ASL & Sunday

Last night, I was invited to join a couple of ASL students at Starbucks. This type of interaction helps them with their receptive skills. We had a great time!! Along with our friend, Mayra, whom is also an ASL instructor, I got to meet Kelly, Keith and Dawn. They were wonderful people who loves to learn ASL. This type of class wasn't for a credit but they were eager and excited about this continuing education. Keith works for the credit union and uses his ASL skills around deaf clients. Kelly works with troubled children and attends McLean Bible Church. She has interpreted on a couple ocassions. Dawn simply loves to learn ASL. But I learned that she's an avid scuba diver (certified). I asked if she is certified to teach scuba diving and she will probably complete one by next year. Then I see why she's learning ASL, probably to prepare herself to teach deaf clients the art of scuba diving!! Thanks, Mayra, for inviting me to meet these three wonderful people!

We need to encourage more and more hearing people to learn ASL. Currently, we have over 20 ASL students at Fairfax Church of Christ!! The ASL classroom have been packed so this encouraged me to switch rooms with Becky Hinckley to make way for the students of ASL. Please be praying for the students of ASL, asking God to guide them to help bridge communication gap between us (deaf) and the hearing world.

This Sunday, we'll be talking about, "Not My Will, But Yours". For the next three weeks, we're going to walk on the road from the garden (Gethsemane) to the cross (Golgotha). This is Jesus' final days before He is to be crucified on the cross. Speaking of, "Not My Will, But Yours", I am hoping to help His church understand that Jesus had trouble dealing with decisions, difficult decisions. It was so difficult that He perspired so heavily like sweat drops of blood! I can imagine that He was shaking!! Of course, He was praying earnestly asking His Father to find another way. Like Jesus, many of us have difficulties in life. Ours is nothing compared to Jesus' but it's not that you'll experience the "death-rattle" but you'll feel like you've been choked with life's pain. It doesn't seem fair to us to experience failing marriage, trouble with finances, dealing with rebellious children, difficulties in relationships with others, and seeking fulfillment of self but unfulfilled. When Jesus knew God didn't give Him a choice to whether to leave the road or stay with it, Jesus finally said, "..not my will, but Yours..", how true is that for us?? Though, never pleasurable, but it's a road many of us must walk for a purpose and only God knows!! And how often we forget this verse:

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28 (niv)

Me & Them

"And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' " Matthew 22:39 (niv)

I think you and I can put this in simple terms. I mean a mere, 'simple', terms..

ME:
Respect myself
Protect myself
Care for myself
Abuse not myself (no drugs, drunkeness, fornication, etc.)
Blame not myself
Accuse not myself
Damage not myself
Love the life I have (regardless)
Provide for myself (not wishful thinking or selfish ambition)
Discipline myself
Build myself up
Equip myself (with God's Armor)
Confess self
Repent

THEM:
Respect them
Protect them
Care for them
Protect them
Do not abuse them
Do not blame them (but we can point out the problems)
Do not accuse them (but we can rebuke them)
Do not destroy them
Love them
Provide them (for what they need)
Serve them
Discipline them
Correct them
Inspire them
Guide them
Admonish them

In many cases, we must deny ourselves for the good of our neighbor, and must make ourselves servants to the true welfare of others, and be willing to spend and be spent for them, to lay down our lives for the brethren.

Videophone Bible Study

Yesterday was both weird and wonderful!! It has been a hectic week for me working with Allen, our LAN man and the videophone in the worship room. In addition to this, we finally got MediaShout working so I am really excited about this!!

Yesterday, we had our first Videophone (VP) Bible Study. The Maryland small groups were the first to be part of this test. It went very well. What we did was install the DLink cam on top of the onscreen projector and connected it to the media center. We're able to see the Maryland group onscreen but I had the tech person switch from cam view to Powerpoint view. If they had questions to ask me (or a teacher) then the tech person would switch back to cam view for us to see their questions. So far, everyone was pleased and appears to be beneficial. We're just getting started on this project.

Hopefully, in the near future, we'll begin expanding this project to provide access to as many viewers as possible. This videophone allows only one person/group to view our worship service and bible classes. We're only reserving access rights on Wednesday nights to the Maryland group for a time being. Sunday's worship is open to one person/couple/group per Sunday. We want to be able to allow others to view the worship service and bible studies. Michelle will take the responsibility in receiving request for us to call on Sunday mornings starting at 8:55 a.m. (EST). You may request for Sunday's access by emailing her at fxccdeaf@fxcc.org. The only requirement is that you have a videophone (dlink/Sorenson) and an IP address to give to us. This Sunday is already reserved for someone in the West coast!! Yes! They'll get up in the early morning hours to get ready for worship with us!

Please be forewarned that during worship will be for viewing only, no interaction except for class purpose. We need to keep our questions under control as well. Access is not granted to Maryland, Virginia and DC.

Have a great weekend!!

What?

Yes.. It has been a while since I posted a blog.. I guess I must admit that I am "borderline psychotic" with all the events coming up in the next 3 weeks (gospel meeting in NC, Easter weekend)!! In addition to this, I've had to spend time with people in need of spiritual guidance and try, as much as I can, to give email replies which is fine. I know they need it. Of course, it does pull me away from the work I do for the Lord. Now, I am sitting at home, this morning, trying to unwind before another long day today. Besides Sundays, Wednesdays are a busy day!! All I ask for is your prayers that the Lord will guide me through these three weeks!! Thanks!

I would like to jot a few things (probably many) about "What?". Yes.. I am going to talk a little bit about "What?". I know I don't make sense right now but if you read this Gallup poll, you'll understand...

According to pollster, George Gallup Jr., "Americans revere the Bible, but - by and large - they don’t read it." As a result, many don’t know what it says.

It’s easy for Christians to forget how baffling a single Bible verse can be to someone who didn't grow up in the church. Our evangelistic efforts should leave others contemplative, not confused.
Here are nineteen terms* worth defining when talking with someone about Jesus Christ:

SEEK
God is not hiding or trying to elude us. In fact, the Bible says God actively pursues a relationship with each person.

So, how do we seek God? Compare how we seek wealth, prestige or romance: we read up, work hard, set priorities, and surround ourselves with others who will help us achieve our goal.
To seek God, we make Him our first priority in life; read the Bible, pray, trust Him, and learn from others. When we pay attention, His activity in our lives is unmistakable.

JESUS
Even when He was on earth, Jesus was much more than a great teacher. He was fully God and fully human. He created the universe and loves His human creations so much more than we deserve to be loved. Faith in Jesus keeps our earthly life on track and guarantees an eternal home in heaven.

BLAMELESS
No one is completely without fault. No one is "blameless.” Everyone has done something wrong. Yet, one perfect and blameless man exists: Jesus Christ. Because He took the blame we deserve, God sees us as blameless.

SIN
To sin is to defy God’s ways and act to please ourselves. It means "..to miss the mark; missing God's expectation for your life." But sin is not just behavior. It is also thoughts or attitudes that contradict God’s expectations. Sin can be dramatic or subtle, but it always separates us from God’s love and glory. God forgets our sin when we ask for forgiveness, believing that Jesus Christ already took our punishment.

GOSPEL
"Gospel” means "good news.” Because Jesus Christ died for our sins and returned to life, those who "continue" to believe in Him will never experience spiritual death or hell.

CROSS
The cross was a humiliating torture device used to execute Roman criminals sentenced to death. Christians do not delight in the cruelty Jesus Christ suffered on a cross, but rather in the amazing love that motivated him to die such a death on behalf of wretched humanity.
On the cross, Jesus Christ died to pay sinners’ way out of hell, which is eternal death. A cross reminds us of how God Himself experienced physical death, without which we could never obtain spiritual life.

REDEMPTION
Jesus Christ’s death redeemed - or paid the price for - our sins. We can take comfort in knowing that there is nothing we can do to nullify Christ’s work for us.

SALVATION
After sin entered the world, each human being became enslaved by corruption and death. God’s Son came to rescue humanity by paying the penalty for sin. The work necessary to obtain salvation has been completed. Jesus Christ now freely offers salvation - rescue from death to eternal life - to all who place their faith in him.

GIFT
A true gift isn’t earned, only accepted. Salvation is an unearned gift from God that is received by believing in him.

FAITH
Faith is placing your trust in what you can’t necessarily see or prove. Faith is essential to eternal life. When we have believed, repented of our sins (though we continue to repent from many of our sins), confessed that Jesus is Lord (though we continue to confess Jesus' Name everyday) and that we're sinners, baptized for the forgiveness of sins and continue to live the life of Christ, we are exercising faith that he is the way to heaven, the one who makes us God’s child. Because we cannot see God now, we live our lives by faith. Your faith is enough if your faith is in him.

BORN AGAIN
"Born again” describes an individual whose spirit has been brought to life by belief in Jesus Christ. First we are born physically, then we are born again spiritually. Our spirit lives on for eternity even when our physical life ends. It is suggested that you read Romans 6:1-4.

CONFESS
To confess can mean either to admit a wrong or to agree that something is right. In our relationship with God, both must happen. God has promised that if a person acknowledges the truth of Jesus Christ’s deity, then God will forgive his or her sin.

REPENTANCE
To repent is to stop doing wrong, turn the opposite direction of the sin, and move our heart, mind, or body in the direction that the Bible tells us is correct. It’s changing from self-rule to God-rule. Repentance is turning away from the sin that separates us from God and reaching out, instead, to receive God’s forgiveness and the new life he offers.

FORGIVENESS
If we admit to God that we have sinned, believe that Jesus Christ died for our sins, baptized for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38; 22:16; Romans 6:1-4; Colossians 2:11-12) and ask him to take control of our lives, God will forgive our sins. That means our sins are wiped out, gone forever. It is true that we will still sin in this life, but God will continue to forgive us if we are truly sorry for our sin and desire to change.

HOPE
In the Bible “hope” is not just wishful thinking. When we belong to Jesus Christ, our hope of eternal life is certain. It is an unseen reality.

CONVERT
People get converted all the time. That’s what soft-drink marketing wars are all about. But conversion to Christianity is a radical shift in spiritual understanding, placement of faith, and reorganization of life’s priorities.

We stop pursuing money, power, or pleasure to embrace the teachings of Jesus Christ, who calls us to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength and to love our neighbors as ourselves.

RELIGION
True religion is not a set of rules. It is a life lived to please God, overflowing and affecting everyone around us. God’s Word says that religion is worthless unless it is based on a relationship with Jesus Christ that compels us to reach out to help others.

CHURCH
The church isn’t a building, per se. The church consists of all the followers of Jesus Christ around the world.

CHOOSE
God demonstrates that He values choice because He created human beings with the capacity to choose. We may choose to accept or reject His gifts, commands, and promises. Scripture is filled with admonitions to choose wisely, to choose to obey, to choose to serve God. We are responsible for how we choose to live and accountable for the consequences.

Thanks to Brother Forshay for pointing this out to me last Sunday after class. We talked about various questions people may ask or that we may ask people. This Scripture, Colossians 4:5, which says, "Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity." Forshay helped me see something that I never saw. The word, "make".. It does come in two-fold: one is that you keep an eye out for opportunities around you - at stores, malls, restaurants, gas stations, and wherever you roam, two is that you create opportunities by inviting them in your home, taking them out to eat, inviting them to church, inviting them to special events and other great opportunities.

So "what" are you doing? "What" have you been reading? "What" will you be doing in the next week, month or year (relating to God)? "What" have you been saying to your friends, spouse, co-workers, boss, and everyone you meet?

* 19 terms by Luis Palau (with some additions/changes mine)...

Persecuted For The Faith

Bloggers,

I am at loss for words today!! But I am inspired for the amazing faith of Abdul Rahman in Afghanistan. He is on trial for the crime he committed. What was the crime? His conversion to Christianity! (In this picture, Abdul showing the translated version of the Bible)!!

"Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 5:10 (niv)

What does this tell us? What does this tell you? Though, we have such persecutions in America but not like this one that Adbul is facing. He's willing to die for the cause of Christ! Something that's out of the ordinary for centuries since Jesus, the Disciples, and the Apostolic Fathers.. He's a great example to us. Jesus reminded us with this passage:

"Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me." Matthew 24:9 (niv)

Not only they hate Abdul for his conversion, they hate Jesus! Oh, how I wish Jesus would appear to them all as He did to Saul on the road to Damascus! Saul persecuted the church of Christ during the first century. He was devout and a religious fanatic pressing his way against the Way (of Christ)!! Yet, Jesus reminds us, again,

"Remember the words I spoke to you: ...If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also." John 15:20 (niv)

Adbul doesn't look depressed.. He didn't hide the Bible he read. He looks so firm and strong for his belief in God and His Son, Jesus! I don't know all about his conversion or what church he attends but he's closing in on death's door where Jesus will stand to embrace and welcome him. Imagine Jesus' words, "Brother, you died for the faith you have in Me!!"

Now, think about this.. We're in America, he's in Afghanistan. We're comforted (in a spoiling way), he's being persecuted. We're complaining of alot of things in life, he's standing on trial and is defending the faith he has with God. We're worried about our time spent (more with the world and our priorities, less with God), his hourglass is graining away. We're hiding our light and storing away our salt, he's shining his light and passing the salt!! So how godly are we compared to Abdul in America?? What have we really done that he's doing, now, for Jesus?

"In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,.." 2 Timothy 3:12 (niv)

Still Wandering

I got a laugh out of this one here. How true is this for many of us!?! When my wife and I, along with three innocently hesistant girls, go on a long trip, they ask us this question gazillion times, "Are we there yet??" Can you compare a 5 hour trip from D.C. to Duck to Israel's wandering in the wilderness for 40 years?? I don't blame all the little children of Israel. They don't have the luxury of cars on wheels, windshield to avoid being choked by bugs, air conditioning and heating, cushion seats, cd players, restaurants (rest stop) almost every 5 miles and now some cars have entertainment centers where they can watch several movies to kill time!! But one advantage is that those under the age of 20 along with Joshua and Caleb will enter the promise land after the 40 years is over!!

"And the little ones that you said would be taken captive, your children who do not yet know good from bad - they will enter the land. I will give it to them and they will take possession of it." Deuteronomy 1:39 (niv)

"Not one of you will enter the land I swore with uplifted hand to make your home, except Caleb son of Jephunneh and Joshua son of Nun." Numbers 14:30 (niv)

The Old Testament history is a shadow of the things in the future. To give you a parallel version between the Old and the New Testament:

Promised Land (Israel) to Heaven (Christians)
Wandering in the Wilderness to Wandering in the World

So who will enter the land (Heaven)?

"Be careful to follow every command I am giving you today, so that you may live and increase and may enter and possess the land that the LORD promised on oath to your forefathers." Deuteronomy 8:1 (niv)

Will there be purgings of God? (Read Ezekiel 20)

"I will purge you of those who revolt and rebel against me. Although I will bring them out of the land where they are living, yet they will not enter the land of Israel. Then you will know that I am the LORD." Ezekiel 20:38 (niv)

Yes! Today, all of us, still alive, are still wandering in the desert as a test of our faith, love and obedience to His everlasting commands!! If you're holding to the Lord with firm obedience, you're closer to Heaven than you think!

Your Mole

No, no.. I'm not talking about the "mole" on your body. I'm referring this "mole" as the infidel, Satan, whom may, now, have (or still is) taken (taking) control of your life. I was reading through several of my old sermon notes on the web (www.fxcc.org/deaf/sermons.asp). It's always a great place to be awesomely refreshed with God's Word. It's a tool for your benefit. Every one of us need a daily tune-up!! With the Scriptures, it's able to help us by pinpointing problem areas, namely the mole within us! Here are a couple of points that I presented years ago:

What are some of the “mole” that may appear small, at times almost invisible in your life? Others may see that you could not see. Others may know that you do not know. Here are a couple of “Bible people” who had a mole in their life:

Cain’s mole: envy (Genesis)
Abraham’s mole: fear (Genesis)
Jacob’s mole: deception (Genesis)
Joseph’s brother’s mole: jealousy (Genesis)
David’s mole: lust (2 Samuel)
Jonah’s mole: disobedience (Jonah)
Peter’s mole: favoritism (Galatians)
Judas’ mole: betrayal (The gospels)
Ananias and Sapphira’s mole: lies (Acts)
Simon the Sorcerer’s mole: wealth (Acts)

Some of us are envious of others pertaining life. Things may be so swell with others while we may not be having a great life. Some of us may have fear for a number of reasons. Perhaps, we're afraid our friends or families will reject us because we came to know the Truth (Jesus) and working out the salvation God has for us. Or maybe we fear failure, that we failed God because we stumbled and stop walking with Him. Some of us practice the life of deception, deceiving people for personal gain. Some of us may be jealous when others have that you may not have. Many of us have lust. Lust comes in various forms: lust for drugs, lust for sex, lust for alcohol, lust for money. Alot of us still live a disobedient life. Often, we do not do the Lord's will. We don't respect our leaders when they meant things for the good of Him who called us! Some of us have favoritism. We seek the person or people we want around our lives while others that appears to be the least important are eliminated. Some of us have betrayed those we love. Again, betrayal comes in various forms. Many of us have lied to cover up our faults or living a life of denial. Many of us have our eyes set on wealth. Though money is not evil, the love of money is the root of all evil.

We may become defensive when a "rebuke" touches one of these "hot buttons" (above)! Repentance is necessary! Change the "hot buttons" to "Security Breach Alarm". Once we're humble in heart, whenever the Mole (Satan) infiltrates our heart, here are several thoughts that poses serious threat to our relationship with God:

Gossiping against someone you know. SECURITY BREACH!
Bible Study is NOT important. SECURITY BREACH!
You’re married and you’re lusting for another woman/man. SECURITY BREACH!
You love this sister but the other sister, well… SECURITY BREACH!
You don’t like the church because of this person. SECURITY BREACH!
You start to spend more time with work and family than with God and the church. SECURITY BREACH!
Evil thoughts run through your mind… SECURITY BREACH!
Your spiritual stamina is draining to an all-time low! SECURITY BREACH!
Ignoring the importance of sharing your faith and Jesus with others… SECURITY BREACH!
Talking about your faith but you didn’t do what you say… SECURITY BREACH!
The drive to church is too far so I/we are not going… SECURITY BREACH!
My kids didn’t want to go to church so I decided to stay home… SECURITY BREACH!
Feeding the negatives of the world into your heart… SECURITY BREACH!
A friend is tempting you to go to a bar and drink… SECURITY BREACH!
You’re casually chatting with someone during the Lord’s Supper… SECURITY BREACH!
Someone is trying to help you see yourself but you denied it… SECURITY BREACH!
You’re walking around with doubts in your mind about God… SECURITY BREACH!
Church is for the weak people that need God the most… SECURITY BREACH!
I’ve been a Christian for so many years and I will let others do the work… SECURITY BREACH!
Isn’t God too extreme in this area?... SECURITY BREACH!
I can miss church for a month, two months or so and go to heaven!... SECURITY BREACH!

…..Anything that is the OPPOSITE of God’s will……. SECURITY BREACH!

The mole always has a goal! It is to destroy you and your relationship with God! Here are a couple of things we ought to keep in mind every day to help protect ourselves against the Enemy (Satan):

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” James 1:22 (NIV)

So what do we do to combat against our spiritual MOLE?
Mole? Identify it! It may be hard to find or overlooked!
Object to its desire.
Learn what it can do to you and those you love.

"Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8 (NAS)

Resurrection Sunday

Here it is!! Isn't this an exciting time to come together and remember that the Lord has risen!! Well.. We remember Him everyday!! It's better that way than just simply be a holiday-seeker, those who come to worship God only on Christmas and Easter. This isn't God's plan for our life. God wants us to worship Him with, may I emphasize this, our "ALL"!! All of our heart, mind, soul and strength!! We owe Him because He gave us Jesus... "BECAUSE WE SINNED AGAINST HIM AND HE HAS GIVEN FOR THE PROPITIATION OF SINS!!"

"And He said to him, " `YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND."This is the great and foremost commandment. '" Matthew 22:37-38 (nas)

"Jesus answered him, "It is written, `YOU SHALL WORSHIP THE LORD YOUR GOD AND SERVE HIM ONLY.' "" Luke 4:8 (nas)

That's why we worship God! Jesus came and lived. He died on the cross for you and me, buried and then rose from the grave and has gone into the sky to return home!

"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. If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection." Romans 6:4-5 (niv)

If you're living a faithful life in Christ, you will, someday soon, certainly be united with Him in His resurrection. Because of His resurrection, that He conquered death, we will be raised into the newness of life for eternity!

Come and join us on April 16th for a great day in celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ! Check us out at www.fxcc.org/deaf!!

First Love

"Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love." Revelation 2:4 (niv)

Do you remember your "first love" for God?

The touch God touched you when you understood His love, the Sacrificial Love Of Christ! The words of God telling you that He loved you even before the world began. The passionate compassion God showed you when you used to lie in the pits of darkness (sin). That He clothed you with the blood of Christ after you buried your old life in the Lord in baptism. The companionship you had with Him through the years of growing in His knowledge and love.

Could all this be ebbing away from your heart like the writings in the sand on a seashore?

I found, here, are twelve evidence that you may have left your "first love" for the Lord:

1. When my delight in the Lord in no longer greater than my delight in someone else, I have left my “first love”.
Mark 12:30, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength."

2. When My soul does not long for times of rich fellowship in God’s word or in Prayer, I have left my “first love”.
Mark 12:30, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength."

3. When my thoughts During leisure moments do not reflect upon the Lord, I have left My “first love”.
Mark 12:30, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength."
Psalms 10:4, "In his pride the wicked does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God."

4. When I claim to be “only human,” and when I easily give in to those things which I know displease The Lord, I have left my “first love.”
Mark 12:30, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength."
John 15:10, "If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love."
John 14:15, "If you love me, you will obey what I command."

5. When I do not willingly and cheerfully give to Gods work or to the needs of others, I have left my “first love”.
1 John 3:17, "If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?"

6. When I cease to treat every Christian as I would the Lord, I have left my “first love”.
Matthew 25:40, "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me."
John 13:34, "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another."

7. When I view the commands of Christ as restrictions to my happiness rather than expressions of his Love, I have left my “first love.”
John 14:21, "Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him."

8. When I inwardly strive for the acclaim of this world rather than the approval of the Lord, I have left my “first love.”
1 John 2:15, "Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him."
John 15:19, "If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you."

9. When I fail to make Christ or his word known because I feel rejection, I know I have left my “first love.”
John 15:20, "Remember the words I spoke to you: 'No servant is greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also."

10. When I refuse to give up an activity which I know is offending a weaker brother, I k have left my, “first love.”
Romans 14:15, "If your brother is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating."

11. When I become complacent to sinful conditions around me, I have left my “first love.”
Matthew 24:12, "Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold.."

12. When I am unable to Forgive another for offending me. I have left my “first love.”
1 John 4:20, "If anyone says, "I love God," yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen."

Take the time to do personal evaluation in where you stand before God today:

1. Do I delight in someone else more then in the Lord?
2. Do I no longer long for times of fellowship in God’s Word and in prayer?
3. Do I reflect upon other things rather than upon the Lord during leisure moments?
4. Do I easily give in to those things, which I know displease the Lord?
5. Do I give grudgingly to God’s work or to the needs of other people?
6. Do I fail to treat every Christian as I would treat the Lord?
7. Do I view the commands of Christ as restrictions to my happiness rather than expressions of His love?
8. Do I inwardly strive for public acclaim more than the approval of the Lord?
9. Do I fail to witness to others because I fear embarrassment or rejection?
10. Do I offend weaker Christians because I am unwilling to give up a questionable activity?
11. Do I overlook or ignore the sinful conditions in my life?
12. Do I hold grudges against those who have offended me?

Learning Christ??

Will we let C.S. Lewis get blunt with us?

"Most of us are not really approaching the subject in order to find out what Christianity says: We are approaching it in the hope of finding support from Christianity for the views of our own party."

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever" (Hebrews 13:8).

"If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in him and he in God" (1 John 4:15).

Lately I have been thinking about the verse in Scripture that says to work out your salvation in fear and trembling ( See Phil. 2:12).

• I take this to mean that salvation isn't something you go around feeling sure of, the way you might if you had completed a to-do list.
• I take this to mean working out our salvation involves a very careful searching of the heart, asking time and again what we really mean by attending church, what we really mean by reading the Bible, what we really mean when we worship God.

Two "-ities" to grow in:

• First, it demands community. We need to read scripture together--with other Christians we know and with believers from other times, places, and denominations. As people seeking to follow Jesus, we need to rely on the insights of the larger community of faith.
• Second, it demands humility. Before I write off other people who disagree with me, I'd better realize how very challenging this whole task of biblical interpretation has been. And it wouldn't hurt me to remember that so many wars in the world have come because everyone has their own holy book that they believe they have the inside track on how to interpret.

Will I humble myself before the Word to see what I have in common with other Christ-followers and let Jesus be the focus, while trusting the Spirit to help me navigate through any differences or faulty interpretations, both mine and theirs?

"Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent." (John 17:3).

Why don't you and I both grab a few minutes right now and go spend some time praising God or praying or reading the Bible (not some commentary or book about it)?

Will They Know You?

Awesome picture of what it could look like once we're in Heaven. I'm always in awe of those spending eternity with God right now! The faithful and true servants whom have lived on earth (I mean, "Faithful unto death!!") The cheribums standing at the gate of God's throne. The angels who constantly serve their True and Living God! And the 24 elders at the sea of glass where God sits at the center, the THRONE!

"Around the throne were twenty-four thrones; and upon the thrones I saw twenty-four elders sitting, clothed in white garments, and golden crowns on their heads... ..the twenty-four elders will fall down before Him who sits on the throne, and will worship Him who lives forever and ever, and will cast their crowns before the throne,.." Revelation 4:4; 10 (nas)

I was reading Revelation last night. I was studying the seven churches of Asia, the sins & attitudes that each church, except one (Philadelphia), have done. But I kept reading beyond chapters 2 and 3, through chapter 4 and it felt like I ascended myself into God's throne and actually see all that is going on: the praises, the time of prayer, watching the Lamb of God at the center of the throne, the 30 minute silence after the seventh seal was broken, bowing down before the Lord and many more!! It was an awesome feeling!!! How this ought to be every Sunday when we come together!!

But....

After seeing the attitudes of the six churches in Asia, it reminds me of how many churches in the world are like that. Instead of praising, they argue over how the song was sung, how too many songs have been sung. Instead of praying, they throw critical words that the timing of worship was too long. Instead of bowing down in respect, they walk out leaving behind a potentially wonderful fellowship and bible study with other brothers and sisters. Instead of being in humble silence for an extended time (they did for 30 minutes), they check their watch and think about their plans for the rest of the day.

Perhaps....

We have many in the church still ignorant about the importance of worship. They haven't surrendered their all before God and pour out their souls with praises, adoration, honor, glory, respect, and love!! Already, most of us are in a hurry to worship God on Sunday where the elders, angels and all those who love God in Heaven,

"..and day and night they do not cease to say, "HOLY, HOLY, HOLY is THE LORD GOD, THE ALMIGHTY, WHO WAS AND WHO IS AND WHO IS TO COME.".. ..the twenty-four elders will fall down before Him who sits on the throne, and will worship Him who lives forever and ever, and will cast their crowns before the throne, saying, "Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and because of Your will they existed, and were created." Revelation 4:8; 10-11 (nas)

Day and night, brothers and sisters!!? Day and night!!! If you think you're wasting an hour with God on Sundays, why come? You don't have to.. You're not forced to.. And I am not interested in hearing people rant on in how you are feeling it's time-consuming. We can't rush the Holy Spirit. Your timing is not God's timing. We're to conform to His time, not ours. And remember, an apple can spoil a whole batch!! Examine yourselves and open your eyes.. Read Revelation and see how they honorably, heartily worship God, every day!!!

Finally, my question is, "When the Day of Judgment comes, will, along with God and Jesus, the 24 elders recognize you?" That depends on the attitude (fruitfulness) of your heart while on earth! So will they know you?

Transformed By Trouble

What a day it was yesterday! It was great seeing those in worship, class, and potluck. A few of us remained for a meeting discussing worship service/lesson points for the next several months. Some of us didn't leave until 3:30 p.m.!! We're getting ready to plan the Easter weekend! Tentatively, the theme is: "From The Grave To The Sky" based on the song, "Lord, I Lift Your Name On High". I'm really excited about this!!

Please take a look at the picture above. God is using a chisel to chip off rough edges that we may have in our life. God uses circumstances to develop our character. Did you not know that He depends "more" on them (circumstances) to make us like His Son, Jesus? I am going to be using some or most of Rick Warren's quotes from the Purpose Driven Life book, chapter 25. But first, let's look at this verse:

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33

This is the very words of Jesus. You will never have "no problems" for the rest of your life. There's no such thing as "problem-free living". Rick Warren wrote, "Every time you solve one, another is waiting to take its place. Not all of them are big, but all are significant in God's growth process for you."

You may say, "Hey God, what's up with this? Why am I going through this?" Well.. We should be grateful! God uses problems to draw you closer to Him. Here's an interesting thought:

"Your most profound and intimate experiences of worship will likely be your darkest days - when your heart is broken, when you feel abandoned, when you're out of options, when the pain is great - and you turn to God alone."

Amen?! Perhaps, some of you do think this way. We may say we're not blessed because of the trials we're enduring. That's not true! Blessings doesn't fall on the things you have alone. It's also a blessing to have problems in our life. They help us grow. They help us unite. They help us stay together and depend on each other. They help us be humble. Now, speaking of "humility", this is an area where each of us need to work on.

"Humility help us lower our defenses and open ourselves seeking & accepting God's provision through His faithful and mature children (Christians)."

Here's Paul's testimony during his adventurous life:

"We felt we were doomed to die and saw how powerless we were to help ourselves; but that was good, for then we put everything into the hands of God, who alone could save us." 2 Corinthians 1:9 (LB)

Rick wrote, "Everything that happens to a child of God is "Father-filtered", and He intends to use it for good even when Satan and others mean it for bad."

There's a spiritual significance through the trials we face. They help shape us to be more like Christ. Some of us are very slow in being shaped like Jesus. Or some of us make it extremely difficult for others (through God's words, providence and hands) to shape them. I like how Rick described us:

"We are like jewels, shaped with the hammer and chisel of adversity. If a jeweler's hammer isn't strong enough to chip off our rough edges, God will use a sledgehammer. If we're really stubborn, he uses a jackhammer. He will use whatever it takes."

Awesome, huh!?? Have you ever felt the effects of a jackhammer through their critical words of love? If you have become defensive against any weapons of God (Scripture/spiritual thoughts), then you have pride. Pride never likes a jackhammer, nor a sledgehammer. Pride don't mind a chisel because it wouldn't even make a slightest dent in their heart. But a sledgehammer/jackhammer does rock pride around. Pride fears it will be cracked away from the person's life. And it will hurt to let go pride; some extremely painful!

Rick goes on, "Every problem is a character-building opportunity, and the more difficult it is, the greater the potential for building spiritual muscle and moral fiber. Paul said, "We know that these troubles produce patience. And patience produces character. What happens outwardly in your life is not as important as what happens inside you. Your circumstances are temporary, but your character will last forever."

Here are a couple of points to help us be "Transformed By Trouble" based on Rick's PDL:

1. Remember that God's plan is good.
Remember Jeremiah! Remember Isaiah! Remember Job! Remember Joseph!
Rick helped us understand things when God says no to us, "Whenever God says no to your request for relief, remember, "God is doing what is best for us, training us to live God's holy best." Hebrews 12:10"

2. Rejoice and give thanks.
Isn't this something we don't do when we're having problems? We scold God for the troubles in life. We blame our friends and families for the problems you're enduring. We attack others when they "counterattack" with spiritual measures (they intend to help but end up being victimized). When we're having problems, we want others to have problems by causing one in others.

The Bible says, "Rejoice in the Lord always" Philippians 4:4.. We can also rejoice in knowing God is going through the pain with us.

3. Refuse to give up.
In Rick's book, "Be patient and persistent. The Bible says, "Let the process go on until your endurance is fully developed, and you will find that you have become men of mature character... with no weak spots." James 1:3-4 (Phillips)

Sadly, many of us have failed or are failing to achieve God's best in our lives!! We stop short. We give up. You may notice you're progressing slowly but the painful truth is:

"Character building is a slow process. Whenever we try to avoid or escape the difficulties in life, we short-circuit" the process, delay our growth, and actually end up with a worse kind of pain - the worthless type that accompanies denial and avoidance." (PDL, pg. 199)

Instead of saying, "Comfort me, Lord," say, "Conform me, Lord". Rick says, "You know you are maturing when you begin to see the hand of God in the random, baffling, and seemingly pointless circumstances in life."

Think of yourselves like an ant. After hours and hours of hard work building a anthill, someone comes and deliberately destroyed your hill, all the seemingly-pointless-hours-dirt-by-dirt-work, the hill was destroyed in a flash. But the ants resume to rebuild what was lost, dirt-by-dirt, piece-by-piece. They don't seem to complain. They don't seem to mind. They know it's a "random" thing, but life goes on.

Rick says, "If you're facing trouble right now, don't ask, "Why me?" Instead ask, "What do You want me to learn?" Then trust God and keep on doing what's right. "You need to stick it out, staying with God's plan so you'll be there for the promised completion. Hebrews 10:36 (msg)"

Whether He'll use a hammer, a chisel, a sledgehammer or a soul-rocking jackhammer, don't give up - grow up!!!!!

Servant Heart Workout

Spring is almost here!! Time to shred unwanted laziness and sins and begin sweating for God!! This Sunday, we're going to give the "Servant Heart" a workout. Some of us are so neglectful in keeping fit and wouldn't be surprised to know that some of us are spiritually unfit!

Whether it is a one-arm pushup or doing the lat-pull, it will take time to get use to what many of us are doing - consistently serving God and His people..

So pick up a dumbbell (bible) and be ready to sweat this Sunday!

In Common

Here's an interesting "tract" from Jack Chick (www.chick.com). Though, a great tool, a word of warning that Chick doesn't emphasize "baptism" for the forgiveness of sins. When you see all the different arguments (opinions/views), this is all about "religious wars", not about "relationships". I learned from one of our commentors, Laura80 (http://laura80.blogspot.com) that:

"Religion gets people in the church, their minds, on arguments... Relationship with God gives us power over satan's game plans."

If you look up, "religion" in the dictionary, you'll see a couple of different definitions of "religion". However, here's one that I found to be something we all ought to follow:

"A set of beliefs, values, and practices based on the teachings of a spiritual leader."

• Where do we get a set of beliefs, values and practices (examples)? The Bible...
• Who is our Spiritual Leader? God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit...

So where do you lie your "zeal" on?

"For I can testify about them that they are zealous for God, but their zeal is not based on knowledge." Romans 10:2 (niv)

You may be blinded by your own zeal for something that appears to be religious. Like the Jews, they were blinded by their own zeal for the Law; for Abraham. Though, Jesus came to them a number of times, the Jews wouldn't let go what they have been zealous for: knowledge. They have simply shut their eyes against the clear light. They have not submitted to the "TRUE FAITH" (Romans 10:17). They have been ignorant of God's righteousness by binding themselves on "empty zeal"! So they were stuck in their proud conceit of a righteousness of their own; their own performances as sufficient to make up a righteousness, eventually to appear before God. That's why Apostle Paul, formerly a Pharisee/Jew, declared that he does not have a "righteousness of his own" but a "righteousness of God".

So alot of religions have alot of things in common. May God be the judge of all the commotions that's going on outside and within His body, the church!

Saints of God

Thought I'd give you a quack out of this pic... Cool, huh?

"Instead, you welcomed me as if I were an angel of God, as if I were Christ Jesus himself." Galatians 4:14 (niv)

Don't you know those who "died to self and rose in Christ" are called saints? You don't have to die, a physical death, to become a saint. You're already a saint in Christ when you heard the Word of truth, believed in it, repented of your sins, confessed that Jesus is Lord, baptized for the forgiveness of your sins and eternally walking the Jesus Way!

"Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren who are with me greet you." Philippians 4:21 (rsv)

Holy people, a title for all God's people but applied in some contexts to a small group seen as the most dedicated ones.

In the Old Testament, two words are used for saints: qaddish and chasid. Qaddish comes from the qadosh and means holy. To be holy is to separate oneself from evil and dedicate oneself to God. This separation and union is seen both with things and people.

All the items of worship are separated for the Lord's use: altar (Exodus 29:37), oil (Exodus 30:25), garments (Exodus 31:10), and even the people are to be holy (Exodus 22:31). This separation reflects God's very character, for He is holy (Leviticus 19:2). Holiness is clearly portrayed as an encounter with the living God, which results in a holiness of life-style (Isaiah 6:1). So holiness is more than a one-time separating and uniting activity.

It is a way of life. “Ye shall be holy: for I am holy” (Leviticus 19:2). Saints are people who try to live holy lives (Daniel 7:18-28).

"And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will." Romans 8:27 (niv)

One interesting Scripture for you to ponder:

"Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more the things of this life!" 1 Corinthians 6:3 (niv)

Come, Follow Me

"Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." Mark 1:17 (niv)

"As he walked along, he saw Levi son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax collector's booth. "Follow me," Jesus told him, and Levi got up and followed him." Mark 2:14 (niv)

I love the Gospel of Mark. Mark tells it like it is. Mark gives us just the facts, the bare bones account of how Jesus lived his life, what he did. Mark doesn’t give us a lot of the teachings of Jesus; instead he just hits the high points. What Matthew and Luke take three chapters to get to, Mark is already covering by verse 14 of the first chapter of his gospel. "Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent and believe in the good news."

"It was a bright and cloudless day in Galilee. The waves lapped gently against the rocky shore. The midday sun, now arching across the sky, cast its hot, bright rays down upon the beach, warming the backs of the two tan fishermen as they worked, knee deep in water, repairing their nets. Suddenly one of the two fishermen stood upright. Shading his eyes from the sun he gazed toward the beach. There a lone figure is silently watching them. The man on the beach cries out, "Follow me…."

But no, Mark, Mr. "To-The-Point", tells it like this:

"Sea of Galilee. Two fishermen. Jesus. Follow me. Case closed."

This is, what I am calling it, "telescoping." Probably, they say, Mark has telescoped events that happened over days, even weeks, into a moment in time.

Could it be possible that Jesus spent days or even weeks with some of John’s (the Baptist)disciples arguing and debating his point, "Follow me", urging them to sign up to be part of the new Jesus Movement. But Mark has boiled it down to this quick encounter.

Does this kind of remind you of frequent conversations with your kids? "What’d you do at school today dear?" "Oh, you know, the bell rang. I went to class. The bell rang again. I came home." Or better yet, the more common answer, "Oh, nothing."

According to Mark, the call goes out "Follow Me" and is at once followed by a response of obedience. And that’s troubling isn’t it? What is interesting here is how could these men immediately obey the call? They didn't count how much it would cost them to follow Jesus? This story can become a stumbling block for this very reason. Something must have happened in between. Something else occurred that made the men ready to follow Jesus. It had to, didn’t it? Or perhaps, they saw something different about this Jesus figure: Was it His eyes? Was it how He talked? Was it the compassionate call? Was it His smile?

Mark is completely silent on this point. He doesn’t display even the slightest interest in the mental reasons that surrounded these men’s critical decision to follow Jesus. It’s just "Follow me." Just like that. And immediately they followed. If you’re like me, you’re not ready to leave it at that, though, are you? We want to:

• Fill in the blanks.
• To speculate on reasons.
• To examine the possible mental motives for such a rad choice.

Not in our wildest dreams can we imagine that it’s possible to leave everything to follow on the basis of a simple invitation and promise.

I don't mean to say it this way but even if it did happen that way, this happened to a couple of uncomplicated fishermen. Surely this story isn’t meant to apply to us because we are complex, educated people who have responsibilities, complications. We aren’t apt to drop everything to run off and follow some itinerant preacher are we? That smacks of a weird religious fanatic.

What I’d like us to think about this afternoon is this. What if the calling of the disciples happened exactly like Mark tells it? What if their decision to follow Jesus was a decision of the moment, an impulsive, mysterious act of passion? And what if it’s supposed to be this way with you and me as well?

Maybe what Mark is saying in this brief account is that this is the way Jesus gets followed. It’s exactly like what happened here. A call is issued, and the one called obediently follows:

• No questions asked.
• No time for weighing all the alternatives.

I’ve not been a minister for too long (maybe that’s good), but I’ve already noticed an interesting phenomenon. Someone will come up to me and tell me he or she has decided to do something for God – to follow, to give his or her life to something, someone, some great undertaking that is felt to be divinely called. Without fail, the first words out of their mouth are these, "I know you’re going to think I’m crazy but…."

We teach our children that only half-crazy people go out and stake their lives on something that can’t be seen, or proven, or understood. When I dig deeper with these folks asking why? I get such responses as; "I just have this feeling that God wants me to do this."

That’s right, just a feeling, or an impulse. Amazing isn’t it?

The key to understanding this phenomenon might be in the first verse we read this afternoon. Jesus said, "The time is fulfilled, the kingdom of God is at hand; repent…believe."

Jesus says simply, "the time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand;…follow me."
Jesus frequently speaks of "the hour" to his followers. "His hour" has not come, or his hour has come, or now is the hour to be glorified." Such is the sense of Mark 1:15. Whatever the hour, or day or year, or month, whatever the circumstance, wherever the place, whoever may be involved; suddenly, or slowly, or noisily or quietly, God acts, Jesus appears, – it is time.

I ask you to meditate upon this thought. Is today a time for you? Is God calling you to a certain task? Are you running from God’s call? Are you open to God’s call?

One thought I want to share with you before we close is when Jesus went up to Matthew, He said, "Follow me." Then went on. Matthew heard the call, in two simple words. I can imagine how many neurons were exploding in his mind thinking, "Follow him, but what about..." He didn't sit there and pray, "Okay, Lord, I heard Your call but are you serious? Can you give me another sign?" Or perhaps, let Jesus pass by Matthew again with a reassurance, "Seriously, follow me!" But Jesus didn't have to. Matthew "got up" and followed him with no clue what lies ahead of him. It's God business to "plan & prepare" these men! If God has called you a long time ago or just recently, He's waiting for you to take a leap of faith like Matthew.

I want you to close your eyes and picture Jesus coming to you with a smile and with compassion, extending His hand saying, "Come, Follow me," which is the question, a simple command. It’s one that can make all the difference in the world in your life and in the lives around you.

Heed the call. Amen?

Gift Of Example

"The most valuable gift you can give another is a good example."

"For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you." John 13:15

"You can win more friends with your ears (eyes) than with your mouth."

"Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath." James 1:19b

"Never pass up a chance to keep your mouth shut."

"Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed as a man of understanding." Proverbs 17:28

And the negative....

"A critical spirit is like poison ivy - it only takes a little contact to spread its poison."

"But avoid worldly and empty chatter, for it will lead to further ungodliness, and their talk will spread like gangrene." 2 Timothy 2:16, 17a (nasb)

Jesus Did It!

I would die for you but that wouldn't do a whole world of good! My death doesn't give you eternity! My blood doesn't forgive your sins! Nor does the Pope. Nor does Jimmy Swaggert. Nor does any famous movie stars will millions of dollars. Absolutely no one on earth can get you into Heaven but Jesus!

"Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved."" Acts 4:12 (niv)

Today, I had to take my eldest daughter to the dentist. If it comes to sniffing a laughing gas, a numbing agent (swabs for the gums), and several shots of numbing agents to pull two teeth out of her mouth, she'll freak out! I drove up to pick her up. She came up and asked, "Daddy, what are you doing here?" She knows I, typically, don't pick her up. Here comes the tough guy to tough you up about something. Well, I had to be gentle.. "Amanda, I'm here to take you to the dentist." Her eyes began to water a bit. "Are they doing to do it, daddy?" Wow! A sweet ten-year-old gal asking such an innocent and heart-piercing question. "Yes! I believe so. You will need to listen to the doctor, Amanda," I answered. Though I am deaf, I can almost hear her heart beating.

We arrived and she was doing wonderful. Signed in. Called in. She took a seat. She asked the nurse a "truck-load of questions" which is typically normal for any lil' kid. The nurse gave a little demo of what it would be like using her hands and pulling it, "Oh, it'll be just fine. Something like this (yanking her hand and pinching her skin)." My lil' girl gave a little smirk but was being pretty cautious. And here it comes. The "laughing gas" up her nose, numbing agent for her gums and the shots. She grimmaced! She was aiming to fight the doctor but the nurse calmed her down. I gave her leg a rub-down. And the first part was over. She felt like she had been beaten that her face lips swelled up.

Then the doctor returned to do two teeth business. I see blood. She was chipping away unwanted teeth that was hanging seldomly loose from the adult tooth. Then she yanked the second tooth away. It took a minute. And the worse was over. Amanda replied, "Is that all!?" I gave her a loving compliment, "Awesome, Amanda! You did great! You did it!!"

Then I thought....

My Lord, Jesus.....

My dear Lord, Jesus.....

All alone......

He grimmaced at the thought of being ridiculed, scarred, crowned, mocked, and left all alone to be crucified...

It wasn't this little cotton-filled-blood that the doctor patted on to stop the bleeding. It was worse. It was a river of blood flowing from His body!

It wasn't the tiny needle that poked her skin giving her the numbness. It was the nails that was driven through His skin and bones giving Him the unimaginable pain!

It wasn't the gentle voice the doctor gave to her the reassurance that everything is going well. It was the countless voices of hate and mocking words the people gave to Christ!

I can almost picture Jesus' Daddy in Heaven reassuring Him what it will be like the moment from the garden to the cross, "It would be like, My Son (taking His hand and applying pressure), this. Hours will seem like a minute. It will all happen in a blink of an eye. And you will do this for the whole world who believes in You."

Jesus gave a smirk at His Father then said, "Yes, daddy. I love You. Please do not leave me alone in all this."

When the doctor and the nurse wrapped their arms around my lil' one, I wanted to go and pull her out but I know I can't. It had to be done. The teeth had to come out. In the same way, Jesus' Daddy in Heaven wanted to come and rescue His Son because He couldn't bear all the pain He went through, but He knew it had to be done. He left Him all alone, bruised and scorned and crucified on the wooden cross.

Jesus died.....

Jesus was buried.....

God rose His Son, Jesus, from the grave....

Jesus returned to be with His Daddy...

And God said, "Awesome, My Son! You did great! You did it!!"

Jesus did it for us all!

Just Live It

Love Nike's motto, "Just Do It".. For all the Christians in the world, "Just Live It" is our motto!.. Since this is a NIKE FORMULA blog, the greek word for NIKE is nikao, which means "conquerors"! When we become a child of God (Christians), we have become warriors of God, ready for battle against our foe, Satan (Ephesians 6:10-17). We are conquerors through him who loved us (Romans 8:37). True believers (Christians) are "NIKE OF GOD"!!

Now, what is interesting is we have Christians who are forgetting that they are "..more than conquerors.." in this life! They've forgotten who they are. In the picture above, it says,

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

My, how is that true for many of us, Christians, in the world today! Has Satan blinded us with the ways of the world? "For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness." 2 Thess. 2:11 (niv)

James described Christians forgetting themselves as "The child of God", "The righteousness people", "The church", "The saints", "The called-out" in James 1:23-24,

"Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like."

In other words, you may have forgotten you're a child of God, that Jesus died for your sins, and that you have left the world and its ways to live in His Kingdom.

Apostle Paul warned the church (Christians) in Rome,

"Therefore, brothers, we have an obligation - but it is not to the sinful nature, to live according to it. For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God." Romans 8:12-14 (niv)

Need I say more?? Salvation will be lost!! You chose to leave the "Way"! Consider Jesus' explanation about the "Vine and the branches"? How about Jesus telling the "Rich Young Ruler" to give up everything he has and follow Him? What about Paul's historical account of several men whom worked with Paul had been handed over to Satan? And hundreds of examples in the Old Testament where Israel has forsaken God and were taken captive in the hands of their enemies??

My question is, "Are you living for Jesus today?"

Got a fish (ICHTHYS) in your heart?? Wear it all day and night!!

Live for Him, everyday! Just Live It!!

Joel Osteen

"And on the eighth day, God created JOEL OSTEEN.. Interesting....

In my mind, I'm thinking of the "eighth day" as entering the covenant relationship with God through circumcision (Old Testament). I have read his book, "Your Best Life Now". Great points to help us live up to God's expectations, not ours!!

Uncontrollable Tongue

Good evening, Bloggers!!

It's not typical for me to post a blog this late in the afternoon.. I have so much to say that must be blogged!!

Before I "ramble" on, I want to share what has been on my heart for so long.. One, I thank God that I am not perfect. Because of my imperfections in how I live my life, I have a Counselor and Friend who is able to guide me on the right track. Two, when I share a blog, I pray that what had been shared reaches the hearts, the hearts that may seem far from God, may be less and less in faith with God or even the hearts that may be more and more encouraged. And three, this blog is for the glory of God, not mine.

In the picture (above), I am really proud of this team! It's called, "Deaf Worship Team or DWT" (for now..) We haven't really come up with a name of this team. Tim (standing) is leading us through discussing the next week's worship. We have never done this before and I can see that it's making progresses. This is a way to ensure that each worship "server" understands his/her responsibilities and have a week to prepare themselves before Sunday.

There's something else that I want to share with you. Since we just started the DWT meetings close to the end of January of this year (2006), worship has become extremely meaningful and harmonious! But Satan didn't like what he is seeing.. Last night, I had an encounter with one of the DWT member but it was a very simple misunderstanding. The person sent me an email accusing me of being pushy or something like that (in my previous email). I was tired last night having to care for my two sick daughters with a strep plus working all day (and night) with my work. He had also worked 13.5 hours as well. The perfect picture of us would be a bout between Rocky and the Russian champ! Things didn't end too well until I took a glimpse at my first email I sent to this person and finally figured it all out! I forward the first message to him and said that I was only joking! Amazing, now, how Satan can use simple words (black/white) and turn two loving Christians against each other! That's the grind of life that everyone of us have to deal with every now and then! I turned my anger away from my beloved brother toward Satan. Now, you know how I really hate Satan!

Tonight, we're studying Proverbs!! I, along with a "faithful-Wednesday-few", love it!! Before I give you some points we're going to discuss tonight, let's look at Luke 6:45,

"The good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth what is good; and the evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth what is evil; for his mouth speaks from that which fills his heart."

Like a bucket draws water from a well, so the tongue dips down and pours out whatever is in the heart. If the source is clean, that is what the tongue communicates. If it is contaminated, again, the tongue will expose it.

So, tonight, we're going to focus on the wrong use of our tongues (hands). Next week, we'll focus on the right ones.. Here are five unhealthy ways an uncontrolled tongues reveals itself:

1. Deceitful flattery - Proverbs 20:17; 28;23.
2. Gossip and slander - Proverbs 6:12-14; 10:18; 18:7-8; 20:19.
3. Arguments, striving, angry words - Proverbs 14:16-17; 15:4; 17:14; 18:6; 25:15; 29:11

This, I don't mean the expression of differing opinions or even disagreement. Of course, we disagree or agree on things.. Now, arguments and strivings, however, have to do with attitudes such as stubbornness and rigidity. This inevitably arouses anger - the kind of anger that is displeasing to the Lord. It is not so much a question of do you disagree, but how you disagree.

4. Boasting and foolish jesting - Proverbs 14:3; 25:14; 6:16-17; 10:21; 15:7; 18:7
5. Verbosity - Proverbs 10:19.

Verbosity means excess verbiage - talking to much and saying too little. Pointless! He fills silent segments of conversations with talk, words without significance. He interrupts without hesitation.

We have been thinking about the wrong uses of our tongues (hands). The scene has not been pleasant, has it? I hope that rehearsing these five unpleasant examples will encourage you to put the clamps on the muscle in your mouth (hands)!!