This picture was taken in 1982, Phillip Island in Australia during winter
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Sunday, August 27, 2006
The Lord's Prayer (9)
"Yours is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever, Amen."
Matthew 6:13
When Christ taught us to pray, "Yours is the Kingdom, and the power, and the glory," He was pointing us to: His pre-eminence.
As we come to the close of The Lord's Prayer the danger is that we'll skim the surface, miss the truth, think it's a nice ending and dismiss it. "Yours is the Kingdom," reminds us that if Jesus is not Lord over all, He's not Lord at all. When you wake up in the morning you should pray: "Father, help me to paint a compelling picture to everyone I meet this day, of how much better life works when it's lived according to the rules of Your Kingdom." "Yours is… the power" reminds us that the purpose of God for our lives can only be fulfilled through God's power at work within us. Self-help is no help! Paul says, "They that are in the flesh cannot please God" (Romans 8:8). Then he adds, "They that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit" (Galatians 5:24-25). "Yours is… the glory," reminds us that the credit for all our achievements must be passed on to the One Who deserves it.
Queen Victoria once said that her greatest joy was not to live in a palace or be loved by devoted subjects, but to one day lay down her crown at the feet of Jesus. Do you feel that way? These words simply mean "Lord, You are in charge, not me; You have the power, I don't. And You alone will receive all the glory."
Matthew 6:13
When Christ taught us to pray, "Yours is the Kingdom, and the power, and the glory," He was pointing us to: His pre-eminence.
As we come to the close of The Lord's Prayer the danger is that we'll skim the surface, miss the truth, think it's a nice ending and dismiss it. "Yours is the Kingdom," reminds us that if Jesus is not Lord over all, He's not Lord at all. When you wake up in the morning you should pray: "Father, help me to paint a compelling picture to everyone I meet this day, of how much better life works when it's lived according to the rules of Your Kingdom." "Yours is… the power" reminds us that the purpose of God for our lives can only be fulfilled through God's power at work within us. Self-help is no help! Paul says, "They that are in the flesh cannot please God" (Romans 8:8). Then he adds, "They that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit" (Galatians 5:24-25). "Yours is… the glory," reminds us that the credit for all our achievements must be passed on to the One Who deserves it.
Queen Victoria once said that her greatest joy was not to live in a palace or be loved by devoted subjects, but to one day lay down her crown at the feet of Jesus. Do you feel that way? These words simply mean "Lord, You are in charge, not me; You have the power, I don't. And You alone will receive all the glory."
The Lord's Prayer (8)
"Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil."
Matthew 6:13
When Jesus taught us to pray "Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil," He was teaching us to pray for: His protection.
Protection from what?
"The evil one."
Does Satan have power? Look back. Haven't you played into his hands more than once? His agenda is still to "kill, steal and destroy" (John 10:10). Satan would rather you never hear these words: "God's Spirit, who is in you, is greater than the devil, who is in the world" (1 John 4:4 ).
God told the first century church in Smyrna, "Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer for ten days. But be faithful, even if you have to die, and I will give you the crown of life" (Revelation 2:10 ).
Notice, God tells them how long the attack will last ("ten days"), the reason for the attack ("to test you"), and the outcome of the attack ("a crown of life"). Every time Satan tries to score - we win! When Satan knocks us down, God picks us up. David, who'd experienced more than his fair share of slips, writes, "The steps of the godly are directed by the Lord… Though they stumble, they will not fall [stay down], for the Lord holds them by the hand" (Psalm 37:23-24 ).
The Lord's Prayer teaches us to pray for protection because the walk is too treacherous to make alone. So we place our small hand into God's big hand and say, "Father, keep me from evil."
Matthew 6:13
When Jesus taught us to pray "Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil," He was teaching us to pray for: His protection.
Protection from what?
"The evil one."
Does Satan have power? Look back. Haven't you played into his hands more than once? His agenda is still to "kill, steal and destroy" (John 10:10). Satan would rather you never hear these words: "God's Spirit, who is in you, is greater than the devil, who is in the world" (1 John 4:4 ).
God told the first century church in Smyrna, "Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer for ten days. But be faithful, even if you have to die, and I will give you the crown of life" (Revelation 2:10 ).
Notice, God tells them how long the attack will last ("ten days"), the reason for the attack ("to test you"), and the outcome of the attack ("a crown of life"). Every time Satan tries to score - we win! When Satan knocks us down, God picks us up. David, who'd experienced more than his fair share of slips, writes, "The steps of the godly are directed by the Lord… Though they stumble, they will not fall [stay down], for the Lord holds them by the hand" (Psalm 37:23-24 ).
The Lord's Prayer teaches us to pray for protection because the walk is too treacherous to make alone. So we place our small hand into God's big hand and say, "Father, keep me from evil."
The Lord's Prayer (7)
"Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors."
Matthew 6:12
This is a risky part of the Lord's Prayer. It takes away our right to exact revenge, harbour resentment, or even talk about the situation to others. Here Jesus points us to: His pardon.
Have you been overlooked? Betrayed? Misunderstood? Do you keep giving to others but it never seems to come back? Jesus said, "Offences will come." So where are you going to go?
To the cross. Christ forgave His enemies when He had the power to destroy them.
Think, if God:
(a) were as selective in forgiving as you are;
(b) took His time so you could suffer;
(c) told everybody who'd listen what you've done to Him;
(d) forgave, but refused to give you another chance;
(e) made up His mind to distance and avoid you;
(f) next time you were in trouble, refused to help you saying, "Huh, it couldn't have happened to a nicer person," could you live with that? No? Then extend to others the same forgiveness God extends to you.
When you pray "Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors" you're asking for a change of heart! Nehemiah writes, "You are a God ready to pardon" (Nehemiah 9:17). Aren't you glad he didn't write, "You are a God ready to put us on probation." No, pardon is God's fixed attitude toward us. The pardon was in place before the offence was committed. Wow! That unburdens us and sets us free. The only place bitterness can live is in our memory. The only power it can have over us is the power we give it. Remember that, next time you pray The Lord's Prayer.
Matthew 6:12
This is a risky part of the Lord's Prayer. It takes away our right to exact revenge, harbour resentment, or even talk about the situation to others. Here Jesus points us to: His pardon.
Have you been overlooked? Betrayed? Misunderstood? Do you keep giving to others but it never seems to come back? Jesus said, "Offences will come." So where are you going to go?
To the cross. Christ forgave His enemies when He had the power to destroy them.
Think, if God:
(a) were as selective in forgiving as you are;
(b) took His time so you could suffer;
(c) told everybody who'd listen what you've done to Him;
(d) forgave, but refused to give you another chance;
(e) made up His mind to distance and avoid you;
(f) next time you were in trouble, refused to help you saying, "Huh, it couldn't have happened to a nicer person," could you live with that? No? Then extend to others the same forgiveness God extends to you.
When you pray "Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors" you're asking for a change of heart! Nehemiah writes, "You are a God ready to pardon" (Nehemiah 9:17). Aren't you glad he didn't write, "You are a God ready to put us on probation." No, pardon is God's fixed attitude toward us. The pardon was in place before the offence was committed. Wow! That unburdens us and sets us free. The only place bitterness can live is in our memory. The only power it can have over us is the power we give it. Remember that, next time you pray The Lord's Prayer.
The Lord's Prayer (6)
"Give us this day our daily bread."
Matthew 6:11
There are two reasons for praying, "Give us this day our daily bread" and they have to do with: His provision.
First, while we may have so much food that our prayer is, "Lord, help me to lose some weight," multitudes go to bed hungry. They pray this prayer because without an answer they won't make it. And we dare not turn away from them because: "God blesses those who are kind to the poor. He helps them out of their troubles. He protects them… He publicly honours them and destroys the power of their enemies" (Psalm 41:1-2 ).
Second, Jesus said, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God" (Matthew 4:4). Note the phrase "every word." Some of the bread He feeds us is pleasant; some is painful. And we need both. "Ice cream Christians" pick Scriptures that make them feel good. As a result they don't develop the spiritual muscle required to stand strong in the hard times.
God's promise to you is, "No weapon formed against you shall prosper" (Isaiah 54:17). Quit praying that the weapon won't be formed. It will. Just eat right and it won't prosper. It's easy to tell when you're not eating right. People get on your nerves, you go through mood swings, you cave into fear. If that describes you, it's time to pray: "Lord, I'm nervous, give me the bread. Lord, I'm moody, give me the bread. Lord, I'm going through too many temptations and messing up, give me the bread." The truth is, without your daily bread you won't make it!
Matthew 6:11
There are two reasons for praying, "Give us this day our daily bread" and they have to do with: His provision.
First, while we may have so much food that our prayer is, "Lord, help me to lose some weight," multitudes go to bed hungry. They pray this prayer because without an answer they won't make it. And we dare not turn away from them because: "God blesses those who are kind to the poor. He helps them out of their troubles. He protects them… He publicly honours them and destroys the power of their enemies" (Psalm 41:1-2 ).
Second, Jesus said, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God" (Matthew 4:4). Note the phrase "every word." Some of the bread He feeds us is pleasant; some is painful. And we need both. "Ice cream Christians" pick Scriptures that make them feel good. As a result they don't develop the spiritual muscle required to stand strong in the hard times.
God's promise to you is, "No weapon formed against you shall prosper" (Isaiah 54:17). Quit praying that the weapon won't be formed. It will. Just eat right and it won't prosper. It's easy to tell when you're not eating right. People get on your nerves, you go through mood swings, you cave into fear. If that describes you, it's time to pray: "Lord, I'm nervous, give me the bread. Lord, I'm moody, give me the bread. Lord, I'm going through too many temptations and messing up, give me the bread." The truth is, without your daily bread you won't make it!
The Lord's Prayer (5)
"Your kingdom come."
Matthew 6:10
In the kingdom of self, you rule. By the way, how are things going in your kingdom these days? Not too well? That's because the wrong person's in charge! In the Kingdom of God, Christ rules. His Word settles all issues. No, "Yes, buts." When Jesus taught us to pray "Your kingdom come. Your will be done," He was teaching us:
His priorities. The fastest route to success in any job is to find out what the boss wants, and get it done with excellence. Bosses notice people like that. Jesus said, "Seek first the kingdom of God [His agenda, His priorities]" (Matthew 6:33).
The rules are different in God's kingdom:
(1) The way up, is down. "Humble yourselves… that He may exalt you in due time" (1 Peter 5:6). Note the words, "due time." Your blessing is already scheduled on God's calendar. Just keep your head down.
(2) By forgiving others you free yourself. At the point of forgiveness, all the energy lost to self-pity and resentment is reclaimed and redirected - and you get your peace back. What a deal!
One of the last songs Elvis ever sang was, "I Did It My Way." In the Kingdom of God we do it His way. Each time God's will is done, a little more of His Kingdom comes. "But why do we have to pray, 'Your kingdom come. Your will be done in earth, as it is in heaven?'" Because we can't make it happen! The needed energy must come from another source. So, our prayers are more than just an invitation for God to show up - they're the conduit through which His Kingdom power flows into our circumstances.
Matthew 6:10
In the kingdom of self, you rule. By the way, how are things going in your kingdom these days? Not too well? That's because the wrong person's in charge! In the Kingdom of God, Christ rules. His Word settles all issues. No, "Yes, buts." When Jesus taught us to pray "Your kingdom come. Your will be done," He was teaching us:
His priorities. The fastest route to success in any job is to find out what the boss wants, and get it done with excellence. Bosses notice people like that. Jesus said, "Seek first the kingdom of God [His agenda, His priorities]" (Matthew 6:33).
The rules are different in God's kingdom:
(1) The way up, is down. "Humble yourselves… that He may exalt you in due time" (1 Peter 5:6). Note the words, "due time." Your blessing is already scheduled on God's calendar. Just keep your head down.
(2) By forgiving others you free yourself. At the point of forgiveness, all the energy lost to self-pity and resentment is reclaimed and redirected - and you get your peace back. What a deal!
One of the last songs Elvis ever sang was, "I Did It My Way." In the Kingdom of God we do it His way. Each time God's will is done, a little more of His Kingdom comes. "But why do we have to pray, 'Your kingdom come. Your will be done in earth, as it is in heaven?'" Because we can't make it happen! The needed energy must come from another source. So, our prayers are more than just an invitation for God to show up - they're the conduit through which His Kingdom power flows into our circumstances.
The Lord's Prayer (4)
"Hallowed be your name."
Matthew 6:9
If you ever get invited to Buckingham Palace and have the privilege of meeting the Queen, don't show up in cut-off blue jeans and a raggedy T-shirt. They won't let you in. You're not coming to a pizza parlour, you're entering a palace, you're addressing royalty. Keep that in mind. When Jesus told us to pray, "Hallowed be Your name," He was teaching us:
His protocol. There's only one way to enter God's presence. And it's not with a shopping list of all the things you want. If the only time someone comes to visit you is when they need something, you'll soon stop answering the door. David tells us how to approach God: "Know that the Lord He is God: it is He who has made us, and not we ourselves… Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise: be thankful unto Him, and bless His name" (Psalm 100:3-4). Did you get that? We should enter His gates with thanksgiving for all He's done. Then walk across His courtyard with praise for Who He is: "My Saviour, my Deliverer, my Defender, my Provider, my Source of Strength, my Way-maker, the Centre of my joy, the Lover of my soul, the Author and Finisher of my faith." You say, "But I'm not the emotional type." Come on, you've no trouble expressing yourself when your team's winning. Whether you're a morning person or a night person, the Bible says, "From the rising of the sun to its going down, the Lord's name is to be praised" (Psalm 113:3). The way to enter, to enjoy, and to live in God's presence - is through praise.
Matthew 6:9
If you ever get invited to Buckingham Palace and have the privilege of meeting the Queen, don't show up in cut-off blue jeans and a raggedy T-shirt. They won't let you in. You're not coming to a pizza parlour, you're entering a palace, you're addressing royalty. Keep that in mind. When Jesus told us to pray, "Hallowed be Your name," He was teaching us:
His protocol. There's only one way to enter God's presence. And it's not with a shopping list of all the things you want. If the only time someone comes to visit you is when they need something, you'll soon stop answering the door. David tells us how to approach God: "Know that the Lord He is God: it is He who has made us, and not we ourselves… Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise: be thankful unto Him, and bless His name" (Psalm 100:3-4). Did you get that? We should enter His gates with thanksgiving for all He's done. Then walk across His courtyard with praise for Who He is: "My Saviour, my Deliverer, my Defender, my Provider, my Source of Strength, my Way-maker, the Centre of my joy, the Lover of my soul, the Author and Finisher of my faith." You say, "But I'm not the emotional type." Come on, you've no trouble expressing yourself when your team's winning. Whether you're a morning person or a night person, the Bible says, "From the rising of the sun to its going down, the Lord's name is to be praised" (Psalm 113:3). The way to enter, to enjoy, and to live in God's presence - is through praise.
The Lord's Prayer (3)
"Our Father in heaven."
Matthew 6:9
When we pray to the God Who is in heaven, we recognise:
His position. Daniel said, "The Most High rules in the kingdom of men" (Daniel 4:17 ).
That's God's answer to frightening headlines and fear-filled hearts. A late-night TV comedian recently quipped: "Tsunamis, earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and now the Avian Flu. Maybe this isn't such a good time to be trying to take God out of the Pledge of Allegiance.
" If God is not in control - who is?
The President? The Prime Minister? Nice people, and no doubt well intentioned, but not good enough if you enjoy the idea of sleeping peacefully in your bed at night.
The Psalmist said, "My help comes from the Lord" (Psalm 121:2). Think: if He's Lord over every circumstance, and if He's promised to help us when we call on Him, what do we have to worry about?
You say, "What about terrorism? The Middle East?" No problem. God had it all on the drawing board before a shot was fired.
God moves men and nations like we move pawns in a chess game.
Look at modern day Israel. God promised 3,000 years ago: "I will bring back My exiled people Israel; they will rebuild the ruined cities and live in them… never again to be uprooted from the land I have given them, says the Lord your God" (Amos 9:14-15 ).
Still think God's not running the show? He's God, and He's in charge. And one more thing you need to know: "At the Name of Jesus every knee should bow… and… every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Philippians 2:10-11).
Matthew 6:9
When we pray to the God Who is in heaven, we recognise:
His position. Daniel said, "The Most High rules in the kingdom of men" (Daniel 4:17 ).
That's God's answer to frightening headlines and fear-filled hearts. A late-night TV comedian recently quipped: "Tsunamis, earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and now the Avian Flu. Maybe this isn't such a good time to be trying to take God out of the Pledge of Allegiance.
" If God is not in control - who is?
The President? The Prime Minister? Nice people, and no doubt well intentioned, but not good enough if you enjoy the idea of sleeping peacefully in your bed at night.
The Psalmist said, "My help comes from the Lord" (Psalm 121:2). Think: if He's Lord over every circumstance, and if He's promised to help us when we call on Him, what do we have to worry about?
You say, "What about terrorism? The Middle East?" No problem. God had it all on the drawing board before a shot was fired.
God moves men and nations like we move pawns in a chess game.
Look at modern day Israel. God promised 3,000 years ago: "I will bring back My exiled people Israel; they will rebuild the ruined cities and live in them… never again to be uprooted from the land I have given them, says the Lord your God" (Amos 9:14-15 ).
Still think God's not running the show? He's God, and He's in charge. And one more thing you need to know: "At the Name of Jesus every knee should bow… and… every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Philippians 2:10-11).
The Lord's Prayer (2)
"Our Father."
Matthew 6:9
Jesus taught His disciples to pray: "In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father" (Matthew 6:9). Don't miss this: the relationship you have with someone determines the level of comfort and confidence with which you approach them. So Jesus begins by emphasising:
The person. "Our Father." Now, if you had an absentee father who was never there for you, or an abusive father who hurt you, or an emotionally unavailable father who never showed you much love or acceptance, then you need a new concept of God - a Scriptural one; otherwise your past will sabotage you.
Before you can trust someone you have to know they really care about you.
Once that happens you'll open up to them. Only then can your wounded areas be made whole.
"Our Father" - that puts an address on the envelope! You need to understand Who you're talking to, and the relationship you have with Him. You approach God on the basis of who you are to Him, and Who He is to you. Your Heavenly Father is a covenant making, covenant keeping God. When two people in Bible days made a covenant it wasn't a casual "call me sometime" with no commitment. No, they sealed it with blood, meaning, "I'll give my life for you if necessary."
You can actually call God "Papa" without a trace of irreverence: "This resurrection life you received from God is… adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike 'What's next, Papa?'… We know who He is, and we know who we are: Father and children" (Romans 8:15-17 ). So, to pray the Lord's Prayer effectively we must recognise and rejoice in who He is to us - "our Father."
Matthew 6:9
Jesus taught His disciples to pray: "In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father" (Matthew 6:9). Don't miss this: the relationship you have with someone determines the level of comfort and confidence with which you approach them. So Jesus begins by emphasising:
The person. "Our Father." Now, if you had an absentee father who was never there for you, or an abusive father who hurt you, or an emotionally unavailable father who never showed you much love or acceptance, then you need a new concept of God - a Scriptural one; otherwise your past will sabotage you.
Before you can trust someone you have to know they really care about you.
Once that happens you'll open up to them. Only then can your wounded areas be made whole.
"Our Father" - that puts an address on the envelope! You need to understand Who you're talking to, and the relationship you have with Him. You approach God on the basis of who you are to Him, and Who He is to you. Your Heavenly Father is a covenant making, covenant keeping God. When two people in Bible days made a covenant it wasn't a casual "call me sometime" with no commitment. No, they sealed it with blood, meaning, "I'll give my life for you if necessary."
You can actually call God "Papa" without a trace of irreverence: "This resurrection life you received from God is… adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike 'What's next, Papa?'… We know who He is, and we know who we are: Father and children" (Romans 8:15-17 ). So, to pray the Lord's Prayer effectively we must recognise and rejoice in who He is to us - "our Father."
The Lord's Prayer (1)
"Lord, teach us to pray."
Luke 11:1
One day Jesus' disciples watched and listened as He prayed.
When He finished they said: "Lord, teach us to pray."
As a result He gave them what's become known as "The Lord's Prayer."
Can you remember when you last prayed it?
If not, how come?
Maybe you learned it by heart and you don't understand its significance or power.
Or perhaps it was repeated like a meaningless ritual at the end of a church service as people put on their coats and headed for the parking lot.
That tells you more about the hearts of the people than the power of the prayer. "Well, I think we need more contemporary prayers geared toward fast-trackers."
Really?
Have you listened to some of the stuff they've replaced the Lord's Prayer with? Jesus warned us about prayers that are just "babbling" (Matthew 6:7 ).
There are lots of prayers in the Bible:
prayers for deliverance, for guidance, for forgiveness, for unity, etc.
Here's the score: when you pray it should be
(a) passionate;
(b) scriptural;
(c) intimate;
(d) unhurried;
(e) faith-filled.
Take a moment and meditate on each of those five things. They're your keys to answered prayer.
We only tend to keep doing what rewards us, so when prayer becomes an unrewarding experience we quit.
If that's why you no longer pray The Lord's Prayer, don't feel condemned - feel challenged.
Luke 11:1
One day Jesus' disciples watched and listened as He prayed.
When He finished they said: "Lord, teach us to pray."
As a result He gave them what's become known as "The Lord's Prayer."
Can you remember when you last prayed it?
If not, how come?
Maybe you learned it by heart and you don't understand its significance or power.
Or perhaps it was repeated like a meaningless ritual at the end of a church service as people put on their coats and headed for the parking lot.
That tells you more about the hearts of the people than the power of the prayer. "Well, I think we need more contemporary prayers geared toward fast-trackers."
Really?
Have you listened to some of the stuff they've replaced the Lord's Prayer with? Jesus warned us about prayers that are just "babbling" (Matthew 6:7 ).
There are lots of prayers in the Bible:
prayers for deliverance, for guidance, for forgiveness, for unity, etc.
Here's the score: when you pray it should be
(a) passionate;
(b) scriptural;
(c) intimate;
(d) unhurried;
(e) faith-filled.
Take a moment and meditate on each of those five things. They're your keys to answered prayer.
We only tend to keep doing what rewards us, so when prayer becomes an unrewarding experience we quit.
If that's why you no longer pray The Lord's Prayer, don't feel condemned - feel challenged.
Sunday, August 20, 2006
Interesting Article on Green Tea
25 Reasons Why You Should Start Drinking Green Tea Now
Green tea has increasingly become a very popular drink worldwide because of its immensely powerful health benefits.
It is extraordinarily amazing what green tea can do for your health.
And if you're not drinking 3 to 4 cups of green tea today, you're definitely NOT doing your health a big favor. Here Are The 25 Reasons Why You Should Start Drinking Green Tea Right Now:
1. Green Tea and Cancer
Green tea helps reduce the risk of cancer. The antioxidant in green tea is 100 times more effective than vitamin C and 25 times better than vitamin E.
This helps your body at protecting cells from damage believed to be linked to cancer.
2. Green Tea and Heart Disease
Green tea helps prevent heart disease and stroke by lowering the level of cholesterol. Even after the heart attack, it prevents cell deaths and speeds up the recovery of heart cells.
3. Green Tea and Anti-Aging
Green tea contains antioxidant known as polyphenols which fight against free radicals. What this means it helps you fight against aging and promotes longevity.
4. Green Tea and Weight Loss
Green tea helps with your body weight loss. Green tea burns fat and boosts your metabolism rate naturally. It can help you burn up to 70 calories in just one day. That translates to 7 pounds in one year. "
.5. Green Tea and Skin
Antioxidant in green tea protects the skin from the harmful effects of free radicals, which cause wrinkling and skin aging. Green tea also helps fight against skin cancer.
6. Green Tea and Arthritis
Green tea can help prevent and reduce the risk of rheumatoid arthritis. Green tea has benefit for your health as it protects the cartilage by blocking the enzyme that destroys cartilage.
7. Green Tea and Bones
The very key to this is high fluoride content found in green tea. It helps keep your bones strong. If you drink green tea every day, this will help you preserve your bone density.
8. Green Tea and Cholesterol
Green tea can help lower cholesterol level. It also improves the ratio of good cholesterol to bad cholesterol, by reducing bad cholesterol level.
9. Green Tea and Obesity
Green tea prevents obesity by stopping the movement of glucose in fat cells. If you are on a healthy diet, exercise regularly and drink green tea, it is unlikely you'll be obese.
10. Green Tea and Diabetes
Green tea improves lipid and glucose metabolisms, prevents sharp increases in blood sugar level, and balances your metabolism rate.
11. Green Tea and Alzheimer's
Green tea helps boost your memory. And although there's no cure for Alzheimer's, it helps slow the process of reduced acetylcholine in the brain, which leads to Alzheimer's.
12. Green Tea and Parkinson's
Antioxidants in green tea helps prevent against cell damage in the brain, which could cause Parkinson's. People drinking green tea also are less likely to progress with Parkinson's.
13. Green Tea and Liver Disease
Green tea helps prevent transplant failure in people with liver failure. Researches showed that green tea destroys harmful free radicals in fatty livers. 14. Green Tea and High Blood Pressure 14. Green Tea and High Blood Pressure
15. Green Tea and Food Poisoning
Catechin found in green tea can kill bacteria which causes food poisoning and kills the toxins produced by those bacteria.
16. Green Tea and Blood Sugar
Blood sugar tends to increase with age, but polyphenols and polysaccharides in green tea help lower your blood sugar level.
17. Green Tea and Immunity
Polyphenols and flavenoids found in green tea help boost your immune system, making your health stronger in fighting against infections.
18. Green Tea and Cold and Flu
Green tea prevents you from getting a cold or flu. Vitamin C in green tea helps you treat the flu and the common cold.
19. Green Tea and Asthma
20. Green Tea and Ear Infection
Green tea helps with ear infection problem. For natural ear cleaning, soak a cutton ball in green tea and clean the infected ear.
21. Green Tea and Herpes
Green tea increases the effectiveness of topical interferon treatment of herpes. First green tea compress is applied, and then let the skin dry before the interferon treatment.
22. Green Tea and Tooth Decay
Green tea destroys bacteria and viruses that cause many dental diseases. It also slows the growth of bacteria which leads to bad breath.
23. Green Tea and Stress L-theanine, which is a kind of amino acids in green tea, can help relieve stress and anxiety
24. Green Tea and Allergies
25. Green Tea and HIV Scientists
in Japanhave found that EGCG (Epigallocatechin Gallate) in green tea can stop HIV from binding to healthy immune cells. What this means is that green tea can help stop the HIV virus from spreading. Now, your health is in your hands. You know you're smart. So, start drinking three to four cups of green tea every day for a drug-free and healthier YOU!
Green tea has increasingly become a very popular drink worldwide because of its immensely powerful health benefits.
It is extraordinarily amazing what green tea can do for your health.
And if you're not drinking 3 to 4 cups of green tea today, you're definitely NOT doing your health a big favor. Here Are The 25 Reasons Why You Should Start Drinking Green Tea Right Now:
1. Green Tea and Cancer
Green tea helps reduce the risk of cancer. The antioxidant in green tea is 100 times more effective than vitamin C and 25 times better than vitamin E.
This helps your body at protecting cells from damage believed to be linked to cancer.
2. Green Tea and Heart Disease
Green tea helps prevent heart disease and stroke by lowering the level of cholesterol. Even after the heart attack, it prevents cell deaths and speeds up the recovery of heart cells.
3. Green Tea and Anti-Aging
Green tea contains antioxidant known as polyphenols which fight against free radicals. What this means it helps you fight against aging and promotes longevity.
4. Green Tea and Weight Loss
Green tea helps with your body weight loss. Green tea burns fat and boosts your metabolism rate naturally. It can help you burn up to 70 calories in just one day. That translates to 7 pounds in one year. "
.5. Green Tea and Skin
Antioxidant in green tea protects the skin from the harmful effects of free radicals, which cause wrinkling and skin aging. Green tea also helps fight against skin cancer.
6. Green Tea and Arthritis
Green tea can help prevent and reduce the risk of rheumatoid arthritis. Green tea has benefit for your health as it protects the cartilage by blocking the enzyme that destroys cartilage.
7. Green Tea and Bones
The very key to this is high fluoride content found in green tea. It helps keep your bones strong. If you drink green tea every day, this will help you preserve your bone density.
8. Green Tea and Cholesterol
Green tea can help lower cholesterol level. It also improves the ratio of good cholesterol to bad cholesterol, by reducing bad cholesterol level.
9. Green Tea and Obesity
Green tea prevents obesity by stopping the movement of glucose in fat cells. If you are on a healthy diet, exercise regularly and drink green tea, it is unlikely you'll be obese.
10. Green Tea and Diabetes
Green tea improves lipid and glucose metabolisms, prevents sharp increases in blood sugar level, and balances your metabolism rate.
11. Green Tea and Alzheimer's
Green tea helps boost your memory. And although there's no cure for Alzheimer's, it helps slow the process of reduced acetylcholine in the brain, which leads to Alzheimer's.
12. Green Tea and Parkinson's
Antioxidants in green tea helps prevent against cell damage in the brain, which could cause Parkinson's. People drinking green tea also are less likely to progress with Parkinson's.
13. Green Tea and Liver Disease
Green tea helps prevent transplant failure in people with liver failure. Researches showed that green tea destroys harmful free radicals in fatty livers. 14. Green Tea and High Blood Pressure 14. Green Tea and High Blood Pressure
15. Green Tea and Food Poisoning
Catechin found in green tea can kill bacteria which causes food poisoning and kills the toxins produced by those bacteria.
16. Green Tea and Blood Sugar
Blood sugar tends to increase with age, but polyphenols and polysaccharides in green tea help lower your blood sugar level.
17. Green Tea and Immunity
Polyphenols and flavenoids found in green tea help boost your immune system, making your health stronger in fighting against infections.
18. Green Tea and Cold and Flu
Green tea prevents you from getting a cold or flu. Vitamin C in green tea helps you treat the flu and the common cold.
19. Green Tea and Asthma
20. Green Tea and Ear Infection
Green tea helps with ear infection problem. For natural ear cleaning, soak a cutton ball in green tea and clean the infected ear.
21. Green Tea and Herpes
Green tea increases the effectiveness of topical interferon treatment of herpes. First green tea compress is applied, and then let the skin dry before the interferon treatment.
22. Green Tea and Tooth Decay
Green tea destroys bacteria and viruses that cause many dental diseases. It also slows the growth of bacteria which leads to bad breath.
23. Green Tea and Stress L-theanine, which is a kind of amino acids in green tea, can help relieve stress and anxiety
24. Green Tea and Allergies
25. Green Tea and HIV Scientists
in Japanhave found that EGCG (Epigallocatechin Gallate) in green tea can stop HIV from binding to healthy immune cells. What this means is that green tea can help stop the HIV virus from spreading. Now, your health is in your hands. You know you're smart. So, start drinking three to four cups of green tea every day for a drug-free and healthier YOU!
Don't Get Hooked
You do not know what manner of spirit you are of.
Luke 9:55
Face it; some people are unwilling to take responsibility for their lot in life, so they plough through each day complaining about everything. Because they're incapable of loving themselves, they can't extend love to others. Often their negative edge just masks their real struggle. Deep down they're afraid of being rejected, so they don't get too close to anyone - except kindred spirits.
So how should you respond to such people? Don't get hooked! If you can't lift them up, make sure they don't drag you down. When Nehemiah's enemies criticised the wall he was building he replied, "I am doing a great work! Why should I stop it to come and visit with you?" ( Nehemiah 6:3 ).
And what was the result? "The wall was finally finished...just fifty-two days after we had begun! When our enemies...heard about it, they were...humiliated, and they realised that the work had been done with the help of our God" (Neh 6:15,16).
Was it easy working around people like that? No. How did Nehemiah do it? When he started getting discouraged he prayed, "Lord God, please strengthen me!" ( Nehemiah 6:9).
Notice, he didn't say, "Lord, zap them." Or, "Lord make them nice to me."
No, he asked for strength, maintained a good attitude and prayed that God would take care of his critics. And God did. Many of the people who aggravate you have no idea why - it's just their nature. When Christ's own disciples wanted to call down fire on the heads of those who wouldn't accept their message, Jesus said, "You do not know what manner of spirit you are of."
Luke 9:55
Face it; some people are unwilling to take responsibility for their lot in life, so they plough through each day complaining about everything. Because they're incapable of loving themselves, they can't extend love to others. Often their negative edge just masks their real struggle. Deep down they're afraid of being rejected, so they don't get too close to anyone - except kindred spirits.
So how should you respond to such people? Don't get hooked! If you can't lift them up, make sure they don't drag you down. When Nehemiah's enemies criticised the wall he was building he replied, "I am doing a great work! Why should I stop it to come and visit with you?" ( Nehemiah 6:3 ).
And what was the result? "The wall was finally finished...just fifty-two days after we had begun! When our enemies...heard about it, they were...humiliated, and they realised that the work had been done with the help of our God" (Neh 6:15,16).
Was it easy working around people like that? No. How did Nehemiah do it? When he started getting discouraged he prayed, "Lord God, please strengthen me!" ( Nehemiah 6:9).
Notice, he didn't say, "Lord, zap them." Or, "Lord make them nice to me."
No, he asked for strength, maintained a good attitude and prayed that God would take care of his critics. And God did. Many of the people who aggravate you have no idea why - it's just their nature. When Christ's own disciples wanted to call down fire on the heads of those who wouldn't accept their message, Jesus said, "You do not know what manner of spirit you are of."
Thursday, August 10, 2006
National Day Morning Walk at Sungei Buloh
at the pond.. the reflection
up at the look out tower
Johore is just behind us
Route 1
Sunday, August 06, 2006
For The Obsessive-compulsive!
Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.
Proverbs 3:5
Stop trying to figure out things that should be left in God's hands! When you put something on the shelf that's bothering you and say you're going to trust God with it, don't take it back because you don't like the way He's handling it or the length of time He's taking. "Whoever believes will not act hastily" ( Isaiah 28:16). Speed doesn't equal direction, especially when you've lost your way!
Paul says, "Do not be anxious about anything" ( Philippians 4:6 ). That's hard to swallow if you're insecure, or a make-it-happen person. We like to slot things in; to find some place to put them so they make sense and feel "taken care of." We don't like unanswered questions - but one of the tools God uses to crucify our carnal minds is unanswered questions! When we don't know, we can trust God, worry, or try to figure it out for ourselves. A good cure for this is holding a post-mortem over some of our best thinking and see where we ended up as a result.
God doesn't always give us answers to our questions. Why?
Because He's training us in trust.
Learn to live with loose ends and trust God! If you want growth you've got to be at peace with the messiness andmistakes that accompany it. If you are one of God's obsessive-compulsive children who needs to put everything into a neat little package, this Scripture is specially for you:
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart;do not depend on your own understanding."
Proverbs 3:5
Stop trying to figure out things that should be left in God's hands! When you put something on the shelf that's bothering you and say you're going to trust God with it, don't take it back because you don't like the way He's handling it or the length of time He's taking. "Whoever believes will not act hastily" ( Isaiah 28:16). Speed doesn't equal direction, especially when you've lost your way!
Paul says, "Do not be anxious about anything" ( Philippians 4:6 ). That's hard to swallow if you're insecure, or a make-it-happen person. We like to slot things in; to find some place to put them so they make sense and feel "taken care of." We don't like unanswered questions - but one of the tools God uses to crucify our carnal minds is unanswered questions! When we don't know, we can trust God, worry, or try to figure it out for ourselves. A good cure for this is holding a post-mortem over some of our best thinking and see where we ended up as a result.
God doesn't always give us answers to our questions. Why?
Because He's training us in trust.
Learn to live with loose ends and trust God! If you want growth you've got to be at peace with the messiness andmistakes that accompany it. If you are one of God's obsessive-compulsive children who needs to put everything into a neat little package, this Scripture is specially for you:
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart;do not depend on your own understanding."
Handling Difficulties
Consider him who has endured such hostility.
Hebrews 12:3
Make sure the issue you're dealing with is worth your time and energy.Often it isn't. Ask yourself, "Have I allowed myself to get distracted by something insignificant instead of keeping my eye on the ball?"
TheBible says, "Consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners
against Himself, so that you may not grow weary and lose heart." Check and see how Jesus handled the circumstances you're facing today. You'll learn a lot if you do!
Don't destroy the other person's self confidence. Stay away from all-inclusive statements like "you always" or "you never." They're not true! Assure them that you have confidence in them and their ability to recover and handle things better next time. After all, that's what God does with you. Correction will do much; encouragement will do much more. Deal with people on an individual basis. Comparisons always cause resentment. Why make the problem bigger? It's easier to be critical than creative, but unless you're willing to help you're not qualified to get involved. Straighten out the problem, not the person. When confrontation becomes a personal attack you destroy your own credibility and end up in a "no-win" situation. Your goal should be to leave them with three things:
(1) a clear understanding of the problem;
(2) the assurance ofyour love;
(3) encouragement and confidence that they can turn itaround, and that you'll help them to.
Are these three things easy to do? No. They call for love, patience and Christ-like character. But when you practice them they produce a joy that transcends problems and is never subject to the actions of others.
Hebrews 12:3
Make sure the issue you're dealing with is worth your time and energy.Often it isn't. Ask yourself, "Have I allowed myself to get distracted by something insignificant instead of keeping my eye on the ball?"
TheBible says, "Consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners
against Himself, so that you may not grow weary and lose heart." Check and see how Jesus handled the circumstances you're facing today. You'll learn a lot if you do!
Don't destroy the other person's self confidence. Stay away from all-inclusive statements like "you always" or "you never." They're not true! Assure them that you have confidence in them and their ability to recover and handle things better next time. After all, that's what God does with you. Correction will do much; encouragement will do much more. Deal with people on an individual basis. Comparisons always cause resentment. Why make the problem bigger? It's easier to be critical than creative, but unless you're willing to help you're not qualified to get involved. Straighten out the problem, not the person. When confrontation becomes a personal attack you destroy your own credibility and end up in a "no-win" situation. Your goal should be to leave them with three things:
(1) a clear understanding of the problem;
(2) the assurance ofyour love;
(3) encouragement and confidence that they can turn itaround, and that you'll help them to.
Are these three things easy to do? No. They call for love, patience and Christ-like character. But when you practice them they produce a joy that transcends problems and is never subject to the actions of others.
Learning From The Prodigal Son
Father, I have sinned.
Luke 15:18
The prodigal son didn't get into trouble until he left the safety of his father's house.
Jesus pointed out four things about him:
(1)"He wasted his substance." Satan is a fraudster. If you heed his call to come out and play, you'll end up losing the very substance of who you are and what God's called you to be.
(2) "He went and joined himself to a citizen of that country." Want to know where you are spiritually? Look at who you hang out with and take advice from. Who do you call, who calls you? Solomon writes, "My son, if sinners entice you, do not give in to them" (Proverbs 1:10 ).
(3) "He began to be in want." Something's wrong! In his father's house he never missed a meal, now he's eating what pig seat. He's trying to meet a legitimate need in an illegitimate way. Are you doing that? David said, "The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want"( Psalm 23:1). Who's that promise for? Those who live in the safety ofthe sheepfold and stay close to the Shepherd.
(4) "He came to himself."When his elevator could not go any lower he decided to get off. Mercifully, he still could. Some never can.
The Bible says: "Today, [not tomorrow] if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts" ( Hebrews 3:15 ). It wasn't too late for the prodigal - and it's not too late for you. The moment he changed his prayer from "give me" to "forgive me," His father opened His arms,welcomed him home and restored him to son-ship.
And God will do the same for you, if you let Him.
Luke 15:18
The prodigal son didn't get into trouble until he left the safety of his father's house.
Jesus pointed out four things about him:
(1)"He wasted his substance." Satan is a fraudster. If you heed his call to come out and play, you'll end up losing the very substance of who you are and what God's called you to be.
(2) "He went and joined himself to a citizen of that country." Want to know where you are spiritually? Look at who you hang out with and take advice from. Who do you call, who calls you? Solomon writes, "My son, if sinners entice you, do not give in to them" (Proverbs 1:10 ).
(3) "He began to be in want." Something's wrong! In his father's house he never missed a meal, now he's eating what pig seat. He's trying to meet a legitimate need in an illegitimate way. Are you doing that? David said, "The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want"( Psalm 23:1). Who's that promise for? Those who live in the safety ofthe sheepfold and stay close to the Shepherd.
(4) "He came to himself."When his elevator could not go any lower he decided to get off. Mercifully, he still could. Some never can.
The Bible says: "Today, [not tomorrow] if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts" ( Hebrews 3:15 ). It wasn't too late for the prodigal - and it's not too late for you. The moment he changed his prayer from "give me" to "forgive me," His father opened His arms,welcomed him home and restored him to son-ship.
And God will do the same for you, if you let Him.
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