Yes. I'm sharing my thoughts aloud! Sometimes I feel like Isaiah when he cried out to God,
"Woe to me!" I cried. "I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty." Isaiah 6:5 (niv).
Doesn't that make you shiver?? If not, you're standing far from God!
"These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men." Matthew 15:8-9 (niv).
I hate superficial praise. I hate worshippers who comes in with an intentional "half-heartedness". In my experience, discussions about worship tend to focus on the mind, what you know or what you have learned (traditions & knowledge), not in the heart. "True" worship -- we are often taught -- is more about the mind thinking right about God rather than the heart's hunger for Him.
But the words of our Savior resound the undeniable call to worship that enters the intellect: "God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth" (John 4:24).
We've been inclined to conclude that mind is the spirit, but the Bible shows that heart is a better candidate, indeed! "In truth" certainly suggests "participation of the mind" in worship, but it is inescapably the second and most dependent on the heart first.
The heart is controlled by affections but more vulnerable to deception than the mind. But to base worship on the mind is to entertain delusion:
The mind is less subjected to deception than the heart.
The mind is the main means to "contact" God in worship as quoted in Job 11:7, "Can you fathom the mysteries of God?"
Of course! What you know about God contributes to worship but the Word of God clearly indicates that such a person may not be looking for something brilliant but something that is broken. I love this verse, "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and contrite heart - these, O God, You will not despise." Psalm 51:17. If we're to exercise worship with our minds, it may deduce God. Only hearts ignited in worship and delighting God will, in turn, experience His desire to delight us back!
Allow me to be specific in how we are to delight God in worship:
1. True worship treasures God's presence.
God welcomes those into his presence who want him. The quest may be one of desperation or of delight, of frantic need or of a loving hunger for fellowship, but the motivation is clear-and so is his pleasure with it.
In Exodus 33 and 34, a tender and powerful exchange takes place between God and Moses, spanning the range from an intimate face-to-face encounter to a dramatic declaration by the Almighty. Central point of this Scripture is the cry of Moses: "Now therefore, I pray, if I have found grace in your sight, show me now your way, that I may know you and that I may find grace in your sight." To which God replies, "My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest" (Ex. 33:13-15). Shortly following this, God displays his glory to Moses-as sure a sign of his pleasure and presence as he ever gives (Ex. 40:33-38; 1 Kings 1:8-11).
One author quoted in regards to a constant repetitions in how we worship God: "We've been vigilant in seeking constant renewal of the practice because we know that even the finest spiritual habits are vulnerable to the arthritis of ritualism-when form loses its focus. But with gentleness, the Holy Spirit has a way of drawing us back to our "first love"-to a renewed hunger and thirst for the Living God."
How true this is, "arthritis of ritualism - when form loses its focus".. It is necessary, when we gather together in worship, that we surrender our traditions and thoughts to the Lord allowing the Holy Spirit to work in the very deep core of our hearts. Certainly, this will draw us back to God with a renewed sense of worship. This eliminates comparison between our past worship experiences to the current worship experience.
Such worship encourages people to "fall in love" with God. If the phrase fall in love offends anyone (as it once did me-it wasn't sufficiently "objective") perhaps we might learn to be equally offended by "reason" that distances the heart from a passion to simply know and love God.
2. True worship humbles the heart.
In Isaiah 6:1-8, the abject cry of a sinful man, "Woe is me, for I am ruined," was not something that came to mind, but of the heart, a self-discovery made upon entering God's presence. In other words, Isaiah was pierced in his heart knowing he's doomed!
Isaiah says "I saw the Lord" with neither apology nor arrogance; it was a breakthrough of grace that produced a breakup of pride. Isaiah, a member of the educated elite of Judah, demonstrates a childlike humility and teachability. Therefore, Isaiah modeled to us how we're to worship God, "his cry, without a consciousness, shows an unreserved availability to God." We're to follow Isaiah's example of deep, hard-core humility!
Because of the importance of humility, years ago I began encouraging people to become more expressive in worship. Of course, a few things do challenge our pride more than the simplest summons to expressiveness. We're to be like a child because Jesus commanded us to be like little children. In this way, we can experience a childlike liberty in expressing themselves in worship.
One of our members, with the best of motives, once suggested, "Mark, if the leaders teach and invite people to lift their hands in worship, I think our church would grow faster," and then added, "I think you might injure some people's pride." "Injure pride?" I said gently. "Why, I was hoping to kill it altogether."
Though we're to "come as little children before the Father", pride tends to insist on finding a way to justify and preserve itself (even in church). I try to help people learn the humility of Isaiah. If you have seen a fellow brother or sister falling flat on the floor, or raising his/her arms up in the air, what would your response be? Only this will help them view God afresh and pave the way to deeply felt confession and purification. Few things challenge our pride more than the simplest summons to expressiveness.
3. True worship sacrifices and then expects something from God.
Hebrews 11:6 puts it clearly: "He that comes to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of those who humbly seek him."
Worship always brings a sacrifice to God, that "he that comes," whether with praise, an offering, or by "laying down" something instructed by the Holy Spirit, is presenting something of himself to God. Simultaneously we are told that the worshiper is to believe something will be given in return by God himself-something rewarding, benevolent, and good.
Some try to defend God against human selfishness and refuse all talk of "reward." But the truth is, God freely offers the reward of his blessing and delights to do so. He doesn't yell, "Don't you dare give me something and suppose you're manipulating me to give back!" Instead, his Word simply says, in effect, "Since you come to me, I would expect you to believe I will reward your quest."
Of course, tithes or offerings (which are, indeed, appropriate and biblical "sacrifices") aren't to be a tit-for-tat bargain with God! But God's call to worship is attended by his own commitment to bless us. The promise of God in Malachi 3:10 ("Try me now in this ... if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it") reveals a largess in the heart of God toward human giving-and the justice of our expecting a blessing in return.
4. True worship extends God's love.
If God-pleasing worship addresses human need, it also will extend God's love to others. It is, thus, unsurprising that the "greatest commandment" issues into "the second, which is like (in importance) unto it." Vertically, we're to love and worship God while horizontally, to love the neighbor. This means such things as: Forgiving others, seeking peace and reconciliation day-by-day. Gracious, lifestyle evangelism in both conduct and communication, living out a believable, winsome witness.
We're to have an unselfish, servant-minded attitude in reaching out to others in need. Such a person has a "heart" to care for victims of neglect and injustice. It's not always that easy to do but it's a privilege to serve and bring our community to Jesus.
Perhaps, we ought to have a "Ministry time," which can lasts about 10 minutes as we prepare then direct people to form small groups, to share needs, then pray. This can be an essential act to our effectiveness as a congregation.
"Ministry time" accomplishes four things:
(1) it is a way to express God's love evoked during worship,
(2) it helps people use their ministry gifts in the assembly,
(3) it allows people to express themselves personally and to care and pray for one another, and
(4) it lays the foundation for the invitation-it is infinitely easier to invite people to receive the love of God in Jesus Christ after they have had a personal encounter with some people who have shown it!
With such sacrifices, God seems to be well pleased!!
Monday, February 12, 2007
Friday, February 09, 2007
Righteous Anger
What really angers me???
I'm not talking about my personal pet peeves. Like when someone near you in the theatre kicks your chair through an entire movie. Or when an inattentive driver leaves on his turn signal for fifty miles. Neither are we talking about annoyances that triggers your temper tantrums because of sinful issues in your heart.
Rather, what stirs righteous anger inside you?
What makes you made on God's behalf?
What offends your sense of justice and morality?
Seriously, I have plenty of that! Is it wrong to be "angry" with a righteous anger? Jesus did!
There are a couple of things that made Jesus angry. He once entered the temple in Jerusalem and found a bunch of merchants who had turned the "House of Worship", "The Place of Prayer" into a "worship emporium". They weren't interested in "honoring God"; all they wanted was a profit. So Jesus made a whip and drove them out!
Once of His core values, then, was the sanctity of worship.
Another time, He got so fed up with the hypocrisy of the Jewish religious leaders that He chewed them out. If there was ever a time Jesus yelled Himself hoarse, this was it!
So another of Jesus' core values was integrity.
I'll tell you one thing that makes me real mad. I hate when Christ's followers; those supposedly devoted Christians, become so self-focused that we think the church is here for us. You hear and see them through thick walls asking themselves:
"What about me?"
"What about my needs?"
"I don't like the way our leaders are doing this."
"I want to see more of this than that."
It's nothing but "me's", "my's" and "I's".. All of this is simply a "me-centered mentality!"
Hello!? Sometimes, Christians forget that we are the church, and we're here for the world, not for ourselves!! Where's the "Christ-centered mentality or the Other-centered mentality" when God needs it!! I don't care what your grandparents, or your parents, or your Philosophy teacher or your brother, or your sister, or your aunt told you what you need to be "forewarned" about church. We overlook the things Jesus knows best and what He's done for humanity!! Yet, in the church, we're arguing over change, systems, belief, and other petty stuff. We hold on to traditions. Then ignoring those hurting out in the world.
One of my core values is reaching out to those without Jesus!!
Unfortunately, I'm not bringing them into the quagmire in the church right now.. Would you have a surgery done in an infected operating room? Clean (repent) what is going on inside before we bring in the those hurting in the world!!
So, what drives me up the wall for God?
In my next post, I'll tell you what brings me joy for God?
I'm not talking about my personal pet peeves. Like when someone near you in the theatre kicks your chair through an entire movie. Or when an inattentive driver leaves on his turn signal for fifty miles. Neither are we talking about annoyances that triggers your temper tantrums because of sinful issues in your heart.
Rather, what stirs righteous anger inside you?
What makes you made on God's behalf?
What offends your sense of justice and morality?
Seriously, I have plenty of that! Is it wrong to be "angry" with a righteous anger? Jesus did!
There are a couple of things that made Jesus angry. He once entered the temple in Jerusalem and found a bunch of merchants who had turned the "House of Worship", "The Place of Prayer" into a "worship emporium". They weren't interested in "honoring God"; all they wanted was a profit. So Jesus made a whip and drove them out!
Once of His core values, then, was the sanctity of worship.
Another time, He got so fed up with the hypocrisy of the Jewish religious leaders that He chewed them out. If there was ever a time Jesus yelled Himself hoarse, this was it!
So another of Jesus' core values was integrity.
I'll tell you one thing that makes me real mad. I hate when Christ's followers; those supposedly devoted Christians, become so self-focused that we think the church is here for us. You hear and see them through thick walls asking themselves:
"What about me?"
"What about my needs?"
"I don't like the way our leaders are doing this."
"I want to see more of this than that."
It's nothing but "me's", "my's" and "I's".. All of this is simply a "me-centered mentality!"
Hello!? Sometimes, Christians forget that we are the church, and we're here for the world, not for ourselves!! Where's the "Christ-centered mentality or the Other-centered mentality" when God needs it!! I don't care what your grandparents, or your parents, or your Philosophy teacher or your brother, or your sister, or your aunt told you what you need to be "forewarned" about church. We overlook the things Jesus knows best and what He's done for humanity!! Yet, in the church, we're arguing over change, systems, belief, and other petty stuff. We hold on to traditions. Then ignoring those hurting out in the world.
One of my core values is reaching out to those without Jesus!!
Unfortunately, I'm not bringing them into the quagmire in the church right now.. Would you have a surgery done in an infected operating room? Clean (repent) what is going on inside before we bring in the those hurting in the world!!
So, what drives me up the wall for God?
- Christians decided to skip church for other activities.
- Christians do not take the time in reading the Bible before Sunday's services. Boy! I tell you that many come to church unprepared. They don't even have an answer.
- Christians comes to church with a "half-heart".
- Christians comes to criticize, ridicule, and looking for faults.
- Christians who are rude.
- Christians who put on a mask (fake) on Sundays but live a different life the rest of the week. I desire authenticity!!
- Christians who doesn't understand my vision for the deaf church (I can't move on without the leaders support and blessings.)
- Christians who knows they're giving excuses why they "can't" serve, worship, fellowship, praise, pray, study and love God.
In my next post, I'll tell you what brings me joy for God?
Thursday, February 01, 2007
Blogging...
Bloggers,
In the past two weeks, I've been carefully watching the hit counter and noticed "THE NIKE FORMULA" has not been visited as much as it ought to be. So, I decided to take a break from blogging and use my energies on other things that proves to be more effective than this. I'm not able to get much help from Blogger and YouTube with problems in posting videos on my blog after transitioning from the Old Blogger to the New Blogger. I can see a spike in "hits" when I post videos on my blog but a sharp decline when my postings are typewritten.
It's been a fun 2+ years blogging.. Obviously, my bloggers are more focused on other things in life. And, I guess I'll move on, too.. :)
If you see a post in the future, that'll be more of my journal recording my thoughts, spiritual inspriation, etc..
In the past two weeks, I've been carefully watching the hit counter and noticed "THE NIKE FORMULA" has not been visited as much as it ought to be. So, I decided to take a break from blogging and use my energies on other things that proves to be more effective than this. I'm not able to get much help from Blogger and YouTube with problems in posting videos on my blog after transitioning from the Old Blogger to the New Blogger. I can see a spike in "hits" when I post videos on my blog but a sharp decline when my postings are typewritten.
It's been a fun 2+ years blogging.. Obviously, my bloggers are more focused on other things in life. And, I guess I'll move on, too.. :)
If you see a post in the future, that'll be more of my journal recording my thoughts, spiritual inspriation, etc..
Monday, January 29, 2007
Your Final Chapter
Questions to consider when you write the "Final Chapter" of your life:
What did my life add up to?
Did I really matter?
What did I live for?
Who will remember me?
What will they say about me when I'm gone?
Why was it important that I existed?
So many questions. So much time. Will you lie there with no regrets? Some regrets? Or nothing but regrets?
Imagine these questions to yourselves. Reflect them upon yourselves. Imagine, if today is the day of your death, how would the final chapter be written? If it's not a pretty chapter, you can start today and begin anew!
"Where there is no vision, the people perish." Proverbs 29:18 (kjv)
What did my life add up to?
Did I really matter?
What did I live for?
Who will remember me?
What will they say about me when I'm gone?
Why was it important that I existed?
So many questions. So much time. Will you lie there with no regrets? Some regrets? Or nothing but regrets?
Imagine these questions to yourselves. Reflect them upon yourselves. Imagine, if today is the day of your death, how would the final chapter be written? If it's not a pretty chapter, you can start today and begin anew!
"Where there is no vision, the people perish." Proverbs 29:18 (kjv)
And your answer will be?
What is more powerful than God?
What is more evil than Satan?
Rich people don't have it.
Poor people have it.
If you eat it, you will die.
What is more evil than Satan?
Rich people don't have it.
Poor people have it.
If you eat it, you will die.
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Evangelism Linebacker
Here are two links to a video, "The Evangelism Linebacker". There's another one with a "Christmas message".. *Warning* No caption on the two though I'm sure you get the message. It's pretty funny seeing a "Linebacker" tackling those who do not wish to share Jesus with their friends, neighbors, co-workers and you name it. :)
http://www.sermonspice.com/cart/?p=product&id=722
http://www.sermonspice.com/videos/3859/Christmas-Linebacker
http://www.sermonspice.com/cart/?p=product&id=722
http://www.sermonspice.com/videos/3859/Christmas-Linebacker
Florida Christian Conference for the Deaf
Mark your calendars, PDA's and fridge...
Florida Christian Conference for the Deaf (FCCD) will take place in Jacksonville, Florida on April 19-22, 2007.. Check out their web @ http://www.fccd.us/index.htm. Plan on being there for a wonderful Christian fellowship and instruction of His eternal Word!
Heroes
Each and every church need healthy leaders and servants. The church need people modelling spiritual fervor. I personally wouldn't want to be around critical and Spirit-fire-dousing people. I want to be around people who hunger for God and the truth. I want to be around committed people that aren't easily swayed by Satan's schemes. I have a few people that I love to be around because such people encourage into the next level with God.
Here are a few biblical people that I wish I could spend time with while on earth. Their leadership qualities and love for God still inspires me today:
1. Paul -- Believe in something bigger than yourself. "I have placed you as a light for the Gentiles, that you should bring salvation to the end of the earth" (Acts 13:47, NASB). He was thoroughly & excessively submissive to the will of God, and he was committed to a specific, meaningful mission. Paul had courage in the face of opposition because he had limitless horizons in his mission. He believed in himself, but he believed in something bigger than himself -- Jesus Christ and him crucified. Jesus is the reason for his undying motivation!
2. Nehemiah -- Build on what God has given you. Nehemiah's leadership was built on His faithfulness with God. He would build the walls of faith. He was not seen in comparison to other great Old Testament heroes. God has given each leader specific gifts. Some are not as visible. All are useful. Some minister's gifts will never be recognized with shouts of joy or approval. Some minister's lives will be spent in out-of-the-way places and unheard of names to the adoring public, but God knows. The measure of a man is faithfulness, not as a person favorably known.
3. Joshua -- Bring the best people to the table. I believe this is very important to God. God wants to use people who desires to serve His will. And ministers will find people with a burning desire to serve God. Joshua had been in the presence of God. "Put off thy shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest is holy. And Joshua did so" (Joshua 5:15 ASV). Because of this special blessing, he was appointed as one with judicial powers and responsibilities in Joshua 14:6-15. He didn't say to God, "Come back to me later and ask tell me to take my show off another time. I'm tied up with these priorities of my own." He was courageous as indicated by the spy scenario in Numbers 13:31. He was most likely the envy of other young leaders. But Moses brought him to the table of leadership because he was the best person for the job. My guess is that he had skills Moses admired. Ministers need to bring the best people to the table and then trust them to do their work. Healthy ministers encourage staff. They believe in them because they have skills that are better than their own.
4. Barnabas -- Bridge the gaps of differing opinions. Barnabas was nicknamed "son of encouragement" (Acts 4:36, RSV). He bridged the gap between the Greek and Jewish worlds. Born a Cypriot and reared a Levite, he linked the Hellenistic world and the Jerusalem church. He was not an "out-front" kind of person but rather stayed in the background as a fan and supporter of Paul. The most memorable aspect of effective leadership of a minister is when he has survived the various of differing opinions and modeled having each side respect the other.
5. Moses -- Blind your eyes to petty criticism. This is where people do not understand my motive against critical people. I tend to listen in then decide whether it is worth the argument to continue the debate. It all depends on the "critique" and his/her heart. Moses was seen as a patient leader of a people with little faith (Exodus 16:8, 16-20). They complained and whined at every inconvenience (Exodus 15:24, 16:2-3). He did get disgusted. He struck the rock and disobeyed God, but his patience had worn thin. He had had enough. The wise leader will work hard at blinding his or her eyes to the pettiness of church members' criticism. If that doesn't work, he outlasts them. Just about every minister has "struck the rock" at one time or another, but then, like Moses, the same minister usually has the resilience to see things through.
6. Elijah -- Bind the ties of love and courage. Today's phrase calls it "tough love." Some call it a "tough mind and a tender heart." Elijah had both. He loved God. He had the courage to speak to the evils of his day. Where is your God? he asked. "Perhaps he is asleep and must be awakened" (1 Kings 18:27, RSV). His sarcasm showed his disappointment for those who had forsaken God. In every effective leader's life, there is a time for love but also a time for courage. Effective leaders have the courage to speak even when it is unpopular to speak because they speak the truth with love. This is where ministers are attacked when they touch sensitive spots.
7. Peter -- Bounce back after you are knocked down. In Matthew 16, Peter was seen as both a "rock" and a "stumbling block." He was both blessed and disgraced almost in the same breath. Discouraged by the disapproval of Jesus, yet blessed by the warmth and affection of Jesus, Peter was down but not out. Resilience may be the cornerstone of effective leadership. You get knocked down, but you bounce back.
Here are a few biblical people that I wish I could spend time with while on earth. Their leadership qualities and love for God still inspires me today:
1. Paul -- Believe in something bigger than yourself. "I have placed you as a light for the Gentiles, that you should bring salvation to the end of the earth" (Acts 13:47, NASB). He was thoroughly & excessively submissive to the will of God, and he was committed to a specific, meaningful mission. Paul had courage in the face of opposition because he had limitless horizons in his mission. He believed in himself, but he believed in something bigger than himself -- Jesus Christ and him crucified. Jesus is the reason for his undying motivation!
2. Nehemiah -- Build on what God has given you. Nehemiah's leadership was built on His faithfulness with God. He would build the walls of faith. He was not seen in comparison to other great Old Testament heroes. God has given each leader specific gifts. Some are not as visible. All are useful. Some minister's gifts will never be recognized with shouts of joy or approval. Some minister's lives will be spent in out-of-the-way places and unheard of names to the adoring public, but God knows. The measure of a man is faithfulness, not as a person favorably known.
3. Joshua -- Bring the best people to the table. I believe this is very important to God. God wants to use people who desires to serve His will. And ministers will find people with a burning desire to serve God. Joshua had been in the presence of God. "Put off thy shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest is holy. And Joshua did so" (Joshua 5:15 ASV). Because of this special blessing, he was appointed as one with judicial powers and responsibilities in Joshua 14:6-15. He didn't say to God, "Come back to me later and ask tell me to take my show off another time. I'm tied up with these priorities of my own." He was courageous as indicated by the spy scenario in Numbers 13:31. He was most likely the envy of other young leaders. But Moses brought him to the table of leadership because he was the best person for the job. My guess is that he had skills Moses admired. Ministers need to bring the best people to the table and then trust them to do their work. Healthy ministers encourage staff. They believe in them because they have skills that are better than their own.
4. Barnabas -- Bridge the gaps of differing opinions. Barnabas was nicknamed "son of encouragement" (Acts 4:36, RSV). He bridged the gap between the Greek and Jewish worlds. Born a Cypriot and reared a Levite, he linked the Hellenistic world and the Jerusalem church. He was not an "out-front" kind of person but rather stayed in the background as a fan and supporter of Paul. The most memorable aspect of effective leadership of a minister is when he has survived the various of differing opinions and modeled having each side respect the other.
5. Moses -- Blind your eyes to petty criticism. This is where people do not understand my motive against critical people. I tend to listen in then decide whether it is worth the argument to continue the debate. It all depends on the "critique" and his/her heart. Moses was seen as a patient leader of a people with little faith (Exodus 16:8, 16-20). They complained and whined at every inconvenience (Exodus 15:24, 16:2-3). He did get disgusted. He struck the rock and disobeyed God, but his patience had worn thin. He had had enough. The wise leader will work hard at blinding his or her eyes to the pettiness of church members' criticism. If that doesn't work, he outlasts them. Just about every minister has "struck the rock" at one time or another, but then, like Moses, the same minister usually has the resilience to see things through.
6. Elijah -- Bind the ties of love and courage. Today's phrase calls it "tough love." Some call it a "tough mind and a tender heart." Elijah had both. He loved God. He had the courage to speak to the evils of his day. Where is your God? he asked. "Perhaps he is asleep and must be awakened" (1 Kings 18:27, RSV). His sarcasm showed his disappointment for those who had forsaken God. In every effective leader's life, there is a time for love but also a time for courage. Effective leaders have the courage to speak even when it is unpopular to speak because they speak the truth with love. This is where ministers are attacked when they touch sensitive spots.
7. Peter -- Bounce back after you are knocked down. In Matthew 16, Peter was seen as both a "rock" and a "stumbling block." He was both blessed and disgraced almost in the same breath. Discouraged by the disapproval of Jesus, yet blessed by the warmth and affection of Jesus, Peter was down but not out. Resilience may be the cornerstone of effective leadership. You get knocked down, but you bounce back.
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Game Of Life Rule #2 Promo
Check out www.fxcc.org/deaf for the promo on "The Game of Life" Rule #2 coming up this Sunday.. :) I'm struggling with Blogger & Google to get my videos uploaded on Blogger since Blogger asked me to use the new Blogger features.. Bear with me as I work with Blogger & Google to get the glitch straightened out. That's one reason why I have not been blogging since..
Your patience is appreciated!! :)
Your patience is appreciated!! :)
Thursday, January 18, 2007
The Game Of Life
This Sunday, we're beginning "The Game Of Life" (LIFEgame) sermon series where we’ll talk about us as Family.
We love them.
We loathe them.
Sometimes both at the same time! But we can’t just leave them. How do we mend old wounds, deal with difficult people, and break free from the baggage we carry? I will reveal wisdom and advice from the book of Proverbs in hope to help you overcome past hurts, navigate the future, and win in your “Family LIFE.”
LIFEgame enables the congregants to experience what their life could have been like without God's purposes. Though, some of you might still be stuck in a "life without God's purpose". Such experience enforces the need and urgency to have God's purposes for their lives. Ranging from a faithful few to many of God's faithful drift away from God's purposes for their lives.
Similar to the game, "The Game Of Life", here in the D.C. metro area, you'll find a city has already been created, complete with a university, banks, a post office, city hall, a police station, court house, prison, private companies, a shopping complex, country clubs, a cemetery and other institutions normally found in a town. Congregants may choose to get a job or start their own business to earn money, and they can opt to acquire properties like cars, houses and luxury items. Or they may choose to do something worse, rob banks, sit in jail, go to court and receive a sentence. Everyone makes choices whether they are good or bad.
Players (congregants) may decide to marry and have children, climb the ladder of success or even run for Gallaudet presidency. But in their pursuit of desirable circumstances, they may encounter obstacles such as unemployment, inflation, lawsuits, health problems and other negative life influences. The game deepens with new Christians struggling to continue their material lifestyle while learning to live by God's principles.
Before this Sunday, let's read the first three chapters of Proverbs. Take a look at the picture. Since many of us are "in driving mode", it may be time to exit the busy freeway and take off our sandals then enjoy the scenic route. You don't even need a Mapquest to find this location. Just take the next exit and enjoy God's favor!
Monday, January 08, 2007
New Year's '07 Bash
On December 31st, we hosted our first New Year's Eve Bash anticipating the arrival of the '07 year! 44 were at hand for the festivities beginning with the Deaf Worship at 6 p.m. and ending with the New Year at midnight!! Enjoy these pictures of the glorious fellowship!
Deaf Worship
FXCC members swarm the buffet filled with Boston Market grubs.
Two-Zero-Zero-Seven!!! From left to right: Robin Forshay, Zhi Lin, Jasmine & Jason Bard wishes you a spirit-filled 2007!
Our lovely sister in Christ, Dorothy, received our recognition for her faithfulness in attending the deaf worship service. Kathy Flavin, Fred Orr and Neil Ferris also received recognition for their faithfulness in worship.
Neil Ferris, Kathy Flavin, Melanie Williams, Sally Newman and others play a game of Scattergories.
Alyson Lowenstein, Jill Young and Angela Lowenstein were all smiles during this New Year's Eve Bash.
Everyone gathered together to countdown toward the New Year of 2007!
Deaf Worship
FXCC members swarm the buffet filled with Boston Market grubs.
Two-Zero-Zero-Seven!!! From left to right: Robin Forshay, Zhi Lin, Jasmine & Jason Bard wishes you a spirit-filled 2007!
Our lovely sister in Christ, Dorothy, received our recognition for her faithfulness in attending the deaf worship service. Kathy Flavin, Fred Orr and Neil Ferris also received recognition for their faithfulness in worship.
Neil Ferris, Kathy Flavin, Melanie Williams, Sally Newman and others play a game of Scattergories.
Alyson Lowenstein, Jill Young and Angela Lowenstein were all smiles during this New Year's Eve Bash.
Everyone gathered together to countdown toward the New Year of 2007!
Friday, January 05, 2007
i n c o m p e t e n t s
Don't you hate that word? Incompetent... Incompetent to stand trial. Incompetent to perform normal duties. Incompetent to make decisions. Incompetent to serve our Great and Living Lord. Sounds discouraging. Even worse, if someone close to you would dare say this to you.
I've felt this way before. It happened in 1994 after I gave my life and buried it in baptism giving the Lord my sacrifice. A couple months later, my beloved minister of the Lord, Jose Abenchuchan, came to me and said, "Mark, would you like to preach in two weeks?" Good question. I have absolutely no bible knowledge, not even a quote.. I was still learning by attending the Men's bible class memorizing the Scriptures and learning the timeline and maps. My mind wasn't taking in the Scripture which should be like water absorbed to a sponge. Then I said, "Sure.. Why not." But I wasn't exactly sure how or what or where to start.
Jose took me to the library at the old Overland Park church of Christ building. My eyes gazed around and see hundreds of books. Jose showed me some books written by Christian authors, concordances, dictionaries, bible college class books, etc., etc. Then Jose said, "Now, that'll get you started.." then he left. I was appalled as I was being clouded with these hundreds of books. My heart wasn't telling me anything. I skimmed through a few books but nothing came to mind. Until, finally, something did come to mind. I was thinking about how the deaf are so involved with stocks, mutual funds, and investing for their future. And my thoughts about it: it was a sin! Now, don't get me wrong.. It's nice to have an investment for future retirement. I'm all for it. If that's the only thing you worship today, then it becomes what God calls it, "idolatry". Anyway, I began looking at the concordances (my favorite) where it shows me the verses from a word such as "lust", "money", "power" and others.
My first lesson on Sunday. The room was packed with more than a normal deaf worship service. Jose was shocked! In the back of my mind, I thought to myself, "Perhaps, I should use my lesson for the next week. Not today.." I preached. One hour later. (Yes, I preached for one hour!) And the worse of all is, I only quoted the verses without explaining the meaning of each verse! Ouch! I sweated. People were yawning. Eyes were rolling. The chairs in the back sleeps ten. And a few deaf investors squirming in their chair. I got a bad review from them but a laughing review from Jose. I know Jose means well.. (I'm still chuckling today because it was a moment I'll never forget.)
And yes.. At that point, I did feel incompetent to preach the gospel to the deaf in the world. I don't think I ever preached again until I got into Bible school. When I decided to give up my home and career to become a full-time servant of the Lord, I still have these feelings of incompetence. I thought to myself, "God will give me a gift other than preaching the gospel." I'm thankful that I'm not a powerful orator. If I was, I would be impressing people instead of God. God is only interested in my heart, not how I preach. During Bible school, everyday, we have this "preaching lab" where ministers-in-training will have the opportunity to preach and receive criticism. It's nice to get criticism like "You need to emphasize Jesus more", "You didn't clearly explain the Scripture", "That's not what the Scripture says", "You took the Scripture out of context" and stuff like that. There were positive comments, of course. But the critiques I received still showed my incompetency to preach the gospel.
Later in my studies at Sunset International Bible Institute, I learned a whole lot more. It's about how Jesus choose His men to change the world!! Jesus didn't go to the wise. Nor did He go to the strong in faith. He didn't go to the Pharisees whom were already "teachers of the law" in the wrong way. He didn't look for spiritual elite! Jesus wasn't looking for a hunky-looking guy or a person that was chosen as the "Most Likely To Succeed" by his Jewish school classmates. Jesus chose..... Twelve.... Ordinary..... Sinful.... Insecure people like you and me!
Fishermen.
Tax collector.
Accountant.
Political activist.
They were outcast before the eyes of the Pharisees. They were partiers, cheaters, liars, deceivers. But Jesus surrounded Himself among them. Jesus prefers an ordinary guy. I've been there. I partied. I had several dates. I dumped them. I hurt people. I cheated. Pride loves me and I love pride. I was a backstabber. I was too stupid, too sinful and made many mistakes. I wasn't good enough.
But God prepared me to make a difference in this dark world. God is using me and He can still use you if you're still living the ordinary, worldly ways.
I just couldn't believe, now, how God has led me through these trials beginning on August 29th, 1994 when I first met Jose. We studied the Scripture. God pierced my heart. I looked back to all that I've done to people, and worse, myself! Then I thought to myself, "Me, a preacher". Moses been there..
Moses wanted God to choose someone else. But God is determined that Moses is da man to do the job. Moses gave his excuse, "Oh Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue." (Exodus 4:10) And that would be me, too.. I love to sing, but to preach is a the very bottom of the "To-D0-List". What if someone ask me a question where I don't know the answer? What if I say the wrong thing or quote the Scripture out of a context? I am subjected to blame. I am the center of attention. I see bananas, apples, cream pies ready to receive a beating if I give a bad message.
I read a book where a friend of the writer quoted,
"God doesn't choose the prepared. He prepares the chosen."
Wow!! That's it!! That's exactly it!! No matter how unprepared you feel, it's God's business to prepare you!! You've experienced the delicacies of the world now He wants you to taste the delicacies of Heaven! He's teaching you how to touch, taste, and smell Heaven! So you might never feel ready and that's okay.. In fact, since you might not feel ready, God will still call you and prepare you for the job. Jesus came to Matthew, the tax collector, and said, "Come and follow me." That was it! Matthew was doing his business of collecting taxes probably for years. He could say to himself, "Ha! I haven't been trained to do whatever you want me to do." Matthew didn't do that.. Instead, he dropped everything, abandoned his bank and followed Jesus where Jesus will train Matthew and the rest of the eleven to change the world!
If you're feeling incompetent today, that's wonderful!! God works better with the incompetents than with competents!!! God is ready to use you. Believe it or not, you'll be ready for His use!
I've felt this way before. It happened in 1994 after I gave my life and buried it in baptism giving the Lord my sacrifice. A couple months later, my beloved minister of the Lord, Jose Abenchuchan, came to me and said, "Mark, would you like to preach in two weeks?" Good question. I have absolutely no bible knowledge, not even a quote.. I was still learning by attending the Men's bible class memorizing the Scriptures and learning the timeline and maps. My mind wasn't taking in the Scripture which should be like water absorbed to a sponge. Then I said, "Sure.. Why not." But I wasn't exactly sure how or what or where to start.
Jose took me to the library at the old Overland Park church of Christ building. My eyes gazed around and see hundreds of books. Jose showed me some books written by Christian authors, concordances, dictionaries, bible college class books, etc., etc. Then Jose said, "Now, that'll get you started.." then he left. I was appalled as I was being clouded with these hundreds of books. My heart wasn't telling me anything. I skimmed through a few books but nothing came to mind. Until, finally, something did come to mind. I was thinking about how the deaf are so involved with stocks, mutual funds, and investing for their future. And my thoughts about it: it was a sin! Now, don't get me wrong.. It's nice to have an investment for future retirement. I'm all for it. If that's the only thing you worship today, then it becomes what God calls it, "idolatry". Anyway, I began looking at the concordances (my favorite) where it shows me the verses from a word such as "lust", "money", "power" and others.
My first lesson on Sunday. The room was packed with more than a normal deaf worship service. Jose was shocked! In the back of my mind, I thought to myself, "Perhaps, I should use my lesson for the next week. Not today.." I preached. One hour later. (Yes, I preached for one hour!) And the worse of all is, I only quoted the verses without explaining the meaning of each verse! Ouch! I sweated. People were yawning. Eyes were rolling. The chairs in the back sleeps ten. And a few deaf investors squirming in their chair. I got a bad review from them but a laughing review from Jose. I know Jose means well.. (I'm still chuckling today because it was a moment I'll never forget.)
And yes.. At that point, I did feel incompetent to preach the gospel to the deaf in the world. I don't think I ever preached again until I got into Bible school. When I decided to give up my home and career to become a full-time servant of the Lord, I still have these feelings of incompetence. I thought to myself, "God will give me a gift other than preaching the gospel." I'm thankful that I'm not a powerful orator. If I was, I would be impressing people instead of God. God is only interested in my heart, not how I preach. During Bible school, everyday, we have this "preaching lab" where ministers-in-training will have the opportunity to preach and receive criticism. It's nice to get criticism like "You need to emphasize Jesus more", "You didn't clearly explain the Scripture", "That's not what the Scripture says", "You took the Scripture out of context" and stuff like that. There were positive comments, of course. But the critiques I received still showed my incompetency to preach the gospel.
Later in my studies at Sunset International Bible Institute, I learned a whole lot more. It's about how Jesus choose His men to change the world!! Jesus didn't go to the wise. Nor did He go to the strong in faith. He didn't go to the Pharisees whom were already "teachers of the law" in the wrong way. He didn't look for spiritual elite! Jesus wasn't looking for a hunky-looking guy or a person that was chosen as the "Most Likely To Succeed" by his Jewish school classmates. Jesus chose..... Twelve.... Ordinary..... Sinful.... Insecure people like you and me!
Fishermen.
Tax collector.
Accountant.
Political activist.
They were outcast before the eyes of the Pharisees. They were partiers, cheaters, liars, deceivers. But Jesus surrounded Himself among them. Jesus prefers an ordinary guy. I've been there. I partied. I had several dates. I dumped them. I hurt people. I cheated. Pride loves me and I love pride. I was a backstabber. I was too stupid, too sinful and made many mistakes. I wasn't good enough.
But God prepared me to make a difference in this dark world. God is using me and He can still use you if you're still living the ordinary, worldly ways.
I just couldn't believe, now, how God has led me through these trials beginning on August 29th, 1994 when I first met Jose. We studied the Scripture. God pierced my heart. I looked back to all that I've done to people, and worse, myself! Then I thought to myself, "Me, a preacher". Moses been there..
Moses wanted God to choose someone else. But God is determined that Moses is da man to do the job. Moses gave his excuse, "Oh Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue." (Exodus 4:10) And that would be me, too.. I love to sing, but to preach is a the very bottom of the "To-D0-List". What if someone ask me a question where I don't know the answer? What if I say the wrong thing or quote the Scripture out of a context? I am subjected to blame. I am the center of attention. I see bananas, apples, cream pies ready to receive a beating if I give a bad message.
I read a book where a friend of the writer quoted,
"God doesn't choose the prepared. He prepares the chosen."
Wow!! That's it!! That's exactly it!! No matter how unprepared you feel, it's God's business to prepare you!! You've experienced the delicacies of the world now He wants you to taste the delicacies of Heaven! He's teaching you how to touch, taste, and smell Heaven! So you might never feel ready and that's okay.. In fact, since you might not feel ready, God will still call you and prepare you for the job. Jesus came to Matthew, the tax collector, and said, "Come and follow me." That was it! Matthew was doing his business of collecting taxes probably for years. He could say to himself, "Ha! I haven't been trained to do whatever you want me to do." Matthew didn't do that.. Instead, he dropped everything, abandoned his bank and followed Jesus where Jesus will train Matthew and the rest of the eleven to change the world!
If you're feeling incompetent today, that's wonderful!! God works better with the incompetents than with competents!!! God is ready to use you. Believe it or not, you'll be ready for His use!
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
The Holidays...
Guess what!!? I'm just glad the holidays are OVER!!! I feel like I've gained 50 lbs!! Those M&M's are surely good every single time.. And you know how many of them are in a bag! Man!!
We had a wonderful night last Sunday night!! 44 people (adults and children) attended the New Year's Eve worship service. Following worship, we all had a wonderful time of fellowship with grubs from Boston Market and various games on several tables. We also gave four awards (with gift certificates to Starbucks) to Neil Ferris, Kathy Flavin, Fred Orr and Dorothy Eckert for their faithfulness to Sunday's Worship. Each of them missed almost 1 to 5 services throughout the whole year! They are a wonderful example to us all!! Most of us remained until the midnight bell ringing in the new year of 2007.. We didn't get home until 1:45 a.m.!! We really enjoyed it very much, a good, clean and non-alcoholic fellowship.. And we got a hang-over!!! Hang-over from having such a great time with Christians and friends.
***
Bear with me that I couldn't contain all that had happened last night. Last night, I went to bed again at 1 a.m.. No.. I'm not going to make this a "habit"!! Just that I couldn't turn off the television because of the super thriller game between Boise St (Broncos) and Oklahoma (Sooners)!! Boise St were leading like 24 to 7 at halftime. But during the third quarter, Oklahoma caught up and took over the lead.. Everyone thought it was all over, including me. But after several bowl games consisted comeback victories, I decided to stay with them. Sure enough, Boise St came back to tie the game with just 8 seconds left from the 40 yard line with a fake play!!! Overtime!! Oklahoma scored on just one play with a Peterson touchdown. Boise St had trouble getting through the Oklahoma defense but managed to overcome several 4th down conversions until finally getting a touchdown. Remember, they need a field goal to re-tie and bring the game into a double OT. Well, Boise St. decided to gamble by going for a two-point conversion to win the game, or to lose if failed. My jaw dropped through the floor!!! Boise St scored the two-point conversion, easily!!! I just didn't see how it was played until the replay!! Man!! They had us all "fooled"!!! Sorry Ohio State and Florida..
Boise St. 13 - 0 National Champs! No question!
***
Last Sunday, I gave a message before the new year rang in. I encourage you to check out this lesson @ http://www.fxcc.org/deaf/sermons.asp titled, "Brand Spankin' New You" which will be posted in a few days.
2006 is gone! Whatever happened to you during that year is old. It's in the past. You, during 2006, have vanished away. Now, the new year of 2007 is here. Develop new wine. Bring it into a new wineskin. Let's begin with a fresh and new heart, new goals, new visions and new plans. Bring God into it. But, be prepared for new problems, new pressures and new possibilities. Don't use whatever you have tried in the past, especially during 2006, to solve these new issues in 2007. Be creative. Be convinced. Be courageous.
"I said, 'Plant the good seeds of righteousness, and you will harvest a crop of my love. Plow up the hard ground of your hearts, for now is the time to seek the LORD, that he may come and shower righteousness upon you.'" Hosea 10:12 (nlt)
1. Return to the practice of good works.
2. Seek others (leaders & faithful servants) who sow righteousness. Stay away from others who sow unrighteousness (attitudes of the world)
3. Look up to God for His grace.
And when do we do these things? The Lord says, "..for now is the time.." (v. 12)
1. Seeking the Lord is to be "everyday's work"!!
2. If we do our part, God will do His!
3. If we sow righteousness, we reap mercy (love). If we sow to the Spirit, we will, of the Spirit, reap eternal life!
It is encouraged that we do not do the same things we've done during the 2006. I'm not saying that you make a "New Year's Resolution" for God. It's destined to be broken. It's a time for new wine and a wineskin. This year, change your hearts for God and work out your salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12)!!
"..but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity." 1 Timothy 4:12 (niv)
We had a wonderful night last Sunday night!! 44 people (adults and children) attended the New Year's Eve worship service. Following worship, we all had a wonderful time of fellowship with grubs from Boston Market and various games on several tables. We also gave four awards (with gift certificates to Starbucks) to Neil Ferris, Kathy Flavin, Fred Orr and Dorothy Eckert for their faithfulness to Sunday's Worship. Each of them missed almost 1 to 5 services throughout the whole year! They are a wonderful example to us all!! Most of us remained until the midnight bell ringing in the new year of 2007.. We didn't get home until 1:45 a.m.!! We really enjoyed it very much, a good, clean and non-alcoholic fellowship.. And we got a hang-over!!! Hang-over from having such a great time with Christians and friends.
***
Bear with me that I couldn't contain all that had happened last night. Last night, I went to bed again at 1 a.m.. No.. I'm not going to make this a "habit"!! Just that I couldn't turn off the television because of the super thriller game between Boise St (Broncos) and Oklahoma (Sooners)!! Boise St were leading like 24 to 7 at halftime. But during the third quarter, Oklahoma caught up and took over the lead.. Everyone thought it was all over, including me. But after several bowl games consisted comeback victories, I decided to stay with them. Sure enough, Boise St came back to tie the game with just 8 seconds left from the 40 yard line with a fake play!!! Overtime!! Oklahoma scored on just one play with a Peterson touchdown. Boise St had trouble getting through the Oklahoma defense but managed to overcome several 4th down conversions until finally getting a touchdown. Remember, they need a field goal to re-tie and bring the game into a double OT. Well, Boise St. decided to gamble by going for a two-point conversion to win the game, or to lose if failed. My jaw dropped through the floor!!! Boise St scored the two-point conversion, easily!!! I just didn't see how it was played until the replay!! Man!! They had us all "fooled"!!! Sorry Ohio State and Florida..
Boise St. 13 - 0 National Champs! No question!
***
Last Sunday, I gave a message before the new year rang in. I encourage you to check out this lesson @ http://www.fxcc.org/deaf/sermons.asp titled, "Brand Spankin' New You" which will be posted in a few days.
2006 is gone! Whatever happened to you during that year is old. It's in the past. You, during 2006, have vanished away. Now, the new year of 2007 is here. Develop new wine. Bring it into a new wineskin. Let's begin with a fresh and new heart, new goals, new visions and new plans. Bring God into it. But, be prepared for new problems, new pressures and new possibilities. Don't use whatever you have tried in the past, especially during 2006, to solve these new issues in 2007. Be creative. Be convinced. Be courageous.
"I said, 'Plant the good seeds of righteousness, and you will harvest a crop of my love. Plow up the hard ground of your hearts, for now is the time to seek the LORD, that he may come and shower righteousness upon you.'" Hosea 10:12 (nlt)
1. Return to the practice of good works.
2. Seek others (leaders & faithful servants) who sow righteousness. Stay away from others who sow unrighteousness (attitudes of the world)
3. Look up to God for His grace.
And when do we do these things? The Lord says, "..for now is the time.." (v. 12)
1. Seeking the Lord is to be "everyday's work"!!
2. If we do our part, God will do His!
3. If we sow righteousness, we reap mercy (love). If we sow to the Spirit, we will, of the Spirit, reap eternal life!
It is encouraged that we do not do the same things we've done during the 2006. I'm not saying that you make a "New Year's Resolution" for God. It's destined to be broken. It's a time for new wine and a wineskin. This year, change your hearts for God and work out your salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12)!!
"..but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity." 1 Timothy 4:12 (niv)
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
Total Commitment
One day a chicken and a pig were going down an old dirt road, when they noticed a sign telling of a banquet to be given for a charitable organization. Both the chicken, and the pig thought they should help, but could not think of a way. Suddenly, the chicken said, "I know, I'll donate a dozen eggs, and you donate the ham." "Hold on," said the pig. "For you that's just a contribution; but for me, it's a total commitment!"
How many chickens does God have in His church?
How many chickens does God have in His church?
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Caged Christians
A special thanks to my dear sis in Christ, Cario Stewart, for forwarding this link to me!! Man!! I love this post by Mark Batterson:
The last chase the lion evotional is going out this week. For a free subscription you can sign-up @ theaterchurch.com/evotional. Just thought I'd share an evotional excerpt.
Caged Christians
A few months ago I was in the Galapagos Islands on a mission trip. It almost felt like we were flying into the Garden of Eden. The Galapagos are like a zoo with no cages! And I'm not sure how to say it, but there was something so exhillirating about seeing a wild animal in its natural habitat.
It's one thing to see a caged bird. It's an altogether different thing to see a blue-footed booby circling about 100 feet up in the air and dive-bombing ten feet into the ocean and catching a fish two feet from your boat.
It's one thing seeing a dolphin show in a manmade pool. It is an altogether different thing swimming with sea lions or walking a beach at night with dozens of sea lions barking at you and chasing you.
We were surrounded by 250 year-old tortoises, beautiful marine iguanas, and pelicans that looked pre-historic. And what made it so amazing was that there weren't any cages!
So after returning from the Galapagos we took our kids to the zoo and it wasn't the same. I'm ruined for zoos! I love zoos, but it's just not the same seeing a caged animal. It's too safe. It's too controlled. So we were walking through the ape house and I had this thought as I looked at a caged gorilla: I wonder if churches do to people what zoos do to animals.
We take something that is wild and we domesticate it. And we put it in a cage called church for easy observation. We remove the danger. We remove the risk. And the end result is a caged Christian. Nice to look at. But I just don't think that was the original idea. Jesus handpicked a dozen disciples who were about as uncultured and undomesticated as you can get! And He unleashed them!
In fact, he used a zoological metaphor in Matthew 10:16 when he sent them out on their inaugural mission: "I am sending you like sheep among wolves."
Imagine a zookeeper putting a bunch of sheep in the wolf cage. That is what Jesus says he is doing. And that's why he tells them they need to be innocent as doves and shrewd as snakes. Jesus doesn't shelter them. He plops in the middle of a wolf pack!
The goal of church isn't to take people out of their natural habitat and domesticate them--make them look like and talk like and act like Christians. When we pronounce the benediction at the end of the service we're releasing people back into the wild. And they go back into their natural habitat as an ambassador of God's grace.
I love the way Erwin McManus says it in his book Unstoppable Force: The center of God's will is not a safe place but the most dangerous place in the world. To live outside of God's will puts us in danger; to live in his will makes us dangerous.
Unleash the lion chaser within!
The last chase the lion evotional is going out this week. For a free subscription you can sign-up @ theaterchurch.com/evotional. Just thought I'd share an evotional excerpt.
Caged Christians
A few months ago I was in the Galapagos Islands on a mission trip. It almost felt like we were flying into the Garden of Eden. The Galapagos are like a zoo with no cages! And I'm not sure how to say it, but there was something so exhillirating about seeing a wild animal in its natural habitat.
It's one thing to see a caged bird. It's an altogether different thing to see a blue-footed booby circling about 100 feet up in the air and dive-bombing ten feet into the ocean and catching a fish two feet from your boat.
It's one thing seeing a dolphin show in a manmade pool. It is an altogether different thing swimming with sea lions or walking a beach at night with dozens of sea lions barking at you and chasing you.
We were surrounded by 250 year-old tortoises, beautiful marine iguanas, and pelicans that looked pre-historic. And what made it so amazing was that there weren't any cages!
So after returning from the Galapagos we took our kids to the zoo and it wasn't the same. I'm ruined for zoos! I love zoos, but it's just not the same seeing a caged animal. It's too safe. It's too controlled. So we were walking through the ape house and I had this thought as I looked at a caged gorilla: I wonder if churches do to people what zoos do to animals.
We take something that is wild and we domesticate it. And we put it in a cage called church for easy observation. We remove the danger. We remove the risk. And the end result is a caged Christian. Nice to look at. But I just don't think that was the original idea. Jesus handpicked a dozen disciples who were about as uncultured and undomesticated as you can get! And He unleashed them!
In fact, he used a zoological metaphor in Matthew 10:16 when he sent them out on their inaugural mission: "I am sending you like sheep among wolves."
Imagine a zookeeper putting a bunch of sheep in the wolf cage. That is what Jesus says he is doing. And that's why he tells them they need to be innocent as doves and shrewd as snakes. Jesus doesn't shelter them. He plops in the middle of a wolf pack!
The goal of church isn't to take people out of their natural habitat and domesticate them--make them look like and talk like and act like Christians. When we pronounce the benediction at the end of the service we're releasing people back into the wild. And they go back into their natural habitat as an ambassador of God's grace.
I love the way Erwin McManus says it in his book Unstoppable Force: The center of God's will is not a safe place but the most dangerous place in the world. To live outside of God's will puts us in danger; to live in his will makes us dangerous.
Unleash the lion chaser within!
Monday, December 18, 2006
Sunday, December 17, 2006
Saturday, December 16, 2006
Thursday, December 14, 2006
God Is Already There..
Here's an interesting quote:
“It is not that we good Christians take God outside the walls of the church. We go outside because God is already there.”
In other words, we personally say we need to take the Gospel out into the world (outside the walls of the church) and preach the good news about Jesus Christ but failed to do what we personally say.
God is already out there (outside the walls of the church). And He's waiting for us.
“It is not that we good Christians take God outside the walls of the church. We go outside because God is already there.”
In other words, we personally say we need to take the Gospel out into the world (outside the walls of the church) and preach the good news about Jesus Christ but failed to do what we personally say.
God is already out there (outside the walls of the church). And He's waiting for us.
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Seeking Opportunities
"Be very careful, then, how you live - not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil." Ephesians 5:15-16 (niv)
In the previous passages, Apostle Paul tells us, first, "Be ye therefore followers of God.." and to "walk in love" just as Christ Jesus did! Then Paul changed the tone a bit to discuss about the evil ways of the world: fornication (which means sex outside of marriage), and all uncleanness, coveteousness (always want more). Filthiness or foolish talking that comes out of our mouths and hands (sign language) or passing accusations. And be assured that no person who idolizes evil ways will ever enter the kingdom of Christ and God. A word of warning: let no one deceive you with vain words and it is guaranteed that God will pour out wrath on the Deceivers.
Most important of all is that we refrain from being "partakers of evil" or in other words, mingle around with evil people whom may plague you with evil influence. If you're around a very "negative person", you're more likely to become a "negative person". If you're around a drunkard, you could become one. If you're around a "critical person", you'll become a "critical person".
But, those who surrendered their life to the Lord, baptized into His death, into His blood to wash away our sins, we have become the light in the Lord. Walk as children of light proving what is acceptable unto the Lord!
Now, we're given opportunities. But, first, we need to be very careful IN HOW WE LIVE. Of course.. The world are watching Christians like we look at a fish in a fishbowl. They won't understand one, two or hundreds of mistakes we do and accuse us of being "hypocrites" (actors). Even worse, they'll think faith is futile, that we're chasing after the wind.
It is impossible to maintain purity and holiness of the heart and life without great wisdom and care. We're to walk wisely, not as unwise. We shouldn't declare to the world that we're the light of Christ but walking blindly and stumbling at every corner. We cannot do one and the other. Such a person doesn't comprehend all that God was trying to tell him/her in His Word. Such a wise person is thoroughly taught of God through His Word (Bible). Without the Word living in each of our hearts, we're walking blindly and living unwisely.
Two avenues.
The one that walks wisely seeks to be godly husbands/wives, worshipping God faithfully, possessing a serving heart, daily seeking the Lord in prayer, watching for temptations and refraining from them, have better use of tongue/hands (no profanity/finger-pointing) and takes care of his/her life improving it to the best of God's purposes. They seek opportunities leading up to the gate of Heaven!
But the one that walks unwisely are in jeopardy every hour, stumbles into trouble and wickedness. They are troublesome and prone to fall into dangerous situations that threatens their entrance into eternity with God.
That's why Jesus died for us all! He died on the cross to save us from unwise and evil living. He wants us to always remember that He knows what it is like to be "tempted". He experienced that for 40 Days and 40 Nights! He didn't stumble into the three temptations Satan offered Him. He allowed the Scripture to prevail against such temptations. He quoted them. He stood by them. He sought opportunities that lasts for eternity!
In the previous passages, Apostle Paul tells us, first, "Be ye therefore followers of God.." and to "walk in love" just as Christ Jesus did! Then Paul changed the tone a bit to discuss about the evil ways of the world: fornication (which means sex outside of marriage), and all uncleanness, coveteousness (always want more). Filthiness or foolish talking that comes out of our mouths and hands (sign language) or passing accusations. And be assured that no person who idolizes evil ways will ever enter the kingdom of Christ and God. A word of warning: let no one deceive you with vain words and it is guaranteed that God will pour out wrath on the Deceivers.
Most important of all is that we refrain from being "partakers of evil" or in other words, mingle around with evil people whom may plague you with evil influence. If you're around a very "negative person", you're more likely to become a "negative person". If you're around a drunkard, you could become one. If you're around a "critical person", you'll become a "critical person".
But, those who surrendered their life to the Lord, baptized into His death, into His blood to wash away our sins, we have become the light in the Lord. Walk as children of light proving what is acceptable unto the Lord!
Now, we're given opportunities. But, first, we need to be very careful IN HOW WE LIVE. Of course.. The world are watching Christians like we look at a fish in a fishbowl. They won't understand one, two or hundreds of mistakes we do and accuse us of being "hypocrites" (actors). Even worse, they'll think faith is futile, that we're chasing after the wind.
It is impossible to maintain purity and holiness of the heart and life without great wisdom and care. We're to walk wisely, not as unwise. We shouldn't declare to the world that we're the light of Christ but walking blindly and stumbling at every corner. We cannot do one and the other. Such a person doesn't comprehend all that God was trying to tell him/her in His Word. Such a wise person is thoroughly taught of God through His Word (Bible). Without the Word living in each of our hearts, we're walking blindly and living unwisely.
Two avenues.
The one that walks wisely seeks to be godly husbands/wives, worshipping God faithfully, possessing a serving heart, daily seeking the Lord in prayer, watching for temptations and refraining from them, have better use of tongue/hands (no profanity/finger-pointing) and takes care of his/her life improving it to the best of God's purposes. They seek opportunities leading up to the gate of Heaven!
But the one that walks unwisely are in jeopardy every hour, stumbles into trouble and wickedness. They are troublesome and prone to fall into dangerous situations that threatens their entrance into eternity with God.
That's why Jesus died for us all! He died on the cross to save us from unwise and evil living. He wants us to always remember that He knows what it is like to be "tempted". He experienced that for 40 Days and 40 Nights! He didn't stumble into the three temptations Satan offered Him. He allowed the Scripture to prevail against such temptations. He quoted them. He stood by them. He sought opportunities that lasts for eternity!
Friday, December 08, 2006
Jesus
Our "Resigned" Savior
With a piano played beautifully in the background, the color of the film does reduce its "graphicity", yet I see the emotions and expressions of Jesus' endurance from the garden to the cross!
Thank You, Jesus, for resigning (humbling) your life with a purpose to save us all from the pool of sins!
Our "Resigned" Savior
With a piano played beautifully in the background, the color of the film does reduce its "graphicity", yet I see the emotions and expressions of Jesus' endurance from the garden to the cross!
Thank You, Jesus, for resigning (humbling) your life with a purpose to save us all from the pool of sins!
Monday, December 04, 2006
BE STILL
Wow! Psalm 46:10!!
Think of the days of Elijah! He escaped in fear for his life. He hid. But God found him in a cleft of a rock. Earthquake. Fire. Storms. And God is in none of these. But listen, Elijah! Listen carefully.
Elijah listened. And he heard. He heard a gentle whisper.
And the whisper is God.
You may not hear God because you're hearing and seeing storms, earthquake, fire of life. God said, "Forget them. Pay no attention to them and listen to Me."
Awesome!
Wow! Psalm 46:10!!
Think of the days of Elijah! He escaped in fear for his life. He hid. But God found him in a cleft of a rock. Earthquake. Fire. Storms. And God is in none of these. But listen, Elijah! Listen carefully.
Elijah listened. And he heard. He heard a gentle whisper.
And the whisper is God.
You may not hear God because you're hearing and seeing storms, earthquake, fire of life. God said, "Forget them. Pay no attention to them and listen to Me."
Awesome!
The Reality Of Hell
Doesn't this make you think!! How many of your friends, families, co-workers and you-name-them are bound for the gates of hell.
After watching a person or two people falling down into the fire, it does make me squirm in my seat to continue praying for those God wants to save!
Remember Jesus' Great Commission:
1. He has the authority.
2. Therefore, Go in all nations.
3. Make Disciples.
4. Baptize them.
5. Teach them.
6. So Jesus will be with them til the end!
Doesn't this make you think!! How many of your friends, families, co-workers and you-name-them are bound for the gates of hell.
After watching a person or two people falling down into the fire, it does make me squirm in my seat to continue praying for those God wants to save!
Remember Jesus' Great Commission:
1. He has the authority.
2. Therefore, Go in all nations.
3. Make Disciples.
4. Baptize them.
5. Teach them.
6. So Jesus will be with them til the end!
New And Improved
Good morning, Bloggers...
I'm feeling good this morning!! I feel "New And Improved" after my rotator cuff surgery last Wednesday morning.. I had two tears: a rotator cuff tear and a labria tear. But, it wasn't as bad as the surgery I had on my right shoulder years ago. Some of you have visited me at my home and noticed that I possess a character named Linus from the Charlie Brown gang. He's the one with a blankie. I don't have a blankie, exactly, but a fluffy pillow to put under and between my left arm.
Everyday, I'm feeling a bit tired. I guess it's the cells in my body that's working hard to heal my shoulder. It does take up alot of energy to bring things to par one. Also, I've been doing some painful exercises to bring mobility to my arm and shoulder.
But, I know one thing. I'm on the road to a complete recovery. And for that, I praise God! Thank you all for the prayers for me. Also, two families brought food for us and do wanted to take the time to ask God for His blessings on them! May God bless you!!
I'm feeling good this morning!! I feel "New And Improved" after my rotator cuff surgery last Wednesday morning.. I had two tears: a rotator cuff tear and a labria tear. But, it wasn't as bad as the surgery I had on my right shoulder years ago. Some of you have visited me at my home and noticed that I possess a character named Linus from the Charlie Brown gang. He's the one with a blankie. I don't have a blankie, exactly, but a fluffy pillow to put under and between my left arm.
Everyday, I'm feeling a bit tired. I guess it's the cells in my body that's working hard to heal my shoulder. It does take up alot of energy to bring things to par one. Also, I've been doing some painful exercises to bring mobility to my arm and shoulder.
But, I know one thing. I'm on the road to a complete recovery. And for that, I praise God! Thank you all for the prayers for me. Also, two families brought food for us and do wanted to take the time to ask God for His blessings on them! May God bless you!!
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Baptism of Abebe and Jenni Asrat
Here's a summary of my comments about the Asrats.
Abebe visited Fairfax last year. He comes every once in a while to worship with us.
Not long ago, he came with his fiancee', Jennifer, and announced that they are engaged.
I also learned that they were living together outside of marriage which is not something the Lord wants. And they wanted to be baptized! I didn't want to diffuse their excitement and joy to be connected to the Lord. Before being baptized, I gave them a choice to live separately until marriage or to do what is right in the eyes of the Lord. They didn't want to live apart because of their love for each other.
They got married on November 25th. Not long after exchanging their vows, they buried their old lives in the Lord and their sins washed away with the blood of Jesus!
Abebe, in the dressing room, came to me and said, "Now, I feel no guilt!!!"
Awesome!
Here's a summary of my comments about the Asrats.
Abebe visited Fairfax last year. He comes every once in a while to worship with us.
Not long ago, he came with his fiancee', Jennifer, and announced that they are engaged.
I also learned that they were living together outside of marriage which is not something the Lord wants. And they wanted to be baptized! I didn't want to diffuse their excitement and joy to be connected to the Lord. Before being baptized, I gave them a choice to live separately until marriage or to do what is right in the eyes of the Lord. They didn't want to live apart because of their love for each other.
They got married on November 25th. Not long after exchanging their vows, they buried their old lives in the Lord and their sins washed away with the blood of Jesus!
Abebe, in the dressing room, came to me and said, "Now, I feel no guilt!!!"
Awesome!
Monday, November 27, 2006
Going Under...
No, no.. I'm not talking about baptism this time. I'm talking about my upcoming surgery this Wednesday morning. I'm be going into a "forced coma" then going under the knives and scopes to fix this problem that I've been having for over two years now. Not long ago, the doctor found out that I have a mild tear in my left rotator cuff. He asked me what I did to cause it and I told him that I did a lot of things: softball, shoulder press, back workout, butterfly (swimming), and my all-time favorite, picking up my 50 to 60 lbs girls over my head.
Yeah, yeah.. I guess you could call me a "Daddy-Rock (The wrestler named "The Rock")" or "Conan The Preacher". But it's been years since I last picked up my super-heavy girls now. And I do miss doing that. My girls love it!! They would come to me and say, "Pick me up, daddy. Pick me up.." I was like, "Oh, I do wish but I can't, right now, honey".. I just hated giving this kind of rejection. Every now and then, I go up to people with newborns and love to pick them up to give them a "blubber belly", my signature of giving a "raspberry tickle on their tummies". Sometimes, my shoulder couldn't even bear a 20 lb or less babies.. I forget that I have this problem.
Not only with kids and babies, but helping people I love move from their homes into the new homes. I would arrive home grimmacing with a little pain after lifting heavy loads of furnitures and boxes. I love to help but I hate to feel the consequences of helping with the move. My heart rejoices but my body doesn't. It sounded like a quote that God gave to one of His Disciples, "The Spirit is willing but the body is weak." Exactly!!
Now, I'm ready to get this taken care of!! Why?! So my body can be in step with the Spirit! And, that, I'm eager for a rejoicing shoulder with a rejoicing Spirit!! :)
Please lift me and my family up in your prayers. Remember me this Wednesday at 7:30 a.m. when I will be going under!!
Yeah, yeah.. I guess you could call me a "Daddy-Rock (The wrestler named "The Rock")" or "Conan The Preacher". But it's been years since I last picked up my super-heavy girls now. And I do miss doing that. My girls love it!! They would come to me and say, "Pick me up, daddy. Pick me up.." I was like, "Oh, I do wish but I can't, right now, honey".. I just hated giving this kind of rejection. Every now and then, I go up to people with newborns and love to pick them up to give them a "blubber belly", my signature of giving a "raspberry tickle on their tummies". Sometimes, my shoulder couldn't even bear a 20 lb or less babies.. I forget that I have this problem.
Not only with kids and babies, but helping people I love move from their homes into the new homes. I would arrive home grimmacing with a little pain after lifting heavy loads of furnitures and boxes. I love to help but I hate to feel the consequences of helping with the move. My heart rejoices but my body doesn't. It sounded like a quote that God gave to one of His Disciples, "The Spirit is willing but the body is weak." Exactly!!
Now, I'm ready to get this taken care of!! Why?! So my body can be in step with the Spirit! And, that, I'm eager for a rejoicing shoulder with a rejoicing Spirit!! :)
Please lift me and my family up in your prayers. Remember me this Wednesday at 7:30 a.m. when I will be going under!!
Sunday, November 26, 2006
Two Wedding Ceremonies!!
"Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear." (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of the saints.) Then the angel said to me, "Write 'Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!'" And he added, "These are the true words of God." Revelation 19:7-9 (niv)
Awesome! What an awesome weekend we had!! Today in worship, Pedro Gelabert and his family from NYC came for worship and Pedro preached, from his heart, a wonderful lesson on "Transfiguration"!! We praise God for the lesson and he told us, like John, James and Peter, do not forget Jesus!!
In addition to this awesome weekend experience with God, last Saturday, Abebe and Jennifer exchanged their vows before God.. They are one of the most humbling people I know. I love their joy for Jesus. I love their love for our Lord. I love their smiles and do want them to be assured that they keep on smiling for Jesus, not allowing Satan to erase that away from their faces! They decided to make themselves right before God. After the exchange of their vows and rings, I pronounced them husband and wife, Mr. and Mrs. Abebe Asrat!
But the wedding ceremony wasn't over. They had another "wedding" to attend to! They have long wanted to get connected to Jesus. They need to become a "bride" of Christ. They need to be part of the family, the church. Abebe and Jennifer knew they were living in sin. They knew they had to do what is right in the eyes of the Lord. They asked the Lord to come into their hearts and bury their old life in the Lord in baptism. Together, they did! Together, they proclaimed to God and us, as witnesses, that Jesus is their Lord and that Jesus takes away their sins by His blood, burying their old lives in the Lord (in baptism) and now raised as new creations, joined with Jesus and now on the pathway to eternal life!!
Here are a couple of pictures for you to enjoy! Such joyful couple during this joyful time! This is the day we'll never forget!!
Abebe prepares to say the "vows" to Jenni with smiles!!
Mark Lowenstein emphasized the important of keeping ourselves under the authority of God!
Awesome! What an awesome weekend we had!! Today in worship, Pedro Gelabert and his family from NYC came for worship and Pedro preached, from his heart, a wonderful lesson on "Transfiguration"!! We praise God for the lesson and he told us, like John, James and Peter, do not forget Jesus!!
In addition to this awesome weekend experience with God, last Saturday, Abebe and Jennifer exchanged their vows before God.. They are one of the most humbling people I know. I love their joy for Jesus. I love their love for our Lord. I love their smiles and do want them to be assured that they keep on smiling for Jesus, not allowing Satan to erase that away from their faces! They decided to make themselves right before God. After the exchange of their vows and rings, I pronounced them husband and wife, Mr. and Mrs. Abebe Asrat!
But the wedding ceremony wasn't over. They had another "wedding" to attend to! They have long wanted to get connected to Jesus. They need to become a "bride" of Christ. They need to be part of the family, the church. Abebe and Jennifer knew they were living in sin. They knew they had to do what is right in the eyes of the Lord. They asked the Lord to come into their hearts and bury their old life in the Lord in baptism. Together, they did! Together, they proclaimed to God and us, as witnesses, that Jesus is their Lord and that Jesus takes away their sins by His blood, burying their old lives in the Lord (in baptism) and now raised as new creations, joined with Jesus and now on the pathway to eternal life!!
Here are a couple of pictures for you to enjoy! Such joyful couple during this joyful time! This is the day we'll never forget!!
Abebe prepares to say the "vows" to Jenni with smiles!!
Mark Lowenstein emphasized the important of keeping ourselves under the authority of God!
Abebe and Jenni prepares to give their lives to the Lord in baptism asking Jesus and His blood to wash their sins away and clothe them in a garment white as snow!
Buried in the Lord (Into His death, Into His blood, Into His freedom from sin)
Joyful celebration!! Me, being stone deaf, I could hear them shouting, "Whooo!".. What an awesome "sound" coming into my "deaf ear"!!! Praise God!!!!
Pray that your clothes are made of eternal linen (spirit), bright and clean!!!
Friday, November 24, 2006
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
TIC Family Picture
Pah! Got the group picture uploaded on Blogger!! :) Enjoy!!
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!! Think of things you're thankful for, even things that might not be too pretty.. Yet, be thankful!!
And the winner is...
On Saturday night @ Camp Wamava for the TIC (Together In Christ) Experience, the retreaters played their final "Family Challenge" called, "Iceberg T-shirt". It was the most challenging and long-running game, ever!! The t-shirts were tied in double knot, dipped in water and placed in the freezer overnight. Each team had to work together to thaw their iceberg tshirt and get the knot out then put the tshirt on. No microwaves allowed. No running water. No one gave up!!
Until...
Michelle and I noticed that each team were struggling to get their iceberg tees thawed! The maroon team managed to get it thawed and got one knot out!! They struggled with the second knot. So we decided to make things interesting by allowing all the teams to use running water. Everyone scrambled to the nearest water faucet to race for first place!!
The, gung ho, MAROON TEAM won the "Iceberg Tees Family Challenge"!! From left to right, Jason Bard, Asrat Kebede, Michelle Lowenstein, Alyson Lowenstein, Dennis Young and Tim Stewart were all smiles!!
Second place, GREY TEAM!! From left to right, Jasmine Bard, Jennifer Fox, Jason Jr (Bard), Liz Creamer and Amanda Lowenstein.
Third Place, GREEN TEAM!! From left to right, Darrin Forshay, Neil Ferris, Melanie Williams, Bev Young, Brandi Young and Christy Pomnitz.
Fourth Place, BLACK TEAM!! From left to right, Coral Kaplan, Kali Kaplan, Fred Orr, Matt Sickon, Kathy Flavin and Abebe Asrat.
Fifth Place, ORANGE TEAM!!! From left to right, Robin Forshay, Cario Stewart, Angela Lowenstein, Julio Rodriguez, Mark Lowenstein and Juber Cadima.
Sixth Place, YELLOW TEAM!! From left to right, Cindi Cesone, Joe Kaplan, Patty Ann Melnikas and Steve Williams.
Until...
Michelle and I noticed that each team were struggling to get their iceberg tees thawed! The maroon team managed to get it thawed and got one knot out!! They struggled with the second knot. So we decided to make things interesting by allowing all the teams to use running water. Everyone scrambled to the nearest water faucet to race for first place!!
The, gung ho, MAROON TEAM won the "Iceberg Tees Family Challenge"!! From left to right, Jason Bard, Asrat Kebede, Michelle Lowenstein, Alyson Lowenstein, Dennis Young and Tim Stewart were all smiles!!
Second place, GREY TEAM!! From left to right, Jasmine Bard, Jennifer Fox, Jason Jr (Bard), Liz Creamer and Amanda Lowenstein.
Third Place, GREEN TEAM!! From left to right, Darrin Forshay, Neil Ferris, Melanie Williams, Bev Young, Brandi Young and Christy Pomnitz.
Fourth Place, BLACK TEAM!! From left to right, Coral Kaplan, Kali Kaplan, Fred Orr, Matt Sickon, Kathy Flavin and Abebe Asrat.
Fifth Place, ORANGE TEAM!!! From left to right, Robin Forshay, Cario Stewart, Angela Lowenstein, Julio Rodriguez, Mark Lowenstein and Juber Cadima.
Sixth Place, YELLOW TEAM!! From left to right, Cindi Cesone, Joe Kaplan, Patty Ann Melnikas and Steve Williams.
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Together In Christ Experience
What a weekend we had at Camp Wamava. On Friday night, we kicked off the "Together In Christ" Experience with Joe Kaplan and his family! The lessons were awesome!! Our central focus was on the "church family". It was a non-stopping, action-packed thriller throughout the weekend with lessons, outdoor activities, cooking, cleaning, fellowshipping and family challenges. Here are some highlights (pictures) of the weekend deaf retreat! Enjoy!
David Hinckley (left) and Dennis Cesone (right) cooking up some grubs for lunch!
Tim and Cario Stewart led us in awesome singing of the song, "You Are Holy, Prince of Peace"
The kids were fantastic over the weekend!! In the picture, they're playing "Shoot The Elephant" game..
Brother Jason Bard leading us to God in closing prayer..
One of the five keynote lessons on "Family", Joe Kaplan stresses the importance of praying for each other..
During Sunday's Worship (Lord's Supper), we followed "Jesus" in a re-enactment of Jesus' walk from the scourging to Golgotha (where Jesus was crucified). In the picture is Darrin Forshay carrying the wooden cross while Dennis Cesone and Neil Ferris, holding a whip, mock "Jesus".
(Re-enactment) "Jesus" being crucified and lifted up before beginning the Lord's Supper. What a great way to visualize how Jesus suffered for the sins of humanity!!
Fairfax Family circles around the cross observing the Lord's death and remembering that Jesus gave His body (bread) and shed his blood (wine) to cover the sins of the world!
A wonderful visual reminder of all Jesus did for us!!
David Hinckley (left) and Dennis Cesone (right) cooking up some grubs for lunch!
Tim and Cario Stewart led us in awesome singing of the song, "You Are Holy, Prince of Peace"
The kids were fantastic over the weekend!! In the picture, they're playing "Shoot The Elephant" game..
Brother Jason Bard leading us to God in closing prayer..
One of the five keynote lessons on "Family", Joe Kaplan stresses the importance of praying for each other..
During Sunday's Worship (Lord's Supper), we followed "Jesus" in a re-enactment of Jesus' walk from the scourging to Golgotha (where Jesus was crucified). In the picture is Darrin Forshay carrying the wooden cross while Dennis Cesone and Neil Ferris, holding a whip, mock "Jesus".
(Re-enactment) "Jesus" being crucified and lifted up before beginning the Lord's Supper. What a great way to visualize how Jesus suffered for the sins of humanity!!
Fairfax Family circles around the cross observing the Lord's death and remembering that Jesus gave His body (bread) and shed his blood (wine) to cover the sins of the world!
A wonderful visual reminder of all Jesus did for us!!
Friday, November 17, 2006
WaMaVa!!
Tonight, we'll be at Camp Wamava for our long anticipated Deaf Family Retreat with Joe Kaplan (North Carolina) speaking!!
I'm excited about this weekend! The theme of the retreat is, "Together In Christ".. We're getting some TIC experience from Joe's lessons, the fellowship and games!! In addition to this, we're going to have a new addition to the Fairfax church family!! I'm anxious to have him share his testimony then the church family will gather around him to welcome him to the family in prayer!
Well.. I'm outta here now!!
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Kiwi
Aww man! This is such a sweet, sweet animation.. At first, I wasn't sure what the purpose of this bird was until... He/she wanted to know what it is like to "fly" past the trees..
Make sure you watch the end where tears flowed from his/her eyes knowing he/she will die but knowing what it is like to fly past the trees..
Such a sweet and sad story. I can think of many applications from this story in a spiritual perspective!
Aww man! This is such a sweet, sweet animation.. At first, I wasn't sure what the purpose of this bird was until... He/she wanted to know what it is like to "fly" past the trees..
Make sure you watch the end where tears flowed from his/her eyes knowing he/she will die but knowing what it is like to fly past the trees..
Such a sweet and sad story. I can think of many applications from this story in a spiritual perspective!
Trusting Self, Despising Others?
""Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men - robbers, evildoers, adulterers - or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.' "But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.' "I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."" Luke 18:10-14 (niv)
This is one of the most important Scripture to keep in heart. From here, a couple of things pops out of this Scripture:
1. A great conceit of themselves, and of their own goodness; they thought themselves as holy as they needed to be, and holier than all their neighbors, and such as might serve for examples to them all. But that was not all..
2. They had a confidence in themselves before God, and not only had a high opinion of their own righteousness, but depended upon the merit of it, whenever they addressed God, as their plea: They trusted in themselves as being righteous; they thought they had made God their debtor, and might demand anything from him..
3. They despised others, and looked upon them with contempt, as not worthy to be compared with them. Now Christ by this parable would show such their folly, and that from there, they shut themselves out from acceptance with God.
In addition to this, I read a commentary that explains this Scripture well:
"That he trusted to himself that he was righteous. A great many good things he said of himself, which we will suppose to be true. He was free from gross and scandalous sins; he was not an extortioner, not a usurer, not oppressive to debtors or tenants, but fair and kind to all that had dependence upon him. He was not unjust in any of his dealings; he did no man any wrong; he could say, as Samuel, Whose ox or whose ass have I taken? He was no adulterer, but had possessed his vessel in sanctification and honour."
If Jesus were to appear to this Pharisee, again, what do you think He would quote?
"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves." Philippians 2:3 (niv)
"For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted." Matthew 23:12 (niv)
Keep in mind that there are two different hearts that God sees.. One heart consist of passing out accusations like the Pharisee while the other heart is broken and contrite like the tax collector!
Proud men, who exalt themselves, are rivals with God, and therefore they shall certainly be abased. God, in his discourse with Job, appeals to this proof that he is God, that he looks upon every one that is proud, and brings him low, Job 40:12.
Humble men, who abase themselves, are subject to God, and they shall be exalted. God has preferment in store for those that will take it as a favor, not for those that demand it as a debt. He shall be exalted into the love of God, and communion with him, shall be exalted into a satisfaction in himself, and exalted at last as high as heaven.
And our awesome Lord desires each of His children to always remain humble, forgiving others for their arrogance and sins, and consider others better than self.. Let us stop trusting self and despising others for the glory of God!
God bless!
This is one of the most important Scripture to keep in heart. From here, a couple of things pops out of this Scripture:
1. A great conceit of themselves, and of their own goodness; they thought themselves as holy as they needed to be, and holier than all their neighbors, and such as might serve for examples to them all. But that was not all..
2. They had a confidence in themselves before God, and not only had a high opinion of their own righteousness, but depended upon the merit of it, whenever they addressed God, as their plea: They trusted in themselves as being righteous; they thought they had made God their debtor, and might demand anything from him..
3. They despised others, and looked upon them with contempt, as not worthy to be compared with them. Now Christ by this parable would show such their folly, and that from there, they shut themselves out from acceptance with God.
In addition to this, I read a commentary that explains this Scripture well:
"That he trusted to himself that he was righteous. A great many good things he said of himself, which we will suppose to be true. He was free from gross and scandalous sins; he was not an extortioner, not a usurer, not oppressive to debtors or tenants, but fair and kind to all that had dependence upon him. He was not unjust in any of his dealings; he did no man any wrong; he could say, as Samuel, Whose ox or whose ass have I taken? He was no adulterer, but had possessed his vessel in sanctification and honour."
If Jesus were to appear to this Pharisee, again, what do you think He would quote?
"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves." Philippians 2:3 (niv)
"For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted." Matthew 23:12 (niv)
Keep in mind that there are two different hearts that God sees.. One heart consist of passing out accusations like the Pharisee while the other heart is broken and contrite like the tax collector!
Proud men, who exalt themselves, are rivals with God, and therefore they shall certainly be abased. God, in his discourse with Job, appeals to this proof that he is God, that he looks upon every one that is proud, and brings him low, Job 40:12.
Humble men, who abase themselves, are subject to God, and they shall be exalted. God has preferment in store for those that will take it as a favor, not for those that demand it as a debt. He shall be exalted into the love of God, and communion with him, shall be exalted into a satisfaction in himself, and exalted at last as high as heaven.
And our awesome Lord desires each of His children to always remain humble, forgiving others for their arrogance and sins, and consider others better than self.. Let us stop trusting self and despising others for the glory of God!
God bless!
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
How Cultural Is Scripture?
Great read!!
Take your time in digesting the article and comments made. It's a bit difficult to understand but worthy of reading...
Check out this blog @
http://jphilwilson.blogspot.com/2006/11/how-cultural-is-scripture.html
I believe G. Brandon Hoyt's response to Phil's blogpost made a good point:
"I don't buy these argument because scripture is cross-cultural (*and remember 2 Tim 3:16, told to someone NOT WHOLLY OF the scripture producing culture...*) and because many of the things that Christians (and even Jews) are commanded are against the culture of their day..."
Take your time in digesting the article and comments made. It's a bit difficult to understand but worthy of reading...
Check out this blog @
http://jphilwilson.blogspot.com/2006/11/how-cultural-is-scripture.html
I believe G. Brandon Hoyt's response to Phil's blogpost made a good point:
"I don't buy these argument because scripture is cross-cultural (*and remember 2 Tim 3:16, told to someone NOT WHOLLY OF the scripture producing culture...*) and because many of the things that Christians (and even Jews) are commanded are against the culture of their day..."
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Stories Of Perseverance
I just so thankful that I'm able to "see" some stories of faith and perseverance from one of my staffers here at Fairfax. My co-worker, Ellyn, used to be an interpreter but has been working as an assistant Children's minister for several years now. Every now and then, she helps with the interpreting needs.
As Michelle and I came into the office this morning, Ellyn saw us and jumped right in front of us to tell us some stories of perseverance. Keep in mind that we do not "hear" these stories like most members do. We have to "see" it in our language. So we're very thankful that Ellyn was able to take the time to share with us and the stories journeyed into the very core of our hearts!
To be honest with you, I cannot explain this in words what we "saw" in the stories of perseverance. But, like fire that burns in our body, we cannot contain this in! It must be shared. Our jaws just dropped! Our hearts pounded! Our bodies just shiver with the "fear" that there is a God who continues to be in control. Some of you may know three of our members (hearing) are still battling with terrible diseases (cancer). While they're still battling their diseases, Michelle saw Bob at church just this past Sunday. Someone told me that Scott came to worship God while his wife lie in bed recovering from several brain surgeries. Ellyn continues to tell us these stories of what is happening in their lives right now. I can see that nothing hinders their walk with God! They're an inspiration, not only to us, but to many of those who loves them. Scott's wife, according to Ellyn, accepted the affliction and wanted people to know that it was for the glory of God!! This is heavy!
Again, I'm just speechless today! I think you know the rest of the story now. I just don't feel like doing anything here at the office but to give God my undivided attention and to say, "Glory to God! Glory to God!" I just personally don't know how I would do if I were in the spouse's shoes. Regardless and whatever the Lord wills for their lives to be (whether to continue with life or when death comes), I just wanted to take the time to thank them for sharing their struggles with us. When they learned that cancer has taken toll of their bodies, they fell before God saying that they continue to love Him regardless of the situation. They continue to pray to God to rescue them out of this horrible mess. Apostle Paul did the same thing asking that the Lord take away the "thorn in his flesh" in 2 Corinthians 12:7 (niv). But they continue to persevere through this trial. It is the food we need to eat. It's the drink we need to drink. They help us look at life differently.
Keep in mind that we continue to be amazed by the faith and perseverance of Scott's wife, Sarah!!! We didn't hear any, "Why me, God? Why not others suffer? Why didn't you choose someone else?" or any other questions pointing a blame to God.. She said, "I accept this and I do this to glorify God!"
"Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us." Romans 5:3-5 (nas)
As Michelle and I came into the office this morning, Ellyn saw us and jumped right in front of us to tell us some stories of perseverance. Keep in mind that we do not "hear" these stories like most members do. We have to "see" it in our language. So we're very thankful that Ellyn was able to take the time to share with us and the stories journeyed into the very core of our hearts!
To be honest with you, I cannot explain this in words what we "saw" in the stories of perseverance. But, like fire that burns in our body, we cannot contain this in! It must be shared. Our jaws just dropped! Our hearts pounded! Our bodies just shiver with the "fear" that there is a God who continues to be in control. Some of you may know three of our members (hearing) are still battling with terrible diseases (cancer). While they're still battling their diseases, Michelle saw Bob at church just this past Sunday. Someone told me that Scott came to worship God while his wife lie in bed recovering from several brain surgeries. Ellyn continues to tell us these stories of what is happening in their lives right now. I can see that nothing hinders their walk with God! They're an inspiration, not only to us, but to many of those who loves them. Scott's wife, according to Ellyn, accepted the affliction and wanted people to know that it was for the glory of God!! This is heavy!
Again, I'm just speechless today! I think you know the rest of the story now. I just don't feel like doing anything here at the office but to give God my undivided attention and to say, "Glory to God! Glory to God!" I just personally don't know how I would do if I were in the spouse's shoes. Regardless and whatever the Lord wills for their lives to be (whether to continue with life or when death comes), I just wanted to take the time to thank them for sharing their struggles with us. When they learned that cancer has taken toll of their bodies, they fell before God saying that they continue to love Him regardless of the situation. They continue to pray to God to rescue them out of this horrible mess. Apostle Paul did the same thing asking that the Lord take away the "thorn in his flesh" in 2 Corinthians 12:7 (niv). But they continue to persevere through this trial. It is the food we need to eat. It's the drink we need to drink. They help us look at life differently.
Keep in mind that we continue to be amazed by the faith and perseverance of Scott's wife, Sarah!!! We didn't hear any, "Why me, God? Why not others suffer? Why didn't you choose someone else?" or any other questions pointing a blame to God.. She said, "I accept this and I do this to glorify God!"
"Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us." Romans 5:3-5 (nas)
Monday, November 13, 2006
My Eyes On People
Hey Bloggers,
I just wanted to take a few minutes to jot down a few people that I have been watching and was filled with admiration and am blessed to be around with such godly people. Though, I cannot include everyone, just a few that really touched my heart in the past week..
(I just hope they don't mind my mentioning their names!)
Last week, I met with two wonderful people who just lights up my heart! Abebe Asrat and his fiancee', Jennifer, just couldn't stop smiling. I believe there's one of the most humble people I have ever met. They are hungry to serve God. Jennifer has been reading the Bible and Picture Bible. She has never gone to church until now. She's only 18 years old and such a sweet, sweet woman. I just pray that no one in the world, even in the church, will diffuse that light out of their hearts! They're eager to be baptized into the Lord's death and be risen with a new life soon! We continue to be in touch so be an example to them and pray!
Hazel Taylor is a joy to be around with. I'm just appalled in how she continues to persevere through her times of trials. She continues to fight to stay healthy. One time, she wanted to just die, die, die and go be with her late husband, Harold. Smile. But she continues to simply move on by saying, "Well, the Lord said, 'It's not time for you to go, yet.' I'll just sit and twiddle my thumbs until He calls me home." Man! I love her!! I love this sweet ole lady and she really inspires me so much! She knows some songs by heart and sometimes sings them to me. Then I join in with the singing! When she sings, she closes her eyes and smiles as if she can literally see God. And I have no doubt that God is also smiling. Everyone ought to follow her example! Really!
Another wonderful lady that also puts a smile on my face is Dorothy Eckert. She worked so hard to learn ASL and to communicate with deaf people like me. She continues overcome many obstacles including several surgeries to remove several cancer-causing cells. She's been so, so faithful worshipping God with the deaf. I hardly ever remember her missing a single Sunday except when she just returned home from the hospital or on vacation. Again, she's an awesome lady who loves to serve the Lord!
Susan Scholtz and Henry Cardenas, are both completing their "internship in ASL study" with us at Fairfax. They are another wonderful people whom are dedicated to bridge communication gap between the deaf and hearing in this world. They've been working real hard to bring themselves to the level of ASL certification requirements. We've grown fond of them and they're always in my heart and prayers! Please lift them up as they continue to work their way to become interpreters (secularly and religiously).
Finally, I met with a wonderful man today for lunch. His name is Asrat Kebede, a deaf man from Ethiopia. We only had one hour to chat and I learned a whole lot more about Asrat in that hour than knowing him since last Spring (off and on). I told him that I look forward to having more fellowship with him. If you haven't had a chance to meet Asrat, I encourage you to do so!And, what is more? Something exciting will happen this Sunday, Lord willing! :)
"For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you,.." 2 Thess. 3:7 (niv)
And, remember, the eyes in the world continue to watch you, your example and your influence.
I just wanted to take a few minutes to jot down a few people that I have been watching and was filled with admiration and am blessed to be around with such godly people. Though, I cannot include everyone, just a few that really touched my heart in the past week..
(I just hope they don't mind my mentioning their names!)
Last week, I met with two wonderful people who just lights up my heart! Abebe Asrat and his fiancee', Jennifer, just couldn't stop smiling. I believe there's one of the most humble people I have ever met. They are hungry to serve God. Jennifer has been reading the Bible and Picture Bible. She has never gone to church until now. She's only 18 years old and such a sweet, sweet woman. I just pray that no one in the world, even in the church, will diffuse that light out of their hearts! They're eager to be baptized into the Lord's death and be risen with a new life soon! We continue to be in touch so be an example to them and pray!
Hazel Taylor is a joy to be around with. I'm just appalled in how she continues to persevere through her times of trials. She continues to fight to stay healthy. One time, she wanted to just die, die, die and go be with her late husband, Harold. Smile. But she continues to simply move on by saying, "Well, the Lord said, 'It's not time for you to go, yet.' I'll just sit and twiddle my thumbs until He calls me home." Man! I love her!! I love this sweet ole lady and she really inspires me so much! She knows some songs by heart and sometimes sings them to me. Then I join in with the singing! When she sings, she closes her eyes and smiles as if she can literally see God. And I have no doubt that God is also smiling. Everyone ought to follow her example! Really!
Another wonderful lady that also puts a smile on my face is Dorothy Eckert. She worked so hard to learn ASL and to communicate with deaf people like me. She continues overcome many obstacles including several surgeries to remove several cancer-causing cells. She's been so, so faithful worshipping God with the deaf. I hardly ever remember her missing a single Sunday except when she just returned home from the hospital or on vacation. Again, she's an awesome lady who loves to serve the Lord!
Susan Scholtz and Henry Cardenas, are both completing their "internship in ASL study" with us at Fairfax. They are another wonderful people whom are dedicated to bridge communication gap between the deaf and hearing in this world. They've been working real hard to bring themselves to the level of ASL certification requirements. We've grown fond of them and they're always in my heart and prayers! Please lift them up as they continue to work their way to become interpreters (secularly and religiously).
Finally, I met with a wonderful man today for lunch. His name is Asrat Kebede, a deaf man from Ethiopia. We only had one hour to chat and I learned a whole lot more about Asrat in that hour than knowing him since last Spring (off and on). I told him that I look forward to having more fellowship with him. If you haven't had a chance to meet Asrat, I encourage you to do so!And, what is more? Something exciting will happen this Sunday, Lord willing! :)
"For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you,.." 2 Thess. 3:7 (niv)
And, remember, the eyes in the world continue to watch you, your example and your influence.
Thursday, November 09, 2006
Marriage
In the state of Virginia,
1,325,668 voted "Yes" (57%) to ban same-sex marriage
while
1,003,967 (47%) voted "No".
1,003,967 is a lot of votes against banning same-sex marriage. And I see a strong Genesis', Sodom and Gomorrah, in the world today! And over a million people in the state of Virginia, alone, are against the amendment to ban same-sex marriage. God designed marriage to be only a "husband & wife; male & female".
"For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh." Genesis 2:24 (nas)
And here's a very, very strong verse the Lord provided through Apostle Paul:
"Therefore God gave them over in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, so that their bodies would be dishonored among them. For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.
For this reason God gave them over to degrading passions; for their women exchanged the natural function for that which is unnatural, and in the same way also the men abandoned the natural function of the woman and burned in their desire toward one another, men with men committing indecent acts and receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their error." Romans 1:24-27 (nas)
God takes marriage seriously:
"Marriage is to be held in honor among all, and the marriage bed is to be undefiled; for fornicators and adulterers God will judge." Hebrews 13:4 (nas)
Not only Virginia did the votes on "same-sex marriage ban" but alot of other states did. South Carolina had a 78% and Tennessee a whooping 81% of the votes were "Yes" to ban "same-sex marriage" while Arizona had 51% "No" vote to ban same-sex marriage.
How much work do we have to do in this world today to bring God in schools, in the Senate, in the House, in the White House, in the workplace, in our homes, and among our friends? I pray the Lord will increase our fervor to bring the gospel to both dying hearts (spiritual fire) and lost souls!
1,325,668 voted "Yes" (57%) to ban same-sex marriage
while
1,003,967 (47%) voted "No".
1,003,967 is a lot of votes against banning same-sex marriage. And I see a strong Genesis', Sodom and Gomorrah, in the world today! And over a million people in the state of Virginia, alone, are against the amendment to ban same-sex marriage. God designed marriage to be only a "husband & wife; male & female".
"For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh." Genesis 2:24 (nas)
And here's a very, very strong verse the Lord provided through Apostle Paul:
"Therefore God gave them over in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, so that their bodies would be dishonored among them. For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.
For this reason God gave them over to degrading passions; for their women exchanged the natural function for that which is unnatural, and in the same way also the men abandoned the natural function of the woman and burned in their desire toward one another, men with men committing indecent acts and receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their error." Romans 1:24-27 (nas)
God takes marriage seriously:
"Marriage is to be held in honor among all, and the marriage bed is to be undefiled; for fornicators and adulterers God will judge." Hebrews 13:4 (nas)
Not only Virginia did the votes on "same-sex marriage ban" but alot of other states did. South Carolina had a 78% and Tennessee a whooping 81% of the votes were "Yes" to ban "same-sex marriage" while Arizona had 51% "No" vote to ban same-sex marriage.
How much work do we have to do in this world today to bring God in schools, in the Senate, in the House, in the White House, in the workplace, in our homes, and among our friends? I pray the Lord will increase our fervor to bring the gospel to both dying hearts (spiritual fire) and lost souls!
Monday, November 06, 2006
Rushing Blood
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13 (niv)
This morning, I did my sixth Cycle 45 (a cycling class I'm taking at Gold's that requires 45 minutes of rigorous cycling exercise led by an instructor).. I'm really enjoying the "pain & misery" of cycling! I know it does a whole world of good to my heart and my life!!
I was running out of time. Needed a quick shower and get ready for the "teacher's conference" to discuss the progresses of our three girls at school. Just before showering, I could almost hear the "blood" rushing in my whole body. My heart was still beating hard. I was still sweating. My "Under Armor" shirt was tremendously soaked as if I jumped into the water. Though, tired, it was an awesome feeling. I just loved hearing the rushing blood in my body..
And it made me think the moment of "hearing" the blood rushing in me.
Seriously.. When I devote my time in reading the Word of God (bible), talk to God in prayer, serve the Lord in our community, commit with all my heart, my mind, my soul, and my strength in worship to God, reaching out to the hurting, the poor, the sick, those who are "spiritually blind" and the lost souls for Christ Jesus, the rushing blood of Jesus continues to pour from within me out to others in dire need of His forgiveness for their sins! Otherwise, the "rushing blood" isn't overflowing from within us because we're not imitating Christ. Of course, only through Christ, we have the forgiveness of sins. Only through Christ, we receive the propitiation for our sins. Only through Christ, we're able to allow the world to see Him through our example in life, in love, in purity and in speech!
Not only that I love the feeling of the "rushing blood" in me after I do my exercises, but the "overflowing of Christ's blood" from within me as I do His Divine Will!
I feel His nails.
I feel the crown of thorns.
I feel His 39 minus 40 whip-lashed scars.
He did it for me and the world. Now, what are you doing for Him?
Is the "blood of Christ" rushing out of you?
Lord, have mercy on our souls!
This morning, I did my sixth Cycle 45 (a cycling class I'm taking at Gold's that requires 45 minutes of rigorous cycling exercise led by an instructor).. I'm really enjoying the "pain & misery" of cycling! I know it does a whole world of good to my heart and my life!!
I was running out of time. Needed a quick shower and get ready for the "teacher's conference" to discuss the progresses of our three girls at school. Just before showering, I could almost hear the "blood" rushing in my whole body. My heart was still beating hard. I was still sweating. My "Under Armor" shirt was tremendously soaked as if I jumped into the water. Though, tired, it was an awesome feeling. I just loved hearing the rushing blood in my body..
And it made me think the moment of "hearing" the blood rushing in me.
Seriously.. When I devote my time in reading the Word of God (bible), talk to God in prayer, serve the Lord in our community, commit with all my heart, my mind, my soul, and my strength in worship to God, reaching out to the hurting, the poor, the sick, those who are "spiritually blind" and the lost souls for Christ Jesus, the rushing blood of Jesus continues to pour from within me out to others in dire need of His forgiveness for their sins! Otherwise, the "rushing blood" isn't overflowing from within us because we're not imitating Christ. Of course, only through Christ, we have the forgiveness of sins. Only through Christ, we receive the propitiation for our sins. Only through Christ, we're able to allow the world to see Him through our example in life, in love, in purity and in speech!
Not only that I love the feeling of the "rushing blood" in me after I do my exercises, but the "overflowing of Christ's blood" from within me as I do His Divine Will!
I feel His nails.
I feel the crown of thorns.
I feel His 39 minus 40 whip-lashed scars.
He did it for me and the world. Now, what are you doing for Him?
Is the "blood of Christ" rushing out of you?
Lord, have mercy on our souls!
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
We Are The Sermon - Community Service
Good morning, Bloggers!!
Blogger wouldn't let me post the pictures last Monday morning. Today, I'm able to post the pictures. There are more pictures on our website at www.fxcc.org/deaf. Feel free to browse through them.
Last Sunday, we did our first "We Are The Sermon" leaf raking service in our community. Though there are plenty of leaves up on the trees, there are still plenty of leaves on the ground too! We all had such a wonderful time. A total of 30 adults and children donned in "dirt-ready clothes" raked 5 houses in almost 2 hours!!! And, know what!!? They preached the best sermon yet!! :)
Getting started!!
Hard working kids raking and bagging leaves!
Cario Stewart sweating it out by gathering the leaves!
Muscular Dan Robinson hauling the bags away from the house.
Brian Baell working at it with all his heart!
Is it quitting time yet, daddies?
The Aftermath: Two hours, Five Houses, All Joyful Smiles!
Many thanks to each of those who came to be the "sermon" in the eyes of our community! I'm already excited about the next community service project! May God bless you all!
Blogger wouldn't let me post the pictures last Monday morning. Today, I'm able to post the pictures. There are more pictures on our website at www.fxcc.org/deaf. Feel free to browse through them.
Last Sunday, we did our first "We Are The Sermon" leaf raking service in our community. Though there are plenty of leaves up on the trees, there are still plenty of leaves on the ground too! We all had such a wonderful time. A total of 30 adults and children donned in "dirt-ready clothes" raked 5 houses in almost 2 hours!!! And, know what!!? They preached the best sermon yet!! :)
Getting started!!
Hard working kids raking and bagging leaves!
Cario Stewart sweating it out by gathering the leaves!
Muscular Dan Robinson hauling the bags away from the house.
Brian Baell working at it with all his heart!
Is it quitting time yet, daddies?
The Aftermath: Two hours, Five Houses, All Joyful Smiles!
Many thanks to each of those who came to be the "sermon" in the eyes of our community! I'm already excited about the next community service project! May God bless you all!
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