Did you ever read through Proverbs and Ecclesiastes, and think to yourself- It is unbelievably amazing that what Solomon wrote so long ago Still Applies to this age!
Have you ever given thought to that?
"Hell and Destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied."
"It is a snare for a man to devote rashly something as holy, And afterward to reconsider his vows."
"He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, and He will pay back what he has given."
"A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance, But by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken."
"A merry heart does good, like medicine, But a broken spirit dries the bones."
"The beginning of strife is like releasing water; therefor stop contention before a quarrel starts."
"An evil man seeks only rebellion; Therefore a cruel mesanger will be sent against him."
"A perverse man sows strife, And a whisperer seperates the best of friends."
"He who guards his mouth preserves his life, But he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction."
"Wisdom rests in the heart of him who has understanding, But what is in the heart of fools is made known."
"The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, But the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness."
"The heart of the righteous studies how to answer, But the mouth of the wicked pours forth evil."
"Go from the presence of a foolish man, When you do not perceive in him the lips of knowledge."
"In the mouth of a fool is a rod of pride, But the lips of the wise will preserve them."
"In all labor there is profit, But idle chatter leads only to poverty."
"The simple believes every word, But the prudent considers his steps."
"The backslider in heart will be filled with his own ways, but a good man will be satisfied from above."
And, So so very many more! Is it not true even for us in this age? He gives so many warnings and ways to avoid them! And yet, we do not follow and abide in it. I am sure that when Solomon says "guard your mouth", he MEANS for us to guard our every word, not just to be careful of saying blasphemous things!
If we teach kids songs every sunday which talk about reading the bible everyday and how important it is to do so, WHY ARE WE NOT DOING IT? Do we believe we are TOO OLD AND WISE FOR THE BIBLE?
Students! If we say we are studying to glorify the Lord, and not ourselves, WHY SHOULD WE NOT HAVE TIME FOR READING HIS WORD? Do we think the Lord places studies higher than honouring Him and getting what He has to say to us?
This previous issue particularly struck me yesterday when i woke up and realised i still had time to cram for physics MidYears if i didn't read God's Word. And i took out my physics stuff, but there was this nagging on my conscience. I would have ignored it, but the Holy Spirit made me sit and reflect on why it was nagging at my conscience, by bringing this verse "The Helper, The Holy Spirit, will teach you all things and ..."
So i did. And By the Lord's grace, He showed me!
"Why am i studying?" I asked myself.
"What a needless question.. im studying for God, of course!"
"Do you think the Lord Wants you to study so much so that you put studies BEFORE Him and His Word?"
Amen, praise the Lord! I was so struck by that fact that i was overwhelmed for awhile. HOW TRUE! And yet we often just brush away the Holy Spirit's leading...and then we come to church and ask "How do we know what is the Lord's will for us? How can we hear that still small voice?"
Truly, i thank the Lord for granting me the gift of salvation- Oh, so glorious and free from sin! Not just free from the penalty of sin (death and hell) but FREE FROM SIN!
Why should our idea of pleasure be the world's idea of pleasure? Have we been lost in sin for so long that we do not know any good, godly fun anymore? Why must we pull a long face to the world when we think we have many cares and burdens our friends do not have (by the way, you're wrong if you think so!) when WE CAN ENTRUST THEM TO OUR GOD? Has His Word not said "Cast your cares upon Him, for He cares for you"? DO WE THEN NOT TRUST HIS WORD?
Monday, June 23, 2008
Sunday, April 13, 2008
A Teenager's View Of Heaven
Amazing.
Very thought provoking. Hope you read it to its end!!!!!
A TEENAGER'S VIEW OF HEAVEN
17-year-old Brian Moore had only a short time to write something for a class. The subject was what Heaven was like. 'I wowed 'em,' he later told his father, Bruce. 'It's a killer. It's the bomb. It's the best thing I ever wrote..' It also was the last.
Brian Moore died May 27, 1997, the day after Memorial Day. He was driving home from a friend's house when his car went off Bulen-Pierce Road in Pickaway County and struck a utility pole. He emerged from the wreck unharmed but stepped on a downed power line and was electrocuted.
The Moores framed a copy of Brian's essay and hung it among the family portraits in the living room. 'I think God used him to make a point. I think we were meant to find it and make something out of it,' Mrs. Moore said of the essay. She and her husband want to share their son's vision of life after death. 'I'm happy for Brian. I know he's in heaven. I know I'll see him.
'Brian's Essay: The Room...
In that place between wakefulness and dreams, I found myself in the room. There were no distinguishing features except for the one wall covered with small index card files. They were like the ones in libraries that list titles by author or subject in alphabetical order. But these files, which stretched from floor to ceiling and seemingly endless in either direction, had very different headings.
As I drew near the wall of files, the first to catch my attention was one that read 'Girls I have liked.' I opened it and began flipping through the cards. I quickly shut it, shocked to realize that I recognized the names written on each one. And then without being told, I knew exactly where I was.
This lifeless room with its small files was a crude catalog system for my life. Here were written the actions of my every moment, big and small, in a detail my memory couldn't match. A sense of wonder and curiosity, coupled with horror, stirred within me as I began randomly opening files and exploring their content. Some brought joy and sweet memories; others a sense of shame and regret so intense that I would look over my shoulder to see if anyone was watching.
A file named 'Friends' was next to one marked 'Friends I have betrayed.' The titles ranged from the mundane to the outright weird 'Books I Have Read,' 'Lies I Have Told,' 'Comfort I have Given,' 'Jokes I Have Laughed at .'
Some were almost hilarious in their exactness: 'Things I've yelled at my brothers.' Others I couldn't laugh at: 'Things I Have Done in My Anger', 'Things I Have Muttered Under My Breath at My Parents.'
I never ceased to be surprised by the contents.Often there were many more cards than I expected. Sometimes fewer than I hoped. I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the life I had lived. Could it be possible that I had the time in my years to fill each of these thousands or even millions of cards?
But each card confirmed this truth.
Each was written in my own handwriting.
Each signed with my signature.
When I pulled out the file marked 'TV Shows I have watched', I realized the files grew to contain their contents. The cards were packed tightly, and yet after two or three yards, I hadn't found the end of the file. I shut it, shamed, not so much by the quality of shows but more by the vast time I knew that file represented.
When I came to a file marked 'Lustful Thoughts,' I felt a chill run through my body. I pulled the file out only an inch, not willing to test its size and drew out a card. I shuddered at its detailed content.I felt sick to think that such a moment had been recorded.
An almost animal rage broke on me. One thought dominated my mind: No one must ever see these cards! No one must ever see this room! I have to destroy them!' In insane frenzy I yanked the file out. Its size didn't matter now. I had to empty it and burn the cards. But as I took it at one end and began pounding it on the floor, I could not dislodge a single card.
I became desperate and pulled out a card, only to find it as strong as steel when I tried to tear it.Defeated and utterly helpless, I returned the file to its slot. Leaning my forehead against the wall, I let out a long, self-pitying sigh. And then I saw it..
The title bore 'People I Have Shared the Gospel With.' The handle was brighter than those around it,seemed newer, almost unused. I pulled on its handle and a small box not more than three inches long fell into my hands. I could count the cards it contained on one hand.
And then the tears came. I began to weep. Sobs so deep that they hurt. They started in my stomach and shook through me. I fell on my knees and cried. I cried out of shame, from the overwhelming shame of it all. The rows of file shelves swirled in my tear-filled eyes. No one must ever, ever know of this room. I must lock it up and hide the key.
But then as I pushed away the tears, I saw Him.No, please not Him. Not here. Oh, anyone but Jesus. I watched helplessly as He began to open the files and read the cards. I couldn't bear to watch His response. And in the moments I could bring myself to look at His face, I saw a sorrow deeper than my own.
He seemed to intuitively go to the worst boxes. Why did He have to read every one? Finally He turned and looked at me from across the room. He looked at me with pity in His eyes. But this was a pity that didn't anger me. I dropped my head, covered my face with my hands and began to cry again. He walked over and put His arm around me. He could have said so many things. But He didn't say a word. He just cried with me.
Then He got up and walked back to the wall of files. Starting at one end of the room, He took out a file and, one by one, began to sign His name over mine on each card.
'No!' I shouted rushing to Him. All I could find to say was 'No, no,' as I pulled the card from Him. His name shouldn't be on these cards. But there it was, written in red so rich, so dark, so alive. The name of Jesus covered mine. It was written with His blood. He gently took the card back. He smiled a sad smile and began to sign the cards. I don't think I'll ever understand how He did it so quickly, but the next instant it seemed I heard Him close the last file and walk back to my side.
He placed His hand on my shoulder and said, 'It is finished.' I stood up, and He led me out of the room. There was no lock on its door. There were still cards to be written.
'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.'-Phil. 4:13
'For God so loved the world that He gave His only son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.'
If you feel the same way forward it so the love of Jesus will touch their lives also
My 'People I shared the gospel with' file just got bigger, how about yours?
IF THERE IS ONE EMAIL THAT I HAVE READ THAT NEEDS TO GO AROUND THE WORLD, IT IS THIS ONE, FOR THE CHRISTIAN OR NOT! MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL!> >
You don't have to share this with anybody, no one will know whether you did or not, but what do you feel in your heart?
Very thought provoking. Hope you read it to its end!!!!!
A TEENAGER'S VIEW OF HEAVEN
17-year-old Brian Moore had only a short time to write something for a class. The subject was what Heaven was like. 'I wowed 'em,' he later told his father, Bruce. 'It's a killer. It's the bomb. It's the best thing I ever wrote..' It also was the last.
Brian Moore died May 27, 1997, the day after Memorial Day. He was driving home from a friend's house when his car went off Bulen-Pierce Road in Pickaway County and struck a utility pole. He emerged from the wreck unharmed but stepped on a downed power line and was electrocuted.
The Moores framed a copy of Brian's essay and hung it among the family portraits in the living room. 'I think God used him to make a point. I think we were meant to find it and make something out of it,' Mrs. Moore said of the essay. She and her husband want to share their son's vision of life after death. 'I'm happy for Brian. I know he's in heaven. I know I'll see him.
'Brian's Essay: The Room...
In that place between wakefulness and dreams, I found myself in the room. There were no distinguishing features except for the one wall covered with small index card files. They were like the ones in libraries that list titles by author or subject in alphabetical order. But these files, which stretched from floor to ceiling and seemingly endless in either direction, had very different headings.
As I drew near the wall of files, the first to catch my attention was one that read 'Girls I have liked.' I opened it and began flipping through the cards. I quickly shut it, shocked to realize that I recognized the names written on each one. And then without being told, I knew exactly where I was.
This lifeless room with its small files was a crude catalog system for my life. Here were written the actions of my every moment, big and small, in a detail my memory couldn't match. A sense of wonder and curiosity, coupled with horror, stirred within me as I began randomly opening files and exploring their content. Some brought joy and sweet memories; others a sense of shame and regret so intense that I would look over my shoulder to see if anyone was watching.
A file named 'Friends' was next to one marked 'Friends I have betrayed.' The titles ranged from the mundane to the outright weird 'Books I Have Read,' 'Lies I Have Told,' 'Comfort I have Given,' 'Jokes I Have Laughed at .'
Some were almost hilarious in their exactness: 'Things I've yelled at my brothers.' Others I couldn't laugh at: 'Things I Have Done in My Anger', 'Things I Have Muttered Under My Breath at My Parents.'
I never ceased to be surprised by the contents.Often there were many more cards than I expected. Sometimes fewer than I hoped. I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the life I had lived. Could it be possible that I had the time in my years to fill each of these thousands or even millions of cards?
But each card confirmed this truth.
Each was written in my own handwriting.
Each signed with my signature.
When I pulled out the file marked 'TV Shows I have watched', I realized the files grew to contain their contents. The cards were packed tightly, and yet after two or three yards, I hadn't found the end of the file. I shut it, shamed, not so much by the quality of shows but more by the vast time I knew that file represented.
When I came to a file marked 'Lustful Thoughts,' I felt a chill run through my body. I pulled the file out only an inch, not willing to test its size and drew out a card. I shuddered at its detailed content.I felt sick to think that such a moment had been recorded.
An almost animal rage broke on me. One thought dominated my mind: No one must ever see these cards! No one must ever see this room! I have to destroy them!' In insane frenzy I yanked the file out. Its size didn't matter now. I had to empty it and burn the cards. But as I took it at one end and began pounding it on the floor, I could not dislodge a single card.
I became desperate and pulled out a card, only to find it as strong as steel when I tried to tear it.Defeated and utterly helpless, I returned the file to its slot. Leaning my forehead against the wall, I let out a long, self-pitying sigh. And then I saw it..
The title bore 'People I Have Shared the Gospel With.' The handle was brighter than those around it,seemed newer, almost unused. I pulled on its handle and a small box not more than three inches long fell into my hands. I could count the cards it contained on one hand.
And then the tears came. I began to weep. Sobs so deep that they hurt. They started in my stomach and shook through me. I fell on my knees and cried. I cried out of shame, from the overwhelming shame of it all. The rows of file shelves swirled in my tear-filled eyes. No one must ever, ever know of this room. I must lock it up and hide the key.
But then as I pushed away the tears, I saw Him.No, please not Him. Not here. Oh, anyone but Jesus. I watched helplessly as He began to open the files and read the cards. I couldn't bear to watch His response. And in the moments I could bring myself to look at His face, I saw a sorrow deeper than my own.
He seemed to intuitively go to the worst boxes. Why did He have to read every one? Finally He turned and looked at me from across the room. He looked at me with pity in His eyes. But this was a pity that didn't anger me. I dropped my head, covered my face with my hands and began to cry again. He walked over and put His arm around me. He could have said so many things. But He didn't say a word. He just cried with me.
Then He got up and walked back to the wall of files. Starting at one end of the room, He took out a file and, one by one, began to sign His name over mine on each card.
'No!' I shouted rushing to Him. All I could find to say was 'No, no,' as I pulled the card from Him. His name shouldn't be on these cards. But there it was, written in red so rich, so dark, so alive. The name of Jesus covered mine. It was written with His blood. He gently took the card back. He smiled a sad smile and began to sign the cards. I don't think I'll ever understand how He did it so quickly, but the next instant it seemed I heard Him close the last file and walk back to my side.
He placed His hand on my shoulder and said, 'It is finished.' I stood up, and He led me out of the room. There was no lock on its door. There were still cards to be written.
'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.'-Phil. 4:13
'For God so loved the world that He gave His only son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.'
If you feel the same way forward it so the love of Jesus will touch their lives also
My 'People I shared the gospel with' file just got bigger, how about yours?
IF THERE IS ONE EMAIL THAT I HAVE READ THAT NEEDS TO GO AROUND THE WORLD, IT IS THIS ONE, FOR THE CHRISTIAN OR NOT! MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL!> >
You don't have to share this with anybody, no one will know whether you did or not, but what do you feel in your heart?
Friday, March 28, 2008
Sin
The more i learn, the more i read, the more i see, the more i hear - the more i am convinced that Jesus Christ has been mostly head-knowledge to me all these years since i trusted Him, with only short drizzles of it raining into my heart during youth camps etc.
Now, my life is CHANGED! Wonderfully, Gloriously, Definitely, CHANGED!
I have not known such peace, such joy, such gladness, except in Christ my Lord... and truly, i have truly accepted Him into my HEART and trusted IN HIM FOR THE POWER to live a SINLESS life!
Many who do not read the Bible think that the only sins which are listed are in the 10Commandments in Exodus 20, which are, in brief:
3Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
4Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image.
7Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain. (i.e. Using the name of God carelessly or flippantly)
8Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. (check out Luke 6:6onwards, Luke 13:10-15, Luke 14:1-4, etc)
12Honour thy father and thy mother (Obeying with the RIGHT-HEART ATTITUDE)
13Thou shalt not kill.
14Thou shalt not commit adultery.
15Thou shalt not steal.
16Thou shalt not bear false witness. (LIE)
17Thou shalt not covet (wish, long, crave for)
Also, more are found here in Romans1:
29Being filled with all
1.unrighteousness,
2.fornication,
3.wickedness,
4.covetousness,
5.maliciousness;
6.full of envy,
7.murder,
8.debate,
9.deceit,
10.malignity;
11.whisperers,
12.Backbiters,
13.haters of God,
14.despiteful,
15.proud,
16.boasters, ....
and so on.
Romans 2
15Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)
Giving excuses for sin of others IS WRONG TOO!
Yet, come to them IN LOVE, bringing them to repentence- instead of accusing and bringing anger at the person instead of his sin (which is definitely NOT of the Holy Spirit).
Churches, have we been despising the PEOPLE instead of their SIN? Are we being self-righteous, condemning them because of their sin? Are we biased against them because we think that WE are MORE righteous than them, and therefore DESERVE the Kingdom of God MORE THAN THEM?
Call your sin SIN! Don't call your LIE a "oh, its just an exxageration... that's not really a lie, right?" And, LYING is one of the 10Commandments- RIGHT THERE ON THE SLAB OF STONE, TOGETHER WITH ADULTERY!
So many of us are scandalised when we hear of people commiting adultery- that is satan's cunning ruse of leading us to believe that adultery is MUCH MORE SINFUL THAN LYING!
The truth is, BOTH are on the SAME slab of stone (Moses), and are part of the 10commandments.
I wonder, how many of you would be as scandalised at an EXXAGERATION (Yes, even a half-lie, a white-lie, a small lie, an exxageration... are FALSEHOODS) as you are to an adultery?
Are we like the Pharicees? Oh, brethren, that we might call our sin as it is: SIN! Instead of giving excuses for it... and CONFESS that we might become a clean vessel before God's sight!
Then, only, can we see HOW THE LORD WILL BLESS US, HOW HE WILL USE US- OH SO GREATLY!
Now, my life is CHANGED! Wonderfully, Gloriously, Definitely, CHANGED!
I have not known such peace, such joy, such gladness, except in Christ my Lord... and truly, i have truly accepted Him into my HEART and trusted IN HIM FOR THE POWER to live a SINLESS life!
Many who do not read the Bible think that the only sins which are listed are in the 10Commandments in Exodus 20, which are, in brief:
3Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
4Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image.
7Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain. (i.e. Using the name of God carelessly or flippantly)
8Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. (check out Luke 6:6onwards, Luke 13:10-15, Luke 14:1-4, etc)
12Honour thy father and thy mother (Obeying with the RIGHT-HEART ATTITUDE)
13Thou shalt not kill.
14Thou shalt not commit adultery.
15Thou shalt not steal.
16Thou shalt not bear false witness. (LIE)
17Thou shalt not covet (wish, long, crave for)
Also, more are found here in Romans1:
29Being filled with all
1.unrighteousness,
2.fornication,
3.wickedness,
4.covetousness,
5.maliciousness;
6.full of envy,
7.murder,
8.debate,
9.deceit,
10.malignity;
11.whisperers,
12.Backbiters,
13.haters of God,
14.despiteful,
15.proud,
16.boasters, ....
and so on.
Romans 2
15Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)
Giving excuses for sin of others IS WRONG TOO!
Yet, come to them IN LOVE, bringing them to repentence- instead of accusing and bringing anger at the person instead of his sin (which is definitely NOT of the Holy Spirit).
Churches, have we been despising the PEOPLE instead of their SIN? Are we being self-righteous, condemning them because of their sin? Are we biased against them because we think that WE are MORE righteous than them, and therefore DESERVE the Kingdom of God MORE THAN THEM?
Call your sin SIN! Don't call your LIE a "oh, its just an exxageration... that's not really a lie, right?" And, LYING is one of the 10Commandments- RIGHT THERE ON THE SLAB OF STONE, TOGETHER WITH ADULTERY!
So many of us are scandalised when we hear of people commiting adultery- that is satan's cunning ruse of leading us to believe that adultery is MUCH MORE SINFUL THAN LYING!
The truth is, BOTH are on the SAME slab of stone (Moses), and are part of the 10commandments.
I wonder, how many of you would be as scandalised at an EXXAGERATION (Yes, even a half-lie, a white-lie, a small lie, an exxageration... are FALSEHOODS) as you are to an adultery?
Are we like the Pharicees? Oh, brethren, that we might call our sin as it is: SIN! Instead of giving excuses for it... and CONFESS that we might become a clean vessel before God's sight!
Then, only, can we see HOW THE LORD WILL BLESS US, HOW HE WILL USE US- OH SO GREATLY!
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Loved Ones
Chinese New Year came and passed this year as it has always come and passed- but for me it has been a vast difference, as things have been for these past three months or so.
Being in the midst of the throngs has been a constant temptation- the temptation to forget what has been learnt and to just 'revert' back to my old, sinful self...
But Only by the grace (note: the supernatural enabling) of God, i have not. "Give us this day our daily bread".. (:
I guess i have been too accustomed to see my close relatives all going to church with me (except for my grandpa...Pray for him! "he that goes forth weeping, bearing precious seed, shall DOUBTLESS come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him" Ps 126 i AM claiming upon that promise!), and today the Lord led me to read a dear friend's blog... and i was struck with the severity of it all.
My heart burns when i think about it. How can we mingle with loved ones whom we care so much for, unconcerned about the reality of death and hell for those who are not saved? This is not even about the lost in general yet- it is about those we care about and love! The church is praying for a (very dear to me- and all of us) sister-in-Christ, but how many have been on their knees burdened and crying out for the souls of their loved ones as well? Ps 126 says Doubtless- DOUBTLESS! Why are we giving up on the possibility of our loves ones being so wonderfully saved? Can we not trust in our GOD to save them and keep His promises in His Word, as we do for our salvation?
How about those whom we know have lost the fire for Christ? Are we not, then, as brethren in Christ, to encourage and exhort.. "Convince, rebuke, Exhort, with all longsuffering and patience" (NOT by any of our effort to persuade, but only by the supernatural enabling of our LORD!) -Yes! Even REBUKE... or are we too afraid to do so for FEAR of offending others? FEAR! "Be anxious for nothing.." "God has NOT given us a spirit of fear..." if not of God, who then can it be from? Is this feeling then an excuse for not following the Word of our God? I am so humbled by this rebuke the Lord has given me.
Truly, my heart aches. People who have 'disappeared'... and you know what the awful, Awful thing is? (i have had people who give me this answer as a 'reason' for not going... although not a justifiable reason -because we are to go FOR OUR GOD- but it does play an unavoidable part) THE REASON WHY PEOPLE STOP WANTING TO COME IS BECAUSE THEY ARE SO DISCOURAGED BY OUR BEHAVIOUR AS CHRISTIANS!
True accounts.
"Because i see back-biting, gossiping, disputes.. which i do not even see outside". (and this is about our church!)
"you people do not follow the bible at all.. how can it be real?.."
I truly do not know if they are saved, apostates, or not saved... but that strikes real heartache and fear in my heart.. not fear of man, but FEAR OF MY LORD! Have we turned this holy, sacred place into a "gambling den", where Jesus himself went and turned the tables over? Is church now a place for socializing without concern for our Lord? Is it a place where we come and sit or sleep through a sermon, then go out and chit-chat about latest fashions, soccer matches and the like? O Lord, forgive Your people.
O, Lord.
Being in the midst of the throngs has been a constant temptation- the temptation to forget what has been learnt and to just 'revert' back to my old, sinful self...
But Only by the grace (note: the supernatural enabling) of God, i have not. "Give us this day our daily bread".. (:
I guess i have been too accustomed to see my close relatives all going to church with me (except for my grandpa...Pray for him! "he that goes forth weeping, bearing precious seed, shall DOUBTLESS come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him" Ps 126 i AM claiming upon that promise!), and today the Lord led me to read a dear friend's blog... and i was struck with the severity of it all.
My heart burns when i think about it. How can we mingle with loved ones whom we care so much for, unconcerned about the reality of death and hell for those who are not saved? This is not even about the lost in general yet- it is about those we care about and love! The church is praying for a (very dear to me- and all of us) sister-in-Christ, but how many have been on their knees burdened and crying out for the souls of their loved ones as well? Ps 126 says Doubtless- DOUBTLESS! Why are we giving up on the possibility of our loves ones being so wonderfully saved? Can we not trust in our GOD to save them and keep His promises in His Word, as we do for our salvation?
How about those whom we know have lost the fire for Christ? Are we not, then, as brethren in Christ, to encourage and exhort.. "Convince, rebuke, Exhort, with all longsuffering and patience" (NOT by any of our effort to persuade, but only by the supernatural enabling of our LORD!) -Yes! Even REBUKE... or are we too afraid to do so for FEAR of offending others? FEAR! "Be anxious for nothing.." "God has NOT given us a spirit of fear..." if not of God, who then can it be from? Is this feeling then an excuse for not following the Word of our God? I am so humbled by this rebuke the Lord has given me.
Truly, my heart aches. People who have 'disappeared'... and you know what the awful, Awful thing is? (i have had people who give me this answer as a 'reason' for not going... although not a justifiable reason -because we are to go FOR OUR GOD- but it does play an unavoidable part) THE REASON WHY PEOPLE STOP WANTING TO COME IS BECAUSE THEY ARE SO DISCOURAGED BY OUR BEHAVIOUR AS CHRISTIANS!
True accounts.
"Because i see back-biting, gossiping, disputes.. which i do not even see outside". (and this is about our church!)
"you people do not follow the bible at all.. how can it be real?.."
I truly do not know if they are saved, apostates, or not saved... but that strikes real heartache and fear in my heart.. not fear of man, but FEAR OF MY LORD! Have we turned this holy, sacred place into a "gambling den", where Jesus himself went and turned the tables over? Is church now a place for socializing without concern for our Lord? Is it a place where we come and sit or sleep through a sermon, then go out and chit-chat about latest fashions, soccer matches and the like? O Lord, forgive Your people.
O, Lord.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Convictions That Conquer
to read: Daniel
You Don't Really Believe What You Don't Behave
-Are your convictions just as strong as when people are JEERING at you as when they are cheering for you?
-Are you a Play-Dough Christian?
Why do we let the world pressure us from without, when the Word should mold us from within?
-You're not going to lose any friends when you stand for your convictions (FROM THE WORD)... you're gonna find out who your real friends are! If we stand for righteousness, God WILL give us a spiritual perception that others don't get!
2 Tim 2:24
24And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,
25In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
26And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.
When a man's ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies be at peace with him.
1Cor 15:58
58Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
[Mule Plowing Illustration]
Don't take your eyes off that "tree"!
You CANNOT sight-see and expect to get anything done!
You Don't Really Believe What You Don't Behave
-Are your convictions just as strong as when people are JEERING at you as when they are cheering for you?
-Are you a Play-Dough Christian?
Why do we let the world pressure us from without, when the Word should mold us from within?
-You're not going to lose any friends when you stand for your convictions (FROM THE WORD)... you're gonna find out who your real friends are! If we stand for righteousness, God WILL give us a spiritual perception that others don't get!
2 Tim 2:24
24And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,
25In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
26And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.
When a man's ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies be at peace with him.
1Cor 15:58
58Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
[Mule Plowing Illustration]
Don't take your eyes off that "tree"!
You CANNOT sight-see and expect to get anything done!
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
220108, Tuesday.
Wow. It might not seem like a long time, but within this period i have learnt such a vast amount of things that i can only fall down at my Heavenly Father's feet and thank Him for what He has revealed to me.
It is so, so Amazing how much the Lord gives when you walk by faith in Him. There is no such thing as "more faith" in the quantative sense. "More", "Great", "Little" faith all mean the DURATION, be it long-termed or short-termed...
We are either exercising faith, or we are not! It IS as simple as that. For we do not somehow try to "muster up more (quantitative) faith"; Instead we look to our Saviour and trust Him for it!
How great my shame when i realised that i only had this revelation TODAY... but i thank my Great God who reveals Himself to us in His time (: And when i applied this concept, my prayers were answered almost immediately! I managed to talk to 3friends (F, S, T) about Christ today.. and it WAS a DIVINE APPOINTMENT... to S, and F joined in the conversation on the walk to the mrt with F and T. After F left, i sat the same bus as T to go home. Now usually i wouldnt like to go home with other people cos i would want to do my stuff on the bus (so i was thinking of catching the other bus to go home instead), but the Lord spoke and reminded me that it was His time! And so i went ahead with her... and she voluntarily continued the conversation! It was like... a miracle. Everything flowed so smoothly that.. i just look back and gasp in amazement at how my Lord works... truly! Wow..
It is so, so Amazing how much the Lord gives when you walk by faith in Him. There is no such thing as "more faith" in the quantative sense. "More", "Great", "Little" faith all mean the DURATION, be it long-termed or short-termed...
We are either exercising faith, or we are not! It IS as simple as that. For we do not somehow try to "muster up more (quantitative) faith"; Instead we look to our Saviour and trust Him for it!
How great my shame when i realised that i only had this revelation TODAY... but i thank my Great God who reveals Himself to us in His time (: And when i applied this concept, my prayers were answered almost immediately! I managed to talk to 3friends (F, S, T) about Christ today.. and it WAS a DIVINE APPOINTMENT... to S, and F joined in the conversation on the walk to the mrt with F and T. After F left, i sat the same bus as T to go home. Now usually i wouldnt like to go home with other people cos i would want to do my stuff on the bus (so i was thinking of catching the other bus to go home instead), but the Lord spoke and reminded me that it was His time! And so i went ahead with her... and she voluntarily continued the conversation! It was like... a miracle. Everything flowed so smoothly that.. i just look back and gasp in amazement at how my Lord works... truly! Wow..
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Proverbs
Proverbs 1
1The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel;
2To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding;
3To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity;
4To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion.
5A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:
6To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings.
7The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
8My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother:
9For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck.
10My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.
11If they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause:
12Let us swallow them up alive as the grave; and whole, as those that go down into the pit:
13We shall find all precious substance, we shall fill our houses with spoil:
14Cast in thy lot among us; let us all have one purse:
15My son, walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy foot from their path:
16For their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed blood.
17Surely in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird.
18And they lay wait for their own blood; they lurk privily for their own lives.
19So are the ways of every one that is greedy of gain; which taketh away the life of the owners thereof.
20Wisdom crieth without; she uttereth her voice in the streets:
21She crieth in the chief place of concourse, in the openings of the gates: in the city she uttereth her words, saying,
22How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge?
23Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you.
24Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded;
25But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof:
26I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh;
27When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you.
28Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me:
29For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD:
30They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof.
31Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.
32For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them.
33But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.
Proverbs 2
1My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee;
2So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding;
3Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding;
4If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures;
5Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.
6For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.
7He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly.
8He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints.
9Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; yea, every good path.
10When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul;
11Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee:
12To deliver thee from the way of the evil man, from the man that speaketh froward things;
13Who leave the paths of uprightness, to walk in the ways of darkness;
14Who rejoice to do evil, and delight in the frowardness of the wicked;
15Whose ways are crooked, and they froward in their paths:
16To deliver thee from the strange woman, even from the stranger which flattereth with her words;
17Which forsaketh the guide of her youth, and forgetteth the covenant of her God.
18For her house inclineth unto death, and her paths unto the dead.
19None that go unto her return again, neither take they hold of the paths of life.
20That thou mayest walk in the way of good men, and keep the paths of the righteous.
21For the upright shall dwell in the land, and the perfect shall remain in it.
22But the wicked shall be cut off from the earth, and the transgressors shall be rooted out of it.
Proverbs 3
1My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:
2For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.
3Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:
4So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.
5Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
6In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
7Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.
8It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.
9Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:
10So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.
11My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction:
12For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.
13Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.
14For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold.
15She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.
16Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour.
17Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.
18She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her.
1The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel;
2To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding;
3To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity;
4To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion.
5A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:
6To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings.
7The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
8My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother:
9For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck.
10My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.
11If they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause:
12Let us swallow them up alive as the grave; and whole, as those that go down into the pit:
13We shall find all precious substance, we shall fill our houses with spoil:
14Cast in thy lot among us; let us all have one purse:
15My son, walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy foot from their path:
16For their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed blood.
17Surely in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird.
18And they lay wait for their own blood; they lurk privily for their own lives.
19So are the ways of every one that is greedy of gain; which taketh away the life of the owners thereof.
20Wisdom crieth without; she uttereth her voice in the streets:
21She crieth in the chief place of concourse, in the openings of the gates: in the city she uttereth her words, saying,
22How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge?
23Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you.
24Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded;
25But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof:
26I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh;
27When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you.
28Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me:
29For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD:
30They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof.
31Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.
32For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them.
33But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.
Proverbs 2
1My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee;
2So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding;
3Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding;
4If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures;
5Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.
6For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.
7He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly.
8He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints.
9Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; yea, every good path.
10When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul;
11Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee:
12To deliver thee from the way of the evil man, from the man that speaketh froward things;
13Who leave the paths of uprightness, to walk in the ways of darkness;
14Who rejoice to do evil, and delight in the frowardness of the wicked;
15Whose ways are crooked, and they froward in their paths:
16To deliver thee from the strange woman, even from the stranger which flattereth with her words;
17Which forsaketh the guide of her youth, and forgetteth the covenant of her God.
18For her house inclineth unto death, and her paths unto the dead.
19None that go unto her return again, neither take they hold of the paths of life.
20That thou mayest walk in the way of good men, and keep the paths of the righteous.
21For the upright shall dwell in the land, and the perfect shall remain in it.
22But the wicked shall be cut off from the earth, and the transgressors shall be rooted out of it.
Proverbs 3
1My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:
2For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.
3Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:
4So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.
5Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
6In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
7Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.
8It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.
9Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:
10So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.
11My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction:
12For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.
13Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.
14For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold.
15She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.
16Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour.
17Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.
18She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her.
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