorman, I would lose all signals from any gospel radio stations.
As soon as I came out of the mountainous area and got to Grapevine area, I was able to pick up signals from some other gospel radio stations in Central California. But I would have to turn the dial to find them. Throughout the entire trip home, I had to repeat this effort 2 to 3 times.
This may sound troublesome, but it really wasn’t. There were truthful sermon messages, uplifting worship songs, inspiring apologetic arguments, touching personal testimonies and insightful analysis of our time from biblical perspectives. You would think that driving for 5 to 6 hours all by yourself is exhausting, but, with these programs, I knew I was strengthened more than exhausted.
I think, in many ways, our life is just like these trips I took. Things are constantly changing, so fast and frequent that we didn’t see them coming. We are so deep into what we do everyday that we don’t realize our situations have been different. Sometimes, we don’t even realize that we missed the channels of God. The music has changed and we continue to hum along, thinking we are still tuned in.
Then, when something happened, we realized that we were no longer tuned in to the channels of God. So, we started to seek God again, turning the dials and moving from one station to another until we hear that loving and familiar voice of God.
To us, life can be unpredictable, and certainly uncomfortable and exhausting at times. But, if we tuned in to the voice and guidance of God daily, then, just as Apostle Paul said, we can be transformed by the renewing of our mind and “be table to test and approve what God’s will is – His good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2)
All that’s required of us is constant introspective self-examination to determine if we are still tuned in and to adjust our dial accordingly. His messages of encouragements and inspiration are still there, available for the enrichment of our life. His Spirit is still with us, waiting to renew and empower us for His glory and purposes. All we need to do is to turn our dial and tune in!
Prayer Requests:
1. For church leaders seeking to explore new frontiers for the Kingdom of God
2. For people feeling so far away from their Lord and Savior in life
Prayer:
Our loving and mighty Lord, You are the one we seek to exalt and worship. Help us to tune in to Your frequency so we may be inspired by Your wisdom and wonder, be motivated with Your love, be guided by Your Spirit and be empowered to do the good work You have called us to. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen!
Friday, July 11, 2008
RECALL NOTICE!
The Maker of all human beings is recalling all units manufactured, regardless of make or year, due to a serious defect in the primary and central component of the heart.
This is due to a malfunction in the original prototype units, code named Adam and Eve, resulting in the reproduction of the same defect in all subsequent units.
This defect has been technically termed "Subsequential Internal Non-Morality," or more commonly known as S.I.N., as it is primarily expressed.
Some other symptoms include:
1. Loss of direction
2. Foul vocal emissions
3. Amnesia of origin
4. Lack of peace and joy
5. Selfish or violent behavior
6. Depression or confusion in the mental component
7. Fearfulness
8. Idolatry
9. Rebellion
The Manufacturer, who is neither liable nor at fault for this defect, is providing factory-authorized repair and service free of charge to correct his SIN defect.
The Repair Technician, Jesus, has most generously offered to bear the entire burden of the staggering cost of these repairs. There is no additional fee required.
The number to call for repair in all areas is: Jeremiah 33:3 (Call unto Me and I will answer you...)
Once connected, please upload your burden of SIN through the REPENTANCE procedure. Next, download ATONEMENT from the Repair Technician, Jesus, into the heart component.
No matter how big or small the SIN defect is, Jesus will replace it with:
1. Love
2. Joy
3. Peace
4. Patience
5. Kindness
6. Goodness
7. Faithfulness
8. Gentleness
9. Self control
Please see the operating manual, the B.I.B.L.E. (Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth) for further details on the use of these fixes.
WARNING: The SIN defect will not be permitted to enter Heaven so as to prevent contamination of that facility. Continuing to operate the human being unit without correction voids any manufacturer warranties, exposing the unit to dangers and problems too numerous to list and will result in the human unit being permanently impounded.
For free emergency service, call on Jesus.
Thank you for your attention!
- GOD
Please assist where possible by notifying others of this important recall
notice, and you may contact the Father any time by "Kneemail".
DANGER: The human units not responding to this recall action will have to be scrapped in the furnace.
submitted by Gloria Lewis
This is due to a malfunction in the original prototype units, code named Adam and Eve, resulting in the reproduction of the same defect in all subsequent units.
This defect has been technically termed "Subsequential Internal Non-Morality," or more commonly known as S.I.N., as it is primarily expressed.
Some other symptoms include:
1. Loss of direction
2. Foul vocal emissions
3. Amnesia of origin
4. Lack of peace and joy
5. Selfish or violent behavior
6. Depression or confusion in the mental component
7. Fearfulness
8. Idolatry
9. Rebellion
The Manufacturer, who is neither liable nor at fault for this defect, is providing factory-authorized repair and service free of charge to correct his SIN defect.
The Repair Technician, Jesus, has most generously offered to bear the entire burden of the staggering cost of these repairs. There is no additional fee required.
The number to call for repair in all areas is: Jeremiah 33:3 (Call unto Me and I will answer you...)
Once connected, please upload your burden of SIN through the REPENTANCE procedure. Next, download ATONEMENT from the Repair Technician, Jesus, into the heart component.
No matter how big or small the SIN defect is, Jesus will replace it with:
1. Love
2. Joy
3. Peace
4. Patience
5. Kindness
6. Goodness
7. Faithfulness
8. Gentleness
9. Self control
Please see the operating manual, the B.I.B.L.E. (Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth) for further details on the use of these fixes.
WARNING: The SIN defect will not be permitted to enter Heaven so as to prevent contamination of that facility. Continuing to operate the human being unit without correction voids any manufacturer warranties, exposing the unit to dangers and problems too numerous to list and will result in the human unit being permanently impounded.
For free emergency service, call on Jesus.
Thank you for your attention!
- GOD
Please assist where possible by notifying others of this important recall
notice, and you may contact the Father any time by "Kneemail".
DANGER: The human units not responding to this recall action will have to be scrapped in the furnace.
submitted by Gloria Lewis
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
What’s happening?
Scriptures: Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” (James 4:13-15)
In the movie, Vantage Point, a United States’ president was assassinated. The story was told through 6 different perspectives, each adding some more clues to the overall picture so that, at the end, the whole plot became clear. Each of these 6 perspectives was presented by a person: starting with that of an anchor woman of a news agency, then that of a secrete service agent, an undercover policeman, a tourist, the president, and the terrorist.
Each of these people came to that place, a town called Salamanca in Spain, for a different reason. Every one of them thought he / she knew exactly what’s going on, only to be surprised by subsequent events. The secrete service agent was surprised by the betrayal of his partner. His expectation of a command center for backup and support was also disappointed. Even the terrorists who planned the whole thing out were surprised by unexpected change in circumstances, such as the appearance of a small girl on the street for their runaway.
The story had a happy ending. Bad guys were killed and the president was saved. The main character once again was the hero. But, who would have thought of all these surprises? The terrorist who’s behind this assassination made a statement in the movie, “The US is arrogant enough to think they are always a step ahead of everyone else.” And it seemed like he was out there to prove this statement.
Well, he’s right. The US is not really always a step ahead of everyone else. Neither was he. That is life for there’s always something unexpected in life. God alone is in charge of all things. To Him, there’s no surprises for He knows all things, just as He said, “I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.” (Isaiah 46:10)
More than this, He also said, “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:9) No wonder our lives are full of “surprises.” Our challenge is not about the presence of surprises. Our challenge is about how we respond to these surprises.
As much as we believe that God is in control and that God has a plan for us, sometimes we are still inclined to think that, since my plan is good, anything that prevents this good plan from accomplishment is bad. We want to believe that the assurance to our future well-being lies in our ability to control our life and everything in it, just like the examples James gave in today’s passage. But, in doing so, we forget that God alone is in control of all things at all time.
Meantime, while we lose sight of His role in and His sovereignty over our life, we toss and turn and struggle, wondering why God allows such misery to come to us. We forget that our destiny is in God’s hand, and in His hand alone. Our circumstances and enemies have no control over our destiny. They cannot overpower God.
We are in good hands, regardless if we are aware! Let’s not complain, nor should we be in despair, when He says No to our plans for He holds better things for us in life. He is more than a step ahead of everyone else, He knows the end from the beginning. He knows all and, for this, we can rest assured, knowing that all His promises to us have been sealed in Christ, awaiting our claims in faith and obedience!
Prayer Requests:
For those who struggling the pressure to move forward on their own
Prayer:
Dear God, storms of life hit us from every direction and caught us by surprise. Please help us to fix our minds and hearts on our Lord Jesus, and submit ourselves to the leading of the Spirit so we may be blessed through the storms and be used as Your blessings for all. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen!
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Don't Look Back - Everything is Loss
Scripture:
"12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. "
(Philippians 3:12-14)
On the 25th of last month I returned from vacation after three great weeks of ministry and fellowship with believers in southern Spain. During that time I fell in love, again, with those people and my heart truly longs for many to receive Christ and know our Savior as we do. For this reason, last week was very difficult for me. Everytime I put my heart to pray, I would cry out to the Lord asking Him how would Andalucia be saved? This is what kept me from sharing on our blog last week. I did not want to grieve you all with the burden that was on my heart.
In a matter of speaking, it is taking me more time then I thought to "forget what is behind and straining toward what is ahead." That is to say, my mind keeps going back to the great things that God did, like encouraging two small churches to continue doing weekly and monthly evangelism in the pueblos (villages) and yes, I praise the Lord, and yes, I thank Him, but because it was so wonderful, it has been very hard for me to let it go, and look forward into plans that God has yet to reveal to me. Hallelujah.
Paul tells us in verse 15 in this chapter 3 that "all of us who are mature should take such a view of things" and oh, how immature that makes me feel, as I agree with the Holy Spirit that is within me, and lift up my head to squint forward toward the brightness of God's Glory while shaking off the burden that is upon me. And why do so many not even recognize God's Glory? Because "their mind is on earthly things" (v. 19) and they do not truly "eagerly await a Savior" (v.20) for they are "enemies of the Cross." (v.18)
What Paul did is what we should strive for. We should consider everything loss for the sake of the Cross. (v.7-8) We should want
1) to know Christ, and
2) the power of His resurrection, and
3) the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings,
4) becoming like Him in His death, and so, somehow,
5) to attain the resurrection of the dead
Tough stuff. Wow!!!
Request:
For the raising up of a ministry that would focus on the evangelism of Andalucia, Spain
Prayer:
Oh Dear Lord, we have no clue to what Paul felt when he said these words to the Philippians. We live in our comfortable homes, with our asundry of comfort appliances and thank you for them, but we do not know what Paul is trying to tell us in his letter to the Philippians. Open up a small crack in our heart Lord and teach us Holy Spirit something of what you want us to learn.
"12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. "
(Philippians 3:12-14)
On the 25th of last month I returned from vacation after three great weeks of ministry and fellowship with believers in southern Spain. During that time I fell in love, again, with those people and my heart truly longs for many to receive Christ and know our Savior as we do. For this reason, last week was very difficult for me. Everytime I put my heart to pray, I would cry out to the Lord asking Him how would Andalucia be saved? This is what kept me from sharing on our blog last week. I did not want to grieve you all with the burden that was on my heart.
In a matter of speaking, it is taking me more time then I thought to "forget what is behind and straining toward what is ahead." That is to say, my mind keeps going back to the great things that God did, like encouraging two small churches to continue doing weekly and monthly evangelism in the pueblos (villages) and yes, I praise the Lord, and yes, I thank Him, but because it was so wonderful, it has been very hard for me to let it go, and look forward into plans that God has yet to reveal to me. Hallelujah.
Paul tells us in verse 15 in this chapter 3 that "all of us who are mature should take such a view of things" and oh, how immature that makes me feel, as I agree with the Holy Spirit that is within me, and lift up my head to squint forward toward the brightness of God's Glory while shaking off the burden that is upon me. And why do so many not even recognize God's Glory? Because "their mind is on earthly things" (v. 19) and they do not truly "eagerly await a Savior" (v.20) for they are "enemies of the Cross." (v.18)
What Paul did is what we should strive for. We should consider everything loss for the sake of the Cross. (v.7-8) We should want
1) to know Christ, and
2) the power of His resurrection, and
3) the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings,
4) becoming like Him in His death, and so, somehow,
5) to attain the resurrection of the dead
Tough stuff. Wow!!!
Request:
For the raising up of a ministry that would focus on the evangelism of Andalucia, Spain
Prayer:
Oh Dear Lord, we have no clue to what Paul felt when he said these words to the Philippians. We live in our comfortable homes, with our asundry of comfort appliances and thank you for them, but we do not know what Paul is trying to tell us in his letter to the Philippians. Open up a small crack in our heart Lord and teach us Holy Spirit something of what you want us to learn.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Broken But Useful
Scriptures: If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from His love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. (Philippians 2:1-2)
I once heard a story about a man who lives in a village not too far from the river. Everyday, he would have to carry two buckets to the river to get some water for home use. After a while, one of the buckets broke and started to leak. Every time when this man carried water home, there’s only one tenth of the water left in the bucket.
This situation went on for a while and this bucket felt that it was doing its job. So, this bucket said to its master, “I am a broken bucket now and no longer serve your purpose. Please replace me with a newer and better bucket.” But the master replied, “I know you are broken. That was why I planted so many flowers along the path I take to get water. I used the water that leaked from you to water these flowers. Look at these flowers. Aren’t they beautiful?”
In life, sometimes, we will feel the same way that broken bucket did. We don’t feel worthy of serving our master because of our spiritual condition. We don’t know bible as well as others do; we are not good listeners as others are; we do not have great administrative skills as others do; and the list goes on. Our enemy loves to use this type of thoughts to belittle us and keep us away from serving our Lord and His loved ones.
But God knows us. He knew us long before we even realize we exist. Just like prophet Jeremiah, the Lord said to him, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” (Jeremiah 1:5) He is our Creator. He knows each of us and has a plan and purpose for all of us.
If He has a plan and purposes for us in life, then nothing in our lives is a surprise to Him. If we care to observe and think, it should not be too hard find His fingerprints. Paul exhorted Christians in Philippi that they should share “any encouragements from being united with Christ”, “any comfort for His love”, “any fellowship with the Spirit”, and “any tenderness and compassion.”
So, as imperfect as we are, God does have in place encouragements, comfort, and fellowship for us because we are united with Christ. His desire is that our “attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 2:5) And, when our attitudes are the same as that of Christ Jesus, people around us will be able to see Jesus through us, be touched by Jesus through us, be comforted by Jesus through us, and be reconciled to God and to others by Jesus through us.
Along this path we call heaven-ward journey God has planted many flowers, waiting to be watered. We are the vessels, broken but useful. If only we are willing to surrender to His leading and willing to share, like that broken bucket, our path will be filled with beautiful flowers.
So, do you have any encouragement from being united with Christ? Any comfort from His love? Any fellowship with the Spirit? Any tenderness and compassion? May God help us to share so we all may be blessed and be made like-minded, one in spirit and purpose!
Prayer Requests:
For those who feel unworthy to serve
Prayer:
Father, thank You for loving us and for planting flowers along the path You have for us. Please help us to be bold in sharing Your works, touches and encouragements so we all may learn to be like-minded, like our Lord and Redeemer, Jesus. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen!
I once heard a story about a man who lives in a village not too far from the river. Everyday, he would have to carry two buckets to the river to get some water for home use. After a while, one of the buckets broke and started to leak. Every time when this man carried water home, there’s only one tenth of the water left in the bucket.
This situation went on for a while and this bucket felt that it was doing its job. So, this bucket said to its master, “I am a broken bucket now and no longer serve your purpose. Please replace me with a newer and better bucket.” But the master replied, “I know you are broken. That was why I planted so many flowers along the path I take to get water. I used the water that leaked from you to water these flowers. Look at these flowers. Aren’t they beautiful?”
In life, sometimes, we will feel the same way that broken bucket did. We don’t feel worthy of serving our master because of our spiritual condition. We don’t know bible as well as others do; we are not good listeners as others are; we do not have great administrative skills as others do; and the list goes on. Our enemy loves to use this type of thoughts to belittle us and keep us away from serving our Lord and His loved ones.
But God knows us. He knew us long before we even realize we exist. Just like prophet Jeremiah, the Lord said to him, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” (Jeremiah 1:5) He is our Creator. He knows each of us and has a plan and purpose for all of us.
If He has a plan and purposes for us in life, then nothing in our lives is a surprise to Him. If we care to observe and think, it should not be too hard find His fingerprints. Paul exhorted Christians in Philippi that they should share “any encouragements from being united with Christ”, “any comfort for His love”, “any fellowship with the Spirit”, and “any tenderness and compassion.”
So, as imperfect as we are, God does have in place encouragements, comfort, and fellowship for us because we are united with Christ. His desire is that our “attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 2:5) And, when our attitudes are the same as that of Christ Jesus, people around us will be able to see Jesus through us, be touched by Jesus through us, be comforted by Jesus through us, and be reconciled to God and to others by Jesus through us.
Along this path we call heaven-ward journey God has planted many flowers, waiting to be watered. We are the vessels, broken but useful. If only we are willing to surrender to His leading and willing to share, like that broken bucket, our path will be filled with beautiful flowers.
So, do you have any encouragement from being united with Christ? Any comfort from His love? Any fellowship with the Spirit? Any tenderness and compassion? May God help us to share so we all may be blessed and be made like-minded, one in spirit and purpose!
Prayer Requests:
For those who feel unworthy to serve
Prayer:
Father, thank You for loving us and for planting flowers along the path You have for us. Please help us to be bold in sharing Your works, touches and encouragements so we all may learn to be like-minded, like our Lord and Redeemer, Jesus. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen!
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Truly Free
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom (2 Cor. 3:17).
Tomorrow is the 4th of July when we will celebrate our independence as a nation, and the freedoms that our Constitution grants to us. Within that paradigm, and against some events that have happened recently, I’ve been contemplating about what freedom really is – and what it is not.
Some people believe that being free means being allowed to do what you want, whenever you want. However, the truth is that one person’s “freedom” necessarily impinges on another person’s “freedom.” For example, freedom of speech allows one person to express himself in any manner he chooses. However, his choice of words may be considered offensive or obscene by another person. In that scenario, the listener’s “freedom” has now been “violated.” Obviously, the problem here is one of agreement, as people don’t agree on what constitutes obscenity.
At the last Supper, Jesus prayed that the apostles would be one, even as He and the Father are one (cf Jn 17:21), and once the Holy Spirit had been sent, the community of believers was of one heart and one mind (Acts 4:32). Still, the early Church had to struggle through issues like whether or not a man had to first be circumcised before he could be baptized into the community of faith. There wasn’t instant agreement among the community then, just as today – even among people of good will.
So how do we move beyond such an impasse into true freedom? The answer lies in discerning what the Spirit of God has to say. As Paul said to the church in Rome, what we have received is not a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but… a spirit of adoption through which we cry ‘Abba,’ ‘Father’ (Rom. 8:15). That same Spirit leads us back to the eternal Word of God, Jesus, who tells us that if we remain in His word, we will know the truth and the truth will set us free (cf. Jn. 8:31-32).
Real freedom cannot be legislated by any government. We are truly free only when we give ourselves completely and generously to the One who has sent us to incarnate His love to the world. Because He freely gave Himself to us, we are in turn, free to give ourselves in love and in service to one another, to pour ourselves out like a libation, to borrow a Pauline metaphor. For we know that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor present things, not future things, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Rm 8:38).
Prayer Request: For those who are in bondage of any kind.
Prayer (attributed to St. Ignatius of Loyola):
Lord, teach me to be generous. Teach me to serve You as You deserve;
to give and not to count the cost,
to fight and not to heed the wounds,
to toil and not to seek for rest,
to labor and not to ask for reward,
save that of knowing that I do Your will. Amen.
Tomorrow is the 4th of July when we will celebrate our independence as a nation, and the freedoms that our Constitution grants to us. Within that paradigm, and against some events that have happened recently, I’ve been contemplating about what freedom really is – and what it is not.
Some people believe that being free means being allowed to do what you want, whenever you want. However, the truth is that one person’s “freedom” necessarily impinges on another person’s “freedom.” For example, freedom of speech allows one person to express himself in any manner he chooses. However, his choice of words may be considered offensive or obscene by another person. In that scenario, the listener’s “freedom” has now been “violated.” Obviously, the problem here is one of agreement, as people don’t agree on what constitutes obscenity.
At the last Supper, Jesus prayed that the apostles would be one, even as He and the Father are one (cf Jn 17:21), and once the Holy Spirit had been sent, the community of believers was of one heart and one mind (Acts 4:32). Still, the early Church had to struggle through issues like whether or not a man had to first be circumcised before he could be baptized into the community of faith. There wasn’t instant agreement among the community then, just as today – even among people of good will.
So how do we move beyond such an impasse into true freedom? The answer lies in discerning what the Spirit of God has to say. As Paul said to the church in Rome, what we have received is not a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but… a spirit of adoption through which we cry ‘Abba,’ ‘Father’ (Rom. 8:15). That same Spirit leads us back to the eternal Word of God, Jesus, who tells us that if we remain in His word, we will know the truth and the truth will set us free (cf. Jn. 8:31-32).
Real freedom cannot be legislated by any government. We are truly free only when we give ourselves completely and generously to the One who has sent us to incarnate His love to the world. Because He freely gave Himself to us, we are in turn, free to give ourselves in love and in service to one another, to pour ourselves out like a libation, to borrow a Pauline metaphor. For we know that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor present things, not future things, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Rm 8:38).
Prayer Request: For those who are in bondage of any kind.
Prayer (attributed to St. Ignatius of Loyola):
Lord, teach me to be generous. Teach me to serve You as You deserve;
to give and not to count the cost,
to fight and not to heed the wounds,
to toil and not to seek for rest,
to labor and not to ask for reward,
save that of knowing that I do Your will. Amen.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Heavenly Powered
Scriptures: I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:12-13)
Recently, we bought a few solar powered garden lights. I placed them along the path in our front yard that leads to our door. A few of them were planted under the palm trees and the other was planted at the edge of the lawn.
According to the manual, these garden lights would not give any light until they have been exposed to sun-shine for at least 12 hours. So, without surprises, these lights did not light up the first night. But, starting from the following night, they lit up along the path. When contrast with the darkness under the trees and bushes, the path has become warm and welcoming.
I also noticed that those garden lights under the palm trees seem to be dimmer than the one at the edge of the lawn. It could be because the one at the edge of lawn is closer and therefore seems brighter. But, more likely, I think it’s brighter because it has more exposure to sun-shine than those in the shades of the trees.
In many ways, I think Christians are just like these garden lights. We are expected to give light to this world, as Jesus said, “In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16) But, how do we do that?
Like these garden lights, we are not the source of light, nor the source of the power to light up. We simply were given the capacity to light. Since we are not the source of power, we cannot produce any light on our own. We need to be charged with the power first.
Thus, just like those garden lights, exposing ourselves to the source of our heavenly power is the only way through which we can receive power to light up the world. Jesus recognized this need of His disciples. That was why He commanded His disciples, “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised….But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:4, 8)
If charging ourselves is the key to give light, then the location where we chose to be charged would make a difference in the degree of our brightness. How close are we to the source of the power we need? How much distraction and hindrances do we allow to come in between us and our source of power, i.e. God? How much time are we willing to expose ourselves for re-charge? Then, when charged, how willing are we to be placed in that darkness where light is needed most?
We all recognize the needs of people around us. Their hurts, their loss of directions in life, their lack of awareness of who they are and why they live, and so much more have touched us so deep that we wish we can do something to help. But, so often, we feel inadequate and powerless in our efforts trying to help.
Maybe it’s time for us to examine the location where we have placed ourselves for re-charge. When we feel powerless, it’s a sign that we need to move closer to the source of the power we need, God, and spend time with Him through scripture reading, prayer and meditation. As we move closer to Him in worship and fellowship, we will come to know Him better with a greater sense of His presence and a deeper conviction of His power and guidance. This conviction will in turn strengthen our faith through which our capacity to give light can be expanded.
Let’s not forget that we are heavenly powered and that we need to be re-charged regularly so we will not rely on our strength, but on His, to accomplish what we are called to. Just as the prophet Zechariah said, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty.” (Zechariah 4:6)
Prayer Requests:
For those who find themselves inadequate in life
Prayer:
Dear Lord, thank You for sending the Holy Spirit to be our Comforter, our constant help. Please help us to look to You for wisdom, strength and guidance in everything we do in life so You may be glorified and we may be equipped to share Your good news, our Lord Jesus, with all in need. We pray in the name of Christ Jesus, our Lord and Redeemer, Amen!
Recently, we bought a few solar powered garden lights. I placed them along the path in our front yard that leads to our door. A few of them were planted under the palm trees and the other was planted at the edge of the lawn.
According to the manual, these garden lights would not give any light until they have been exposed to sun-shine for at least 12 hours. So, without surprises, these lights did not light up the first night. But, starting from the following night, they lit up along the path. When contrast with the darkness under the trees and bushes, the path has become warm and welcoming.
I also noticed that those garden lights under the palm trees seem to be dimmer than the one at the edge of the lawn. It could be because the one at the edge of lawn is closer and therefore seems brighter. But, more likely, I think it’s brighter because it has more exposure to sun-shine than those in the shades of the trees.
In many ways, I think Christians are just like these garden lights. We are expected to give light to this world, as Jesus said, “In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16) But, how do we do that?
Like these garden lights, we are not the source of light, nor the source of the power to light up. We simply were given the capacity to light. Since we are not the source of power, we cannot produce any light on our own. We need to be charged with the power first.
Thus, just like those garden lights, exposing ourselves to the source of our heavenly power is the only way through which we can receive power to light up the world. Jesus recognized this need of His disciples. That was why He commanded His disciples, “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised….But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:4, 8)
If charging ourselves is the key to give light, then the location where we chose to be charged would make a difference in the degree of our brightness. How close are we to the source of the power we need? How much distraction and hindrances do we allow to come in between us and our source of power, i.e. God? How much time are we willing to expose ourselves for re-charge? Then, when charged, how willing are we to be placed in that darkness where light is needed most?
We all recognize the needs of people around us. Their hurts, their loss of directions in life, their lack of awareness of who they are and why they live, and so much more have touched us so deep that we wish we can do something to help. But, so often, we feel inadequate and powerless in our efforts trying to help.
Maybe it’s time for us to examine the location where we have placed ourselves for re-charge. When we feel powerless, it’s a sign that we need to move closer to the source of the power we need, God, and spend time with Him through scripture reading, prayer and meditation. As we move closer to Him in worship and fellowship, we will come to know Him better with a greater sense of His presence and a deeper conviction of His power and guidance. This conviction will in turn strengthen our faith through which our capacity to give light can be expanded.
Let’s not forget that we are heavenly powered and that we need to be re-charged regularly so we will not rely on our strength, but on His, to accomplish what we are called to. Just as the prophet Zechariah said, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty.” (Zechariah 4:6)
Prayer Requests:
For those who find themselves inadequate in life
Prayer:
Dear Lord, thank You for sending the Holy Spirit to be our Comforter, our constant help. Please help us to look to You for wisdom, strength and guidance in everything we do in life so You may be glorified and we may be equipped to share Your good news, our Lord Jesus, with all in need. We pray in the name of Christ Jesus, our Lord and Redeemer, Amen!
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