1 Peter 2:11-12
11Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. 12Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.
1 Peter 2:18-25
18Slaves, submit yourselves to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh. 19For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God. 20But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. 21To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.
22"He committed no sin,
and no deceit was found in his mouth."[a] 23When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. 24He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. 25For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
We should remember these things:
1. I will be watched by an unbelieving world
As it said in vv 11-12 we are aliens and strangers in this world, being a christian we were called to be different(Mat 5:3, 2Cor 5:17) than the rest of the world and to be different means that the world will watch our every move.
2. I will encounter unreasonable people
Throughout the Bible we have seen different people who kept their faith and they were successful in the sight of the world and in the sight of God. we see Joseph in Egypt, Nehemiah in Persia, Daniel in Babylon. So the question is, with all these people who kept their faith and at the same time served people who are both nice and harsh - what is our excuse for not having less than excellent lives in the world and also keeping the faith?
3. I will endure unjust treatment
Again we see in Hebrews 11, the people who lived in the past that trusted God with their lives, they were successful even with the people treating them unfairly. We always say that life is unfair then the next question is: So what? What should we do then? Should we just say that over and over again, that life is unfair? Continuing in Hebrews 12 (since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses) as the people in the Bible who went through so much, again the question is what is our excuse?
4. I will need unusual patience
With all this things that we face, yes it is difficult, yes so many challenges, yes we have people that are difficult to work with. One of the things we need to have is patience, and we the only one to able to give that kind of patience is Him
5. I will have unfailing protection.
One of the most important things we should ask is unfailing protection. as 2 Cor 4:8-9 says 8We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We have so many things against us. So the thing we should always ask for is protection.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
That's Jesus...
“He poured out His soul unto death.” Isaiah 53:12 NKJV
The scene is very simple; you’ll recognize it quickly. A grove of twisted olive trees. Ground cluttered with large rocks. A low stone fence. A dark, dark night . . .
See that solitary figure? . . . Flat on the ground. Face stained with dirt and tears. Fists pounding the hard earth . . .
That’s Jesus . . . God was never more human than at this hour. God was never nearer to us than when he hurt.
The scene is very simple; you’ll recognize it quickly. A grove of twisted olive trees. Ground cluttered with large rocks. A low stone fence. A dark, dark night . . .
See that solitary figure? . . . Flat on the ground. Face stained with dirt and tears. Fists pounding the hard earth . . .
That’s Jesus . . . God was never more human than at this hour. God was never nearer to us than when he hurt.
On Behalf Of Jesus
“This man has done nothing wrong.” Luke 23:41
Finally someone is defending Jesus. Peter fled. The disciples hid. The Jews accused. Pilate washed his hands. Many could have spoken on behalf of Jesus, but none did. Until now.
Kind words from the lips of a thief. He makes his request. “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom” (Luke 23:42).
The Savior turns his heavy head toward the prodigal child and promises, “Today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43).
Finally someone is defending Jesus. Peter fled. The disciples hid. The Jews accused. Pilate washed his hands. Many could have spoken on behalf of Jesus, but none did. Until now.
Kind words from the lips of a thief. He makes his request. “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom” (Luke 23:42).
The Savior turns his heavy head toward the prodigal child and promises, “Today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43).
Worship
Matthew 4:10 (New International Version)
10Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.'"
Everybody worships. Whether it is a hero, possessions, success, pleasure… The way we live and behave makes evident the things that we love and give ourselves to. It is in our very nature to worship, and that inner drive is God-given, the disaster is when we worship something or someone other than God himself. We have seen this many times whenever the Israelites would worship other gods instead of the true God. “To be converted to faith in Jesus Christ is to return the worship of the true God, and to dethrone all rivals to his authority.” – Graham Kendrick
The origin in English o the word “worship” is ‘worth- ship’, which expresses the value placed on someone or something. “The true quality and depth of our love for God will to a very great degree be evidenced by the quality and depth of our worship.” – Graham Kendrick
Talk is cheap but it is true that actions do speak louder than words. The very heart of worship is the giving, not of our talents and goods, but of our very selves, worshipping him in school, in training and in the very little things showing it in our everyday lives.
10Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.'"
Everybody worships. Whether it is a hero, possessions, success, pleasure… The way we live and behave makes evident the things that we love and give ourselves to. It is in our very nature to worship, and that inner drive is God-given, the disaster is when we worship something or someone other than God himself. We have seen this many times whenever the Israelites would worship other gods instead of the true God. “To be converted to faith in Jesus Christ is to return the worship of the true God, and to dethrone all rivals to his authority.” – Graham Kendrick
The origin in English o the word “worship” is ‘worth- ship’, which expresses the value placed on someone or something. “The true quality and depth of our love for God will to a very great degree be evidenced by the quality and depth of our worship.” – Graham Kendrick
Talk is cheap but it is true that actions do speak louder than words. The very heart of worship is the giving, not of our talents and goods, but of our very selves, worshipping him in school, in training and in the very little things showing it in our everyday lives.
Garbage In, Garbage Out
Philippians 4:8-9
8Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
- if we think about it. how come Paul said that to think such things? how come he didnt just say DO IT?
It is because that in everything we do we first have to think about it. our actions are caused by our thoughts and our thoughts come from the things we expose ourselves to. Also we could do one thing and mean the other, in other words we can have a "hidden agenda." If we do "right" things just because we think its going to please people, or impress them, then it is no better than doing nothing at all. So what Paul is trying to say is that, in everything we do in our life our actions are caused by our thoughts and our thoughts are caused by the things we expose to. Our thoughts will play a major role in the decisions we will do.
8Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
- if we think about it. how come Paul said that to think such things? how come he didnt just say DO IT?
It is because that in everything we do we first have to think about it. our actions are caused by our thoughts and our thoughts come from the things we expose ourselves to. Also we could do one thing and mean the other, in other words we can have a "hidden agenda." If we do "right" things just because we think its going to please people, or impress them, then it is no better than doing nothing at all. So what Paul is trying to say is that, in everything we do in our life our actions are caused by our thoughts and our thoughts are caused by the things we expose to. Our thoughts will play a major role in the decisions we will do.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Works Matter
“If people say they have faith, but do nothing, their faith is worth nothing. Can faith like that save them?” James 2:14
James’ message is bare-knuckled; his style is bare-boned. Talk is cheap, he argues. Service is invaluable.
It’s not that works save the Christian, but that works mark the Christian. In James’ book of logic, it only makes sense that we who have been given much should give much. Not just with words. But with our lives.
James’ message is bare-knuckled; his style is bare-boned. Talk is cheap, he argues. Service is invaluable.
It’s not that works save the Christian, but that works mark the Christian. In James’ book of logic, it only makes sense that we who have been given much should give much. Not just with words. But with our lives.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Romans 6
Romans 6
What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? 2 By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? 3 Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.
5 If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection. 6 For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with,a that we should no longer be slaves to sin— 7 because anyone who has died has been freed from sin.
8 Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. 9 For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. 10 The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God.
11 In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.
The chapter starts us off by saying being very straight and asks us, "what shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase?" And Paul gives us a very fast and strong respond by saying "By no means!" And he gives the reasons, because "we died to sin." When Jesus was hung on that cross he paved the way for us so we can be free from sin once and for all. He died for our sins so that we can "live a new life." (V.4)
Verse 10-11 says The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.
Notice it said "in the same way." We no longer consider ourselves slaves to sin but children of God. Let's always remember what happened 2000 years ago when Jesus rescued us. Soon its Easter, the day Jesus destroyed the chains of sin and overcame death, not for himself but for us.
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,f that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? 2 By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? 3 Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.
5 If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection. 6 For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with,a that we should no longer be slaves to sin— 7 because anyone who has died has been freed from sin.
8 Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. 9 For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. 10 The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God.
11 In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.
The chapter starts us off by saying being very straight and asks us, "what shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase?" And Paul gives us a very fast and strong respond by saying "By no means!" And he gives the reasons, because "we died to sin." When Jesus was hung on that cross he paved the way for us so we can be free from sin once and for all. He died for our sins so that we can "live a new life." (V.4)
Verse 10-11 says The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.
Notice it said "in the same way." We no longer consider ourselves slaves to sin but children of God. Let's always remember what happened 2000 years ago when Jesus rescued us. Soon its Easter, the day Jesus destroyed the chains of sin and overcame death, not for himself but for us.
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,f that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Heart of David
When we are faced with challenges and difficulties, we should have a heart like that of David's.
We all face our own Goliaths, how do we face them?
In 1 Samuel 17:24
24 When the Israelites saw the man, they all ran from him (Goliath) in great fear.
In verse 26
26 David asked the men standing near him, "What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and removes this disgrace from Israel? Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?"
How come the soldiers that were trained to be in that place for that moment were the ones who were scared? How come David is the one that was confident when asking about Goliath?
There are 3 reasons why:
1. He remembered what God had done through him (vv 34-37)
34 But David said to Saul, "Your servant has been keeping his father's sheep. When a lion or a bear came and carried off a sheep from the flock, 35 I went after it, struck it and rescued the sheep from its mouth. When it turned on me, I seized it by its hair, struck it and killed it. 36 Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, because he has defied the armies of the living God. 37 The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine."
Saul said to David, "Go, and the LORD be with you."
When we are faced with different challenges and difficulties, let us remember how God had been with us through our challenges in our past. He was with us then and He will be with us today and the future.
2. He accepted who God made him to be (vv 38-40)
38 Then Saul dressed David in his own tunic. He put a coat of armor on him and a bronze helmet on his head. 39 David fastened on his sword over the tunic and tried walking around, because he was not used to them.
"I cannot go in these," he said to Saul, "because I am not used to them." So he took them off. 40 Then he took his staff in his hand, chose five smooth stones from the stream, put them in the pouch of his shepherd's bag and, with his sling in his hand, approached the Philistine.
Sometimes we always tell ourselves "I wish I was like that person" or "I wish I have the same skills as that guy" but as we can see here< David was not a soldier. Saul tried to make him into a soldier, but he was a shepherd. Once we accept who we are, things will be easier because we are accepting who God made us to be.
3. He is always in a battle mode (vv 45-47)
45 David said to the Philistine, "You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 46 This day the LORD will hand you over to me, and I'll strike you down and cut off your head. Today I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds of the air and the beasts of the earth, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. 47 All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD's, and he will give all of you into our hands."
On that last part when David said "for the battle is the LORD's and he will give all of you into our hands" we should always remember that in all our battles God is with us. Even if we lose in some of our battles, once we have in our minds that He is in control of everything we know that it happened for a reason.
-So with all that in Davids heart what were the results?
48 As the Philistine moved closer to attack him, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet him. 49 Reaching into his bag and taking out a stone, he slung it and struck the Philistine on the forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell facedown on the ground.
David was able to run toward his Goliath. Once we have that in our hearts we will also be able to run towards our Goliaths.
We all face our own Goliaths, how do we face them?
In 1 Samuel 17:24
24 When the Israelites saw the man, they all ran from him (Goliath) in great fear.
In verse 26
26 David asked the men standing near him, "What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and removes this disgrace from Israel? Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?"
How come the soldiers that were trained to be in that place for that moment were the ones who were scared? How come David is the one that was confident when asking about Goliath?
There are 3 reasons why:
1. He remembered what God had done through him (vv 34-37)
34 But David said to Saul, "Your servant has been keeping his father's sheep. When a lion or a bear came and carried off a sheep from the flock, 35 I went after it, struck it and rescued the sheep from its mouth. When it turned on me, I seized it by its hair, struck it and killed it. 36 Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, because he has defied the armies of the living God. 37 The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine."
Saul said to David, "Go, and the LORD be with you."
When we are faced with different challenges and difficulties, let us remember how God had been with us through our challenges in our past. He was with us then and He will be with us today and the future.
2. He accepted who God made him to be (vv 38-40)
38 Then Saul dressed David in his own tunic. He put a coat of armor on him and a bronze helmet on his head. 39 David fastened on his sword over the tunic and tried walking around, because he was not used to them.
"I cannot go in these," he said to Saul, "because I am not used to them." So he took them off. 40 Then he took his staff in his hand, chose five smooth stones from the stream, put them in the pouch of his shepherd's bag and, with his sling in his hand, approached the Philistine.
Sometimes we always tell ourselves "I wish I was like that person" or "I wish I have the same skills as that guy" but as we can see here< David was not a soldier. Saul tried to make him into a soldier, but he was a shepherd. Once we accept who we are, things will be easier because we are accepting who God made us to be.
3. He is always in a battle mode (vv 45-47)
45 David said to the Philistine, "You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 46 This day the LORD will hand you over to me, and I'll strike you down and cut off your head. Today I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds of the air and the beasts of the earth, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. 47 All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD's, and he will give all of you into our hands."
On that last part when David said "for the battle is the LORD's and he will give all of you into our hands" we should always remember that in all our battles God is with us. Even if we lose in some of our battles, once we have in our minds that He is in control of everything we know that it happened for a reason.
-So with all that in Davids heart what were the results?
48 As the Philistine moved closer to attack him, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet him. 49 Reaching into his bag and taking out a stone, he slung it and struck the Philistine on the forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell facedown on the ground.
David was able to run toward his Goliath. Once we have that in our hearts we will also be able to run towards our Goliaths.
Friday, March 12, 2010
A Good Friend
"The greatest love a person can show is to die for his friends." -John 15:13
Most of us have many acquaintances but very few friends, and even some of our friends may prove unfriendly or even unfaithful. Remember Judas? But even a devoted friend may fail us when we need him most. Peter, James, and John went to sleep in the Garden when they should have been praying; and Peter even denied the Lord three times. Our friendship towards one another is not perfect, but His friendship to us is perfect.
One gets the impression that to John, Jesus was above all a loyal companion. Messiah? Yes. Son of God? Indeed. Miracle worker? That, too. But more than anything . . . Jesus was a friend.
Most of us have many acquaintances but very few friends, and even some of our friends may prove unfriendly or even unfaithful. Remember Judas? But even a devoted friend may fail us when we need him most. Peter, James, and John went to sleep in the Garden when they should have been praying; and Peter even denied the Lord three times. Our friendship towards one another is not perfect, but His friendship to us is perfect.
One gets the impression that to John, Jesus was above all a loyal companion. Messiah? Yes. Son of God? Indeed. Miracle worker? That, too. But more than anything . . . Jesus was a friend.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Do You Want To Be Like Dad?
Ephesians 5
1Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children 2and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
3But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. 4Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. 5For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a man is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.[a] 6Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient. 7Therefore do not be partners with them.
8For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9(for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 10and find out what pleases the Lord.
Our goal is to become like Christ, yes? So Ephesians 5 starts off by telling us to be like Christ. And its very nice to see that Paul isn't forcing us to be like Him but rather gives a good reason, because "we're His dearly loved children." Its very common to see a little boy wanting to grow up to be like his dad, and in this similar way we too must become imitators of our heavenly Father. Verses 3-7 are the things we should avoid if we are to become imitators. Things such as sexual immorality, greed, even foolish talking. We are to live as children of light and my favorite part of this passage is verse 10, "and find out what pleases the Lord."
If you were in a relationship with your parents, friends, family, whoever, wouldn't you want to find out what makes them happy? And want to do those things to make them happy? We as children have a special relationship with God, because our relationship is so close we even call Him, "abba, Father."
I pray that as we live our lives, we are seeking ways to find out what makes God smile. Not because we have to but because we want to.
1Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children 2and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
3But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. 4Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. 5For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a man is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.[a] 6Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient. 7Therefore do not be partners with them.
8For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9(for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 10and find out what pleases the Lord.
Our goal is to become like Christ, yes? So Ephesians 5 starts off by telling us to be like Christ. And its very nice to see that Paul isn't forcing us to be like Him but rather gives a good reason, because "we're His dearly loved children." Its very common to see a little boy wanting to grow up to be like his dad, and in this similar way we too must become imitators of our heavenly Father. Verses 3-7 are the things we should avoid if we are to become imitators. Things such as sexual immorality, greed, even foolish talking. We are to live as children of light and my favorite part of this passage is verse 10, "and find out what pleases the Lord."
If you were in a relationship with your parents, friends, family, whoever, wouldn't you want to find out what makes them happy? And want to do those things to make them happy? We as children have a special relationship with God, because our relationship is so close we even call Him, "abba, Father."
I pray that as we live our lives, we are seeking ways to find out what makes God smile. Not because we have to but because we want to.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Remember: Guard Your Mind, Body and Spirit
Galatians 5:16-25
16So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. 17For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. 18But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.
19The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 25Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.
As we persevere to move the work which the Lord has entrusted to us in Planet Infinity (MTM), Legacy Zone and Anglahi; no doubt that the journey will get tougher and tougher.
Ever since Anglahi has opened in the Philippines, the church has been hit hard; the very first was by typhoon Ondoy two days after the opening of Anglahi. Now that we are pushing the work of Anglahi there has been several hits, physically and emotionally. It is very important that at such a time as this we MUST continue to live by the spirit. Be alert at all times at the danger that may come your way and ask the Lord for his guidance and protection upon his people. Guard your heart at all times that it may be wholly devoted to God. Take each step of the Christian life in dependence on the Spirit to have victory over the flesh and its works. Each and every day may we continue to put on the full armor of God first and foremost through prayer not through the babbling of words but through the real prayer, the fellowship with God.
16So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. 17For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. 18But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.
19The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 25Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.
As we persevere to move the work which the Lord has entrusted to us in Planet Infinity (MTM), Legacy Zone and Anglahi; no doubt that the journey will get tougher and tougher.
Ever since Anglahi has opened in the Philippines, the church has been hit hard; the very first was by typhoon Ondoy two days after the opening of Anglahi. Now that we are pushing the work of Anglahi there has been several hits, physically and emotionally. It is very important that at such a time as this we MUST continue to live by the spirit. Be alert at all times at the danger that may come your way and ask the Lord for his guidance and protection upon his people. Guard your heart at all times that it may be wholly devoted to God. Take each step of the Christian life in dependence on the Spirit to have victory over the flesh and its works. Each and every day may we continue to put on the full armor of God first and foremost through prayer not through the babbling of words but through the real prayer, the fellowship with God.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
When we ask
When we have something to ask in prayer, how should we think or act? if we have something in prayer do we believe that He can really hear it?
today let us look at someone who is in desperate need, and let us see how Jesus answered them.
Luke 8:40-56 (New International Version)
A Dead Girl and a Sick Woman
40Now when Jesus returned, a crowd welcomed him, for they were all expecting him. 41Then a man named Jairus, a ruler of the synagogue, came and fell at Jesus' feet, pleading with him to come to his house 42because his only daughter, a girl of about twelve, was dying.
As Jesus was on his way, the crowds almost crushed him. 43And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years,[a] but no one could heal her. 44She came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak, and immediately her bleeding stopped.
45"Who touched me?" Jesus asked.
When they all denied it, Peter said, "Master, the people are crowding and pressing against you."
46But Jesus said, "Someone touched me; I know that power has gone out from me."
47Then the woman, seeing that she could not go unnoticed, came trembling and fell at his feet. In the presence of all the people, she told why she had touched him and how she had been instantly healed. 48Then he said to her, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace."
49While Jesus was still speaking, someone came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue ruler. "Your daughter is dead," he said. "Don't bother the teacher any more."
50Hearing this, Jesus said to Jairus, "Don't be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed."
51When he arrived at the house of Jairus, he did not let anyone go in with him except Peter, John and James, and the child's father and mother. 52Meanwhile, all the people were wailing and mourning for her. "Stop wailing," Jesus said. "She is not dead but asleep."
53They laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. 54But he took her by the hand and said, "My child, get up!" 55Her spirit returned, and at once she stood up. Then Jesus told them to give her something to eat. 56Her parents were astonished, but he ordered them not to tell anyone what had happened.
if we can imagine Jesus as a celebrity or a rock star that people want to meet, people want to see. we see in this passage that there are so many people that wanted to see Him, either it could be people who wants to see miracles or people who has needs or healing also. what Peter said was true "Master, the people are crowding and pressing against you." there are alot of people crowding and pressing against Jesus, but then how come it was only the bleeding woman who was healed? we can safely assume that there are much more people who is in more need than the bleeding woman. but how come it is only her that was healed?
the answer is on v48. her faith has healed her. in our prayers do we actually believe that He can help us, or do we only pray because everyone says He can help us and just trying it out? in our prayers we should have so much faith that in every word we say we know that He can hear our words.
today let us look at someone who is in desperate need, and let us see how Jesus answered them.
Luke 8:40-56 (New International Version)
A Dead Girl and a Sick Woman
40Now when Jesus returned, a crowd welcomed him, for they were all expecting him. 41Then a man named Jairus, a ruler of the synagogue, came and fell at Jesus' feet, pleading with him to come to his house 42because his only daughter, a girl of about twelve, was dying.
As Jesus was on his way, the crowds almost crushed him. 43And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years,[a] but no one could heal her. 44She came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak, and immediately her bleeding stopped.
45"Who touched me?" Jesus asked.
When they all denied it, Peter said, "Master, the people are crowding and pressing against you."
46But Jesus said, "Someone touched me; I know that power has gone out from me."
47Then the woman, seeing that she could not go unnoticed, came trembling and fell at his feet. In the presence of all the people, she told why she had touched him and how she had been instantly healed. 48Then he said to her, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace."
49While Jesus was still speaking, someone came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue ruler. "Your daughter is dead," he said. "Don't bother the teacher any more."
50Hearing this, Jesus said to Jairus, "Don't be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed."
51When he arrived at the house of Jairus, he did not let anyone go in with him except Peter, John and James, and the child's father and mother. 52Meanwhile, all the people were wailing and mourning for her. "Stop wailing," Jesus said. "She is not dead but asleep."
53They laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. 54But he took her by the hand and said, "My child, get up!" 55Her spirit returned, and at once she stood up. Then Jesus told them to give her something to eat. 56Her parents were astonished, but he ordered them not to tell anyone what had happened.
if we can imagine Jesus as a celebrity or a rock star that people want to meet, people want to see. we see in this passage that there are so many people that wanted to see Him, either it could be people who wants to see miracles or people who has needs or healing also. what Peter said was true "Master, the people are crowding and pressing against you." there are alot of people crowding and pressing against Jesus, but then how come it was only the bleeding woman who was healed? we can safely assume that there are much more people who is in more need than the bleeding woman. but how come it is only her that was healed?
the answer is on v48. her faith has healed her. in our prayers do we actually believe that He can help us, or do we only pray because everyone says He can help us and just trying it out? in our prayers we should have so much faith that in every word we say we know that He can hear our words.
Friday, March 5, 2010
Your Greatest Battle
Genesis 32:22-28
22 That night Jacob got up and took his two wives, his two maidservants and his eleven sons and crossed the ford of the Jabbok. 23 After he had sent them across the stream, he sent over all his possessions. 24 So Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him till daybreak. 25 When the man saw that he could not overpower him, he touched the socket of Jacob's hip so that his hip was wrenched as he wrestled with the man. 26 Then the man said, "Let me go, for it is daybreak."
But Jacob replied, "I will not let you go unless you bless me."
27 The man asked him, "What is your name?"
"Jacob," he answered.
28 Then the man said, "Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, [e] because you have struggled with God and with men and have overcome."
Remember, your greatest battle is not your physical battle. You may be sick today, you may need to have an operation some time this week, and you feel that’s your most difficult battle. BUT IT’S NOT!
You may say, it’s your financial battle.
Some of you may say, no it’s my relational battle! It’s my relationship that’s going astray with my family - or dealing with the past.
But that’s not your biggest battle!
Your biggest struggle in life is with God!
When you think about it, you’re struggling always with the issue of “My Will or His Will!” the last thing you’d like to give in as we struggle with God is our willpower!
The sooner we learn that and accept that, we begin to realize that the crisis is when we struggle with God because we want to be God!
Remember: What are the two most important lessons you need to learn fast in life?
1. There is a God
2. He is not you
Jacob prayed from protection from Esau. But he needed protection from God. He thought Esau was his problem. But GOD was his problem! AND God was his solution!
22 That night Jacob got up and took his two wives, his two maidservants and his eleven sons and crossed the ford of the Jabbok. 23 After he had sent them across the stream, he sent over all his possessions. 24 So Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him till daybreak. 25 When the man saw that he could not overpower him, he touched the socket of Jacob's hip so that his hip was wrenched as he wrestled with the man. 26 Then the man said, "Let me go, for it is daybreak."
But Jacob replied, "I will not let you go unless you bless me."
27 The man asked him, "What is your name?"
"Jacob," he answered.
28 Then the man said, "Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, [e] because you have struggled with God and with men and have overcome."
Remember, your greatest battle is not your physical battle. You may be sick today, you may need to have an operation some time this week, and you feel that’s your most difficult battle. BUT IT’S NOT!
You may say, it’s your financial battle.
Some of you may say, no it’s my relational battle! It’s my relationship that’s going astray with my family - or dealing with the past.
But that’s not your biggest battle!
Your biggest struggle in life is with God!
When you think about it, you’re struggling always with the issue of “My Will or His Will!” the last thing you’d like to give in as we struggle with God is our willpower!
The sooner we learn that and accept that, we begin to realize that the crisis is when we struggle with God because we want to be God!
Remember: What are the two most important lessons you need to learn fast in life?
1. There is a God
2. He is not you
Jacob prayed from protection from Esau. But he needed protection from God. He thought Esau was his problem. But GOD was his problem! AND God was his solution!
Thursday, March 4, 2010
1 Corinthians 9
1 Corinthians 9
24Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 26Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. 27No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
This is the verse that was picked for the Olympian group. It reminded me of what we should do as an athlete and as a Christian. When we compete any competition, there is only one first place winner; so Paul here tells us to "Run in such a way as to get the prize." (v24) If you want to be first place in win a marathon, you have to train everyday. You have to wake up early, eat healthy, run regularly, work out, and etc. If you want to be number in one in school, then you must study in such a way to be number one! Organize your work, do extra research, read more than you're required, pay close attention in class, ask the right questions, review your notes. You have to go beyond yourself to reach full potential.
Different people have different motives to win, they may want to excel beyond others because of pride, bragging rights, to showoff, to be loved by fans. Those are all things that will disappear in a matter of time, but we, as children of God, "do it to get a crown that will last forever." (v25)
Therefore, discipline yourself to go beyond what is required. Everyday have a set goal to reach, (I do not run like a man running aimlessly) have a sense of direction of where you want to go. And make every effort count, (I do not fight like a man beating the air.) Make sure you're not wasting your energy but its actually effective. (v26)
Lastly, you learn to say "No." When you get tempted to stop, learn to say "no." Control your desires, emotions, and even actions. If you're a serious athlete, you know what to eat and know how to reject junk food. A top student knows how much to study and won't stop until the subject is fully mastered.
Eventually, you will be a testimony to others. People will see how you were able to over come difficult trials and be inspired to achieve the same, if not greater. Paul said, "I myself will not be disqualified for the prize." He wanted to fight fair, just like everyone else. He did not put himself in a special seat because he was a Christian, but rather he competed with the same rules and ran harder and faster. We too should do the same.
"I count him braver who overcomes his desires than him who conquers his enemies; for the hardest victory is over self." - Aristotle
24Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 26Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. 27No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
This is the verse that was picked for the Olympian group. It reminded me of what we should do as an athlete and as a Christian. When we compete any competition, there is only one first place winner; so Paul here tells us to "Run in such a way as to get the prize." (v24) If you want to be first place in win a marathon, you have to train everyday. You have to wake up early, eat healthy, run regularly, work out, and etc. If you want to be number in one in school, then you must study in such a way to be number one! Organize your work, do extra research, read more than you're required, pay close attention in class, ask the right questions, review your notes. You have to go beyond yourself to reach full potential.
Different people have different motives to win, they may want to excel beyond others because of pride, bragging rights, to showoff, to be loved by fans. Those are all things that will disappear in a matter of time, but we, as children of God, "do it to get a crown that will last forever." (v25)
Therefore, discipline yourself to go beyond what is required. Everyday have a set goal to reach, (I do not run like a man running aimlessly) have a sense of direction of where you want to go. And make every effort count, (I do not fight like a man beating the air.) Make sure you're not wasting your energy but its actually effective. (v26)
Lastly, you learn to say "No." When you get tempted to stop, learn to say "no." Control your desires, emotions, and even actions. If you're a serious athlete, you know what to eat and know how to reject junk food. A top student knows how much to study and won't stop until the subject is fully mastered.
Eventually, you will be a testimony to others. People will see how you were able to over come difficult trials and be inspired to achieve the same, if not greater. Paul said, "I myself will not be disqualified for the prize." He wanted to fight fair, just like everyone else. He did not put himself in a special seat because he was a Christian, but rather he competed with the same rules and ran harder and faster. We too should do the same.
"I count him braver who overcomes his desires than him who conquers his enemies; for the hardest victory is over self." - Aristotle
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Not On Our Strength
2 Corinthians 4
Treasures in Jars of Clay
1Therefore, since through God's mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. 2Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. 3And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 4The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 5For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake. 6For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness,"a]">[a]made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.7But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 8We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.
As the chapter starts with "since through God's mercy we have this ministry" -- we all notice that we have so much on our plate, projects left and right, different challenges that we face, different struggles that we go through... but as we look at the at the beginning, "we do not lose heart!!!" Why? Because "through God's mercy we have this ministry" because of Him we have this ministry and that saying: "If God is with you who can be against you?" God gave this ministry to us and He will be faithful till the end.
As we can see from vv 7-9 "we have this treasure in jars of clay to show this all-surpassing power IS FROM GOD AND NOT FROM US" the power that we get is from Him. As it said in the continuing verses, we have it hard but He is still with us.
"when you feel like giving up, remember why you held on for so long in the first place."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
