March 26, 2013

  • Before the fall of Rome, the Romans were known for gluttony, immorality, and drunkenness. They dug their grave with their teeth, killed themselves by illicit indulgence, and embalmed themselves with alcohol. It is said that, at their sumptuous banquets, men would rush to the windows, eject the contents of their stomachs, and then return to the table for further indulgence. No individual or nation given to drunkenness and gluttony can expect the blessing of God. Rome fell because she overstuffed her body and starved her soul.

    Such gluttony is a perversion of a natural, God-given appetite. The gratification of our fleshly appetites is not to receive first importance in our lives. When we cater to the appetites of the flesh -- when a normal hunger is extended into abnormality so that it harms the body, dulls the mind, and causes us to neglect the soul -- we become guilty of the sin of gluttony.

    When we acknowledge and confess our sin, Jesus will forgive the past and gives us power of self-discipline, temperance, and restraint for the days ahead. from Billy Graham's HOPE FOR EACH DAY

     

    http://www.roman-colosseum.info/roman-empire/causes-for-the-fall-of-the-roman-empire.htm 

    http://ezinearticles.com/?History-Repeats-Itself&id=2176443

    Side Note: We see the similarities of our world today to the time when the Roman Empire existed and flourished until its eventual fall. History does repeat, and what it was in regards to immorality at that time, is what it is now with the morals of today's humanity. Jesus Christ is our only hope to turn away from sins that have overcome this world.

     

    Ecclesiastes 1

     9 What has been will be again,     what has been done will be done again;     there is nothing new under the sun. 10 Is there anything of which one can say,     “Look! This is something new”? It was here already, long ago;     it was here before our time. 11 No one remembers the former generations,     and even those yet to come will not be remembered     by those who follow them.

    Wisdom Is Meaningless (King Solomon was referring to man's own wisdom unguided by God)

    12 I, the Teacher, was king over Israel in Jerusalem. 13 I applied my mind to study and to explore by wisdom all that is done under the heavens. What a heavy burden God has laid on mankind! 14 I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind.

    15 What is crooked cannot be straightened;     what is lacking cannot be counted.

    16 I said to myself, “Look, I have increased in wisdom more than anyone who has ruled over Jerusalem before me; I have experienced much of wisdom and knowledge.” 17 Then I applied myself to the understanding of wisdom, and also of madness and folly, but I learned that this, too, is a chasing after the wind.

    18 For with much wisdom comes much sorrow;     the more knowledge, the more grief.

     

March 22, 2013

  • What is God's promise if you persist in prayer?
     
    Months have passed, and there is still no answer to your prayer. Should you keep asking God, or are you supposed to assume He heard you the first time and will answer? One of your friends said it shows trust if you quit bugging God. Another has told you to persist. How are you to know which is right? It is all very confusing. Does the Bible give any guidance or promises about persisting in prayer?
     
    The story of Hannah can be found in the Book of 1 Samuel in the Old Testament. Hannah wanted a child and continued to bring her request before God. Hannah's persistence was rewarded with a son, Samuel.
     
    The New Testament continues to encourage you to persist in prayer. Jesus told the story of a woman and a judge.
     
    The woman kept pleading with the judge to help her, but he refused to do anything. Still, the woman kept asking. Finally he helped her so she would leave him alone. Jesus continued, "Do you hear what that judge, corrupt as he is, is saying? So what makes you think God won't step in and work justice for His chosen people, who continue to cry out for help? Won't He stick up for them? I assure you, He will" (Luke 18:6-8, The Message)
     
    Jesus teaches that you are to persist in prayer. Trust that He has heard your requests and is working to bring it about. Believe that He is working behind the scenes, and thank Him for it. Thank Him for what He is doing at the moment you pray and for how He will answer in the future.
    Persistence confirms to God how much value you place on the request. When you go to Him daily, He knows that your request is important to you.
     
    Worth thinking about:
    • Jesus made a point of teaching that persistence in prayer would eventually result in receiving the answer from God. God keeps His promises. Persistence pays off.
    • Persistent prayer reveals to God your level of trust in Him. Your prayer shows that you are confident of His promised answer.
    • Scripture teaches that God desires to give good things to His children. Persistent prayer indicates to God that you recognize Him as your heavenly Father and that you believe in His goodness.

    from: Answers to 100 questions about God's promises for you

     

    Side note: God has answered my persistent prayers to Him. The answers sometimes are there the next day. Most of my prayers especially about and for my loved ones, come in installments and some answers would be years to complete. However, God will answer no matter what; and I see His responses as the years go by. I've learned that as I wait for the answers, He also has given me patience, understanding, discernment and wisdom. And in waiting, I've learned to obey His instructions and teachings. At the same time, as I persist in praying to Him, He has already blessed me and sends favors, protection, provisions and healing as I pray for others. In my years of praying to Him, I came to know Him, understand His Plan and His will for my life. My relationship with God has grown leaps and bounds and even if He doesn't answer my prayers, my love has grown so much for God, that the most important thing in praying to Him is feeling His presence. He is there in my happiest moments and my saddest ones. I've learned that in waiting for God to answer, misery has lost my company.

     

March 21, 2013

  • As the Holy Bible reminds us that our body is God's temple where His Spirit resides, that knowledge makes me believe that God wants us to care for the 'vessel' that our Lord has given us. As we grow in discernment and wisdom of God written in the Bible, we also has come to realize the importance of taking care of our health.

    1 Corinthians 6:19-20 

    Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.

    The internet is full of ideas on how to take care of ourselves by the right nutritious food we eat. Just like feeding our souls with God's wisdom in His Word, as Christians, we can also feed our bodies with what God has created for us to eat.

    Proverbs 4:22 


      For they are life to those who find them, And health to all their whole body.

    I have also realized that as I grow in God's ways, my mind becomes fine-tuned to what my body requires in terms of making it as healthy as God requires of His temple. I've realized also that as I take care of my body, my mind and my heart are on the same page in my desire to always glorify God, even in small stuff. God has done so much in my life in ten years, going on eleven this month. He was there even before I've decided to follow Jesus; because looking back, God has made many instances in my life where I had to stop and pause and asked myself: "Was that the works of God?"

    1 Timothy 4:7-8 

      But have nothing to do with worldly fables fit only for old women. On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. 

    And as I keep my focus on God and His Son and the goodness in life of trusting God in all things- JOY always comes in the morning to keep me filled with peace, no matter what the world is feeding our minds.

     

    Proverbs 17:22 

      A joyful heart is good medicine, But a broken spirit dries up the bones.

     Proverbs 13:12 — "Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life."  

    __ Proverbs 13:17 — “A wicked messenger falls into trouble, but a faithful ambassador brings health.”

     1 Corinthians 10:31  —  "Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."   

    Proverbs 12:25 — "Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad." 

     

     

     

     

March 16, 2013

March 12, 2013

  •  (JOHN 17, Jesus prayed to His Father)
    This was Jesus prayer to Father God before Jesus was crucified.  That all humanity will be one in believing that Jesus Christ is our only way to salvation where we will be with Him in heaven when we leave this world. As Jesus has said: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6) "No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day."(John 6:44)
    Through Jesus disciples who saw Him after God raised Jesus back from the dead, they went out to towns and cities and shared the Gospel Truth to everyone.
    What Is Truth?"Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to The Father, but by Me." (John 14:6 RSV) (see The Way)

     

    • "But when the Counselor comes, whom I shall send to you from The Father, even the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from The Father, He will bear witness to Me." (John 15:26 RSV) (see The Father and The Holy Spirit In Your Life)

       

    "Sanctify them in the truth; Thy word is truth." (John 17:17 RSV)

     "For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ." (John 1:17 RSV)

     "In Him you also, who have heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and have believed in Him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit." (Ephesians 1:13 RSV) (see The Gospel)

     "The Rock, His work is perfect; for all His ways are justice. A God of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and right is He." (Deuteronomy 32:4 RSV) (see Rock Of Ages and The Logos)

     "For He will render to every man according to his works: to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, He will give Eternal Life; but for those who are factious and do not obey the truth, but obey wickedness, there will be wrath and fury." (Romans 2:6-8 RSV)

    What Isn't Truth?

    • "This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me; in vain do they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the precepts of men. You leave the commandment of God, and hold fast the tradition of men." (Mark 7:6-8 RSV) (see Sweet Nuthins')

       "Let no one deceive you with empty words, for it is because of these things that the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience." (Ephesians 5:6 RSV)

             "See to it that no one makes a prey of you by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the universe, and not according to Christ." (Colossians 2:8 RSV)

            "For they are a rebellious people, lying sons, sons who will not hear the instruction of The Lord; who say to the seers, "See not"; and to the prophets, "Prophesy not to us what is right; speak to us smooth things, prophesy illusions, leave the way, turn aside from the path, let us hear no more of the Holy One of Israel." (Isaiah 30:9-11 RSV)

    (from: http://www.keyway.ca/htm2000/20000606.htm)

    The Works of the Holy Spirit in a Jesus believer today:

    What was His work in the 1st century? Jesus promised to send the Spirit to the apostles (Jn. 16:7). The Holy Spirit’s work is seen in: Teaching(Jn. 14:26; 16:13), Reminding (Jn. 14:26), Comforting (Helping) (Jn. 14:16;26), Convicting the World of Sin (Jn. 16:8), Confirming the Word of God (Mk. 16:15-18), Edifying (I Co. 12:4, 8-10; I Co. 14:12), and Intercession (Ro. 8:26). The Spirit dealt directly with the apostles and other Christians in the 1st Century.

    What is the Holy Spirit’s work now? The Holy Spirit doesn’t work the way He did in the first century. His work revealing God’s word is accomplished. The word was delivered (Jd. 3), confirmed (Jn. 20:30, 21; He. 2:3), and is unchangeable (Ga. 1:8-9). God’s word is “the sword of the Spirit”, the tool that the Spirit uses to cut to the hearts of men and women and fight the spiritual fight. (Ep. 6:17)

    Now, the Holy Spirit works by the Word. This is seen in: Teaching (II Peter 1:3; II Ti. 3:16, 17), Reminding, Comforting (He doesn’t put the words in our mouth as He did with the apostles, but this is not necessary. God’s word is recorded for us as the New Testament), Convicting (As He did in Ac. 2:37, 7:54, and 24:24-25 by preaching and teaching), Confirming (It’s accomplished, Jn. 20:30, 31), Edifying (Ac. 20:32), Interceding (Yes, because we still have “weaknesses.”) The Holy Spirit only teaches us through the Word (The Holy Bible). In order to  “walk by the Spirit” (Gal. 5:24) we must walk by the Word of God. (from http://gettingthetruthout.com/)

March 10, 2013

  • "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says." James 1:22

     

    We should read and study the Bible because God does not change and because  mankind's nature does not change; it is as relevant for us as it was when it was  written. While technology changes, mankind's nature and desires do not change.  We find, as we read the pages of biblical history, that whether we are talking  about one-on-one relationships or societies, "there is nothing new under the  sun" (Ecclesiastes 1:9). And while mankind as a whole continues  to seek love and satisfaction in all of the wrong places, God—our good and  gracious Creator—tells us what will bring us lasting joy. His revealed Word, the  Bible, is so important that Jesus said of it, "Man does not live on bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God" (Matthew 4:4). In other words, if we want to live life to  the fullest, as God intended, we must listen to and heed God's written Word. 

    We should read and study the Bible because there is so much false teaching. The  Bible gives us the measuring stick by which we can distinguish truth from error.  It tells us what God is like. To have a wrong impression of God is to worship an  idol or false god. We are worshiping something that He is not. The Bible tells  us how one truly gets to heaven, and it is not by being good or by being  baptized or by anything else we do (John 14:6; Ephesians  2:1-10; Isaiah 53:6;  Romans  3:10-18, 5:8, 6:23, 10:9-13). Along this  line, God's Word shows us just how much God loves us (Romans 5:6-8; John 3:16). And it is in learning this that we are drawn to love Him in return (1 John  4:19).

    Read more:  http://www.gotquestions.org/why-read-Bible.html#ixzz2N7EOGfdH

March 6, 2013

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    Obedience to God is the mark of true saving faith. James uses the example of  Abraham and Rahab as the type of works that demonstrate salvation, and both of  those examples are of people who obeyed God in faith. Saying we believe in Jesus  does not save us, nor does religious service. What saves us is a life of faith demonstrated by ongoing obedience to God.

    Many profess to be Christians, but their lives and their priorities indicate  otherwise. Jesus put it this way; “By their fruits you will know them. Do people  pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles? Just so, every good tree  bears good fruit, and a rotten tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad  fruit, nor can a rotten tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good  fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. So by their fruits you will  know them. "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of  heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. Many will say  to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name? Did we not  drive out demons in your name? Did we not do mighty deeds in your name?' Then I  will declare to them solemnly, 'I never knew you. Depart from me, you  evildoers’” (Matthew  7:16-23).

    Read more:  http://www.gotquestions.org/faith-without-works-dead.html#ixzz2MoCC6dB1

March 5, 2013

  • The Marks of a True Friend Proverbs 17:17 by: Adrian Rogers

     

     

    Did you know that the deepest need of the human heart is for intimacy? That's just another way of saying friendship. Now, I'm not talking about casual acquaintances or false friends, but true friends. Let me give you three marks of a true friend.

     

    How To Know a True Friend

     

    A true friend sharpens. He will make you a sharper person, a better person. Proverbs 27:17 says, "Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend." A true friendship will put an edge on your life. False friends dull your life, blunt your influence, and drag you down. Anybody who makes it easier for you to do wrong is not a true friend. One of the true tests of any friendship is asking yourself, "Am I a better person for having known this person?"

    A true friend sticks. A true friend is steadfast. We read in Proverbs 17:17: "A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity." If you want to see who your real friends are, just make a mistake and see whether or not they leave you.

    Life is like a ship. Some people get on and off board very easily. Some will stay on board as long as everything is sailing smoothly; but let the rough weather come, and they will abandon the ship. A true friend is the one who will stick with you.

    A true friend stabs. You say, "I don't want to be stabbed." Well, listen to Proverbs 27:6: "Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful." A friend who really loves you will wound you if it's necessary. That is, he will tell you the truth and won't give you hypocritical kisses when he needs to do a little spiritual surgery on you. Flattery is not true friendship. A true friend cares enough to confront. I'm so grateful that throughout my life I've had those who would put their arms around my shoulders and help me when I’ve done wrong.

    How to Be a True Friend

     

    True friends are built. You don’t make them overnight. Friendships are not toadstools; they are oak trees. Jesus said, "…Love one another, as I have loved you" (John 15:12). Now, that's the principle, but let me give you five secrets that come from it. If you will practice these, you will make you a great friend.

    Accept. The Bible says in Ephesians 1:6 that God has "made us accepted in the beloved." We all want people to accept us. Jesus accepted the disciples. He said, "Ye have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you…" (John 15:16) Jesus did not accept the disciples because they were perfect but because they needed Him.

    Acknowledge. Recognize people. Give them your full heart and attention. When you talk to people, listen to them also. Look them in the eye. Understand that people are important. They're a soul for whom Christ died. When we acknowledge others, we’re saying, "You're important to me. I acknowledge your presence and your importance."

    Appreciate. I got an e-mail from my son recently. It brought tears to my eyes because he said, "Dad, I'm just so grateful for the heritage that I have. Thank you." I could live six months on that. It didn't take him but a few minutes to write that little message, but it meant so much to me. Folks, you're lying if you say you don't want to be appreciated. Tell your husband, your wife, your children, or your friends that they are appreciated.

    Affirm. Appreciation is for what people do; affirmation is for who people are. The Lord Jesus affirmed His disciples over and over again. It doesn’t mean you approve of everything a person does when you affirm them. The Bible is full of affirmations, and yet it acknowledges the fact that we’re sinners and that we fail. But affirmation is important. (affirmation-a statement asserting the existence or the truth of something, something declared to be true; a positive statement or judgment.)

    Assure. Assure them that you understand. We all want empathy. The apostle Paul said in Romans 12:15: "Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep." Find a way to let people know that you're sensitive to what they’re up against, what they feel, what they're going through. Assure them that you’re there, and that, to your limited ability, you understand or you’re trying to understand what they’re going through.

    True friendship is costly. It’s not easy to maintain a friendship. Remember John 15:13: "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." And Proverbs 17:17 says, "A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity." You must be willing to pay the price. But finding a true friend and being one in return is one of the best investments you can ever make.

     

March 2, 2013

February 24, 2013

  • After a busy and eventful weeks, finally, life is back to a normal pace. I feel revived and energized!

    God's love is so great and He is patient and understanding and always guiding. He has made things new, always giving hope.

    Though life was hectic, the past two weeks, I'm blessed to still have the energy, before I've gone to bed, to read my favorite spiritual book.

    I love this chapter:

    The title is: Does God want people to be afraid of Him?

    An elderly person may be hesitant to walk on icy streets during the winter, fearing a slip, fall, and broken bones. A person may be afraid to climb aboard an airliner that has not passed its safety certification. A child may be fearful of walking past a dog that barks and bares its fangs. Folks need to be afraid of some things. Yet where does God fit into the fear equation? Does God want people to be afraid of Him?

    Fear is a natural reaction to a person, place, or thing that threatens an individual. The Bible indicates such fear is appropriate when one is confronted with God. Jesus told His disciples they should fear God more than they feared people because God has the power to send someone to hell. God is not someone to be taken lightly, since He holds ultimate power over your life. In that sense, then, God does want people to be afraid of Him.

    Yet the Bible says your fear of God can be the means to a deeper trust in Him. When that happens, terror is transformed into reverence, awe, and respect for God. Genesis says that happened to Jacob. As Jacob prepared for bed, a strong adversary attacked him and wrestled him to the ground. All night long, the two fought until Jacob's adversary said, "Enough!" By then Jacob had realized he was wrestling with God. Any time during the wrestling match, God could have snuffed out Jacob's life, but He did not. And Jacob, recognizing that fact, held more tightly to God, refusing to let Him go until God blessed him. What began in Jacob as a deep-seated fear for his life was replaced with a deeper trust in God and a longing for His goodness. Being fearful of what God can do to you can become the means for bringing you closer to Him, too. The Bible promises God will always bless those who fear and reverence Him.

    The Bible says the fear of God is to be seen and expressed by God's children in their words, actions, and worship.

    The fear of God will act as a key to unlock the treasures of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge and to help build a sure foundation for your life.

    The Bible says possessing a fear of God will lead to a proper respect for others, a positive attitude toward work, and a building of right relationships among God's people.

     from:100 answers to 100 questions about God

    "Some people think that God peers over the balcony of heaven trying to find anybody who is enjoying life. And when He spots a happy person, He yells, "Now cut that out!" That concept of God should make us shudder because it is blasphemous." Paul Little