"No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him and I will raise him up at the last day." (John 6:44)
"No one can come to me unless the Father has enabled him." (John 6:65)
As I sat in the corner of a coffee shop on a relaxing Friday night, sipping the last drop of my "Intense Dark Mocha", a clear voice came into my ears.
"I don't know what I believe. I believe in a spirit..."
I peered at the round table in the center of the shop. Many voices were there. My eyes moved around the round table. Like a holiday get-together, a family of relatives, children and parents, were talking about old times. I looked at each one's lips, but nothing matched the words of the voice. I continued to hear this voice clearly through the other voices. I looked at the table once more, more intently. Nothing.
Finally, through the people and the conversing voices, at the opposite corner of the shop, I saw. In that corner sat two teen girls, speaking about beliefs. Seeking God. Because the voice was so clear to my ears, somehown cutting through all the closer voices, I felt I was supposed to share with them the good news.
The shop was closing in several minutes. I was nervous. Should I share the good news to total strangers? I prayed to the Heavenly Father for boldness. My body began to shake of nervousness.
"He who speaks on his own does so to gain honor for himself, but he who works for the honor of the one who sent [Jesus] is a man of truth." (John 7:18)
I walked over to them and shared the good news of Jesus- the gift of grace, the bridge of life eternal. Ryan and Tyler, I pray that your ears hear the good news and that your hearts believe.
"No one can come to [Jesus] unless the Father who sent him draws him."
"... and I will raise him up at the last day." (John 6:44)
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Reconciliation
Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift. (Matthew 5:24)
"Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it." (Luke 11:28)
A friend told me about importance of reconciliation. He himself had stolen something as a teen and now he was in a position of asking the Lord for blessings. He thought, "How can the Lord answer my prayer if I myself have not done what the Lord has asked? That is to be reconciled." Obeying Matthew 5:24, filled with courage from the Lord, he telephoned the owner of the store he had stolen something from many years earlier. He confessed to the owner what he had done and then agreed on an amount for the price of the item. He sent the owner a check. A few days later his prayer was answered by the Lord.
Upon hearing this story, I too thought about reconciliation for God. About two weeks ago, I personally witnessed to two siblings beginning the process of reconciling in the name of the the Lord after over two decades of disconnect. Two decades! Then I witnessed the Lord blessings that came after the reconcilation.
Ten years ago, I promised to myself and to God to reconcile with a high school classmate over some damage to his property. Over the past few years, I have looked to contact this person yet once I hit a roadblock I stopped searching for him. After reading Jesus' words, and hearing and seeing reconciliation stories, I was determined to contact this man. Once more I typed in www... and began searching the internet for him. Yes, I even signed-up for Myspace and Facebook in hopes to find him. Finally, with an aunt's help, I found a possible number. Then fear crept in.
Was this the correct phone number? How would he respond? What if he was angry? Whate if he demanded huge restitution. These thoughts came into my mind. How difficult it is to confess. Yet, I called on the Lord. He gave me the courage to stop worrying and follow Him.
I called and left a message.
That night, a new number called my phone. Although much deeper than I had remembered, it was the voice I had been looking for. In the name of the Lord I reconciled with him. I confessed to him. We spoke for a long time. We talked about old times. I told him I was calling because of the Lord.
And guess what? He forgave me.
Something was lifted off my heart that night. Today, I walk with more joy in my heart.
"Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it."
It's never too late to reconcile for God and have God's joy come fill your heart even more.
"Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it." (Luke 11:28)
A friend told me about importance of reconciliation. He himself had stolen something as a teen and now he was in a position of asking the Lord for blessings. He thought, "How can the Lord answer my prayer if I myself have not done what the Lord has asked? That is to be reconciled." Obeying Matthew 5:24, filled with courage from the Lord, he telephoned the owner of the store he had stolen something from many years earlier. He confessed to the owner what he had done and then agreed on an amount for the price of the item. He sent the owner a check. A few days later his prayer was answered by the Lord.
Upon hearing this story, I too thought about reconciliation for God. About two weeks ago, I personally witnessed to two siblings beginning the process of reconciling in the name of the the Lord after over two decades of disconnect. Two decades! Then I witnessed the Lord blessings that came after the reconcilation.
Ten years ago, I promised to myself and to God to reconcile with a high school classmate over some damage to his property. Over the past few years, I have looked to contact this person yet once I hit a roadblock I stopped searching for him. After reading Jesus' words, and hearing and seeing reconciliation stories, I was determined to contact this man. Once more I typed in www... and began searching the internet for him. Yes, I even signed-up for Myspace and Facebook in hopes to find him. Finally, with an aunt's help, I found a possible number. Then fear crept in.
Was this the correct phone number? How would he respond? What if he was angry? Whate if he demanded huge restitution. These thoughts came into my mind. How difficult it is to confess. Yet, I called on the Lord. He gave me the courage to stop worrying and follow Him.
I called and left a message.
That night, a new number called my phone. Although much deeper than I had remembered, it was the voice I had been looking for. In the name of the Lord I reconciled with him. I confessed to him. We spoke for a long time. We talked about old times. I told him I was calling because of the Lord.
And guess what? He forgave me.
Something was lifted off my heart that night. Today, I walk with more joy in my heart.
"Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it."
It's never too late to reconcile for God and have God's joy come fill your heart even more.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
You. Your faith.
A large crowd followed and pressed around him. And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years... When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak...
Immediately her bleeding stopped and she was freed from the suffering.
Jesus said to her, "Daughter your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering."
Mark 5
Out of faith in Jesus, the lady touched his cloak. And you saw what happened.
It is your faith that heals you. It is your faith that saves you.
Your choice.
"Do not be afraid; just believe." (Mark 5:36)
Immediately her bleeding stopped and she was freed from the suffering.
Jesus said to her, "Daughter your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering."
Mark 5
Out of faith in Jesus, the lady touched his cloak. And you saw what happened.
It is your faith that heals you. It is your faith that saves you.
Your choice.
"Do not be afraid; just believe." (Mark 5:36)
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
What happened to those in the New Testament?
It is in the last few years that I have been learning more about my faith, more about my brother Jesus who is the Christ and more about the disciples in the New Testament.
I believe in a man, Jesus. He was an outstanding man, so outstanding that he was arrested and then crucified by man. Think about it. He was tried as a criminal and then executed.
Paul who writes much of the new testament, well, we call him a saint. What happened to him? Well, we was arrested a few times, I think in four different countries. He was beaten and flogged, left in the streets to die. Finally, he was beheaded for his faith.
Peter, a disciple who is also called a saint. Well, he suffered much the same as Paul. Persecuted, arrested and according to tradition, crucified also, only upside down because he felt he wasn't holy enough to be crucified upright like Jesus.
Out of the 12 disciples. One betrayed Jesus, and the other 11 they all suffered and were beheaded or killed.
Only John had the pleasure of being thrown in a hot vat of oil. He lived and was put on the island of Patmos with other criminals, where he received revelations from God. It seems he died of old age.
This is what happened to those who believed in Christ. They were treated as criminals. Many were executed.
I believe in a man, Jesus. He was an outstanding man, so outstanding that he was arrested and then crucified by man. Think about it. He was tried as a criminal and then executed.
Paul who writes much of the new testament, well, we call him a saint. What happened to him? Well, we was arrested a few times, I think in four different countries. He was beaten and flogged, left in the streets to die. Finally, he was beheaded for his faith.
Peter, a disciple who is also called a saint. Well, he suffered much the same as Paul. Persecuted, arrested and according to tradition, crucified also, only upside down because he felt he wasn't holy enough to be crucified upright like Jesus.
Out of the 12 disciples. One betrayed Jesus, and the other 11 they all suffered and were beheaded or killed.
Only John had the pleasure of being thrown in a hot vat of oil. He lived and was put on the island of Patmos with other criminals, where he received revelations from God. It seems he died of old age.
This is what happened to those who believed in Christ. They were treated as criminals. Many were executed.
Jesus's final words in Matthew
"All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always to the end of the age."
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
When we do not believe or ask "Why Jesus?"
In my life recently, I have been surrounded by people who do not believe in God and therefore Christ. I recently conversed with an "athiest" and my sister also texted me on her needing help to speak to non-believers. Which is why I write this now, for us believers and for non-believers. I do believe we are destined for physical death. With so many religions, thoughts and philosophies out there, is there an answer for death?
Remember this: "There is a way that seems right to man, but in the end it leads to death." (Proverbs 14:12). We are in need of a way to eternal life. So I recently just learned these verses from a friend. God bless him.
1. All have sinned (We can agree to this, usually even non-believers. We are imperfect.)
(Romans 3:23) "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." We all have made mistakes in our lives. We are imperfect.
Since we are all imperfect (sinful)...
2. Sin's penalty
(Romans 6:23) "For the wages of sin is death." (We are destined for death aren't we?)
Most of us agree with these ideas. Now, how do we have life instead of death?
3. Christ paid the penalty
Now, why Jesus?
(Romans 6:23) "but the gift of God is enternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Truly a gift because while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. "This is God's love for us" (Romans 5:8).
4. Salvation Not by Works
(Ephesians 2:8-9) For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith- and this is not from ourselves, it is the gift of God- not by works, so that no once can boast.
5. Receive Christ for salvation
(1 John 5:13) Yet all who received Him, to those who believe in His name, He gave the right to become children of God.
(Heavenly father, bless these words of yours and use them to open our hearts to you and your gift.)
Remember this: "There is a way that seems right to man, but in the end it leads to death." (Proverbs 14:12). We are in need of a way to eternal life. So I recently just learned these verses from a friend. God bless him.
1. All have sinned (We can agree to this, usually even non-believers. We are imperfect.)
(Romans 3:23) "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." We all have made mistakes in our lives. We are imperfect.
Since we are all imperfect (sinful)...
2. Sin's penalty
(Romans 6:23) "For the wages of sin is death." (We are destined for death aren't we?)
Most of us agree with these ideas. Now, how do we have life instead of death?
3. Christ paid the penalty
Now, why Jesus?
(Romans 6:23) "but the gift of God is enternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Truly a gift because while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. "This is God's love for us" (Romans 5:8).
4. Salvation Not by Works
(Ephesians 2:8-9) For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith- and this is not from ourselves, it is the gift of God- not by works, so that no once can boast.
5. Receive Christ for salvation
(1 John 5:13) Yet all who received Him, to those who believe in His name, He gave the right to become children of God.
Assurance of salvation
"I tell you the truth, whoever hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life." Jesus Christ (John 5:24)(Heavenly father, bless these words of yours and use them to open our hearts to you and your gift.)
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Faith, Healing and a Big Toe
About five weeks ago, my big toe which has a pin inserted in it from a surgery many years ago, began to hurt. This pain lasted for a few weeks and it was to the point where I was ready to go to a doctor since it was hurting abnormally too much. Maybe there was internal bleeding? Maybe something had gone wrong? The pin, maybe it had moved?
One day, I went out with a friend and spoke to some college students about God and his Son Jesus. We spoke with several people all to different degrees.
When I went home that night, my toe was causing a great deal a pain. I took off my sock and analyzed it. It loooked a little swollen and purple. I was going to have to see a doctor the next day.
That is when I got down on my knees, I confessed all my sins and the I cried out to God to stop the pain. And guess what? The pain went away. It'sbeen about three weeks and the frustrating pain hasn't came back. I still feel a little discomfort now and then, but nothing like what I was experiencing. Better yet, the discomfort brings my focus back to God.
Once, a man with leprosy came and knelt in front of Jesus and said, "Lord if you are willing, you can make me clean."
Jesus touched the man and said, "I am willing. Be clean." Immediately the man was cured.
Jesus heals many times, and what I learned from these miracles is that:
1. It takes FAITH.
The man with leprosy had faith. Notice what he says. He believes that if Jesus was willing, he could heal him. We must BELIEVE in the power of God.
As Jesus tells a Centurion when he asked for his servant, who was paralyzed, to be healed, "Go! It will be done just as your BELIEVED it would." (Matthew 8)
For myself, I believe it takes FAITH, sometimes humbling myself to crying out on my knees. I also believe it takes LOVE for Jesus. Jesus says to show our love for him, we must obey his commands. When he says go out and spread the good news, I felt that was what was I doing that day, in talking to college students. I was expressing my love for Him.
And these are the reasons for healing.
Lord provide us the grace to strengthened our faith. Let us love you by following your commands. Then let us be witness to your blessings.
One day, I went out with a friend and spoke to some college students about God and his Son Jesus. We spoke with several people all to different degrees.
When I went home that night, my toe was causing a great deal a pain. I took off my sock and analyzed it. It loooked a little swollen and purple. I was going to have to see a doctor the next day.
That is when I got down on my knees, I confessed all my sins and the I cried out to God to stop the pain. And guess what? The pain went away. It'sbeen about three weeks and the frustrating pain hasn't came back. I still feel a little discomfort now and then, but nothing like what I was experiencing. Better yet, the discomfort brings my focus back to God.
Once, a man with leprosy came and knelt in front of Jesus and said, "Lord if you are willing, you can make me clean."
Jesus touched the man and said, "I am willing. Be clean." Immediately the man was cured.
Jesus heals many times, and what I learned from these miracles is that:
1. It takes FAITH.
The man with leprosy had faith. Notice what he says. He believes that if Jesus was willing, he could heal him. We must BELIEVE in the power of God.
As Jesus tells a Centurion when he asked for his servant, who was paralyzed, to be healed, "Go! It will be done just as your BELIEVED it would." (Matthew 8)
For myself, I believe it takes FAITH, sometimes humbling myself to crying out on my knees. I also believe it takes LOVE for Jesus. Jesus says to show our love for him, we must obey his commands. When he says go out and spread the good news, I felt that was what was I doing that day, in talking to college students. I was expressing my love for Him.
And these are the reasons for healing.
Lord provide us the grace to strengthened our faith. Let us love you by following your commands. Then let us be witness to your blessings.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
What seed do we have?
The parable of the sower (Matthew 13):
A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, the seed fell on different places.
Some seed fell on the path. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. Other seed fell among thorns. Still others fell on good soil.
What do you think happened to each seed??? (Gardeners and farmers should know)
The seed on the path- the birds came and ate it up.
The seed on the rocky places- it sprang up quickly in the shallow soil, but then the sun came up and scorched it because it had no root. It withered.
The seed among thorns- the plant grew up, but was choked out.
The seed on the good soil - it produced a crop many times what was sown.
In our life:
When anyone hears of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches what was sown in their heart. Which seed is this?
Some of us hear the word and at once receives it with joy, but since we have no root, when trouble or persecution come because of the word of God, we quickly fall away. Which seed is this?
Some of us hear the word, but the worries of life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful. Which seed is this?
Some of us hear the word and understands it. We produce a crop,yeilding much more than what was sown. Which seed is this?
Where is our seed planted?
Let us pray to communicate with God, let us listen to the word of God, let us produce a crop and spread our faith to others. Let us be the seed sown on good soil.
Father, let us be the seed on the good soil. Through your grace strengthen our faith. Give us our daily spiritual food. Let us be honest with you and repent our faults to you. Grant us salvation and lead to us living faithful lives.
A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, the seed fell on different places.
Some seed fell on the path. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. Other seed fell among thorns. Still others fell on good soil.
What do you think happened to each seed??? (Gardeners and farmers should know)
The seed on the path- the birds came and ate it up.
The seed on the rocky places- it sprang up quickly in the shallow soil, but then the sun came up and scorched it because it had no root. It withered.
The seed among thorns- the plant grew up, but was choked out.
The seed on the good soil - it produced a crop many times what was sown.
In our life:
When anyone hears of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches what was sown in their heart. Which seed is this?
Some of us hear the word and at once receives it with joy, but since we have no root, when trouble or persecution come because of the word of God, we quickly fall away. Which seed is this?
Some of us hear the word, but the worries of life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful. Which seed is this?
Some of us hear the word and understands it. We produce a crop,yeilding much more than what was sown. Which seed is this?
Where is our seed planted?
Let us pray to communicate with God, let us listen to the word of God, let us produce a crop and spread our faith to others. Let us be the seed sown on good soil.
Father, let us be the seed on the good soil. Through your grace strengthen our faith. Give us our daily spiritual food. Let us be honest with you and repent our faults to you. Grant us salvation and lead to us living faithful lives.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
In Secret
Do we do things to be honored by man or by God?
I, myself know I am at fault for doing things to be honored by man. And man's honor leads to my pride which leads to destruction. This is how we do things genuinely for our Father.
Matthew 6
Be careful not to do your 'acts or righteousness' before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.
Give to the needy... in secret
Pray to your Father ... in secret
Fast ... in secret
Do not do these things to be praised and honored by man. Do these things genuinely for your Father, who sees what is done in secret, and the Father will reward you.
Father, let me continue to focus on these words of yours and actually put them into practice. I repent for all the times I have done 'acts of righteousness' to be honored by man. Have mercy on my soul. Thank you.
I, myself know I am at fault for doing things to be honored by man. And man's honor leads to my pride which leads to destruction. This is how we do things genuinely for our Father.
Matthew 6
Be careful not to do your 'acts or righteousness' before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.
Give to the needy... in secret
Pray to your Father ... in secret
Fast ... in secret
Do not do these things to be praised and honored by man. Do these things genuinely for your Father, who sees what is done in secret, and the Father will reward you.
Father, let me continue to focus on these words of yours and actually put them into practice. I repent for all the times I have done 'acts of righteousness' to be honored by man. Have mercy on my soul. Thank you.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
God's Amazing Will
Sometimes events happen in our lives that lead us to witness God's Will in amazement. Has this happened to you?
One event occurred this past Sunday July 20, 2008.
A few weeks ago my auntie inquired about reading the bible yet she didn't have a bible. So my aunt and uncle purchased one. My auntie now had a personal bible for the first time in her life.
A few days after this, at about 10 pm, my auntie came to the dining table to learn a little bit about the bible. I was studying "Revelation" and my aunt began to ask me questions about the bible. Where to begin reading? What is the "New" and "Old" Testament?
As we opened to the Gospel of Matthew, my auntie began seeking, reading some verses on her own. She asked about chapter one. "How do you pronounce "Jehoshaphat?"
How should I know?
She asked about the birth of Jesus and how he was conceived.
Then she saw the prayer, "Our Father" in 6:9.
She continued to peruse and seek understanding through Matthew: 6:16, 6:19, 6:24, 6:32, 7:7 (Ask, Seek, Knock), the 7 parables and so on.
Then her lips read Matthew 15:18:
But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these make a man 'unclean'...
She says:
Whoa. I dreamed that this would happen. That I was sitting with you at this table reading this exact passage.
Chills ran through our bodies.
There are something like 1189 chapters in the bible and 31,103 verses. (via website)
1071 verses in the Gospel of Matthew alone.
"God's Will" is all I could say.
"God's Will."
"Seek and you will find." Matthew 7:7
Thank you Lord for this breath and time today. I want to thank you for that night of July 20, 2008 and bless all those who continue to sow daily. Amen.
One event occurred this past Sunday July 20, 2008.
A few weeks ago my auntie inquired about reading the bible yet she didn't have a bible. So my aunt and uncle purchased one. My auntie now had a personal bible for the first time in her life.
A few days after this, at about 10 pm, my auntie came to the dining table to learn a little bit about the bible. I was studying "Revelation" and my aunt began to ask me questions about the bible. Where to begin reading? What is the "New" and "Old" Testament?
As we opened to the Gospel of Matthew, my auntie began seeking, reading some verses on her own. She asked about chapter one. "How do you pronounce "Jehoshaphat?"
How should I know?
She asked about the birth of Jesus and how he was conceived.
Then she saw the prayer, "Our Father" in 6:9.
She continued to peruse and seek understanding through Matthew: 6:16, 6:19, 6:24, 6:32, 7:7 (Ask, Seek, Knock), the 7 parables and so on.
Then her lips read Matthew 15:18:
But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these make a man 'unclean'...
She says:
Whoa. I dreamed that this would happen. That I was sitting with you at this table reading this exact passage.
Chills ran through our bodies.
There are something like 1189 chapters in the bible and 31,103 verses. (via website)
1071 verses in the Gospel of Matthew alone.
"God's Will" is all I could say.
"God's Will."
"Seek and you will find." Matthew 7:7
Thank you Lord for this breath and time today. I want to thank you for that night of July 20, 2008 and bless all those who continue to sow daily. Amen.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
The End of the World. Which will You Choose?
The Beast out of the Earth (The False Prophet) (There will be a dragon, or Satan, a 1st beast from the sea and a 2nd beast from earth. This passage speaks about the 2nd beast, who is the false prophet.)
“… he deceived the inhabitants of the earth. He ordered them to set up an image in honor of the beast who was wounded by the sword and yet lived. He was given power to give breath to the image of the first beast, so that it could speak and cause all who refused to worship the image to be killed. He also forced everyone, small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on his right hand or on his forehead, so that no one could buy or sell unless he had the mark which is the name of the beast or the number of his name.” (Rev. 13:14-13:17)
“This calls for wisdom. If anyone has insight, let him calculate the number of the beast, for it is man’s number. His number is 666.” (Rev. 13:18)
“ ‘If anyone worships the beast and his image and receives his mark on the forehead or on the hand, he, too, will drink of the wine of God’s fury… He will be tormented with burning sulfur… and the smoke of their torment rises for ever and ever.’” (Rev. 14:9)
Even at the end, God gives us a choice. Imagine the situation. In order to survive in this temporal world, in order to “buy or sell” you must receive the mark of the beast. If you do not receive the mark, you will be beheaded. (Rev. 20:4) If you receive the mark you will survive in this temporal world, but you will be tormented with “burning sulfur” forever in the eternal world.
If you resist the mark and resist worship of the beast, your soul will be saved and enjoy the "crown of life" (Rev . 2:10) and the eternal kingdom of God.
It is our choice what path we are to take. For myself, the choice comes down to whether we are willing to give up the things of this temporal world, for the things of the eternal world. Better yet, are you willing to do what is right even if it means losing your physical life?
This is where I, a weak and wretched person, must seek Jesus for some wisdom.
“You cannot serve both God and Money.” (Matt. 6:24)
“Whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” (Matt. 10:39)
“Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matt. 10:28)
How many of us do things for the sake of money? I find myself doing this many times. Not to say money is inherently evil. John, a disciple of Jesus was supposedly a man of means, but he warns against the “love” of money. In all our acts, we must acknowledge God. We must love God. Am I being "deceived" by the world? The love of money may drive some to worship the beast, so that they may do business ("buy and sell"). Do I love money or do I love God?
In closing, remember: Jesus’ very first words of preaching were “‘Repent for the kingdom of heaven is near.’” (Matt. 4:17) and his last words in Revelation are, “‘Yes, I am coming soon.”
If this was to happen right now, on this very day, would you be strong enough to give up the right to "buy and sell" and lose your physical life for God and for the eternal kingdom? Let us not wait too long in preparing ourselves for these decisions.
"Yes, I am coming soon."
(Dear God, I pray that the words on this page are not mine, but yours, the Holy Spirit speaking through me with your wisdom. I repent for my faults. Please speak through me so that no words are misinterpreted. Amen.)
“… he deceived the inhabitants of the earth. He ordered them to set up an image in honor of the beast who was wounded by the sword and yet lived. He was given power to give breath to the image of the first beast, so that it could speak and cause all who refused to worship the image to be killed. He also forced everyone, small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on his right hand or on his forehead, so that no one could buy or sell unless he had the mark which is the name of the beast or the number of his name.” (Rev. 13:14-13:17)
“This calls for wisdom. If anyone has insight, let him calculate the number of the beast, for it is man’s number. His number is 666.” (Rev. 13:18)
“ ‘If anyone worships the beast and his image and receives his mark on the forehead or on the hand, he, too, will drink of the wine of God’s fury… He will be tormented with burning sulfur… and the smoke of their torment rises for ever and ever.’” (Rev. 14:9)
Even at the end, God gives us a choice. Imagine the situation. In order to survive in this temporal world, in order to “buy or sell” you must receive the mark of the beast. If you do not receive the mark, you will be beheaded. (Rev. 20:4) If you receive the mark you will survive in this temporal world, but you will be tormented with “burning sulfur” forever in the eternal world.
If you resist the mark and resist worship of the beast, your soul will be saved and enjoy the "crown of life" (Rev . 2:10) and the eternal kingdom of God.
It is our choice what path we are to take. For myself, the choice comes down to whether we are willing to give up the things of this temporal world, for the things of the eternal world. Better yet, are you willing to do what is right even if it means losing your physical life?
This is where I, a weak and wretched person, must seek Jesus for some wisdom.
“You cannot serve both God and Money.” (Matt. 6:24)
“Whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” (Matt. 10:39)
“Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matt. 10:28)
How many of us do things for the sake of money? I find myself doing this many times. Not to say money is inherently evil. John, a disciple of Jesus was supposedly a man of means, but he warns against the “love” of money. In all our acts, we must acknowledge God. We must love God. Am I being "deceived" by the world? The love of money may drive some to worship the beast, so that they may do business ("buy and sell"). Do I love money or do I love God?
In closing, remember: Jesus’ very first words of preaching were “‘Repent for the kingdom of heaven is near.’” (Matt. 4:17) and his last words in Revelation are, “‘Yes, I am coming soon.”
If this was to happen right now, on this very day, would you be strong enough to give up the right to "buy and sell" and lose your physical life for God and for the eternal kingdom? Let us not wait too long in preparing ourselves for these decisions.
"Yes, I am coming soon."
(Dear God, I pray that the words on this page are not mine, but yours, the Holy Spirit speaking through me with your wisdom. I repent for my faults. Please speak through me so that no words are misinterpreted. Amen.)
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Facing Death
We must all face death of our flesh. And just like us, Paul an apostle of Christ was facing execution because of his faith in Jesus Christ. He wrote 2 Timothy while he was awaiting execution. This is what he says:
"... the time has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." (2 Timothy 4:7)
Paul knows Jesus Christ has "destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel." (2 Timothy 1:10) Therefore, Paul is able to face death with strength and unwavering faith.
He says, "The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever." (2 Timothy 4:18)
This letter was written while Paul was in jail, persecuted for his faith, awaiting his beheading. Because of his strong faith through the grace of God, he is at peace, and is able to stare death of his flesh into the eyes, knowing that eternal life awaits. He has "fought the good fight."
So often do I lose sight of death, yet when I admit my flesh will someday perish, I am able to focus on more meaningful things in my life. I must rely on God's grace.
Paul, facing martyrdom, accepts death gracefully because he knows what awaits him. Have we admitted our mortality to ourselves? It is a humbling experience knowing how fragile our flesh is and how powerless we truly are. Yet, we are offered eternal life, not because of our righteousness but out of God's mercy for us. All we have to do is choose, to have faith, and open the door to God.
"... the time has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." (2 Timothy 4:7)
Paul knows Jesus Christ has "destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel." (2 Timothy 1:10) Therefore, Paul is able to face death with strength and unwavering faith.
He says, "The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever." (2 Timothy 4:18)
This letter was written while Paul was in jail, persecuted for his faith, awaiting his beheading. Because of his strong faith through the grace of God, he is at peace, and is able to stare death of his flesh into the eyes, knowing that eternal life awaits. He has "fought the good fight."
So often do I lose sight of death, yet when I admit my flesh will someday perish, I am able to focus on more meaningful things in my life. I must rely on God's grace.
Paul, facing martyrdom, accepts death gracefully because he knows what awaits him. Have we admitted our mortality to ourselves? It is a humbling experience knowing how fragile our flesh is and how powerless we truly are. Yet, we are offered eternal life, not because of our righteousness but out of God's mercy for us. All we have to do is choose, to have faith, and open the door to God.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Focus our mind
"... set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory." (Colossians 3:1-2)
There is flesh- a physical body, a mind- our soul/personality, and a spirit. The mind is a tunnel that links the physical to the spiritual. The mind is a gate and has the will to shut the gate on the spiritual. I struggle with focusing too much on the physical world- money, items, television and the list goes on. As I focus and become addicted emotionally to the physical world, I close the gate on the the spiritual world where God is.
When I open the gate to the spiritual, my life becomes free not controlled by man and the physical world. The spirit inside of me becomes strong and rejoices in the Lord.
Death will come upon us all, but if we believe in God, with our faith in Christ, only our flesh passes and our spirit is eternal. How fragile is life and any moment our breath could be our last. How important for us who are dead to become alive right now.
There is flesh- a physical body, a mind- our soul/personality, and a spirit. The mind is a tunnel that links the physical to the spiritual. The mind is a gate and has the will to shut the gate on the spiritual. I struggle with focusing too much on the physical world- money, items, television and the list goes on. As I focus and become addicted emotionally to the physical world, I close the gate on the the spiritual world where God is.
When I open the gate to the spiritual, my life becomes free not controlled by man and the physical world. The spirit inside of me becomes strong and rejoices in the Lord.
Death will come upon us all, but if we believe in God, with our faith in Christ, only our flesh passes and our spirit is eternal. How fragile is life and any moment our breath could be our last. How important for us who are dead to become alive right now.
Monday, March 31, 2008
God's plan
A few days ago I had posted my readings of 1 Corinthians with a particular question for 1 Corinthians 14. The next day while in discussion around the kitchen table, with my aunt and uncle about 1 Corinthians, my uncle mentioned he had a "Bible Commentary" lying around somewhere, possibly in some boxes. It had not been opened atleast since moving into his home which was 12 years ago.
That night, my uncle was moved to find the book, and upon finding it in the garage, and laying it on the kitchen table, something interesting happened. My fingers opened the book to where a bookmark had been placed and the top of the page read "1 Corinthians 11-12."
Though my uncle couldn't recollect how many years past 12 it had been since last using the book, the bookmark had been placed in the exact same bible book that I had a question on that night, 1 Corinthians. I only had to read the next couple of pages to find some answers to my question. We were all astounded.
How powerful for this to happen once more in my life and this leads me to strengthen my belief in God's power and plan.
On a seperate note, last night 3/30 I had a dream of a man holding a revolver to my head, and I calmy asked him, "Do you know God and Christ?" The man gave me a stare both blank and pensive. I only remember having a feeling of spreading the Christ's love to him, I do not remember saying anything more, but the man put down his hand and walked away.
"O the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgements and how inscrutable his ways!" Romans 11:33
That night, my uncle was moved to find the book, and upon finding it in the garage, and laying it on the kitchen table, something interesting happened. My fingers opened the book to where a bookmark had been placed and the top of the page read "1 Corinthians 11-12."
Though my uncle couldn't recollect how many years past 12 it had been since last using the book, the bookmark had been placed in the exact same bible book that I had a question on that night, 1 Corinthians. I only had to read the next couple of pages to find some answers to my question. We were all astounded.
How powerful for this to happen once more in my life and this leads me to strengthen my belief in God's power and plan.
On a seperate note, last night 3/30 I had a dream of a man holding a revolver to my head, and I calmy asked him, "Do you know God and Christ?" The man gave me a stare both blank and pensive. I only remember having a feeling of spreading the Christ's love to him, I do not remember saying anything more, but the man put down his hand and walked away.
"O the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgements and how inscrutable his ways!" Romans 11:33
Thursday, March 27, 2008
1 Corinthians
2:11 For only the human spirit knows what is truly human. So no one comprehends what is truly God’s except the spirit of God.
2:15 Those who are spiritual discern all things and they themselves are subject to no one else’s scrutiny. Unspiritual are unable to discern spiritual.
They think it is foolishness.
3:7 God gives growth.
3:17 God’s temple is holy and you are that temple.
3:21 So let no one boast about human leaders. The wise will become fools.
10:28 Do not eat it if it has been offered in sacrifice to an idol
“For why should my liberty be subject to the judgement of someone else’s conscience?”
10:31 Do everything for the glory of God… Do not seek my own advantage, but that of many, so that they may be saved.
10:26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.
11:28 Examine yourselves, and only then eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For all who eat and drink without discerning the body, eat and drink judgement against themselves.
13:20 As it is, there are many members, yet one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I have no need for you’…
14:26 What should be done then, my friends? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up.
14:22 Paul says that tongues are for unbelievers while prophecies are for believers, but then he says that if we all speak in tongues at when we come together, the unbelievers will say that you are out of your mind, yet if we prophecy an unbeliever who enters is convinced by all and called to account by all. The person will then bow down before God.
I do not understand how it seems Paul says that tongues are for unbelievers and prophecy for believers, then says that to an unbeliever, tongues do not do much, while prophesy will make an unbeliever bow down, but he has just got finished stating prophecy is for believers. What does he mean by 14:22?
15:50 We will all be changed, in a moment, in a twinkling of an eye, at the last trumphet.
This is speaking about us being perishable, changing into imperishable.
2:15 Those who are spiritual discern all things and they themselves are subject to no one else’s scrutiny. Unspiritual are unable to discern spiritual.
They think it is foolishness.
3:7 God gives growth.
3:17 God’s temple is holy and you are that temple.
3:21 So let no one boast about human leaders. The wise will become fools.
10:28 Do not eat it if it has been offered in sacrifice to an idol
“For why should my liberty be subject to the judgement of someone else’s conscience?”
10:31 Do everything for the glory of God… Do not seek my own advantage, but that of many, so that they may be saved.
10:26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.
11:28 Examine yourselves, and only then eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For all who eat and drink without discerning the body, eat and drink judgement against themselves.
13:20 As it is, there are many members, yet one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I have no need for you’…
14:26 What should be done then, my friends? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up.
14:22 Paul says that tongues are for unbelievers while prophecies are for believers, but then he says that if we all speak in tongues at when we come together, the unbelievers will say that you are out of your mind, yet if we prophecy an unbeliever who enters is convinced by all and called to account by all. The person will then bow down before God.
I do not understand how it seems Paul says that tongues are for unbelievers and prophecy for believers, then says that to an unbeliever, tongues do not do much, while prophesy will make an unbeliever bow down, but he has just got finished stating prophecy is for believers. What does he mean by 14:22?
15:50 We will all be changed, in a moment, in a twinkling of an eye, at the last trumphet.
This is speaking about us being perishable, changing into imperishable.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Love for One Another
Beginning in December of 2007 I began with the goal of reading the New Testament. After having read through the Gospels and Acts, the first verse I read tonight is Romans 13:8. "Owe no one anything, except to love one another... Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore, love is the fulfilling of the law."
A very important and powerful message.
A very important and powerful message.
The Beginning
This is the journey of faith. I do not know where it will lead and I pray for the Holy Spirit for guidance.
The beginning of the journey began with a 3:30 am discussion about God around a dining room table, a coincidently choosing of the exact same chapter of Romans 12 by two people with no previous communication and a person realizing he had dreamed of this conversation a year or two earlier. This night was on Easter day 2008.
A few weeks ago, I saw God in a dream, a massive ball of white light while walking on the beach with my friend and my brother. I was overcome by strength as I became conscious of my dream. The conclusion was rather confusing with an image of me punching the head of a person in a skeleton constume.
Through discussion I later understand the I was fighting death and Satan in the dream. This has led to a deeper seeking of the Holy Spirit and so on this night 3/24/08 one day after celebrating the resurrection, the journey begins.
The beginning of the journey began with a 3:30 am discussion about God around a dining room table, a coincidently choosing of the exact same chapter of Romans 12 by two people with no previous communication and a person realizing he had dreamed of this conversation a year or two earlier. This night was on Easter day 2008.
A few weeks ago, I saw God in a dream, a massive ball of white light while walking on the beach with my friend and my brother. I was overcome by strength as I became conscious of my dream. The conclusion was rather confusing with an image of me punching the head of a person in a skeleton constume.
Through discussion I later understand the I was fighting death and Satan in the dream. This has led to a deeper seeking of the Holy Spirit and so on this night 3/24/08 one day after celebrating the resurrection, the journey begins.
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