The Bible, from cover to cover, addresses the question, "Who is this Jesus?" Consider the themes of the sixty-six books:
In Genesis He is the Creator God.
In Exodus He is the Redeemer.
In Leviticus He is your sanctification.
In Numbers He is your guide.
In Deuteronomy He is your teacher.In Joshua He is the mighty conqueror.
In Judges He gives victory over enemies.
In Ruth He is your kinsman, your lover, your redeemer.
In I Samuel He is the root of Jesse.
In 2 Samuel He is the Son of David.
In 1 Kings and 2 Kings He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
In 1st and 2nd Chronicles He is your intercessor and High Priest.
In Ezra He is your temple, your house of worship.
In Nehemiah He is your mighty wall, protecting you from your enemies.
In Esther He stands in the gap to deliver you from your enemies.
In Job He is the arbitrator who not only understands your struggles, but has the power to do something about them.
In Psalms He is your song--and your reason to sing.
In Proverbs He is your wisdom, helping you make sense of life and live it successfully.
In Ecclesiastes He is your purpose, delivering you from vanity.
In the Song of Solomon He is your lover, your Rose of Sharon.
In Isaiah He is the mighty counselor, the prince of peace, the everlasting father, and more.
In short, He's everything you need.
In Jeremiah He is your balm of Gilead, the soothing salve for your sin-sick soul.
In Lamentations He is the ever-faithful one upon whom you can depend.
In Ezekiel He is your wheel in the middle of a wheel--the one who assures that dry, dead bones will come alive again.
In Daniel He is the ancient of days, the everlasting God who never runs out of time.
In Hosea He is your faithful lover, always beckoning you to come back--even when you have abandoned Him.
In Joel He is your refuge, keeping you safe in times of trouble.
In Amos He is the husbandman, the one you can depend on to stay by your side.
In Obadiah He is Lord of the Kingdom.
In Jonah He is your salvation, bringing you back within His will.
In Micah He is judge of the nation.
In Nahum He is the jealous God.
In Habakkuk He is the Holy One.
In Zephaniah He is the witness.
In Haggai He overthrows the enemies
In Zechariah He is Lord of Hosts.
In Matthew He is king of the Jews.
In Mark He is the servant.
In Luke He is the Son of Man, feeling what you feel.
In John He is the Son of God.
In Acts He is Savior of the world.
In Romans He is the righteousness of God.
In I Corinthians He is the rock that followed Israel.
In II Corinthians He the triumphant one, giving victory.
In Galatians He is your liberty; He sets you free.
In Ephesians He is head of the Church.
In Philippians He is your joy.In Colossians He is your completeness.
In I Thessalonians He is your hope.
In I Timothy He is your faith.
In II Timothy He is your stability.
In Philemon He is your benefactor.
In Hebrews He is your perfection.
In James He is the power behind your faith.
In I Peter He is your example.
In II Peter He is your purity.
In I John He is your life.
In II John He is your pattern.
In III John He is your motivation.
In Jude He is the foundation of your faith.
In the Revelation He is your coming King.
From the beginning of the world to its end, there is no place you can look and not see Jesus.
He is everywhere.
He is everything.
"He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together." Colossians 1:17
Monday, May 30, 2005
Sunday, May 29, 2005
Remember This
God won't ask what kind of car you drove,
but He'll ask how many people you helped get where they needed to go.
God won't ask the square footage of your house,
but He'll ask how many people you welcomed into your home.
God won't ask about the clothes you had in your closet,
but He'll ask how many you helped to clothe.
God won't ask how many friends you had,
but He'll ask how many people to whom you were a friend.
God won't ask in what neighborhood you lived,
but He'll ask how you treated your neighbors.
God won't ask about the color of your skin,
but He'll ask about the content of your character.
God won't ask why it took you so long to seek Salvation,
but He'll lovingly take you to your mansion in Heaven,
and not to the gates of hell
but He'll ask how many people you helped get where they needed to go.
God won't ask the square footage of your house,
but He'll ask how many people you welcomed into your home.
God won't ask about the clothes you had in your closet,
but He'll ask how many you helped to clothe.
God won't ask how many friends you had,
but He'll ask how many people to whom you were a friend.
God won't ask in what neighborhood you lived,
but He'll ask how you treated your neighbors.
God won't ask about the color of your skin,
but He'll ask about the content of your character.
God won't ask why it took you so long to seek Salvation,
but He'll lovingly take you to your mansion in Heaven,
and not to the gates of hell
Growth
Let the wise listen and add to their learning. Proverbs 1:5
If you're serious about growth, here are 4 things you must do:
(1) Make a commitment to change. Most of us want things to get better -without having to change anything. To grow, you must commit yourself to
not only accepting change - but to seeking it! Listen: "Let us...go onto maturity" ( Hebrews 6:1 NIV).
(2) Focus on your strengths. Peter Drucker said, "The great mystery isn't that people do things badly, but that they occasionally do things well. The only thing that's universal is incompetence. Strength is always specific. Nobody ever commented that the great violinist, Jascha Heifetz, couldn't play a trumpet very well." If you try to be good at everything, you'll end up good at nothing. God gave you specific gifts. Find them and use them for His glory!
(3) Put yourself in a growth environment. Certain fish grow according to the size of their environment. Put them in a small aquarium and they remain small. Release them into the ocean and they grow to their intended size. And you are the same! If you spend your time with the wrong crowd in the wrong place doing the wrong things, you'll never experience growth.
(4) Learn to enjoy the journey. Most Grand Masters of chess learn and relearn their moves over a period of 15 years before winning their first world title. That's almost a fifth of their lives! If you're going to spend that much time doing something, you'd better like it. If the destination appeals to you but you're not enjoying the journey, you'd be wise to seek God's guidance and make sure you're heading in the right direction.
If you're serious about growth, here are 4 things you must do:
(1) Make a commitment to change. Most of us want things to get better -without having to change anything. To grow, you must commit yourself to
not only accepting change - but to seeking it! Listen: "Let us...go onto maturity" ( Hebrews 6:1 NIV).
(2) Focus on your strengths. Peter Drucker said, "The great mystery isn't that people do things badly, but that they occasionally do things well. The only thing that's universal is incompetence. Strength is always specific. Nobody ever commented that the great violinist, Jascha Heifetz, couldn't play a trumpet very well." If you try to be good at everything, you'll end up good at nothing. God gave you specific gifts. Find them and use them for His glory!
(3) Put yourself in a growth environment. Certain fish grow according to the size of their environment. Put them in a small aquarium and they remain small. Release them into the ocean and they grow to their intended size. And you are the same! If you spend your time with the wrong crowd in the wrong place doing the wrong things, you'll never experience growth.
(4) Learn to enjoy the journey. Most Grand Masters of chess learn and relearn their moves over a period of 15 years before winning their first world title. That's almost a fifth of their lives! If you're going to spend that much time doing something, you'd better like it. If the destination appeals to you but you're not enjoying the journey, you'd be wise to seek God's guidance and make sure you're heading in the right direction.
A JOKE----The Pope
..After getting the new Pope’s entire luggage loaded into the limo, (and he doesn't travel light), the driver notices that the Pope is still standing on the curb.
"Excuse me, Your Holiness," says the driver, "Would you please take your seat so we can leave?"
"Well, to tell you the truth," says the Pope, "they never let me drive at the Vatican, and I'd really like to drive today."
"I'm sorry but I cannot let you do that. I'd lose my job! And what if something should happen?" protests the driver, wishing he'd never gone to work that morning.
"There might be something extra in it for you," says the Pope.
Reluctantly, the driver gets in the back as the Pope climbs in behind the wheel. The driver quickly regrets his decision when, after exiting the airport, the Pontiff floors it, accelerating the limo to 105 mph. "Please slow down, your holiness!!!" pleads the worried driver, but the Pope keeps the pedal to the metal until they hear sirens. "Oh, dear God, I'm gonna lose my license," moans the driver.
The Pope pulls over and rolls down the window as the cop approaches, but the cop takes one look at him, goes back to his motorcycle, and gets on the radio.
"I need to talk to the Chief," he says to the dispatcher. The Chief gets on the radio and the cop tells him that he's stopped a limo going a hundred and five.
"So bust him," says the Chief. "I don't think we want to do that, he's really important," said the cop.
The Chief exclaimed, "All the more reason!"
"No, I mean really important," said the cop.
The Chief then asked, "Who ya got there, the Mayor?"
Cop: "Bigger."
Chief: "Governor?"
Cop: "Bigger."
"Well," said the Chief, "Who is it?"
Cop: "I think it's God!"
Chief: "What makes you think it's God?"
Cop: "He's got the Pope as a chauffeur!!"
"Excuse me, Your Holiness," says the driver, "Would you please take your seat so we can leave?"
"Well, to tell you the truth," says the Pope, "they never let me drive at the Vatican, and I'd really like to drive today."
"I'm sorry but I cannot let you do that. I'd lose my job! And what if something should happen?" protests the driver, wishing he'd never gone to work that morning.
"There might be something extra in it for you," says the Pope.
Reluctantly, the driver gets in the back as the Pope climbs in behind the wheel. The driver quickly regrets his decision when, after exiting the airport, the Pontiff floors it, accelerating the limo to 105 mph. "Please slow down, your holiness!!!" pleads the worried driver, but the Pope keeps the pedal to the metal until they hear sirens. "Oh, dear God, I'm gonna lose my license," moans the driver.
The Pope pulls over and rolls down the window as the cop approaches, but the cop takes one look at him, goes back to his motorcycle, and gets on the radio.
"I need to talk to the Chief," he says to the dispatcher. The Chief gets on the radio and the cop tells him that he's stopped a limo going a hundred and five.
"So bust him," says the Chief. "I don't think we want to do that, he's really important," said the cop.
The Chief exclaimed, "All the more reason!"
"No, I mean really important," said the cop.
The Chief then asked, "Who ya got there, the Mayor?"
Cop: "Bigger."
Chief: "Governor?"
Cop: "Bigger."
"Well," said the Chief, "Who is it?"
Cop: "I think it's God!"
Chief: "What makes you think it's God?"
Cop: "He's got the Pope as a chauffeur!!"
~John 5:30 ~
I do nothing without consulting the Father. I judge as I am told. And my judgment is absolutely just, because it is according to the will of God who sent me; it is not merely my own.
I do nothing without chatting
With my Consultant, God
Who helps me to sort out my obstacles
That seems difficult or odd
I do nothing without discussions
With my Consultant, the all wise and all knowing Creator
Who gives me wisdom and light to cherish and savor
I do nothing without conversations
With my Consultant, my Savior
Who I love, trust and favor
I do nothing without talking
Over my life's strategic plans
With my Consultant, my Heavenly Father
It is He that I go to for problem-solving and decision-making
It is He that I always confide in or bother
I do nothing without dialogue
With my Consultant, The Almighty
Whom I spend time with consistently
To live my life victoriously
I do nothing without chatting
With my Consultant, God
Who helps me to sort out my obstacles
That seems difficult or odd
I do nothing without discussions
With my Consultant, the all wise and all knowing Creator
Who gives me wisdom and light to cherish and savor
I do nothing without conversations
With my Consultant, my Savior
Who I love, trust and favor
I do nothing without talking
Over my life's strategic plans
With my Consultant, my Heavenly Father
It is He that I go to for problem-solving and decision-making
It is He that I always confide in or bother
I do nothing without dialogue
With my Consultant, The Almighty
Whom I spend time with consistently
To live my life victoriously
Acceptance and Love
*~~~~~~~~~~~><> o <><~~~~~~~~~~~~*
It's such a small thing to accept those around us,
To simply acknowledge who and what they are.
We don't have to agree or even like them;
Just say," Hello!" as you walk by or drive your car.
Simply recognize that the person is alive
And acknowledge, with joy, the brother or sister.
He or she may not be what or who you like
But is a person, made by God, a miss or mister.
Our Lord does so very much for us each day.
He loves us no matter how little or much we've got.
He wishes not a one of us to come to destruction,
He died for each of us, whether we like it or not.
So accept your fellow man.
Love him if you can,
And you'll be more and more like our wonderful Lord,
Who lived as a common man and died as a Savior.
Love whom He loves.
Love as He says in His Word.
*~~~~~~~~~~~><> o <><~~~~~~~~~~~~*
It's such a small thing to accept those around us,
To simply acknowledge who and what they are.
We don't have to agree or even like them;
Just say," Hello!" as you walk by or drive your car.
Simply recognize that the person is alive
And acknowledge, with joy, the brother or sister.
He or she may not be what or who you like
But is a person, made by God, a miss or mister.
Our Lord does so very much for us each day.
He loves us no matter how little or much we've got.
He wishes not a one of us to come to destruction,
He died for each of us, whether we like it or not.
So accept your fellow man.
Love him if you can,
And you'll be more and more like our wonderful Lord,
Who lived as a common man and died as a Savior.
Love whom He loves.
Love as He says in His Word.
*~~~~~~~~~~~><> o <><~~~~~~~~~~~~*
God Never Tells Us
God never tells us
to slight and mistreat a fellow Christian,
or to be puffed up as though on our own mission.
God never tells us
to lie and gossip, as we may dare be so bold,
but rather, be kind, patiently loving God's saints within His fold.
God never tells us
to give expecting something back for our deed,
or to seek our own as though we alone are in need.
God never tells us
to show favoritism, leaving out the rest,
but rather, seek to bless The Body, a far nobler and rewarding quest.
God never tells us
to judge each other and to be the first to cast the stone,
or to rejoice in another's weakness, not clearly seeing our own.
God never tells us
to think evil as though we never sin,
but rather, rejoice in Truth, desiring to see all of God's people win.
to slight and mistreat a fellow Christian,
or to be puffed up as though on our own mission.
God never tells us
to lie and gossip, as we may dare be so bold,
but rather, be kind, patiently loving God's saints within His fold.
God never tells us
to give expecting something back for our deed,
or to seek our own as though we alone are in need.
God never tells us
to show favoritism, leaving out the rest,
but rather, seek to bless The Body, a far nobler and rewarding quest.
God never tells us
to judge each other and to be the first to cast the stone,
or to rejoice in another's weakness, not clearly seeing our own.
God never tells us
to think evil as though we never sin,
but rather, rejoice in Truth, desiring to see all of God's people win.
The Parable of the Friend in Need Luke 11: 5-13
Suppose at midnight you go to a friend
Ask of him three loaves of bread to lend
For you say a friend has come over your house
And you have nothing to eat, not even a mouse
But the one inside says, "Don't bother me.
The door is locked and I can't find my key.
I can't get up, we're all in bed I'm not going to give you any bread.
But as he continued to plead more and more I tell you the man will open the door.
Not because he was his friend
But just to make his pleading end
So I say:
Ask and it will be given to you
And if you seek, you'll find what is true
Knock and you'll suddenly find you're inside
Just as the man did because he had tried
Which of you fathers, if your son has a wish,
Will give him a snake if he asks for a fish?
Or give him a scorpion if he asks for an egg?
Is that what you'd give if your son did beg?
If you then, being evil, know how to give Good gifts to your children to help them live
How much more will God make it his task
To give his Spirit to those who ask!
Ask of him three loaves of bread to lend
For you say a friend has come over your house
And you have nothing to eat, not even a mouse
But the one inside says, "Don't bother me.
The door is locked and I can't find my key.
I can't get up, we're all in bed I'm not going to give you any bread.
But as he continued to plead more and more I tell you the man will open the door.
Not because he was his friend
But just to make his pleading end
So I say:
Ask and it will be given to you
And if you seek, you'll find what is true
Knock and you'll suddenly find you're inside
Just as the man did because he had tried
Which of you fathers, if your son has a wish,
Will give him a snake if he asks for a fish?
Or give him a scorpion if he asks for an egg?
Is that what you'd give if your son did beg?
If you then, being evil, know how to give Good gifts to your children to help them live
How much more will God make it his task
To give his Spirit to those who ask!
Where is God?
Where is God in our world today?
God says,
"Where are they that humble themselves and pray?
"Why do bad things happen...where is His mercy and grace?
God says, "Where are those who choose to seek My face?
"I do good works when I can...who said goodness pays?
God says, "Goodness comes as you choose to repent and turn from your wicked ways.
"Why should we recognize God and for righteousness take a stand?
God says, "I will hear from heaven, forgive your sins and heal your land.
"Why are our children violated and abducted off the streets when they play?
God says, "Why allow the root of perversion in your homes with nothing to say?
"What do children have to look forward to, and why don't they care?
God says, "How often do they see mom and dad at home kneeling in prayer?
"Why are sexually transmitted diseases so rampant in the world today?
God says, "Why is morality scoffed at and in passiveness said to be okay?
"Unwed mothers shouldn't have to pay for a little mistake...birth is a choice.
God says, "The blood of the unborn cries out to Me for justice in a loud voice.
"As long as what we do is within the rights of our Constitution...
God says, "Is your lifestyle part of the problem or the solution?
"Why would God not raise a hand as people of this world suffer and weep?
God says, "I do not change. My Word says "what a man sows that shall he reap.
"Where is God in every crisis or tragedy that is new?
God would say, "The question is not where I am, but where are you?
"^*^~~~^*^~~~^*^~~~^*^~~~^*^~~~^*^~~~^*^~~~^*^~~~^*^~~~^*^~
God says,
"Where are they that humble themselves and pray?
"Why do bad things happen...where is His mercy and grace?
God says, "Where are those who choose to seek My face?
"I do good works when I can...who said goodness pays?
God says, "Goodness comes as you choose to repent and turn from your wicked ways.
"Why should we recognize God and for righteousness take a stand?
God says, "I will hear from heaven, forgive your sins and heal your land.
"Why are our children violated and abducted off the streets when they play?
God says, "Why allow the root of perversion in your homes with nothing to say?
"What do children have to look forward to, and why don't they care?
God says, "How often do they see mom and dad at home kneeling in prayer?
"Why are sexually transmitted diseases so rampant in the world today?
God says, "Why is morality scoffed at and in passiveness said to be okay?
"Unwed mothers shouldn't have to pay for a little mistake...birth is a choice.
God says, "The blood of the unborn cries out to Me for justice in a loud voice.
"As long as what we do is within the rights of our Constitution...
God says, "Is your lifestyle part of the problem or the solution?
"Why would God not raise a hand as people of this world suffer and weep?
God says, "I do not change. My Word says "what a man sows that shall he reap.
"Where is God in every crisis or tragedy that is new?
God would say, "The question is not where I am, but where are you?
"^*^~~~^*^~~~^*^~~~^*^~~~^*^~~~^*^~~~^*^~~~^*^~~~^*^~~~^*^~
Tuesday, May 24, 2005
Spoilt for Choice
In the book The Paradox of Choice (2004), Barry Schwartz says:
"Not all choice enhances freedom. Increased choice among goods and services may contribute little or nothing to the kind of freedom that counts.
Indeed, it may impair freedom by taking time and energy we'd be better off devoting to other matters."
Freedom of choice is a good thing, but we are slowly discovering that it has a limit. There is a point at which it becomes a burden. Excessive choice can set you up to have expectations too high for satisfaction.
Is this also happening in our relationships? Can no one live up to our expectations because we're looking for the elusive "ideal" mate?
As the number of choices keeps growing, there is an increase in stress, decision-making dilemmas, anxiety, fears, and disappointments. Schwartz suggests that:
1. We might be better off if we embrace certain voluntary constraints on our freedom of choice instead of rebelling against all constraints.
2. We might be better off seeking what is "good enough" instead of seeking out the best.
3. We might be better off if we lower our expectations about the results of decisions.
4. We would be better off if we paid less attention to what others were doing or what they were acquiring.
So think about your freedom of choice today.
Is it making your life better? Or has it become a burden?
"Not all choice enhances freedom. Increased choice among goods and services may contribute little or nothing to the kind of freedom that counts.
Indeed, it may impair freedom by taking time and energy we'd be better off devoting to other matters."
Freedom of choice is a good thing, but we are slowly discovering that it has a limit. There is a point at which it becomes a burden. Excessive choice can set you up to have expectations too high for satisfaction.
Is this also happening in our relationships? Can no one live up to our expectations because we're looking for the elusive "ideal" mate?
As the number of choices keeps growing, there is an increase in stress, decision-making dilemmas, anxiety, fears, and disappointments. Schwartz suggests that:
1. We might be better off if we embrace certain voluntary constraints on our freedom of choice instead of rebelling against all constraints.
2. We might be better off seeking what is "good enough" instead of seeking out the best.
3. We might be better off if we lower our expectations about the results of decisions.
4. We would be better off if we paid less attention to what others were doing or what they were acquiring.
So think about your freedom of choice today.
Is it making your life better? Or has it become a burden?
Half way under the tree
I was sitting under this tree, there is a bench, just sitting there and thinking was is the plan of God for me?
Jeremiah 29:11
I Know I have the Plans in mind for You!
tree under
Daily Word Of God
We love God, but we have many attachments: comforts in life, social status, power, pride etc.
We often experience conflict between our love for God and love for ourselves.
We want to love God but we promote something against this love.
Ponder on our daily living for a moment. What are the contradictions in our Christian living?
What do you find most difficult to give up even though you know it is preventing you from loving God more?
We often experience conflict between our love for God and love for ourselves.
We want to love God but we promote something against this love.
Ponder on our daily living for a moment. What are the contradictions in our Christian living?
What do you find most difficult to give up even though you know it is preventing you from loving God more?
Thursday, May 19, 2005
How Old Is Your Church?
If you are a Lutheran, your religion was founded by Martin Luther, an ex-monk of the Catholic Church, in the year 1517.
If you belong to the Church of England, your religion was founded by King Henry VIII in the year 1534 because the Pope would not grant him a divorce with the right to re-marry.
If you are a Presbyterian, your religion was founded by John Knox in Scotland in the year 1560.
If you are a Protestant Episcopalian, your religion was an off-shoot of the Church of England founded by Samuel Seabury in the American colonies in the 17th century.
If you are a Congregationalist, your religion was originated by Robert Brown in Holland in 1582.
If you are a Methodist, your religion was launched by John and Charles Wesley in England in 1744.
If you are a Unitarian, Theophilis Lindley founded your church in London in 1774.
If you are a Mormon (Latter Day Saints), Joseph Smith started your religion in Palmyra, N.Y., in 1829.
If you are a Baptist, you owe the tenets of your religion to John Smyth, who launched it in Amsterdam in 1606.
If you are of the Dutch Reformed church, you recognize Michaelis Jones as founder, because he originated your religion in New York in 1628.
If you worship with the Salvation Army, your sect began with William Booth in London in 1865.
If you are a Christian Scientist, you look to 1879 as the year in which your religion was born and to Mrs Mary Baker Eddv as its founder.
If you belong to one of the religious organizations known as Church of the Nazarene Pentecostal Gospel Holiness Church Pilgrim Holiness Church, Jehovah Witnesses, your religion is one of the hundreds of new sects founded by men within the past fifty years.
If you are a Roman Catholic, you know that the religion was founded in the year 33 by Jesus Christ the Son of God, and that it has not changed since that time.
Even in these strange days, the above enumerated facts are still undeniable.
If you belong to the Church of England, your religion was founded by King Henry VIII in the year 1534 because the Pope would not grant him a divorce with the right to re-marry.
If you are a Presbyterian, your religion was founded by John Knox in Scotland in the year 1560.
If you are a Protestant Episcopalian, your religion was an off-shoot of the Church of England founded by Samuel Seabury in the American colonies in the 17th century.
If you are a Congregationalist, your religion was originated by Robert Brown in Holland in 1582.
If you are a Methodist, your religion was launched by John and Charles Wesley in England in 1744.
If you are a Unitarian, Theophilis Lindley founded your church in London in 1774.
If you are a Mormon (Latter Day Saints), Joseph Smith started your religion in Palmyra, N.Y., in 1829.
If you are a Baptist, you owe the tenets of your religion to John Smyth, who launched it in Amsterdam in 1606.
If you are of the Dutch Reformed church, you recognize Michaelis Jones as founder, because he originated your religion in New York in 1628.
If you worship with the Salvation Army, your sect began with William Booth in London in 1865.
If you are a Christian Scientist, you look to 1879 as the year in which your religion was born and to Mrs Mary Baker Eddv as its founder.
If you belong to one of the religious organizations known as Church of the Nazarene Pentecostal Gospel Holiness Church Pilgrim Holiness Church, Jehovah Witnesses, your religion is one of the hundreds of new sects founded by men within the past fifty years.
If you are a Roman Catholic, you know that the religion was founded in the year 33 by Jesus Christ the Son of God, and that it has not changed since that time.
Even in these strange days, the above enumerated facts are still undeniable.
Examining Your Motives
"The Lord searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts. If you seek Him,He will be found by you" ( 1 Chronicles 28:9 ).
"I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind, to reward a man according to his conduct,according to what his deeds deserve"
( Jeremiah 17:10 ).
"I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind, to reward a man according to his conduct,according to what his deeds deserve"
( Jeremiah 17:10 ).
Rules To Live By
Don't live...unthinkingly. Ephesians 5:17
Here are three to live by each day:
(1) Be grateful! Happiness is not about getting what you want; it's about enjoying what you've got! So keep your perspective and be grateful every day. Rudyard Kipling said, "Do not pay too much attention to fame,power or money. Some day you will meet a person who cares for none of these, then you will know how poor you are."
(2) Don't compare! When you see your neighbours buying new furnishings for their home, taking expensive holidays and driving new vehicles, does something stir inside you to do the same? Because someone appears to bein similar circumstances to you, doesn't mean anything. Your neighbours might earn twice as much. Or they may be in debt up to their eyeballs; or be three-quarters of the way to bankruptcy or divorce court. Don'tmake assumptions and don't try to be like someone else.
(3) Give! Bruce Larsen says, "Money is another pair of hands to heal,feed and bless the desperate families of the earth. In other words,money is my other self." But that's true only if you're willing to part with it! Money's like manure: if you let it pile up it stinks, if you spread it around it helps things grow! Jesus said, "From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded" ( Luke 12:48 ). Money gives you options the less fortunate can only pray for. On the other hand, how you use your money will be one of the biggest issues you'll face on Judgment Day. Think about it!
Here are three to live by each day:
(1) Be grateful! Happiness is not about getting what you want; it's about enjoying what you've got! So keep your perspective and be grateful every day. Rudyard Kipling said, "Do not pay too much attention to fame,power or money. Some day you will meet a person who cares for none of these, then you will know how poor you are."
(2) Don't compare! When you see your neighbours buying new furnishings for their home, taking expensive holidays and driving new vehicles, does something stir inside you to do the same? Because someone appears to bein similar circumstances to you, doesn't mean anything. Your neighbours might earn twice as much. Or they may be in debt up to their eyeballs; or be three-quarters of the way to bankruptcy or divorce court. Don'tmake assumptions and don't try to be like someone else.
(3) Give! Bruce Larsen says, "Money is another pair of hands to heal,feed and bless the desperate families of the earth. In other words,money is my other self." But that's true only if you're willing to part with it! Money's like manure: if you let it pile up it stinks, if you spread it around it helps things grow! Jesus said, "From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded" ( Luke 12:48 ). Money gives you options the less fortunate can only pray for. On the other hand, how you use your money will be one of the biggest issues you'll face on Judgment Day. Think about it!
Faith (2)
The apostles said to the Lord, 'Increase our faith.'Luke 17:5
Henry Nouwen says that our greatest challenge as disciples is, "to recognise and believe that unexpected events are not just disturbing interruptions...but the way in which God moulds our hearts and preparesus.
" The deeper your faith in God, the greater its potential to carry you through the rough times. As Rabbi Abraham Heschel said, "Faith like Job's cannot be shaken, because it is the result of having been shaken."But faith in Christ alone, gives us the assurance for heaven. When you die - what then? John Maxwell tells of attending the funeral of Jane Chapman, wife of his good friend Tom Chapman. During the service thefollowing poem was read: "I am standing on the seashore. A ship appears,spreads her white sails to the morning breeze and starts for the ocean.She is an object of beauty and I stand watching her 'til at last shefades away on the horizon. Somebody at my side quietly says, 'She is gone.' Gone where? Gone from my vision, that is all; she is just as large as when I saw her last. The diminished size and loss of sight is in me, not her; and just at the moment when someone at my side says 'She is gone,' there are others who are watching her coming, and voices take up the joyful shout, 'Here she comes!'"
Henry Nouwen says that our greatest challenge as disciples is, "to recognise and believe that unexpected events are not just disturbing interruptions...but the way in which God moulds our hearts and preparesus.
" The deeper your faith in God, the greater its potential to carry you through the rough times. As Rabbi Abraham Heschel said, "Faith like Job's cannot be shaken, because it is the result of having been shaken."But faith in Christ alone, gives us the assurance for heaven. When you die - what then? John Maxwell tells of attending the funeral of Jane Chapman, wife of his good friend Tom Chapman. During the service thefollowing poem was read: "I am standing on the seashore. A ship appears,spreads her white sails to the morning breeze and starts for the ocean.She is an object of beauty and I stand watching her 'til at last shefades away on the horizon. Somebody at my side quietly says, 'She is gone.' Gone where? Gone from my vision, that is all; she is just as large as when I saw her last. The diminished size and loss of sight is in me, not her; and just at the moment when someone at my side says 'She is gone,' there are others who are watching her coming, and voices take up the joyful shout, 'Here she comes!'"
Faith (1)
Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. James 4:8
John Bisagno says, "Faith is at the heart of life. You go to a doctor whose name you cannot pronounce, he gives you a prescription you cannot read, you take it to a pharmacist you don't know, he gives you medication you don't understand - and you take it." That's faith!
Heaven help the atheist! When something good happens, who does he givethanks to? When something bad happens, who does he run to? If you waituntil you can explain God, you'll never turn to Him. F.B. Mayer said,"Unbelief puts our circumstances between us and God. But faith puts God between us and our circumstances.
" Who wouldn't like to have the Creator of the universe helping them!"But I wasn't raised in church. None of my friends or family are particularly religious. How do I find faith?"
D.L. Moody said, "I prayed for faith and thought that some day it would come down and strike me like lightning, but faith did not seem to come. Then one day I read the tenth chapter of Romans, 'Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word ofGod.'
I closed my Bible and prayed for faith. Then I opened my Bible and began to study - and faith has been growing ever since." "But I don't know how to pray," you say. Just kneel and say, "Jesus, I accept You as my personal Saviour and the Lord of my life."
Then begin reading His Word and talking to Him each day. Go ahead, do it now - it's a step you'll never regret!
John Bisagno says, "Faith is at the heart of life. You go to a doctor whose name you cannot pronounce, he gives you a prescription you cannot read, you take it to a pharmacist you don't know, he gives you medication you don't understand - and you take it." That's faith!
Heaven help the atheist! When something good happens, who does he givethanks to? When something bad happens, who does he run to? If you waituntil you can explain God, you'll never turn to Him. F.B. Mayer said,"Unbelief puts our circumstances between us and God. But faith puts God between us and our circumstances.
" Who wouldn't like to have the Creator of the universe helping them!"But I wasn't raised in church. None of my friends or family are particularly religious. How do I find faith?"
D.L. Moody said, "I prayed for faith and thought that some day it would come down and strike me like lightning, but faith did not seem to come. Then one day I read the tenth chapter of Romans, 'Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word ofGod.'
I closed my Bible and prayed for faith. Then I opened my Bible and began to study - and faith has been growing ever since." "But I don't know how to pray," you say. Just kneel and say, "Jesus, I accept You as my personal Saviour and the Lord of my life."
Then begin reading His Word and talking to Him each day. Go ahead, do it now - it's a step you'll never regret!
Only A Mum
Mary treasured up all these things...in her heart. Luke 2:19
Max Lucado writes:
"Some things only a mum can do...
like powdering a baby's bottom with one hand while holding the phone with the other...
spend the day wiping noses, laundering socks, balancing acheque book, and still mean it when she thanks God for her kids.
"Some things only a mum can fix...like the cabinet door her husband couldn't, and his bruised ego when he found out she could!
Broken shoelaces... broken hearts...breaking up with your sweetheart.
"Some things only a mum can know...like how long it takes to drive from piano lessons to soccer practice...
how many pizzas you need for asleep over...the number of days left in a term.
"The rest of us can only wonder...'Mum, what was it like when that infant's cry first filled the room?
Or the day the bus pulled to a stop, you placed a kiss on a five-year-old's cheek, waved goodbye and then saw the tricycle - silent and still?
How did you feel?
Did you cry?
Did you smile?
'"The Bible says,
"Mary treasured up all these things...in her heart,"
because there are some things only a Mum understands.
Max Lucado writes:
"Some things only a mum can do...
like powdering a baby's bottom with one hand while holding the phone with the other...
spend the day wiping noses, laundering socks, balancing acheque book, and still mean it when she thanks God for her kids.
"Some things only a mum can fix...like the cabinet door her husband couldn't, and his bruised ego when he found out she could!
Broken shoelaces... broken hearts...breaking up with your sweetheart.
"Some things only a mum can know...like how long it takes to drive from piano lessons to soccer practice...
how many pizzas you need for asleep over...the number of days left in a term.
"The rest of us can only wonder...'Mum, what was it like when that infant's cry first filled the room?
Or the day the bus pulled to a stop, you placed a kiss on a five-year-old's cheek, waved goodbye and then saw the tricycle - silent and still?
How did you feel?
Did you cry?
Did you smile?
'"The Bible says,
"Mary treasured up all these things...in her heart,"
because there are some things only a Mum understands.
Wednesday, May 18, 2005
liver
The main causes of liver damage are:
1. Sleeping too late and waking up too late are the main cause.
2. Not urinating in the morning.
3. Too much eating.
4. Skipping breakfast.
5. Consuming too much medication.
6. Consuming too much preservatives, additives, food coloring,
and artificial sweetener.
7. Consuming unhealthy cooking oil. As much as possible reduce
cooking oil use when frying, which includes even the best cooking oils
like olive oil. Do not consume fried foods when you are tired
execpt if the body is very fit.
8. Consuming raw (overly done) foods also add to the burden of liver.
Veggies should be eaten raw or cooked 3-5 parts. Fried veggies
should be finished in one sitting, do not store.
We should prevent this without necessarily spending more.
We just have to adopt a good daily lifestyle and eating habits.
Maintaining good eating habits and time condition are very important for our bodies to absorb and get rid of unnecessary chemicals according to "schedule."
Because:
Evening at 9 - 11pm : is the time for eliminating unnecessary/toxicchemicals (de-toxification) from the antibody system (lymph nodes).This time duration should be spent by relaxing or listening to music.
If during this time a housewife is still in an unrelaxed state such as washing the dishes or monitoring children doing their homework, this will have a negative impact on health.
Evening at 11pm - 1am : is the de-toxification process in the liver,
and ideally should be done in a deep sleep state.
Early morning 1 - 3am : de-toxification process in the gall, also ideally
done in a deep sleep state.
Early morning 3 - 5am : de-toxification in the lungs. Therefore there will sometimes be a severe cough for cough sufferers during this time.
Since the de-toxification process had reached the respiratory tract, there is no need to take cough medicine so as not to interfere with toxin removal process.
Morning 5 - 7 : de-toxification in the colon, you should empty your bowel.
Morning 7 - 9 : absorption of nutrients in the small intestine, you should
be having breakfast at this time.
Breakfast should be earlier,before 6:30, for those who are sick.
Breakfast before 7:30 is very beneficial to those wanting to stay fit.
Those who always skip breakfast, they should change their habits, and it is still better to eat breakfast late until 9 or 10 rather than no meal at all.
Sleeping so late and waking up too late will disrupt the process of removing unnecessary chemicals.
Aside from that, midnight to 4am is the time when the bone marrow produces blood.
Therefore, have a good sleep and don't sleep late.
1. Sleeping too late and waking up too late are the main cause.
2. Not urinating in the morning.
3. Too much eating.
4. Skipping breakfast.
5. Consuming too much medication.
6. Consuming too much preservatives, additives, food coloring,
and artificial sweetener.
7. Consuming unhealthy cooking oil. As much as possible reduce
cooking oil use when frying, which includes even the best cooking oils
like olive oil. Do not consume fried foods when you are tired
execpt if the body is very fit.
8. Consuming raw (overly done) foods also add to the burden of liver.
Veggies should be eaten raw or cooked 3-5 parts. Fried veggies
should be finished in one sitting, do not store.
We should prevent this without necessarily spending more.
We just have to adopt a good daily lifestyle and eating habits.
Maintaining good eating habits and time condition are very important for our bodies to absorb and get rid of unnecessary chemicals according to "schedule."
Because:
Evening at 9 - 11pm : is the time for eliminating unnecessary/toxicchemicals (de-toxification) from the antibody system (lymph nodes).This time duration should be spent by relaxing or listening to music.
If during this time a housewife is still in an unrelaxed state such as washing the dishes or monitoring children doing their homework, this will have a negative impact on health.
Evening at 11pm - 1am : is the de-toxification process in the liver,
and ideally should be done in a deep sleep state.
Early morning 1 - 3am : de-toxification process in the gall, also ideally
done in a deep sleep state.
Early morning 3 - 5am : de-toxification in the lungs. Therefore there will sometimes be a severe cough for cough sufferers during this time.
Since the de-toxification process had reached the respiratory tract, there is no need to take cough medicine so as not to interfere with toxin removal process.
Morning 5 - 7 : de-toxification in the colon, you should empty your bowel.
Morning 7 - 9 : absorption of nutrients in the small intestine, you should
be having breakfast at this time.
Breakfast should be earlier,before 6:30, for those who are sick.
Breakfast before 7:30 is very beneficial to those wanting to stay fit.
Those who always skip breakfast, they should change their habits, and it is still better to eat breakfast late until 9 or 10 rather than no meal at all.
Sleeping so late and waking up too late will disrupt the process of removing unnecessary chemicals.
Aside from that, midnight to 4am is the time when the bone marrow produces blood.
Therefore, have a good sleep and don't sleep late.
Daily Word Of God
Mark 9:38-40
John said to Jesus: ‘Master, we saw someone who is not one of us driving out devils in your name, and because he was not one of us we tried to stop him.’ But Jesus said: ‘You must not stop him; no one who works a miracle in my name could soon afterwards speak evil of me. Anyone who is not against us is for us.’
John said to Jesus: ‘Master, we saw someone who is not one of us driving out devils in your name, and because he was not one of us we tried to stop him.’ But Jesus said: ‘You must not stop him; no one who works a miracle in my name could soon afterwards speak evil of me. Anyone who is not against us is for us.’
Jesus says, “Anyone who is not against us is for us.” What does this tell me about the way of Jesus? Does it challenge my own way of appreciating people?- What is my own experience of collaborating with others for God’s kingdom? Has it been fruitful? Was it difficult? Share your experience with someone. How can I learn to work with others as companions of Jesus?
- What graces do I need to ask from God?
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
Seven Things
I can tell you these seven things:
1. Money can make you comfortable, but it will not comfort you for long.
2. Health is your greatest material asset; if you're healthy, you are rich.
3. You must be content within yourself first; your completeness will not come from another person.
4. Only about 20% of people are happy in marriage.
5. Only about 20% of people are happy single.
6. Single or married does NOT make the difference in whether you are happy or not.
7. There is one relationship that takes precedence and matters more than any other.
Your relationship with God.
1. Money can make you comfortable, but it will not comfort you for long.
2. Health is your greatest material asset; if you're healthy, you are rich.
3. You must be content within yourself first; your completeness will not come from another person.
4. Only about 20% of people are happy in marriage.
5. Only about 20% of people are happy single.
6. Single or married does NOT make the difference in whether you are happy or not.
7. There is one relationship that takes precedence and matters more than any other.
Your relationship with God.
THE TIME IS NOW
If you are ever going to love me
Love me now
while I can know
The sweet and tender feelings
Which from the true affection flow
Love me now
while I am living
Do not wait until
I am gone
And then have it chiselled in marble
Sweet words on ice cold stone
If you have tender thoughts of me
Please tell me now
If you wait till I am sleeping
Never will be death between us
And won't hear you then
So if you love me,
even a little bit
Let me know while I am living
So that I can treasure it
Love me now
while I can know
The sweet and tender feelings
Which from the true affection flow
Love me now
while I am living
Do not wait until
I am gone
And then have it chiselled in marble
Sweet words on ice cold stone
If you have tender thoughts of me
Please tell me now
If you wait till I am sleeping
Never will be death between us
And won't hear you then
So if you love me,
even a little bit
Let me know while I am living
So that I can treasure it
Sunday, May 15, 2005
Time and Wisdom
Once upon a time there was an island where all feelings lived:
Happiness, Sadness, Knowledge, and all of the others, including Love.
One day it was announced to the feelings that the island would sink, so all repaired their boats and left.
Love was the only one who stayed.
Love wanted to persevere until the last possible moment. When the island was almost sinking, Love decided to ask for help.
Richness was passing by Love in a grand boat. Love said, Richness, can you take me with you?
Richness answered, No, I can't. There is a lot of gold and silver in my boat. There is no place here for you.
Love decided to ask Vanity, who was also passing by in a beautiful vessel. Vanity, please help me, I can't help you, Love. You are all wet and might damage my boat, Vanity answered.
Sadness was close by so Love asked for help. Sadness, let me go with you.
Oh, Love, I am so sad that I need to be by myself!
Happiness passed by Love, too, but she was so happy that she did not even hear when Love called her!
Suddenly a voice said, Come, Love, I will take you.
It was an elder of Love.
Love felt so blessed and over joyed that he even forgot to ask the elder her name.
When they arrived on dry land, the elder went her own way.
Love, realizing how much he owed the elder, asked Knowledge, another elder,
Who helped me?
It was Time, Knowledge answered. Time? asked Love. But why did Time help me?
Knowledge smiled with deep Wisdom and answered,
Because only with Time and Wisdom are you capable of understanding how great Love is.
Happiness, Sadness, Knowledge, and all of the others, including Love.
One day it was announced to the feelings that the island would sink, so all repaired their boats and left.
Love was the only one who stayed.
Love wanted to persevere until the last possible moment. When the island was almost sinking, Love decided to ask for help.
Richness was passing by Love in a grand boat. Love said, Richness, can you take me with you?
Richness answered, No, I can't. There is a lot of gold and silver in my boat. There is no place here for you.
Love decided to ask Vanity, who was also passing by in a beautiful vessel. Vanity, please help me, I can't help you, Love. You are all wet and might damage my boat, Vanity answered.
Sadness was close by so Love asked for help. Sadness, let me go with you.
Oh, Love, I am so sad that I need to be by myself!
Happiness passed by Love, too, but she was so happy that she did not even hear when Love called her!
Suddenly a voice said, Come, Love, I will take you.
It was an elder of Love.
Love felt so blessed and over joyed that he even forgot to ask the elder her name.
When they arrived on dry land, the elder went her own way.
Love, realizing how much he owed the elder, asked Knowledge, another elder,
Who helped me?
It was Time, Knowledge answered. Time? asked Love. But why did Time help me?
Knowledge smiled with deep Wisdom and answered,
Because only with Time and Wisdom are you capable of understanding how great Love is.
Friday, May 13, 2005
A WORD FOR TODAY..............Mutual.
Every relationship is different.
A mother and son will have a much different way of communicating than twin sisters.
Old friends meet each other on certain terms, new friends deal with one another on a different level.
Relationships grow and change with time and circumstances.
The relationship between a mother and her infant child will not look like their relationship later in life. The roles and needs of the people in those relationships might change over time. In the beginning of life, a child can not do anything for himself, so the mother must put the most energy into the relationship. The mother receives great joy from caring for her child, but the child can’t do anything in return.
The relationship changes as the child grows. As he or she gains some independence, two way communications become part of the relationship. The child can not only express his needs, but he can also give praise and thanksgiving to the caregiver.
While the parent willingly does everything necessary to care for the child, it is such a joy when that child has an active role in the relationship. Eventually, the child grows mature enough to make the relationship mutual.
Parents want to be involved in their children’s lives, the good and the bad, the ordinary and the extraordinary.
We’ve all had friends that are like the infant child. It seems like when these friends make contact, they are in need. They need a friend to listen, they need advice, or they need some sort of help. When their needs are met, they disappear again until the next time they need something.
The friendship is a one way street – one party giving constantly and the other taking. There is no real communication, no mutual enjoyment.
How often are we like that with God?
We go to Him when we have a need, seeking His mercy and His grace, but we don’t bother when things are going well. Our Father does not mind when we go to Him for help, He finds great joy in giving good gifts to His children. However, He wants to hear from us constantly – in the good times and in the bad. God hopes that our relationship with Him will grow and mature, so that we will communicate our joys as well as our fears. He wants to share in the good times, to be present in our ordinary daily existence.
It takes conversation to make relationships strong.
With God, that communication comes through prayer.
“Rejoice in the Lord always: again I will say, Rejoice.
Let your forbearance be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. In nothing be anxious; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:4-7 .
A child loves a parent, but in the early years they do not know how to exhibit their love or speak of it. As they grow and mature, they realize how much their parents do to keep them healthy and happy. Eventually, the relationship becomes mutual, the child giving as much back to the parent as the parent gives to the child.
In many cases, old age makes it difficult for parents to do things for themselves, the child often takes the burden. There are times that the relationship is one way – one party is unable to anything but seek help.
And God does not mind meeting our needs, He loves us and will give us every good and perfect gift.
However, it is very easy for us to get into the pattern of seeking Him only when we are in need.
Those friends who are only there seeking help may not even realize they are doing so and we don’t realize that we are ignoring God in the good times.
Paul encourages in the passage from Romans to pray faithfully – not just when we want something from God, but at all times. We know God is with us always, but He wants more than just to be in our presence. He wants to be our friend, our companion. That takes conversation, communication. It takes a life of steadfast prayer – daily, in the good times and the bad.
A mother and son will have a much different way of communicating than twin sisters.
Old friends meet each other on certain terms, new friends deal with one another on a different level.
Relationships grow and change with time and circumstances.
The relationship between a mother and her infant child will not look like their relationship later in life. The roles and needs of the people in those relationships might change over time. In the beginning of life, a child can not do anything for himself, so the mother must put the most energy into the relationship. The mother receives great joy from caring for her child, but the child can’t do anything in return.
The relationship changes as the child grows. As he or she gains some independence, two way communications become part of the relationship. The child can not only express his needs, but he can also give praise and thanksgiving to the caregiver.
While the parent willingly does everything necessary to care for the child, it is such a joy when that child has an active role in the relationship. Eventually, the child grows mature enough to make the relationship mutual.
Parents want to be involved in their children’s lives, the good and the bad, the ordinary and the extraordinary.
We’ve all had friends that are like the infant child. It seems like when these friends make contact, they are in need. They need a friend to listen, they need advice, or they need some sort of help. When their needs are met, they disappear again until the next time they need something.
The friendship is a one way street – one party giving constantly and the other taking. There is no real communication, no mutual enjoyment.
How often are we like that with God?
We go to Him when we have a need, seeking His mercy and His grace, but we don’t bother when things are going well. Our Father does not mind when we go to Him for help, He finds great joy in giving good gifts to His children. However, He wants to hear from us constantly – in the good times and in the bad. God hopes that our relationship with Him will grow and mature, so that we will communicate our joys as well as our fears. He wants to share in the good times, to be present in our ordinary daily existence.
It takes conversation to make relationships strong.
With God, that communication comes through prayer.
“Rejoice in the Lord always: again I will say, Rejoice.
Let your forbearance be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. In nothing be anxious; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:4-7 .
A child loves a parent, but in the early years they do not know how to exhibit their love or speak of it. As they grow and mature, they realize how much their parents do to keep them healthy and happy. Eventually, the relationship becomes mutual, the child giving as much back to the parent as the parent gives to the child.
In many cases, old age makes it difficult for parents to do things for themselves, the child often takes the burden. There are times that the relationship is one way – one party is unable to anything but seek help.
And God does not mind meeting our needs, He loves us and will give us every good and perfect gift.
However, it is very easy for us to get into the pattern of seeking Him only when we are in need.
Those friends who are only there seeking help may not even realize they are doing so and we don’t realize that we are ignoring God in the good times.
Paul encourages in the passage from Romans to pray faithfully – not just when we want something from God, but at all times. We know God is with us always, but He wants more than just to be in our presence. He wants to be our friend, our companion. That takes conversation, communication. It takes a life of steadfast prayer – daily, in the good times and the bad.
Sunday, May 08, 2005
Saturday, May 07, 2005
Friendships
As Christians, the world expects us to get along with everyone.
Our Lord’s commands to love one another
and to love our enemy
and think that we should be people with hundreds of friends.
If we love everyone, then certainly we should be popular – loved and liked by the world.
Yet, we know that it is impossible to have that many friends.
Our daily experience is that there are people in this world whom we can’t stand.
For some reason or another, our personalities clash and we just can’t get along.
Though the Christian response to such people in our life should never be hate, there are just some people that make it so easy.
I knew a person like that a long time ago. I tried to be friends, but everything about this person grated at my nerves. She was like nails on the blackboard of my soul. I think, perhaps, I had the same affect on her. I dreaded our encounters and even found ways to avoid them.
We could not avoid one another completely, we shared friends and activities. We went to the same church.
We were just different – had different perspectives, different ways of doing things and different goals in life.
Now, the world does not expect to see that kind of relationship among Christians.
After all, we are supposed to love one another.
Yet, we did love one another. If I needed something, she was there to help.
If she needed something, I willingly gave back.
We may not have enjoyed the time together; we did not pretend to like one another for the sake of appearances.
Our love manifested in very real action and I will be forever grateful for the things she did for me and my family.
“Let love be without hypocrisy. "
Our Lord’s commands to love one another
and to love our enemy
and think that we should be people with hundreds of friends.
If we love everyone, then certainly we should be popular – loved and liked by the world.
Yet, we know that it is impossible to have that many friends.
Our daily experience is that there are people in this world whom we can’t stand.
For some reason or another, our personalities clash and we just can’t get along.
Though the Christian response to such people in our life should never be hate, there are just some people that make it so easy.
I knew a person like that a long time ago. I tried to be friends, but everything about this person grated at my nerves. She was like nails on the blackboard of my soul. I think, perhaps, I had the same affect on her. I dreaded our encounters and even found ways to avoid them.
We could not avoid one another completely, we shared friends and activities. We went to the same church.
We were just different – had different perspectives, different ways of doing things and different goals in life.
Now, the world does not expect to see that kind of relationship among Christians.
After all, we are supposed to love one another.
Yet, we did love one another. If I needed something, she was there to help.
If she needed something, I willingly gave back.
We may not have enjoyed the time together; we did not pretend to like one another for the sake of appearances.
Our love manifested in very real action and I will be forever grateful for the things she did for me and my family.
“Let love be without hypocrisy. "
Thursday, May 05, 2005
Monday, May 02, 2005
Sunday, May 01, 2005
Romans 12
14 Ask God to bless those who persecute you—yes, ask him to bless, not to curse.
15 Be happy with those who are happy, weep with those who weep.
16 Have the same concern for everyone. Do not be proud, but accept humble duties.Do not think of yourselves as wise.
17 If someone has done you wrong, do not repay him with a wrong. Try to do what everyone considers to be good.
18 Do everything possible on your part to live in peace with everybody.
19 Never take revenge, my friends, but instead let God's anger do it. For the scripture says, "I will take revenge, I will pay back, says the Lord."
15 Be happy with those who are happy, weep with those who weep.
16 Have the same concern for everyone. Do not be proud, but accept humble duties.Do not think of yourselves as wise.
17 If someone has done you wrong, do not repay him with a wrong. Try to do what everyone considers to be good.
18 Do everything possible on your part to live in peace with everybody.
19 Never take revenge, my friends, but instead let God's anger do it. For the scripture says, "I will take revenge, I will pay back, says the Lord."
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