Life Lines

We Believe - in a Nutshell- Part 1

2011-04-03T19:52:00.001-07:00

1. The Scriptures are Inspired

The Scriptures, Old and New Testaments, are inspired of God.

They are the revelation of God to man

2 Timothy 3:15-17

and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. ¹⁶ All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, ¹⁷ so that the servant of God^[a] may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

2. The One True God

Duet 6: 4

The LORD our God is one LORD)

The one true God
eternally self-existent
“I AM,”
Creator of heaven and earth and the
Redeemer of mankind.

3. The Deity of the Lord Jesus Christ
The Lord Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God.

Matthew 1:23

²³ “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”^[a] (which means “God with us”).

His virgin birth (Matthew 1:23).
. His sinless life (Hebrews 7:26;).
. His miracles (Acts 2:22;).
. His substitutionary work on the cross (1 Corinthians 15:3).
. His bodily resurrection from the dead (Matthew 28:6).
. His exaltation to the right hand of God (Acts 1:9,11;).

5. The Salvation of Man

Man’s only hope of redemption is through the shed blood of Jesus Christ the Son of God.
Salvation is received through repentance toward God
We have faith toward the Lord Jesus Christ.
By the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit,
being justified by grace through faith, man becomes an heir of God according to the hope of eternal life (Luke 24:47)
The Evidences of Salvation is the direct witness of the Spirit (Romans 8:16).
The outward evidence to all men is a life of righteousness and true holiness ( Ephesians 4:24;).

Ephesians 4:24

²⁴ and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

What is your Motivational Gift?

2010-09-02T17:26:00.000-07:00

Motivational or Motive gifts are your natural God-given talents and abilities, when sanctified and yielded back to God can be used for His kingdom. These gifts are given to men and are used in the marketplace. These natural gifts when honed can be used for the building up of the body of Christ on Earth. These are NOT the same as the gifts of the Holy Spirit mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12

Grace is the charisma, joy, & inner motivation that God gives you to do the work. Each man is given (at least) a gift (primary gift), though you can work in the other areas, your strongest area is where your motivational gift lies. According to Romans 12: 4-8. We all have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

Here is a glimpse of what these gifts can do in a church setting:

Prophecy

People with this gift speak the truth to correct or to bring wholeness, exposing or bringing to light the hidden intentions of a man's heart and thereby revealing God's mind for the person or situation.

Teaching

Methodical and logical, teachers tend to hammer out the word of God - line upon line, precept upon precept. The give utmost importance to the word, they are usually gifted speakers, and possess a thorough knowledge of the word.

Serving

Serving is spending time and energy doing small tasks. People with this gift like to be followers, entrusting the onus of the vision to someone else. The ones who serve need encouragement and words of appreciation to keep them going.

Exhortation

A person with this gift seeks to encourage, stimulate, revive, stir and refresh others giving them a word in due season.

Giving

A person with this gift gives of himself, his time, and his money selflessly to further the Lord's kingdom. Givers tend to adopt projects/people, nurture them and ensure that they are sustained. Romans 12 encourages such ones to give generously.

Ruling

This gift is also called facilitation, organizing, and administration. People with this gift lead teams and help them achieve a common objective. They are practical, lead-by-example-type of believers with the heart of a servant. Romans 12 speaks of using this gift coupled with diligence.

Mercy

Mercy is the compassion gift. People with this gift are emotional and sympathetic and make great counselors. They love to hear people out, share their sorrows, empathize and provide a shoulder to cry on. Romans 12 encourages such believers to use mercy coupled with cheerfulness so that they are not burdened or sorrowful or weighed down by the problems they see around them.

Let's seek to recognize our gifts & use them for His glory!

Do we have the fruit of the Spirit?

2010-03-31T17:40:00.000-07:00

We need to develop the fruit of the Spirit to bless others. A tree is never benefited by its own fruit. Seeds help the tree to multiply, so also the fruit in our life can attract people into the kingdom.
The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, Proverbs 11:30

The fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22) will help us use the Gifts of the Spirit (1 Cor 12:7) more effectively. If we lack the fruit of the Spirit, then we will not be able to handle the gifts/success, or influence that comes through gifts, just as Lucifer (Satan) could not use the gifts given to him by God in the right way.

Love - this is Agape or unconditional love. It's about letting God love through you. This is a choice of the will and not based on emotion or feeling. We need to ask God to pour out his agape love in our hearts to love the unlovely and to love our enemies.

Joy - This is the emotion of the Holy Spirit in our human spirit. This is what brings you strength and is not based on circumstances or happenings. God's word restores joy by showing us our mistakes and revealing the enemy's plan to steal our joy.

Peace - God is the God of all hope who fills us with peace Romans 15:13. Peace diffuses anxiety and clears our mind to make good decisions.

Patience - Quality of self restraint in the face of provocation. It is the ability to wait on the Lord, and be slow to anger. Through faith and patience we can inherit the promises of God.

Kindness – This fruit is about being benevolent. God stooped down to help us. We need to help those around us. This means helping someone is not as "well placed" as you are, spending time and talking to them, doing acts of kindness in secret both in deeds and words. We must ask God to write his law of kindness on our heart so that we speak words of kindness.

Goodness – God is a good God, and he expects us to be good. Be excellence at the workplace and at home. It brings glory to God.

Gentleness – the virtue of being considerate, thoughtful, and mindful of others' feelings. Gentleness makes you appealing and attractive to those around you.

Faithfulness – Many people have faith but are not faithful. Faithfulness is consistency and diligence. Proverbs 12:24 Diligent hands will rule. Faithfulness is a good quality for a potential leader.

Self Control – this is godly restraint in thought, actions, and emotions. Self control is an indication of spiritual maturity. Proverbs 12:16 – A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult.

Make a list of all the fruit that you have been developing in your life, also observe where you need to grow, so that God can entrust you with his spiritual gifts. Only the Holy Spirit can help us develop these gifts if we let him "prune" us using cirucumstances and difficult people. Let us ask Him for His help!

What is you Motivational Gift?

2010-03-22T10:05:00.000-07:00

Motivational or Motive gifts are your natural God-given talents and abilities, yielded back to God to be used for His kingdom and further honed for the building up of the body of Christ on Earth. These are NOT the same as the spiritual gifts of the Holy Spirit mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12 and Romans 12: 6-8. Grace is the charisma, joy, & inner motivation that God gives you to do the work. Each man is given (at least) a gift (primary gift), though you can work in the other areas, Your strongest area is where your motivational gift lies. We all have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.
Prophecy

Speaking the truth to correct or to bring wholeness, exposing or bringing to light the hidden intentions of a man's heart revealing God's mind for the person or situation.

Teaching

Methodical and logical, teachers tend to hammer out the word of God - line upon line, precept upon precept. The give utmost importance to the word, are usually gifted speakers, and possess a thorough knowledge of the word.

Serving

Serving is spending time and energy doing small tasks. They like to be followers, entrusting the onus of the vision to someone else. The ones who serve need encouragement and words of recognition to keep them going.

Exhortation

A person with this gift seeks to encourage, stimulate, revive, stir and refresh others with the word, or an encouraging note at the right time.

Giving

A person with this gift, gives of himself, his time, and his money selflessly to further the Lord's kingdom. Givers tend to adopt projects/people, nurture them & ensure that they are sustained. Romans 12 encourages such ones to give generously.

Ruling

This gift is also called facilitation, or organizing. People with this gift lead teams & help them achieve a common objective. They are practical, lead-by-example-type of believers with the heart of a servant. Romans 12 speaks of diligence as the key to good administration.

Mercy

Mercy is the compassion gift. They are emotional and sympathetic and make great counselors. They love to hear people out, share their sorrows, empathize & provide a shoulder to cry on. Romans 12 encourages such believers to administer mercy with cheerfulness and not be burdened or sorrowful.
Let's seek to recognize our gifts & use them for His glory!

How do I know God's will?

2010-03-20T21:21:00.000-07:00

God’s will is not mysterious or confusing. Just like a father longs to reveal his desires to his children, God wants to make His will known to each of us. All we need to do is ask. God doesn’t impose his will on anyone or control their lives.
Decisions for marriage, career, relocation, and ministry can have a huge impact on your life and future. A path that looks inviting and appealing may not turn out as expected in the long run. Proverbs 14:12 says “There is a way which seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death”

Here are a few pointers to know God's will:

Ask and you will receive

If you haven't asked God what He wants for your life, then stop and ask him now. James 1:5 says: if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all. To receive, you need to maintain an open mind, to receive whatever God may say. You cannot ask God to sign off on something that you’ve already made up your mind about. God may even say For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways your ways. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8. Don't be afraid to lay your most precious desire down, and walk away knowing that it may not be the best, because He may have a better and higher plan for you. We live for here and now, God knows the end from the beginning. Man looks at the outward appearance, but God looks at a person’s heart. 1 Samuel 16:7.

Do not let your choice of a life partner be decided by someone else however spiritual or godly he or she might be. We serve a personal God and he will reveal his will to you personally first to you primarily through the scriptures, and then use other persons to confirm it.

Peace of heart and mind

Peace is the most important signal in your heart. 1 Colossians 3:15 says - Let the peace which comes from Christ act as umpire continually in your hearts—deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your mind. If you are taking the wrong turn, then God's peace will start leaving you, leading to more frustration and human effort. If it is God's will, peace will surround your heart and guide you, and he will make the rough paths smooth. He is the Prince of Peace, and his dealings never bring confusion to your mind.

His Voice and Word

God’s still small voice will guide you if you are walking with Him. Your ears will hear a word behind you, "This is the way, walk in it," whenever you turn to the right or to the left. Isaiah 30:21As you seek God for his will, he will speak to you through His word to confirm his will. God may also re-confirm his word through a part of the sermon, during a time of worship, through a song, or even through a prophesy. Do not base your decision solely on prophesy - some are deceived this way, remember that prophesy will only confirm God's word or scripture that was given to you earlier. The word of God should have in our lives. Make sure you journal the words God speaks to you, so that you can fall back on them in future if you waver concerning your decision.

Open and Closed Doors

God uses open and closed doors to confirms His will to you. Pray and submit your life to God and ask Him to open doors you need to go through, and shut the rest. If a door is shut, do not try to force it open, and if a door is open, don’t be afraid to walk through. Also, remember that when you make a decision for the Lord, Satan will use circumstances, worldly acquaintances to break your decision. Trust His promise in Romans 8:28 "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God".

Don't rush into any major decision, “marry in haste and repent at leisure” is a good caution. Wait for God's time to establish you. With the high divorce rate in our society, it is good to get to know the person, make sure it is someone you can trust your entire life with. If you are not sure, you can ask God to reconfirm and speak to you again, untill you have no shadow of doubt in your mind. If you are already married to an unbeliever, don't use this as an excuse to break the marriage. God will sanctify the unbelieving spouse through you. 1 Corinthians 7:1

Godly Advice and Counsel

Proverbs 19:21 says in the multitude of counselors there is safety. It is good to talk to mentors or godly people around you and ask for advice. Sometimes, God uses people to confirm to us, dial up the important issues and raise a red flag if they feel anything is amiss. Don’t ignore the initial warning signs, and don’t dismiss them by saying you can correct the character flaws after marriage. Time will only make the flaws more glaring. Heed the advice of godly parents and wait for their approval and blessing. If they are not in a frame of mind to accept your choice, speak with the respectfully and let time and God iron out the differences.

A Worldy Vs Godly Choice

Often the world's way of thinking is opposed to what the Spirit wants. If we want to be led by God, we cannot think and act like the world. Romans 12:22 in the Amplified version says Do not be conformed to this world, or this age, fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs; but be transformed or changed by the renewal of your mind - by its new ideals and its new attitude, so that you may prove for yourselves what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect in His sight for you.

For instance, if you are looking for a life partner, the worldly way of going about it is to look for external appearance, merely beauty, status, education or wealth. A godly approach is to look for someone who has inner beauty, character, one who is diligent, hardworking, one who is not possessive, or suspicious, and a person who is seeking Gods kingdom and destiny. The primary goal of a married couple is to reveal God’s character and glory to the world. Seek for someone who can partner in your ministry, and travel with you, work shoulderto shoulder, and be someone who is a model to your children. Also, do not be impressed by a person's "spiritual talk or christianese" - see how the person walks, practicing a christian lifestyle is what matters most. Observe the person under pressure, does he/she give you and others a helping hand?, is he prayerful?, or is he angry, suspicious, controlling and jealous. The person you marry should not superimpose himself on you, but provide you with all the encouragement you need to grow in your gifting and calling. 1 John 2: 17 The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.

Can I be loved unconditionally?

2009-08-21T22:37:00.000-07:00

Are you hurting because you feel rejected or disappointed in love?

How can I talk to God directly?

2009-07-01T10:23:00.000-07:00

Did you ever wish that you could speak to God and he could talk back to you? What if you didn’t have to go through another human being or ritual to approach God. The truth is – you now can!

When God created man, he intended to have an eternal and unending relationship with him. However, this relationship was broken when man chose to walk away from God. Sin was the result – it separated man from God and he could no longer enter God’s presence and talk to him.

However, God longed to restore the broken relationship, but man did not want to return. So God gave a man called Moses a number of laws to protect him. If a law was broken, it was a sin, and sin led to death. The only way man could escape punishment was by offering a blood sacrifice and only the priestly tribe could enter the temple, and offer sacrifices. Without the shedding of blood there is neither release from sin and its guilt – Heb 9:22. However, these sacrifices did not change man’s sinful desires or release him from the vicious cycle of sin and guilt.

To release man from this cycle, God made a better way. He gave his only son Jesus to be the perfect sinless sacrifice, the sacrificial lamb who shed his blood to take away our sins - once and for all!!!. Jesus lived a pure sinless life. Through his death, Jesus made a way for man to enter into God’s presence once again and have relationship with Him, talk to Him, and listen to His voice. The old system of sacrifices was made null and void.

Now, we don’t need to appease an angry God, because Jesus paid the price and ransomed us all. For there one God, and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, Who gave Himself as a ransom for all – 1 Tim 3:5, 6Now we can have eternal life if we believe in Jesus, and accept his sacrifice as a proxy for our sins. For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not die but have eternal life. John 3:16 – with forgiveness of sins – past, present, and future. God’s Spirit comes and lives inside our hearts, to change our sinful desires and replace them with good desires so that we can live in constant relationship with God.

Prayer
Dear God, I thank you for sending your son Jesus to die for me. I accept his sacrifice as the price for my sins and I believe that through Him, I can gain access to your presence, and I can talk and walk with you as your friend. Please change my heart and give me the right desires. Teach me more about you and help me hear your voice.

“Break my heart for what breaks Yours”

2009-03-27T17:44:00.000-07:00

“Break my heart for what breaks Yours”, the lyrics of the famous song Hosanna made me wonder what things really break God’s heart. Sometimes, we grieve or hang our harps on the grief tree for something selfish and petty that is often related to our own pride or family. Here’s a glimpse at what breaks God’s heart.

1. When people think and imagine evil all the time. In the days of Noah God people thought evil, imagined evil—from morning to night. The story isn’t very different today. Paul grieves over the many who have sinned earlier and have not repented of the impurity, sexual sin and debauchery in which they have indulged. 2 Corinthians 12.20

God was sorry that he had made the human race in the first place; it broke his heart. Genesis 6:5

2. When there are no shepherds. Jesus looked out over the crowds, his heart broke. He saw that people were so confused and aimless - they were, like sheep with no shepherd. Do we fall on our knees praying for more shepherds, and get to work like Jesus did? "What a huge harvest!" he said to his disciples. "How few workers! On your knees and pray for harvest hands!" Matthew 9:35. When Jesus arrived, he saw this huge crowd.

At the sight of them, his heart broke—like sheep with no shepherd they were. He went right to work teaching them. Mark 6:32

3. He grieves with those who grieve: Jesus grieves when we experience a deep loss, and when we are left with no human help. Jesus was at a Funeral Procession, there was a large crowd and a widow’s only son was being carried out for burial.

When Jesus saw her, his heart broke Luke 7:11

4.When we turn our backs on Him. When we turns our back on a God, we grieve the Holy Spirit. Saul was a king who once followed the Lord, but turned from him. Israel often turned away from God because of Idolatory. Isreal often returned to Idolatory.

But they turned on him; they grieved his Holy Spirit. So he turned on them, became their enemy and fought them. Isaiah 63:10. It broke God’s heart. He walked off and left Shiloh empty, abandoned the shrine where he had met with Israel. Psalm 78:56. "I am grieved that I have made Saul king, because he has turned away from me and has not carried out my instructions." Samuel was troubled, and he cried out to the LORD all that night. 1 Samuel 15:11

5. He grieves over calamity and destruction. God relents concerning calamity and grieves over disasters. When the angel stretched out his hand to destroy Jerusalem, the LORD was grieved because of the calamity and said to the angel who was afflicting the people, "Enough! Withdraw your hand." 2 Samuel 24:16. Jeremiah 42:10

'If you stay in this land, I will build you up and not tear you down; I will plant you and not uproot you, for I am grieved over the disaster I have inflicted on you.

When my heart breaks, may it be a reflection of God’s heart and an expression of His grief.

Are you hoping against hope?

2008-11-16T18:47:00.000-08:00

Are you bereft of hope? You were banking on someone to bail you out, or to be the answer to your secure future, but all you are left with is disappointment and frustration.

Elijah was a man of God who lived in Israel during a severe famine. God instructed him to go to a neighbouring country and live there. Also, God provided for a poor widow who lived there to provide food for Elijah, and return God blessed the widow and her son with enough food for the rest of the famine.

Some time later the woman's only son became sick. He grew worse and worse, and finally he died. Then she said to Elijah, "O man of God, what have you done to me? Have you come here to point out my sins and kill my son?"

But Elijah replied, "Give me your son." And he took the child's body from her arms, carried him up the stairs to the room where he was staying, and laid the body on his bed. Then Elijah cried out to the Lord, "O Lord my God, why have you brought tragedy to this widow who has opened her home to me, causing her son to die?"

The Lord heard Elijah's prayer, and the life of the child returned, and he revived! If you are facing a dead situation - if you have children who are beyond hope, or you know someone who is desperately sick and there is no hope, or you have lost all your security or finances, believe that God knows your problem, he cares, and he is the only one who can help you out. Cry out to him like Elijah, till he answers your prayers. Don't give up or lose heart.

Pray this prayer: Dear God, I need your help. I am facing this insurmountable problem which has no solution. I ask for your help. Please give me a hope and a future, and I will remember to thank you when you do answer my prayer, and hear my cries. Show me signs of you and your goodness. In Jesus' Name I ask- Amen

The Pursuit of Happiness

2008-11-16T13:07:00.000-08:00

God sometimes tests our mettle. He puts us in situations where we feel insignificant, or we suffer a deep loss. We might doubt our right standing with God, be tempted to be unmerciful, impure, not stand up for what we believe, not walk the talk, hate people who talk bad about us, and so live in immaturity of mind and character, and the result is unhappiness. On the other hand. the road to spiritual prosperity and happiness is outlined in Jesus' words below. (paraphrased)

Happy,to be envied, are the humble, who rate themselves insignificant, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven! (Boy, do I really like being insignificant everyday, not want to be in the limelight, think it is ok to be sidelined, wait in the wings, to play a supporting role or be the second fiddle?)

Happy are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted! (I didn't know that the way to be comforted was to mourn- He promises to turn it into dancing, because joy comes in the morning!)

Happy, are the meek - mild, patient, long-suffering, for they shall inherit the earth! (That's downright painful, but it sure does pay off in the long run!!, I blush when I think of my intolence, impatience, and "God I want it now" attitude)

Happy are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness - uprightness and right standing with God, for they shall be completely satisfied! (Do I burn with a desire to be upright as often as I get hungry or thirsty, and walk-tall knowing that Jesus alone can make me righteous?)

Happy, are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy! (Would I want to recieve the same tip that I give someone?)

Happy are the pure in heart, for they shall see God! (If my eye is pure, then there is light for my whole being- if not, I am groping in a darkness that elipses God)

Happy are the makers and maintainers of peace, for they shall be called the sons of God!
(Do I leave a situation more peaceful than when I stepped into it? Am I doing my best to make sure I have no enemies?

Happy are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake - for being and doing right, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven! (This is surely not the route to popularity, but it sure is the way to be happy)

Happy are you when people revile you and persecute you and say all kinds of evil things against you falsely on My account. ( I will feel tempted to have a pity-party, and to be bitter, and seek to clear my name, but I must choose to be happy)

Verse 48: You, therefore, must be perfect growing into complete maturity of godliness in mind and character, having reached the proper height of virtue and integrity, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

To be virtuous, integrous, mature in mind and character should be my goal.

Fourth Man in the Fire

2008-10-12T20:36:00.000-07:00

You expect someone to be healed and it doesn't happen, you expect someone to be protected or kept safe from danger and the opposite happens. All you can do is wonder why, and try to make sense of it, but the truth is, sometimes life can leave us wondering why - without giving us any answers.

"Even if He doesn't save us, we will not bow down to this idol", - were the resounding words that Shadrach, Meschach, and Abednago said to the King Nebuchadnezzar. The walked through fire - but the Lord was with them, and saved them! Thank God for happy endings!

But, what if the Lord doesn't come through....Hebrews 11 talks of a special breed of Christians who "were tortured, refusing to turn from God in order to be set free. They placed their hope in a better life after the resurrection. Some were jeered at, their backs were cut open with whips, chained in prisons, died by stoning, sawed in half, killed with the sword....

All these people earned a good reputation because of their faith, yet none of them received all that God had promised. For God had something better in mind for us...

Think of Stephen, his death was tragic, but it bore much fruit. Think of Jeremiah - killed for speaking the truth, and Isaiah - sawn in half. The writings of these prophets stand to encourage us even today!

Jesus died a tragic death, which brought us all victory. He took the road marked with suffering, was acquainted with the bitterest grief, wrestled with God in Gethsemane to escape death, but ultimately left the final decision to God. Think of this - If Jesus' prayer to"let this cup pass" had been answered that night, we wouldn't be saved today.

Sometimes all we have to do is relinquish- release and let-go. Leave your Isaac on the altar - like the Father left Jesus hanging on the cross - God might provide a ram in Isaac's place, or He might take the life - until resurrection. Thank God for the resurrection - Without Jesus' death there wouldn't have been a resurrection!

Cherish every day that God gives you - live life fully, love your family. Expect God's goodness and mercy to follow you each day of your life - but also remember that Christian life does not insure us from perilious things we might have to face..but it does guarantee us that - God will be with us as the "fourth man in the fire." Don't lose faith in Him for He is a good God.

How do I know God's will?

2008-06-27T17:36:00.000-07:00

Decisions for marriage, career, relocation, and full-time ministry can have a huge impact on your future and life. A path that looks rosy and inviting today, may not turn out as expected in the long run. There is a way which seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death. Proverbs 14:12.

Here are a few pointers to know God's will and steer clear of danger:

Ask and you will receive
If you haven't asked God what He wants for you, then stop and ask him. But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all. James 1:5Be open to receive whatever God may say. Sometimes God may say For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways your ways. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8. Don't be afraid of disappointment. He may have a better and higher plan for you .Do not let your choice of a life partner be decided by someone else however spiritual he or she might be. We serve a personal God and he will reveal his will to you personally first, not through someone else.

Peace
Peace is the most important signal in your heart. Let the peace which comes from Christ act as umpire continually in your hearts—deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your mind (Col 3:15, Amp). If you are taking the wrong turn, then God's peace will start leaving you, leading to more frustration. If it is God's will, peace will surround your heart and guide you, and he will make the rough paths smooth.

His Voice and His Word
His voice- his still small voice will guide you if you are in tune and walking with Him. Your ears will hear a word behind you, "This is the way, walk in it," whenever you turn to the right or to the left. Isaiah 30:21
As you seek God for his will, he will speak to you through His word to confirm his will. God may also re-confirm his word through a part of the sermon, during a time of worship, through a song, or even a prophesy. However, it is not advisable to base your decision solely on prophesy - some are deceived this way, remember that prophesy will only confirm God's word or scripture that was given to you earlier. The word of God should be final in our lives. Make sure you journal or write-down the words that he gives you, so that you can fall back on them in future.

Circumstances
Sometimes God confirms His will through circumstances. Pray and submit your life to God and ask Him to open doors you need to go through, and shut the rest. Sometimes, Satan can also use circumstances to shake our faith. However, if we believe and ask God to lead us, He will overrule all of Satan's attacks and lead us. Romans 8:28 "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God". Don't rush into marriage, wait for God's time. With the high divorce rate in our society, it is good to get to know the person you want to marry and see if they are someone who you can trust and entrust the rest of your life to. If you are still not sure, ask God to reconfirm and speak to you again till you have no shadow of doubt.

Godly advice and counsel
In the multitude of counsellors there is safety. Proverbs 19:21. It is good to have mentors or people you look up to for advice. Sometimes, God uses people to speak to us, especially other godly believers. If you are considering marriage with someone, discuss it with a few of godly married believers, consider their advice and ask them to keep you accountable. Heed the advice of godly parents and wait for their approval.

A Worldy Vs Godly Choice
Do not be conformed to this world – often the world's way of thinking is opposed to what the Spirit wants. If we want to be led by God, we cannot think and act like the world.

Romans 12:22 Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you].

For instance, if you are looking for a life partner, the worldly way of going about it is too look out for external, superficialities like beauty, status, dowry or wealth. Choose not to base your decisions solely on these external or temporal values. Look for someone who has inner beauty, character, one who is diligent, hardworking, one who is not possessive, or suspicious. Also, do not be impressed by a person's "spiritual talk or christianese" - see how the person walks, if is practicing a christian lifestyle is what matters most. Man looks at the outward appearance but God looks at the heart of a person. 1 John 2: 17 The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.

Q 40) Who shall ascend to the Hill of God? - updated

2008-05-01T17:27:00.000-07:00

Who may ascend the hill of the LORD ? Who may stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false - Psalms 24
The hill of God represents the presence of God.
1. Clean hands
Hands are a picture of our works. We need to raise holy hands in worship - 1 Timothy 2: 8 I desire therefore that in every place men should pray, without anger or quarreling or resentment or doubt [in their minds], lifting up holy hands. All of us are tempted to get angry. But the scripture urges us to refrain from anger and disputing. A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult. Proverbs 12:16. A soft answer turns away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. Proverbs 15:1.

2. Pure heart
To enter God’s presence, we need to have a pure heart “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. “Matthew 5:8. A pure heart is one that is not defiled by unforgiveness, greed, lust, jealousy, or pride. A pure heart seeks to serve God without having a personal agenda or expecting personal gain in return. Instead, a pure heart seeks the glory of God and the advancement of His Kingdom at all times, without having a spirit of entitlement.

3. Not lifting up our soul to an idol
Soul is our mind, will, and emotions. Jesus said:” Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' Mark 12:28-30. Do we think about Jesus (not ministry) often? Do we talk about Him to others? Do we spend time intimately with alone? How much of our money, time, and energy to we spend for His Kingdom? These are good questions to ask ourselves regularly.

4. Not swearing falsely
God is after is truth from the inside out (Psalm 51.6) He wants “Men who won't cheat, women who won't seduce.” Psalm 24:4 (The Message). He wants us to be set apart and different from the world around us.

We cannot do this by our own strength. We need the power of the Holy Spirit to help us and keep us from falling. We need Jesus’ blood to cleanse us from all sin.

The Lord’s blessing is reserved for such people; they will have a right relationship with God. They are the ones who can seek God and worship in His presence. They will be the ones to usher the King of Glory into their homes, churches, and communities.

Q 94) Where is the Trinity mentioned in the Bible?

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1. The plurality of God

Genesis 1:26 ""Let us make man in our image, in our likeness,"•

Genesis 3:22 And the LORD God said, "The man has now become like one of us, knowing good and evil. He must not be allowed to reach out hishand and take also from the tree of life and eat, and live forever."•

Genesis 11:7 - 7 Come, let us go down and confuse their language sothey will not understand each other."•

Isaiah 6:8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall Isend? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me!"

2. The Trinity is mentioned in the following scriptures:•

Isaiah 61:1 The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me(Jesus), because theLORD has anointed me•

Isaiah 42:1• "Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him and he will bring justice to the nations.•

Matthew 28: 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations,baptizing them in[a] the name of the Father and of the Son and of theHoly Spirit.

3. The Holy Spirit is a person, because only a person has a mind.Romans 8: 27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of theSpirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordancewith God's will.The Holy Spirit was present in Genesis – brooding over the chaos. TheHoly Spirit came upon people in the Old Testament land they did mightyexploits for God. The Spirit of God departed from Saul. The HolySpirit is not just a "spirit presence, an aura. He is as real as theFather & the Son Jesus Christ.

Q 95) What does the Holy Spirit do?

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1. The Spirit Speaks
The Holy Spirit speaks to us everyday.
The Spirit told Philip, "Go to that chariot and stay near it."Acts 13:2While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." Acts 10:19 9While Peter was still thinking about the vision, the Spirit said to him, "Simon, three[a] men are looking for you. 20So get up and go downstairs. Do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them."

2. Spirit of Truth & Guidance:
The Holy Spirit guides into all truth and reveals the future.
John 16:13 "But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come.

3. The Holy Spirit Helps us in our weakness & intercedes for us
Romans 8:26 - In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.

4. The Holy Spirit teaches and remind us
John 14:26 "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.

5. The Holy Spirit Leads us in our walk with God.
For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. Romans 8:14Galatians 5:25--"If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit."Galatians 5:18--"If you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law." Romans 8:14

6. Spirit of Adoption
We are not orphans without a family. The Holy Spirit gives us a lineage in Christ.

Romans 8:15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

7. The Holy Spirit can be grieved
Draw near to Him and He will draw near to us. The Holy Spirit will never leave us, but He can be grieved by our actions.
Ephesians 4:30 30And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

Q 95) What is Deliverance?

2008-05-01T16:15:00.000-07:00

Jesus came to the Earth to destroy the works of the devil. The three main characteristics of Jesus' ministry was
1) Preach
2) Heal
3) Deliver.

Luke 4:18, 19 describes the ministry of Jesus, "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to 1) preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to 2) proclaim freedom for the prisoners and 3) recovery of sight for the blind, to 4) release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."

Jesus broke the ground for any demons to have a hold. He disarmed them, made a public spectacle of them and triumphed over them. In Mark 16:15, Jesus gives his disciples the authority to cast out demons. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be[f] bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be[g] loosed in heaven.

The greek word daimonizomai or demonized has the connotation of being influenced by a demon, but not owned by it. Acts 10: 38 says, "How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and power, who went about doing good and healing all that were oppressed of the devil.

Demonic spirits have a personality without a body. Demons have strong desires, emotions. Demons help you believe lies. Demons lower, surround, pierce & destroy. The agenda of a demon is to lower one's calling and position in life. Demons make you doubt God's promises and keep you from receiving it., to bind and confine a person, pierce and hollow out, and finally to bring to utter destruction. Excerpt from Pastor Chris Cobb's bool on Deliverance

Jesus was always victorious over every evil spirit. When dealing with an evil spirit, we must be grounded in the scripture Luke 10:19 I have given you the authority to trample snakes and scorpions and to destroy the enemy's power. Nothing will hurt you.

Curses are synonymous to the demonic. Generational curses, self pronounced curses, and the curse of returning evil for good are to name a few. God wants to turn every curse into your life into a blessing Deut 23:5.5 However, the LORD your God would not listen to Balaam but turned the curse into a blessing for you, because the LORD your God loves you.

When believers are under His blood exercise spiritual authority, the result is true Deliverance. Deliverance always brings change in a person.

Q94) What is you Motivational Gift?

2008-05-01T15:56:00.000-07:00

otivational or Motive gifts are when your natural God-given talents & abilities are submitted back to Him & are then further developed & used for the building up of the body. These are NOT the same as the spiritual gifts of the Holy Spirit mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12.Romans 12: 6-8We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his[ b]faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.
Grace is the charisma, joy, & inner motivation that God gives you to do the work. Each man is given (atleast) a gift (primary gift), though you can work in the other areas,your strongest area is where your motivational gift lies.

Prophecy
Speaking the truth to correct or to bring wholeness, exposing or bringing to light the hidden intentions of a man's heart r& evealing God's mind for the person or situation.

Teaching
Methodical and logical, teachers tend to hammer out the word of God - line upon line, precept upon precept. The give utmost importance to the word, are usually gifted speakers, & possess a thorough knowledge of the word.

Serving
Serving spending time and energy doing small tasks. They like to be followers, entrusting the onus of the vision to someone else. The ones who serve need encouragement & words of recognition to keep them going,.

* Exhortation

A person with this gift seeks to encourage, stimulate, revive, stir & refresh others with the word.

* Giving
A person with this gift, gives of himself, his time, & his money selflessly to further the Lord's kingdom. Givers tend to adopt projects/people, nurture them & ensure that they are sustained. Romans 12 encourages such ones to give generously.

* Ruling
This gift is also called facilitation, or organizing. People with this gift lead teams & help them achieve a common objective. They are practical, lead-by-example-type of believers with the heart of a servant. Romans 12 speaks of diligence as the key to good administration.

* Mercy
Mercy is the compassion gift. They are emotional & sympathetic & make great counselors. They love to hear people out, share their sorrows, empathize & provide a shoulder to cry on. Romans 12 encourages such believers to administer mercy with cheerfulness & not be burdened or sorrowful.

Let's seek to recognize our gifts & use them for His glory!

Q 85) Is healing God's will for me?

2008-05-01T15:53:00.000-07:00

I am the LORD, who heals you. Exodus 15:26. God does not bring sickness - The adversary (Satan) is the cause of our disease. The origin of disease is because of the Fall of man. Healing came with the redemptive work of Christ. He took all our sickness on the cross.

Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, ….and by his wounds we are healed. Isaiah 53:4, 5how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him Acts 10:38

Is healing God's will for me?
It is always God's will for you to be healed. A leper came to Jesus and said "Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean." Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. "I am willing," he said. "Be clean!" Immediately he was cured.

Is it instant?
Sometimes healing comes instantly (miracle), other times it's not instant - it is a process. Don't look at the symptoms, just believe it's coming just like an expectant woman knows she will have a baby soon. Know that there is a seed in you, wait for it to grow, water it regularly
Our part -
Receive it
If someone were to offer you their love on Valentine 's Day and you reject it, their love bounces back and it is not received. It is the same with healing. God offers it to everyone, but you need to receive it.

1. Confess that God will heal you because Jesus paid for it. – no word of God is void, it accomplishes what it is supposed to do. When you say it you make your body submit to God's word.
2. Do not hold an unforgiving spirit in your heart and do not cling to sin.
3. Submit yourself to God, resist the devil and He will flee
Know that it was paid for 2000 years ago, and it's yours today!

Q 83) Is death a new beginning? - U

2007-12-31T16:21:00.000-08:00

A new year, a fresh start, a second chance. If someone you know has battled with life, is continuing to fight, and is hoping for a second chance, a new lease of life, this season brings new hope, and courage.
"I am the resurrection and the life.Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying." - These are the words that Jesus said to Martha. Her brother Lazarus was Jesus' friend. Lazarus had been sick and before Jesus could travel to get to his village, Lazarus died. Martha said to Jesus, "Lord, if only you had been here, my brother would not have died." Jesus not only raised Lazarus to life from the dead but also gave him eternal life. Maybe you have escaped death, maybe you have seen a relative lie on the sick-bed hoping for recovery, maybe everything you've hoped for is dying. Our earthly fathers gave birth to our human mortal bodies and all of us will face death someday. Jesus is the giver of eternal life to our soul. .

Jesus clearly stated that anyone who believes in him will not die, but will have everlasting life. This is because Jesus is the only one who died to rise again (resurrect) on the third day, conquering Death which is man's greatest enemy. And I was dead, and see, I am living for ever, and I have the keys of death and of Hell. Rev 1:18

"Show me how resurrection works. Give me a diagram; draw me a picture. What does this 'resurrection body' look like?" ..... You plant a "dead" seed; soon there is a flourishing plant. There is no visual likeness between seed and plant. The dead body that we bury in the ground and the resurrection body that comes from it will be dramatically different. 1 cor 13:35-38

The First Adam received life (Mortal), the Last Adam (Christ) is a life-giving Spirit (Eternal). Physical life comes first, then spiritual—....The First Man was made out of earth, and people since then are earthy; the Second Man was made out of heaven, and people now can be heavenly.

This new year, let's embrace the fact that we are eternal beings living in a mortal body. Let us give room for the Eternal One to make His home in our hearts.

Bible Stories - Story of Creation 1

2007-08-19T20:34:00.001-07:00

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. In the heavens, there were angels who worshipped and served God. There was one angel who was most gifted – his job was to lead heaven's angels in worship and to enthrone God, his name was Lucifer.

THE FIRST SIN - PRIDE

Because Lucifer was so gifted, his heart was lifted up in pride, the first sin, he began to think he could ascend to take God's place and sit on his throne. He rallied 1/3 of heaven's angels to join him in revolt and war against God. Lucifer (later known as Satan) and his angels (later demons) was thrown down to the earth like lightening (Isaiah 14: 11 – 20).

The Earth was impacted by this fall. Now the earth was formless and empty, and dark. But God wanted to give earth a new beginning, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the earth..

PURPOSE OF MAN

God created earth with all it's beauty and then created man. God's purpose for creating man is to worship him and to share a relationship with God. But God could never call the angels his "sons", and His intention for men was to be his "sons" and "heirs". The place that Lucifer (Satan) lost in worship was given to man, and of course Lucifer has been giving vent to his vengeance on mankind ever since.

To Continue… The creation of the Earth

Q 93) What is Brokenness?

2007-08-19T20:32:00.000-07:00

I was reading the book "The Three Kings" - an allegorical drama of the life of Saul and David- Saul was anointed, prophesied, was favored by men, but he still threw spears at David. He knew David was a threat to him. But, David knew how to react to Saul. He didn't spear back, he didn't retaliate verbally, he learnt the art of dodging spears, and continued to serve till it was time to move. And when he left, he left alone.

God placed David under a Saul, so that the Saul in him will die. There is a Saul in each one of us that needs to die. Years later, when Absalom tried to usurp David's throne, he refused to follow after the order of Saul. Instead, he left his kingdom to God and fled, and cried out to God to reinstate him. He did not spear!!!

Jesus also did not retaliate:

He will not shout or cry out,
or raise his voice in the streets. Isaiah 42:2

Psalm 51 reveals that God desires a sacrifice of a broken, tender heart. (broken, tender, crushed) and contrite ( to crush and collapse). Brokenness is knowing that God keeps a record of all that you do, and He is a just rewarder, especially when you are not recognized by men. He will recompense you. Brokenness is knowing that we cannot do anything without Him, knowing that our competence comes from Him, and clinging to Him, who is the firm rock in the midst of a stormy sea.

Summary of the book The Three Kings by Gene Edwards

Q 90) Do you know you are free?

2007-08-19T20:31:00.000-07:00

We can enter God's presence, not by our own good works, because there is sin in each of us(conscious/unconscious). Jesus is the door through which we can enter freely, because his blood (pure blood and sinless sacrifice) forgives us completely and makes us perfect before God. His blood not only forgives but saves us from:

1) Mental Anguish: these can be tormenting thoughts. He bore the crown of thorns and beating on the head to give us mental peace.

2) Wounds: they beat Jesus with fists, Jesus paid for your inner pain, the years of silent torture, beating, the agony and pain unknown to the world . A bruised reed he will not break - Isaiah 42:3

3) Rejection: Jesus was rejected by God on the cross because he bore our sins, he said "My God why have you forsaken me". He paid for your rejection and humiliation.

4) Physical healing - Jesus was whipped on the back with nails and metal, he took 39 lashes that lacerated even his kidneys. By his stripes we are healed. Is 53:5

5) My wrongs - Nails went through his hands for all my wrongs done by my hands

6) Wrong paths - Nails went through his feet for all the wrong footsteps and ways of life that I've led.

Jesus paid a costly price, his heart broke which resulted in his death. He can heal your broken heart, and he paid for it all. You just have to accept, believe, and be free

Q 90) Do we have the fruit of the Spirit? - 2

2007-08-19T20:30:00.001-07:00

The fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22) will help us use the Gifts of the Spirit (1 Cor 12:7) more effectively. Let's focus on the following this week:

Kindness – This fruit is about being benevolent. God stooped down to help us. We need to help those around us. This means helping someone is not as "well placed" as you are, spending time and talking to them, doing acts of kindness in secret in words and deeds.
Goodness – God is a good God, and he expects us to be good. Goodness is the production of excellence at the workplace or at home. It
Gentleness – the virtue of being considerate, thoughtful, and mindful of others' feelings. Gentleness makes you appealing and attractive to those around you.
Faithfulness – Many people have faith but are not faithful. Faithfulness is consistency and diligence. Proverbs 12:24 Diligent hands will rule. Faithfulness is a good quality for a potential leader.
Self Control – this is godly restraint on thoughts, actions, and emotions. Self control is an indication of spiritual maturity.

Proverbs 12:16 – A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult.

Make a list of all the fruit that you have been developing in your life, also observe where you need to grow, so that God can entrust you with his spiritual gifts.

Q 90) Do we have the fruit of the Spirit?

2007-08-19T20:29:00.003-07:00

We need to develop the fruits of the Spirit to bless others. A tree is never benefited by it's own fruit, which is meant for others. The fruit also has a seed which helps the tree to multiply, so also the fruit in our life can bring more people into the kingdom.

The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life,
and he who wins souls is wise. Proverbs 11:30

The fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22) will help us use the Gifts of the Spirit (1 Cor 12:7) more effectively. If we lack the fruit of the Spirit, then we will not be able to handle the gifts/success, or influence that comes through gifts, just as Lucifer (Satan) could not use the gifts given to him by God in the right way.

Love - this is Agape or unconditional love. It's about letting God love through you. This is a choice of the will and not based on emotion or feeling. Like God's love, agape love is lavish and not selfish
Joy - This is the emotion of the Holy Spirit in our human spirit. This is what brings you strength and is not based on circumstances or happenings. Also, getting into the word of God restores joy.
Peace - A tranquil state of mind. God is the God of all hope who fills us with peace Romans 15:13. Peace diffuses anxiety and clears our mind to make good decisions
Patience - Quality of self restraint in the face of provocation. It is the ability to wait on the Lord. Through faith and patience we can inherit the promises of God.

To continue

Let's grow the gifts in us to become people of integrity and character.

Q 89) Are you discouraged?

2007-08-19T20:29:00.001-07:00

Everyday we are bombarded by negativity and this often make us discouraged. When discouragement is not in check, it can turn into the monster of "depression". We need the Holy Spirit to overcome depression.

Who is God-Holy Spirit?

The Holy Spirit is a part of the god-head/trinity (Father, Son - Jesus Christ, Holy Spirit). God-head or Trinity can be compared to Water in it's 3 forms – solid, liquid and gas, each with unique personality but all three one entity.

Comfort to Overcome

The Holy Spirit-God is a Comforter and Helper. He is the only one who can give you hope for the future- dispel discouragement. He can give you the power and authority against evil spirits that drag you down. If you invite Him and ask for his help everyday, He will enable you. And He promises to be with you forever.

esus said "If you love me you will obey what I command. And I will ask the Father and He will give you another Comforter to be with you forever - the Spirit of Truth. John 14-15

The Holy Spirit as a Teacher

The Holy Spirit is the ultimate teacher. He impart wisdom, knowledge, skill, and ability to you. He will also remind you of God's teachings.

But the Comforter, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. John 14:26

Holy Spirit reveals the future

The Holy Spirit reveals the future to you, because only God knows the whole future and the whole truth. Man might reveal in part- and half knowledge is dangerous. So ask the Holy Spirit about your future and he will guide you, often through the scriptures and the bible.

But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. John 16-13

Holy Spirit brings conviction

If there is anything that is wrong or sin in your life, the Holy Spirit will make it known to you and help you overcome it. When he (Holy Spirit) comes he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment...."John 16:8

God is the God of all Comfort, so let's invite him in to heal our discouragement.

Q 88) Do we Hear God Speak?

2007-08-19T20:28:00.001-07:00

A young soldier leaves to fight a war. He leaves behind a young bride. He send her letters everyday, and the letters are her most treasured possession. She reads, and re-reads them and finds encouragement and comfort.

It is the same with our God, He sends us his messages of love everyday. If we are like the young bride, we would watch out for his letters. A beautiful sunset that speaks of his awesome power, his care in providing our daily needs reminds us that he really is a loving father, a word of encouragement that comes to us when we are down are out reminds us that He is a friend who sticks closer than anyone else, and when no one understands, He does!

God often speaks to us through His word (His love letter to us). The scriptures recording his great love for mankind. The bible is a collection of 66 books written by 40 divinely inspired authors from all walks of life (i.e., kings to fishermen) and spans over a period of 1,500 years of history. One theme runs strong through the entire book- of God's love and his power to save, his care as a father.

Make it your ambition to read the scriptures and to know his ways.
Your word is a lamp to my feet
And a light to my path. Psalm 119:105

Q 88) Do we know that he is near?

2007-08-19T20:27:00.002-07:00

Our God is an awesome God. He promises that He will never leave us nor forsake us. Even when we walk through the valleys, or storms, his perfect love casts out fear. He is closest to us when we need him the most. Jesus is more than enough for us.

Hold On to The Rock
When storms of life come our way, we need to cling to the rock, like a man who is sinking clings on for dear life. He is our supply, our source of everything we need - knowledge and wisdom included.

Sing Out
Like Paul and Silas sang through the prison experience, let's sing because he cares for us, our cares are his, our battles are his, and He is our victory! Let us sing in the darkest times knowing that He is there, and he will see us though. We can sing when in trouble, sing when we are weak, sing through the darkest times, sing when we stumble and fall, because he will pick us up and restore our souls and minds.
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Phil 4:4

He Loves Us
His love for us never fails. Let's remember that we are loved by the king.

Praise the LORD, for the LORD is good;
sing praise to his name, for that is pleasant.

For the LORD has chosen Jacob to be his own,
Israel to be his treasured possession. Psalm 135- 3

Q 88) How do I shake off the curse?

2007-08-19T20:27:00.001-07:00

Sometimes individuals or families have a strain of recurring addictions, divorce, suicide, or generational diseases following them. Others feel that they cannot shake off the evil that is plaguing them and one disaster follows another.

The curse is because of Satan and Sin and there is a price to pay. The good news is that someone has already paid the price.

Here's an example - If you were caught by a policeman for wrong parking, you would have to pay him a fine. However, if the policeman was your father, he could fine you, and then would also pay the fine on your behalf.

God did the same thing when Man (Adam) sinned and brought a curse upon mankind. He gave his Son Jesus Christ who became a curse on the cross and paid for all sins.

In the beginning, before Man sinned, he owned the Earth because God gave it to him. But when Man sinned, he gave the legal title deed of the Earth to Satan who brought Death and Disease into the world. Jesus was born of a woman so that he could legally take back the earth from Satan, and revoke the curse by his sinless sacrifice.

Today you have release from every curse. Your part is to accept the sacrifice. Just as you receive and deposit a check in the bank, you need to accept the sacrifice, believe in your heart, and confess with your mouth (for the devil to know) that you are no longer cursed but blessed! And wait to see the blessings follow.

Q 89) Do you want to be successful?

2007-08-19T20:26:00.002-07:00

If you are facing a challenge at your workplace, facing a stressful exam, interview, or test, or want to be effective in your ministry role, then the life of Hezekiah teaches us a key lesson.

In everything that he (Hezekiah) undertook in the service of God's temple and in obedience to the law and the commands, he sought his God and worked wholeheartedly. And so he prospered. 2 Chronicles 31:21

You need to 1) seek God and 2) work wholeheartedly. Ask God for knowledge, skill, and ability at the job. Ask him for power to retain what you've learned. Ask him for favor with colleagues and clients. Ask him to go before you and make the rough paths smooth. He can give you wisdom like he gave Daniel and his friends, and favor like he bestowed on Joseph.

In him (Jesus Christ) lie hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Colossians 2:3

The Lord tests our faithfulness in our earthly jobs or responsibilities. If we are faithful, he will entrust to us jobs that will help further the gospel nd his kingdom. Let us wake up each morning and seek the Lord for he is waiting to help us.

In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3: 6

Q 88) Are you thirsty? - u

2007-08-19T20:26:00.001-07:00

Life's struggles make us weary. We look for times of refreshing. But before we know it, good times come and go, and we are still longing for more.
A human being is made is a living spirit, the spirit in us can only be satisfied by the things of God, because God is Spirit. Only God can bring true joy and refreshing to our spirits.

There is a river of joy and healing that flows from the throne of God. If you tap into this river you will never feel dry, dead, or weary. You will be like a tree by the riverside that sends its roots into the river and has tapped into a perennial water supply. The tree bears fruit, - and if you tap in whatever you do will prosper - Psalm 1

All you have to do is Come

Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters - Isaiah 55:1

The only way to find God is to be thirsty for Him. Seek and you will find Him!(Jeremiah 29:13)

And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.

Come to the river of life, you will find healing here
Come if your heart is searching
Come if your soul is weary

Draw near and drink of the mercy of Jesus Christ. Come if you are wounded or sad, because there is a river that flows which brings healing and life ..Have the heart of a Seeker, thirst for God, and His river will flow over you and wash away your pain, sadness, loneliness, and frustration - any you will have perennial Joy.

Q 87) Are you aware of the enemy? - b

2007-08-19T20:25:00.001-07:00

Revelation 12 talks about a woman who was with child, and when she was about to give birth, Satan (dragon) was ready to devour the child.

The accuser

Satan tries to fill our minds with accusing thoughts about ourselves and our brothers. But we can defeat Satan - by Christ's blood and by our testimony.

For the accuser of our brothers, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down. They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony. Rev 12: 10, 11

Satan has been thrown down to the earth and his days are short.

But woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has gone down to you!
He is filled with fury, because he knows that his time is short." Rev 12:12

The attacks of the enemy

The dragon pursued the woman. From his mouth he spewed water like a river, to overtake the woman and sweep her away. But the earth helped her by opening its mouth and swallowing the river. Then the dragon went off to make war against the rest of her offspring—those who obey God's commandments and hold to the testimony of Jesus.

Prayer, Praise, and His word

Let's be vigilant because our adversary is like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. Let prayer and praise be on our lips. Let's not harbor anger and give the devil a foodhold. Let's cover our families and our relationships with Jesus' blood. Let's read his word to guide and strengthen us in every battle.

I call to the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies. Ps 18:3

Q 87) Who controls your destiny?

2007-08-19T20:24:00.001-07:00

John was a desciple of Jesus from the age of 17. At the end of his life, John had several visions of heaven the future which he records in the Revelation.

John's vision

John saw a Lamb that looked as if it had been slaughtered, the Lamb took a scroll from the right hand of the one sitting on the throne….then, the four living beings who continually worship God and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb and sang a new song

You are worthy to take the scroll.. For you were slaughtered, and your blood has ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.

And you have caused them to become a Kingdom of priests for our God. And they will reign on the earth." Revelation 5: 9, 10

John's response

When I saw him, I fell at his feet as if I were dead.

But he laid his right hand on me and said, "Don't be afraid! I am the First and the Last. I am the living one. I died, but look—I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and the grave. Revelation 1:17, 1

He controls our destiny

We needn't fear death, because Jesus holds the keys to death and the grave. He controls our destiny. Though we have the freedom of choice, if we ask God he will help us choose the best path, he has good plans for each of us- plans to prosper us, to give us a hope and a future.

"I know all the things you do, and I have opened a door for you that no one can close. Revelation 3:8

Whatever door is shut (finances, marriage, health, restoration, peace, children's future) he can open, and he holds the keys in his hands. You are not at the mercy of any man, but in the hands of a good God.

Q 86) How can I receive a complete healing? - b

2007-08-19T20:23:00.000-07:00

Naaman, a high-ranking official in the kingdom of Samaria, had leprosy. He came to Elisha the prophet to be healed. Namaan expected an instant miracle, but God did not work a miracle for Naaman, instead Elisha asked Namaan to dip in the Jordan river seven times. Initially, Naaman was reluctant, but later when he obeyed, he was totally healed.

Sometimes, God expects us to follow some simple steps in order to be healed. At times, this process can be as simple as a diet change, a small life adjustment.

To reach our destiny and be effective for God we need to take care of what He has entrusted to us – our bodies

Proverbs 22:3 A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.

If we are healthy, we can live to see the future generation, and grow older without ageing, A healthy diet everyday will help you stay clear of cancers, high cholesterol, heart disease, and diabetes.

Here are a few questions

1. Does your weekly grocery shopping include fresh fruits and vegetables?

2. Do you have whole grain cereals (whole wheat, brown rice, oats) instead of white or bleached grain?

3. Are your vegetables fried and your main dishes overcooked or deep-fried in oil?

4. Do you limit your intake of Sugar everyday?

5. Are you eating enough protein everyday (meats, soy beans etc)?

6. Do you work-out or walk everyday?

Eat the food "God created" more than man-made processed food. A few quick tips + Include a salad in your food- this could be steamed vegetables too.+ Avoid white flour, white pasta vermicelli, white sugar, white salt, white bread. + Add to your diet broccoli/cauliflower, beans, spinach, carrots etc. + Add fruits - berry/grapes, pomegranates, oranges, apples, pineapples, and melons. + Add whole milk and/or yoghurt/curd everyday. + Have a protein everyday on your plate – (meat, legumes) your diet should have 33% Protein.

God wants you healthy, and you need to do your part for you and your family. God will bless you. Deut 28:5. Your basket and your kneading trough will be blessed.

It's never too late for change!

Archana

Q 85) Do you need Healing? - u

2007-08-19T20:22:00.000-07:00

I am the LORD, who heals you. Exodus 15:26. God does not bring sickness - The adversary (Satan) is the cause of our disease. The origin of disease is because of the Fall of man. Healing came with the redemptive work of Christ. He took all our sickness on the cross.

Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, ….and by his wounds we are healed. Isaiah 53:4, 5
how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him Acts 10:38

Is healing God's will for me?
It is always God's will for you to be healed. A leper came to Jesus and said "Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean." Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. "I am willing," he said. "Be clean!" Immediately he was cured.

Is it instant?
Sometimes healing comes instantly (miracle), other times it's not instant - it is a process. Don't look at the symptoms, just believe it's coming just like an expectant woman knows she will have a baby soon. Know that there is a seed in you, wait for it to grow, water it regularly

Our part - Receive it
If someone were to offer you their love on Valentine 's Day and you reject it, their love bounces back and it is not received. It is the same with healing. God offers it to everyone, but you need to receive it.

1. Confess that God will heal you because Jesus paid for it. – no word of God is void, it accomplishes what it is supposed to do. When you say it you make your body submit to God's word.

2. Do not hold an unforgiving spirit in your heart and do not cling to sin.

3. Submit yourself to God, resist the devil and He will flee

Know that it was paid for 2000 years ago, and it's yours today!

Q 84) Have you forsaken your first love? - u

2007-08-19T20:21:00.000-07:00

As the world celebrates Valentine's Day and people communicate messages of love, even God who is our true valentine sends us His message of Love. Sometimes we fail to comprehend how deeply loved we are and how He truly desires our affection. We just need to listen more. He says:

You have stolen my heart, my sister, my bride;
you have stolen my heart
with one glance of your eyes, Song of Solomon 4:9

God wants to talk to us through the day and sometimes even when we are asleep. Are we ready to respond and open our hearts to Him?

I slept but my heart was awake.
Listen! My lover is knocking:
"Open to me, my sister, my darling, SOS 5:2

There are times when we lose our first love. It's time for us to get back because God longs for us to come to Him, and we hurt him when we don't

Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love. Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. Revelation 2:4, 5

So, this weekend let's take the time to reciprocate our Love to Him in a new and creative way.

Q 83) Can we do mighty things for Him? - b

2007-08-19T20:20:00.000-07:00

The disciples always wanted to do mighty works like Jesus did. Once they asked him –

"Lord increase our faith". Jesus saw that the reason why they couldn't have faith was because of their servant-like attitude towards God. They did not grasp that they were sons of God.

So, Jesus told them the parable of the unprofitable servant in Luke 17:7 whom the Master did not thank because the servant did what he was told to do and it was his duty. Jesus telling them, that they could never please God based on what they do, because a master never thanks his servant.

Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. John 8:35

Let him flow through you.

A Servant always feels he's never done enough. But a son can rest. So, rest in Him because it's not about doing (praying, witnessing, giving). We are not working to earn God's favor, we are accepted anyway. Christ will work through us. He writes his desires on each of our hearts. The desire is what he wants us to do for him – our life's mission. What he wants you to do might be different from what he wants someone else to do. So don't force others to do what God has asked of you. Focus on the Christ in you – don't make sin, or works your focus

Christ lived on earth as a man and demonstrated his power then. Today he wants to release that power and life through us. So let's be Christ to our world.

Q 81) Does God bring suffering? - u

2007-08-19T20:19:00.001-07:00

God does not bring suffering and inflict pain just as a good father wouldn't hurt his own child. However, sometimes we suffer because of our own actions. We have a right to choose what we do, but we don't have the right to choose the consequences. Every wrong action bears the seed of consequence. There are laws in nature, and if we violate them, we suffer. For example, if you jump from a building, you will fall and hurt yourself. God is not punishing us.

No record of sins

God not keeping account of anyone's sins, in fact he has forgiven them. God sent Christ to reconciling the world to Him - to bring into accord, to bring us back to God.

that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. 2 Cor 2:19

No separation

Sin brought death. Death's sting was sin which brought separation from God. Jesus took away our sin. We needn't fear death now because every man and woman is reconciled. There is no punishment or payment. All we have to do is accept.

My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. 2He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world. 1 John 2:1, 2

Archana

Q 81) Are you a Servant or a Son? - b

2007-08-19T20:18:00.000-07:00

If you have a son who disobeys you, does he stop being your son? .
God doesn't reject us when we are wrong, he corrects and disciplines us.

He always accepts us

Through Jesus Christ, God has granted us acceptance into His presence. Our sins were paid for by Christ and now when we enter God's presence, we no longer come as slaves but sons, we do not beg or plead, we ask in Jesus' name. Jesus said: and he that comes to Me I will in no wise cast out. (John 6:37).

Fear and Performance

Slaves are driven by performance. Their acceptance is based on what they do. Slaves work in fear. We are God's sons and not slaves. Our service is not based on fear or good performance.
For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship.And by him we cry, "Abba,Father." Romans 8:15

Come Boldly, Not Cringing

Let us come to God not by what we have done (good or bad), but through Jesus. His Spirit instructs and teaches us the right way, just as a father disciplines his sons.
16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. (Hebrews 4:14 on Jesus)

Q 82) Are you a Son or a Servant? - b

2007-08-19T20:17:00.001-07:00

When we accepted Christ into our lives, we were sinners. But after that step, because of Jesus, we are Saints in Him and we are no more sinners. We become His sons.

Since we are his sons, we are also heirs according to the promise and joint heirs with Christ. Romans 8:17. And if we are heirs, then we have all that Christ has. We also have the right to enter boldly into his presence and cry Abba father, not as cringing fearful slaves but as God's own son.

Slaves are driven by performance. Their acceptance is based on what they do and it is a service out of fear. We are God's sons and not slaves.

Let us not come to God by what we have done, but through Jesus. His Holy Spirit will never leave us. We just need to draw near to Him and He is there for us.

Servants of all men
We are servants of all men in service to God as His sons and daughters.

And lastly, let us remember that everything good that we do comes from God, because Christ in you, the hope of glory. Colossians 1:27
So let's give Him all the credit!!

Q 80) What is the Book of Life?

2007-08-19T20:16:00.002-07:00

God rewards those who seek Him by revealing Himself to them. God has a unique plan and purpose for each of us. As you walk in this plan daily – step by step, he will reward you for your obedience both on earth and in heaven.

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. Hebrews 11:6

There will be dangerous times ahead - There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then. But at that time your people—everyone whose name is found written in the book—will be delivered . Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt. Daniel 12:1,2

What is "Book of Life"

What is the book of life? This book contains the names of the citizens of heaven. If a name is not present in this book, it means that the person is heading for destruction.

A great ruler of the Jews named Nicodemus came to Jesus asking him how to be a citizen of heaven. Jesus told him "... Except a man be born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of Heaven." (John 3:3)

What is being "Born Again"

We all are born once into this Earth. But we all need to born again spiritually- a new birth. For this to take place we need to acknowledge that we are sinners. We also need to accept the remedy for our sins – Jesus and His shed blood on the cross, and confess His lordship over us. Your name is in the book of Life and God's spirit lives in us to guide, protect, and comfort us from the coming destruction on Earth and eternal fire.

That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9

Q 81) Are we Offering a Sacrifice to God?

2007-08-19T20:16:00.001-07:00

Archana Anna Isaac

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Jan 25

You might think good thoughts about someone you love, but unless you express it in words to them they will not really know how you feel. It's the same way with God. He expects us to express ourselves in words, using our lips.

Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually (constantly and at all times) offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that confess his name (thankfully acknowledge and confess and glorify His name.) Hebrews 13:5

pouring out sacrificial praises from our lips to God in Jesus' name. (The Message )

In the Old Testament, people were commanded to bring sacrifices – blood of animals, grain etc. In the New Testament, we are to bring forth a song of praise from our hearts and being expressed by our lips when we feel like praising him and when we don't.

God doesn't need anything from us, what gift can we give someone who has made heaven and earth? He only deserves our praises and Love. The sinful woman broke the alabaster jar at Jesus' feet. Are we also breaking our hearts and pouring out our love and praises to God?

Q 80) What is your Primary Focus? - b

2007-08-19T20:14:00.000-07:00

We all have weaknesses. For some of us it might be pride, for others it could be a tendency to fix our thoughts on ourselves, jobs, lives, ministry etc. It is good for us to check whether we think about Jesus, and speak about him often.

Fix your thoughts on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess. Heb 3: 1

Approach with Confidence

We can approach God with confidence. We can know for sure that He is for us and not against us. Let us not come to him like cringing fearful slaves.

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Heb 4:15, 16

For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship.^{[ a]} And by him we cry, "Abba,^[b] Father." Romans 8:15

Pray in the Spirit

If we do not know what to pray for, how to pray or our busy minds do not let us enter into his presence, let us pray in the Spirit. He will help us find that secret place.

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. Romans 8:26

Story of Creation - 1

2007-08-19T17:29:00.001-07:00

Creation speaks volumes of it's Creator. It sends our messages to us day and night, and we can listen to creation if we hear. God created the world in 6 days and he rested on the7th.

Day 1: God said, "Let there be light," and God called the light "day" and the darkness "night."
Day 2: God said, "Let there be a space between the waters" and God called this Sky. Then he created land.
Day 3: God created every sort of seed-bearing plant.
Day 4 God created the Sun, moon and stars to separate the day from the night, to mark off the seasons, days, and years.
Day 5 God created the fish and birds of the air.
Day 6 God created every sort of animal to reproduce after its own kind.
CREATION OF MAN
Day 6 Then God said, "Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us. They will reign over the fish, the birds, the livestock, all the wild animals on the earth. Male andfemale he created them.
We are made in the likeness of God, but we are not God. God does not need anything to survive, He is complete, He sustains the rest of his creation – all of us have needs that mustbe met and fulfilled – every man, animal, or plant .
BLESSING
Then God blessed them and said, "Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it.
That's is exactly what man is doing today, all of us are knowingly or unknowing obeying God's ordinance and we are governing and bringing order on Planet Earth.

God's Provision for Man

2007-08-19T17:25:00.000-07:00

When God created man, He also created everything that man needed for life & sustainance.* Food
After God had created Adam, he placed him in a garden called Eden. The garden was full of all kinds of trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food. Man could eat from anytree in the garden, except from the "Tree of Knowledge of Good & Evil, for God commanded that if man would eat of the tree, he will die" . We see God providing man's basic need -food.*
Job
God put man in Eden to work it & to take care of it. Adam was a gardener. God had also created the animals and birds, and he brought them to man so that he would name them. Healso gave Adam dominion or power over all creatures & to subdue the earth. We see God providing the need for livelihood.*
Life-partner
Although Adam named all the animals, he could not find a suitable helper and companion. God saw that Adam was lonely and said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will makea helper suitable for him." . So God caused Adam to fall into a deep sleep; and he took one of the man's ribs, closed up the place with flesh and made a woman. For this reason aman will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh. Genesis 2:24We can do our best to look for the right job, or life partner, but our search will end in vain if we do not ask God for his help and guidance. He created us and He know exactlywhat's best for us, so lets ask God and trust him to provide for all our needs.

1 ) Spirtual Gifts - Part 1

2007-08-19T16:52:00.000-07:00

All the spiritual gifts in 1 Cor 12:7-11 are for today. They are not gifts merely given to the "early church", but are available to each of us as the Spirit wills for the building up of the church and for the common good. Which of these gifts do we have and exercise regularly, or do we earnestly desire and covet these gifts if we do not possess them:

Miraculous powers – gift to perform signs and wonders so that the eyes of unbelieving might be opened and that's God's power may be demonstrated on earth.

Prophecy – gift to speak forth words of encouragement, edification. Prophesy is to build up another person, a word that is apt for the situation they are facing. It is important for Pastors to have this gift.

Distinguishing between spirits - this is spiritual discernment, not suspicion. It helps you determine what is motivating a person, and whether it is from the Spirit of God or not.

Speaking in different kinds of tongues, - Speaking in a heavenly language which you haven't learned, which flows through the Spirit from your tongue in an audible language. 1) This is a tongue given in a public church body meeting and needs to be interpreted and 2) it is different from the tongues mentioned in 1 Cor 14:14-15 which is for personal communication with God and to worship God. For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. 15So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my mind.Interpretation of tongues.- This gift helps you interpret a tongue spoken publicly in the church. Tongue + interpretation = prophesy, and it encourages and builds up the body.Let's grow the fruit of the Spirit and exercise the gifts of the Spirit more in these days.

Q 82) Is sickness from God? - u

2007-08-19T16:31:00.001-07:00

I am the LORD, who heals you. Exodus 15:26. God does not bring sickness - The adversary (Satan) is the cause of our disease. The origin of disease is because of the Fall of man. Healing came with the redemptive work of Christ. He took all our sickness on the cross.
Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, ….and by his wounds we are healed. Isaiah 53:4, 5how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him Acts 10:38
Is healing God's will for me?It is always God's will for you to be healed. A leper came to Jesus and said "Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean." Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. "I am willing," he said. "Be clean!" Immediately he was cured.
Is it instant?Sometimes healing comes instantly (miracle), other times it's not instant - it is a process. Don't look at the symptoms, just believe it's coming just like an expectant woman knows she will have a baby soon. Know that there is a seed in you, wait for it to grow, water it regularly

Our part - Receive itIf someone were to offer you their love on Valentine 's Day and you reject it, their love bounces back and it is not received. It is the same with healing. God offers it to everyone, but you need to receive it.

1. Confess that God will heal you because Jesus paid for it. – no word of God is void, it accomplishes what it is supposed to do. When you say it you make your body submit to God's word.

2. Do not hold an unforgiving spirit in your heart and do not cling to sin.

3. Submit yourself to God, resist the devil and He will flee
Know that it was paid for 2000 years ago, and it's yours today!
Archana

Q 79) Is there a judgment day? - u

2007-08-19T16:31:00.000-07:00

Many people live life not knowing that it is their only chance. Judgement day is coming for each person when God will either reward or punish us according to what we have done.

Each of us will have to stand before God and explain our actions to Him. God sees everything man does, even if it is hidden or concealed from others.

Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. Heb 4:13

And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment, Hebrews 9:27
For we will all stand before God's judgment seat.

It is written: " 'As surely as I live,' says the Lord, 'every knee will bow before me; every tongue will confess to God.' "
So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God. Romans 14:10

God desires that we are truthful to him in our hearts. He looks beyond our outward religious activity to see if we are really serious about him.

Can we escape His anger on that day?
We cannot make it by our own good deeds or holiness because however good we are we still sin. We need to confess our sins to God everyday, ask Jesus' blood to cleanse our hearts, turn from our sinful life, and walk with God daily.

Q 79) Can we imagine enough? - u

2007-08-19T16:28:00.000-07:00

Be it American Idol, Indian Idol, a sports icon, a successful business man- we all have people whom we root for, love, and admire - people we look up to as models and icons.

It is also true that when we admire someone, we begin to act like them or become like them. It's the same with God. We become like the one we worship. The more we worship God, the more of his qualities live in us. Are we worshipping a vanity, futility, a creation, a figment of our imagination, money, success, fame?

Jeremiah 23:23, 24 Do I not fill heaven and earth? says the LORD.

None of us, however hard we imagine cannot truly comprehend how big and how awesome God is. He fills heaven and Earth. He is more than our imagination. As Man we tend to confine who God is to the limits of our thinking or comprehension.

But Let God be God and let him reveal each aspect of Himself to us.

Pray this prayer: God, I truly want to know you. I know that I cannot measure you with my imagination. I ask you to reveal yourself to me so that I can know you and worship you more.

Q 79) Are you stirring up your gifts? - u

2007-08-19T16:26:00.000-07:00

Just as a bonfire needs to be stirred up and re-kindled, we also need to stir up our spiritual gifts.Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. (NKJV) God doesn't want us to be shy with his gifts, but bold and loving and sensible. (Message). 2 Timothy 1:6

We can stir up the gifts by making the most of every opportunities to use them. Otherwise, the gifts will lie dormant and eventually decay. The best way to increase our gifts is to use them more and more.

The greatest enemy in using our gifts is Fear. But God has not given us a spirit of fear or timidity. Instead he has given us:

Power; the courage we need to face life and its challenges, problems, and situations. This courageous spirit will help us face opposition.
Love: love for God in our hearts will give us the drive and the passion we need to endure difficulties, just as Jacob endured difficulties to obtain Rachel
Sound Mind: Sometimes our imaginations and expectations tend to disappoint us. God gives us a quiet, restful mind, content in the present, and helps us enjoy our daily life.

Desire the gifts
Let us identify the gifts we have been given and use them increasingly. Let us also desire the greater gifts. The scriptures below highlight the various spiritual gifts.
for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same[ b] Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 1 Corinthians 12: 8 - 10

But earnestly desire the best gifts. 1 Corinthians 12:31

Q 78) Can we live again ? - u

2007-08-19T16:24:00.000-07:00

If God lives in heaven and we live on Earth, then there is no way we can know what he is like unless someone has seen him.

No one has ever seen God. But the unique One (Jesus), who is himself God, is near to the Father's heart. He has revealed God to us. John 1:8
For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. Colossians 2:9
Jesus has revealed God to us. He is God from the beginning, but when he came to Earth, He emptied himself of all God's splendor .

· How do we know He is true?
Jesus rose from the dead. His tomb is empty and his remains are not found. Jesus predicted his death and resurrection. Many prophets foretold that he would die and rise again.
He was seen by Peter and then by the Twelve. After that, he was seen by more than 500 of his followers at one time… 1Corinthians 15:3-6

· He conquered death
His virgin birth, his holy life, death, and resurrection are unique and unmatched. Only God can conquer death – and He proved it.
No one can take my life from me. I sacrifice it voluntarily. For I have the authority to lay it down when I want to and also to take it up again…John 10:18

· You can live again
Jesus died and rose again, and He made a way for us to live forever.
"I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. John 11:25
He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross. Col 2:14

Q 78) Where does our confidence lie?

2007-08-19T16:20:00.000-07:00

For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh… Phil 3:3

What is circumcision.
Circumcision is putting off of the sinful nature. In him you were also circumcised, in the putting off of the sinful nature. not with a circumcision done by the hands of men but with the circumcision done by Christ, having been buried with him in baptism and raised with him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead. Col 2:11, 12

Not trusting in ourselves
We need to put our complete trust in Him and not have any confidence in the flesh or in our human efforts: out talents, intelligence, understanding, or expertise.
For we are not the cause for anything -e.g. a revival or a move of the Spirit. We are mere carriers of what God has already prepared and planned by His spirit For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Eph 2:10 for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. Phil 2:13

Let us put our confidence and glory in Christ Jesus and not in ourselves.

Q 79 Do you need a fresh start? Part 2 - U

2006-12-29T17:36:00.000-08:00

As the new year begins, do you want to start your life afresh on a clean slate? Do you need a restoration of your life, marriage, finances, peace, health

Only God can give you rest and restore what you've lost. Whatever the circumstance is, whatever challenge you face, and however impossible your situation is, there is nothing to difficult for God.

A new heart and spirit

I'll give you a new heart, put a new spirit in you. I'll remove the stone heart from your body and replace it with a heart that's God-willed, not self-willed. I'll put my Spirit in you and make it possible for you to do what I tell you and live by my commands. Ezekiel 36:26, 27

You are invited

All you need to do is come. Jesus offers a fresh start, a way out, rest for the weary – it doesn't matter what you are weary about. He will give you rest.

"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it... I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly." Matthew 11:28

Q 78) Are you a servant? - C

2006-12-29T17:35:00.001-08:00

Do we think about making God big, or do we seek to make ourselves look better? To lead you must be willing to be the servant of all. Jesus ushered in a new kingdom in which the way to the top was to be a servant.

· Let others go first

Don't push your way to the front; don't sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don't be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand. Phil 2:1-4 (Message)

Let’s imitate Jesus

Jesus, second person of the trinity emptied and humbled himself. His birth and death underline his humility. His life portrayed servant hood. Let us follow in His steps.

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
6Who, being in very nature^[a] God,
did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
7but made himself nothing,
taking the very nature^[b] of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
8And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to death—
even death on a cross! Phil 2: 6-8

Q 78) Are you a servant? - C

2006-12-29T17:35:00.000-08:00

· Let others go first

Let’s imitate Jesus

Jesus, second person of the trinity emptied and humbled himself. His birth and death underline his humility. His life portrayed servant hood. Let us follow in His steps.

Q 78 Are you living by faith? - C

2006-12-29T17:34:00.001-08:00

Do we feel God is pleased with us when we keep a bunch of rules?

How did your new life begin? Was it by working your heads off to please God? Or was it by responding to God's Message to you? Galatians 3:2-4
If it is by faith alone, then let us continue in the same way – through Faith, because the scriptures says The righteous will live by faith - Galatians 3:10.
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 1 John 1:8

· Remain Free

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1. The law puts on us a heavy burden we cannot bear. But Christ took the curse of the law to make us free.
You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. Galatians 5:

Free by the Spirit

True freedom comes when we trust ourselves by faith to the Holy Spirit to help us live a pure lifestyle. So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. Galatians 5:16

He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.

Let us live by faith, and by faith receive His Spirit and his promises.

Q 77) Are we saved by keeping laws?

2006-12-29T17:34:00.000-08:00

Ever tried keeping a bunch of moral rules to lead a good life and ended up breaking them? The law serves only one purpose – it shows us where we are wrong. It does not help us do what is right.

If anyone breaks a law, he becomes a law-breaker or sinner. The scriptures says: "Utterly cursed is every person who fails to carry out every detail written in the Book of the law." Galatians 3:10. A murderer and a liar are both law-breakers and under the curse of sin.

Not by law, but Faith

You don’t need to trust in the Law but in Christ.

That is what happened when Jesus was nailed to the cross (he hung on a tree). The Scripture that says, "Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree” Galatians 3: 13-14

Jesus became a curse, and at the same time dissolved the curse we are under because of sin. He absorbed the curse completely into himself.

By faith in Christ you are in direct relationship with God. God sends His Spirit in you to help you lead a holy life.

"I will put my law in their minds
and write it on their hearts.
I will be their God,
and they will be my people. Jeremiah 31:33,34

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Q 77 Do you need a fresh start? Part 2 - U

2006-12-29T17:32:00.000-08:00

Many of us have regrets and failures. Wouldn't it be great if we could start afresh, a clean past, without guilt or regret, with a great hope and future?
The good news is that this is possible!

A fresh start

You don't have to live under a curse any longer. On the cross, Jesus died in your place. He took the punishment for all your sins, past failures, sickness, and poverty.
God is not angry and does not count your sins against you because Jesus has brought peace.
This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ.

Come back home

So the call today is "Come back to God!" For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.
The father is waiting with open arms to wipe your tears, embrace you in His love, and give you a new beginning. It's never too late for God.

Q 76 Does it cost you something? - C

2006-12-29T17:31:00.000-08:00

Many times we are tempted to give that which does not cost us much. King David was faced by a plague and he wanted to make a sacrifice to the Lord. Araunah offered to give his property and animals to the King so that the sacrifice could be performed. But King David replied to Araunah, "No, I insist on paying the full price. I will not take for the LORD what is yours, or sacrifice a burnt offering that costs me nothing. 1 Chronicles 20:24 Similarly, Mary broke a costly alabaster jar of perfume at Jesus' feet.

Giving of ourselves

Be it time, energy, or service we need to give our best as unto the Lord.
The word exhorts "Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." 1 Corinthians 15

Giving of our resources

Let us give joyfully, generously, and sacrificially of what is ours.
Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. 2 Corinthians 8
Let us not forget that the Lord gave us everything, and he deserves our highest love, best energy, prime time, and generous offering.

Q 75 Is nature speaking to you? - U

2006-12-29T17:30:00.000-08:00

As you look at the beautiful night skies and stars, the earth and the moon, the hills, rivers, mountains, or a new born baby - you cannot help but think that it is God who made all these marvels. It makes us worship God who created everything we can see.

All Nature Speaks

The bible says that " The heavens proclaim the glory of God, The skies display his craftsmanship. Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known. They speak without a sound or word; their voice is never heard.Yet their message has gone throughout the earth, and their words to all the world. Psalm 19

God gives good gifts to all

God is a father, and he provides for everyone – even for those who do not acknowledge him.

"but he (God) never left them without evidence of himself and his goodness. For instance, he sends you rain and good crops and gives you food and joyful hearts." Acts 14:17

Let's be perfect like our father

But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike.

So let's worship the creator and be perfect like he is.

Q 75 ) Are we standing when tempted? - C

2006-12-29T17:29:00.000-08:00

Sometimes we may think that we can overcome temptation because of our past track record of victory or because we think we are holy.

Only by grace

The truth, however, is that none of us can stand except for the grace of God. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 10:12 –

So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall!

It is not uncommon

Anyone can knock at your door, but you can choose to either let them into your home or not. Sinful thoughts are presented to every mind. You can either choose to immediately reject them, or nurture them. You do not sin if sinful thoughts come, but you definitely do sin if you entertain them.

No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. Verse 13

God makes a way We are not left as orphans in this world who have no defense against the enemy All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he'll never let you be pushed past your limit; he'll always be there to help you come through it. (Message)

And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. (NIV Verse 14)

Let us come humbly and boldly to the Throne of Grace to ask for help in times of need. We have a faithful God who never sleeps or slumbers when watching over us.

Q 74 Are We Tempted? - C

2006-12-29T17:27:00.000-08:00

Do we pray for ourselves and our husband/wife everyday? We live in a world where we can be tempted at any time. How can we protect ourselves from it?

Sincere prayer

Jesus' said "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. " Mat 26:41.

We need to watch (be cautious) and pray (ask God for help).

Let's make this the prayer of our hearts like Jesus taught his disciples to pray: " And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. " Mat 6

Be aware of the enemy

The enemy of our souls is just looking for a moment of our weakness to make us fall. King David was slack and didn't go to battle and he fell.

…so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.1 Corinthians 7:7

Let's pray for each other daily. Let's over ourselves with God's protection, knowing that it is by his Grace alone that we can stand and not by our own merit or righteousness.

Q 73 Where is the temple of God

2006-12-29T17:26:00.000-08:00

Will God hear us only if we pray from a certain mountain or make a journey to a certain place or a temple?
We can pray to God anywhere and at anytime.

Jesus said:

But the time is coming—it has, in fact, come—when what you're called will not matter and where you go to worship will not matter. John 4 : 21-23

We are the temple of God T

he God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands. Acts 17:24

Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you?

If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him; for God's temple is sacred, and you are that temple. 1 Cor 3:16,17

Worship in honesty

It's who you are and the way you live that count before God. Your worship must engage your spirit in the pursuit of truth.

That's the kind of people the Father is out looking for: those who are simply and honestly themselves before him in their worship. John 4: 23-24

Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart, lets confess our mistakes to God and let Jesus' blood cleanse our hearts so that we can be holy temples of His presence.

Q 72 Does God answer Everyone?

2006-12-29T17:24:00.000-08:00

Does God answer only a few selected people like saints or priests? Or can anyone from any race, culture, or creed come to Him?

Everyone is equal

God does not show partiality. We all are equal in his eyes and He helps each of us.

For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him.

For the Scripture says, "Whoever believes on Him will never be disappointed."

For "whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved." Romans 10:11-13

Sin separates us from God

God wants to help each of us, but sometimes our sins/wrongs block us from him.

And your sins have hidden His face from you, So that He will not hear. Isaiah 59: 2

Because sin separates us from God, sacrifices are offered to remove sin. Many penances, and good works are done to remove sin. However, God has provided a better way.

God made a way to come to Him

Jesus came and became a sacrifice once and for all, for all sins – past, present, and future by dying on the cross. He rose from the dead and became the bridge between God and man by removing our sin and guilt which separates us from God.

When we face problems, we can come to God in boldness through Jesus' name. Present your need to God and quit worrying.

For Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God's right hand, pleading for us. Romans 8:34

Q 71) What is Grace?

2006-12-29T17:23:00.000-08:00

To succeed, to have victory, to overcome satan, and to have an effective ministry we all need grace. Grace is God's help in times of need. It is also His enablement, blessing, and favor to start and to bring to completion all that we are called to do. We are living in a world where sin abounds, but God promises grace that in a greater measure. Romans 5:20 But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more,

Without him we can do nothing

Psalm 127: 1 Unless the LORD builds the house,
They labor in vain who build it;

Boldly ask for grace

If you think you can't go on, fyou eel like you've hit the wall, if you are struggling with everyday life, just ask Him boldly for grace.
Hebrews 4:16Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Here is a promise to all who ask, every circumstance which is a mountain/obstacle in your life will be removed through Jesus' grace.

Zechariah 4:7 ' Who are you, O great mountain?
Before Zerubbabel you shall become a plain!
And he shall bring forth the capstone
With shouts of "Grace, grace to it!"'

Position yourself to receive grace

Pride is a denial of our own true condition. Humility thinks of others as better than oneself. Humility waits under His hand and for His time to be exalted. Let us put on humility- it is a conscious act.
Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for
" God resists the proud,
But gives grace to the humble. 1 Peter 5:5

Q 70 Is your offering acceptable?

2006-12-29T17:21:00.000-08:00

The Lord wants us to obey him. Sometimes we try to substitute our obedience by making offerings and sacrifices to God. If our hearts are right with God and we do not harbor any secret sin, we confess our sins and ask for his forgiveness and grace, and live an upright life, then our offerings are pleasing to him.

· The fall of Saul

Saul was king of Israel and God asked him to battle against the Amalekites and destroy them. Saul conquers Amalek but disobeys God. He does not kill the king and keeps back spoils which include the animals, which he supposedly says he wants to offer to God as a sacrifice. The Lord rejects Saul and Samuel the prophet confronts Saul and tells him that he has disobeyed God.

1 samuel 15:22 But Samuel replied:
"Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices
as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD ?
To obey is better than sacrifice,
and to heed is better than the fat of rams.

· The Lord accepts Cornelius

Cornelius was a devout, God-fearing man. He gave generously to the poor and prayed regularly to God.

One day an angel of the Lord appears to Cornelius Acts 10: 4 And the angel replied, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have been received by God as an offering.

· The Lord accepts us if

God accepts our offering if our lives (holy and pleasing) are given to him a sacrifice more than mere gifts or traditions.

offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritualact of worship. Romans 12:1

Q 69) Are you weary and burdened?

2006-12-29T17:19:00.000-08:00

Come

The daily rush, busyness, extra work load, responsibilities, chores, issues of the heart and mind leave us with frayed nerves and drained emotions. The Lord wants to give us a refreshing

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest Matthew 11:28

Lay it down

When I was riding the bus one day to school, I saw a lady carrying a load on her back. She refused to take a seat and lay the load down. She clung to bag and the weight bore her down. The lady didn’t have to bear the burden, she could choose to let it rest. In the same way, we can cling on to our burdens and let them wear us out or we can cast our burdens on the Lord and let him work out the details.

Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows Isaiah 53: 4 Jesus bore all our burdens for us on the cross. We don’t have to bear them anymore.

Let go to take-off

We can’t fly or soar if we are bogged down by our problems.

But those who wait upon God get fresh strength.
They spread their wings and soar like eagles,
They run and don't get tired,
they walk and don't lag behind. Isaiah 40: 31

Q 69 Is anything too hard for the Lord?

2006-12-29T17:18:00.001-08:00

When we look at the night skies, the beautiful sunset, the sea in all its vastness, we are humbled by the fact that the God who created all these things is also sustaining them with his mighty word. Heb 1:4

When we serve such a mighty and big God, our problems look small. One who can sustains heaven and Earth, the beasts of the wild, and birds of the air can surely sustain us.

Jeremiah 32:17
'Ah, Lord GOD! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. There is nothing too hard for You

Jeremiah 32: 27
"I am the LORD, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?

Nothing is impossible with God. We shouldn't be telling God how big our problem is, but let's tell the problem how big our God is. He knows our need before we can even say it, but he asks us to come to him and ask of him. Ask in Jesus' name and watch expectantly, because He says "Is anything too hard for me"?

Q 69 Is anything too hard for the Lord?

2006-12-29T17:18:00.000-08:00

Q 67 Are you thirsty?

2006-12-29T17:17:00.000-08:00

We often find ourselves thirsty and dry. We look to different things to fill the emptiness, like success, fame, friends, and pursuing what we desire. These things might be good, but they do not bring lasting happiness.

Jesus was very tired as he was walking through a Samaritan (non-jewish) village that bordered a Jewish town. He sat down by a well. A Samaritan woman came to draw water. Jesus said, "Would you give me a drink of water?" The Samaritan woman, taken aback, asked, "How come you, a Jew, are asking me, a Samaritan woman, for a drink?" (Jews in those days wouldn't be caught dead talking to Samaritans.) Jesus answered, If you knew the generosity of God and who I am, you would be asking me for a drink, and I would give you fresh, living water." Jesus said

"Everyone who drinks this water (water from the well) will get thirsty again and again. Anyone who drinks the water I give will never thirst—not ever. The water I give will be an artesian spring within, gushing fountains of endless life.

A well is a source of satisfaction that will run dry. We all have wells, but Jesus gives us a river. This river signifies perennial life that flows in and through us – first to satisfy us and then to bless those around us.

"If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him." John 7:38

Q 67 Are you thirsty?

2006-12-29T17:15:00.001-08:00

Q 66 Why Should We Work?

2006-12-29T17:13:00.000-08:00

There are times when we despair because our work can be so exacting, taxing, or frustrating. We could always throw in the towel, give up, or go another way. The word of God however says:

Bear the yoke

It is good for a man to bear the yoke while he is young. Lamentations 4:28-31

Continue to do good

Galations 6:9 Let us not be weary in doing good,; for we will reap in due season

Do we get tired of helping others. The scriptures tell us to continue in this path, for there is a promised reward.

Romans 12: 7If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; 8if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

13 Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

Work with your hands

1 Thessalonians 4:11 make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, and to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands

Lets thank the Lord for our jobs and work using our talents.

Q 68 Are you a Victim or a Victor?

2006-12-29T17:12:00.000-08:00

Does that task ahead of you seem daunting? Is the fear new responsibilities, transition, or work-stress weighing you down? Does the future seem threatening and bleak?

The story of Joseph can be an encouragement. Joseph was specially favored by his father because he was the youngest of twelve brothers. His jealous brothers sold him as a slave to an Egyptian household where he was falsely accused of a crime and was thrown into prison. Later, Pharaoh the King had a dream which no one could interpret, except Joseph. Joseph was released from prison and made second in command to Pharaoh.

Acts 7: 9, 10 "Because the patriarchs were jealous of Joseph, they sold him as a slave into Egypt. But God was with him and rescued him from all his troubles. He gave Joseph wisdom and enabled him to gain the goodwill of Pharaoh king of Egypt; so he made him ruler over Egypt and all his palace.

Genesis 39:2 And the LORD was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man;

The Lord was with Joseph. If we ask God to be with us like Jospeh, then in all our battles we can be victors and not victims. God can 1) Rescue us 2) Give us wisdom 3) Enable us 4) Grant us favor 5) Prosper us.

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Q 65 What is Agape Love?

2006-12-29T17:11:00.000-08:00

As human beings, we all want to be loved. There are times when we receive love and every thing feels great. But there our other times human love falls short, and you cannot meet expectations. Or there may be other times when you fail to be accepted and loved because you stop acting or behaving like you are supposed to.

Agape Love is a kind of love God has for us. He has Agape love for everyone. God's love is free and he loves us no matter what we do. He accepts us just as we are, inspite of our mistakes, shortcomings and failure.

If you are struggling to please God or trying to be accepted, you can rest your fears.

1 John 4: 7,8

11Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. 9This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son^{[ b]} into the world that we might live through him.

Love for others

We also need to love others the way God loves us

7 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.

Q 63 Do you need a Miracle?

2006-12-29T17:09:00.001-08:00

There are times in our lives when we wish for a breakthrough, a miracle, or a way of escape. However, we fail to realize that how we trust God and respond to our problems determines how soon we see the miracle.

Matthew 13: 58 And he did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith.

When Jesus visited his hometown, many lacked faith. They despised him because of his family and his background. Their unbelief worked against them.

Faith or unbelief?

· Are you willing to let go of your fears and trust in His provision for the future?

· Are you willing to give Him your everyday anxieties and ask Him to help you with each?

· Are you willing to believe that He is working out the best for you and planning in love to give you a hope and a future?

He doesn't promise a storm-free life, but he does promise to be with you, help you, and save you. Take the challenge, trust him today…and keep on trusting because your miracle is on the way!

Q 63 Do you need a Miracle?

2006-12-29T17:09:00.000-08:00

There are times in our lives when we wish for a breakthrough, a miracle, or a way of escape. However, we fail to realize that how we trust God and respond to our problems determines how soon we see the miracle.

Matthew 13: 58 And he did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith.

When Jesus visited his hometown, many lacked faith. They despised him because of his family and his background. Their unbelief worked against them.

Faith or unbelief?

· Are you willing to let go of your fears and trust in His provision for the future?

· Are you willing to give Him your everyday anxieties and ask Him to help you with each?

· Are you willing to believe that He is working out the best for you and planning in love to give you a hope and a future?

He doesn't promise a storm-free life, but he does promise to be with you, help you, and save you. Take the challenge, trust him today…and keep on trusting because your miracle is on the way!

Q 64 Can a Prodigal receive Love?

2006-12-29T17:07:00.000-08:00

A failure, a breakdown, a past blemish, an act of ignorance. Can we ask God for forgiveness? Does he accept us despite our failures?

There is never a point-of-no-return with God. Read this story...

There was a man who had two sons. The younger one wanted a share in the father's property, and so his father divided his property. The younger son took all the money went to a distant land and wasted his wealth in wild living. After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he had nothing. So he took up a job of feeding pigs. He was so hungry that he wished he could eat the pig's food but no one gave him anything. When he came to his senses, he realized that his father's servants had better food than him. He decided to return to his home and ask his father if he could be a hired worker. While he was still a long way off, his father saw his son and ran to him, threw his arms around and kissed him. He had him wear the best robe and put a ring on his finger. The father called for a feast to celebrate his son's return. He said " this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found. Luke 15

When God forgives us, he wipes our past clean.

Q 61 Why the World needs a Savior? Part 2

2006-12-29T17:05:00.000-08:00

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. John 3:17

· For freedom from sin

If you've been battling a particular sin or problem, Jesus will give you the strength to be completely free if you ask him.

…you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." Matthew 1:21

· For the lost

If you do not know the right way to go, or your life is in a mess and you need counsel, or you need a way out your desperate situation, then Jesus is the answer.

For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost. Luke 19:10

· For the lonely

Jesus is a comforter to the lonely. He promises that his Holy Spirit will always be with you and will never leave you, encouraging and guiding you each day.

… and they will call him Immanuel"—which means, "God with us." Luke 19:23

· For eternal life

Jesus rose from the grave proving there is life after death and that death is defeated. He made a way of escape from Hell to heaven for you if you believe in him.

..whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

Q 61 Why the world needs a Savior? Part1

2006-12-29T17:04:00.000-08:00

A knight in a shining amour or a superhero to the rescue. We see stories of superheroes on TV. But with each of these heroes comes an Achilles' heel or a vulnerability to Kryptonite. The imaginary savior still needs a savior.

Here's the story of a different kind of a Savior:

Friend of the lowly

Jesus was born in a feeding trough in a stable. Angels announced his birth to lowly shepherds saying:

Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord - Luke 1:11

Sent to all people

Jesus was presented at the temple soon after his birth where old Simeon and Anna (aged 84) were serving. It had been revealed to Simeon by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ. When Simeon saw Jesus, he says in prophesy:

"Lord, now I can die in peace! As you promised me, I have seen the Savior you have given to all people. He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and he is the glory of your people Israel!" Luke 2:29 - 32

Jesus is sent to reveal God to all nations and all peoples. He loves and saves everyone. He excludes no one.

To continue ...

Q 61 Why the world needs a Savior? Part1

2006-12-29T17:03:00.000-08:00

Here's the story of a different kind of a Savior:

Friend of the lowly

Jesus was born in a feeding trough in a stable. Angels announced his birth to lowly shepherds saying:

Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord - Luke 1:11

Sent to all people

Jesus is sent to reveal God to all nations and all peoples. He loves and saves everyone. He excludes no one.

To continue ...

Q 61 Why the world needs a Savior? 1

2006-12-29T17:02:00.000-08:00

Here's the story of a different kind of a Savior:

Friend of the lowly

Jesus was born in a feeding trough in a stable. Angels announced his birth to lowly shepherds saying:

Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ^{[ a]} the Lord - Luke 1:11

Sent to all people

Jesus is sent to reveal God to all nations and all peoples. He loves and saves everyone. He excludes no one.

To continue ...

Q 59 Which of these is you?

2006-12-29T17:00:00.000-08:00

We can be like any of the four types of in our response to the word of God. Jesus' parable:

· On the path

A farmer went out to scatter his seed (word of God). The soil is the heart of man.

Some seeds fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up.

As soon as they hear the word of God, Satan comes and takes away the word that was sown in them.

· On the rocks

Some seeds fell on rocky places. It sprang up quickly. When the sun came up, the plants withered because they had no root.

People hear the word, they receive it with joy. But when trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away.

· Among thorns

Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants, so that they did not bear grain.

People hear the word; but the 1) worries of this life, the 2) deceitfulness of wealth and the3) desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful.

· In good soil

Still other seed fell on good soil and produced a crop, of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times. They 1) hear the word, 2) accept it, and 3) produce a crop

Do we read the word, meditate on it, and obey it? Or do we get busy and forget acting on it ?

Q 58 Is God Pleased with You?

2006-12-29T16:59:00.000-08:00

God is pleased with a person who is obedient to him. The reverse is also true. If we make many sacrifices to him, yet continue to sin, then he says in Isaiah 1

11 "The multitude of your sacrifices—
what are they to me?" says the LORD... I have no pleasure in the blood of bulls and lambs and goats.

Reason God does not accept our sacrifices and prayers if we regard sin.

15 When you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide my eyes from you;
even if you offer many prayers, I will not listen.
Your hands are full of blood;

Repentance We need to go to the foot of the cross and repent of our sins, stop doing wrong, and obey him.

16 wash and make yourselves clean….
Stop doing wrong, 17 learn to do right!
Seek justice, encourage the oppressed.

Defend the cause of the fatherless,
plead the case of the widow.

Remedy Ask Jesus blood to cleanse you from all sin.

18 "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow;
though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.

Q 57 Are you waiting anxiously?

2006-12-29T16:58:00.000-08:00

A job, a life partner, a financial breakthrough, an open door, an answer to prayer - whatever it may be, God knows your need even before you ask him, and he has an answer tailor-made for you. So quit worrying and start trusting him.

Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him Psalms 37:7

Right time

There is a right time for everything. In the fullness of time, Jesus came.

Galatians 4:4 But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woma n, born under law

Ecclesiastes 8:6 For there is a proper time and procedure for every matter,

Ecclesiastes 3:11 He has made everything beautiful in its time.

Here's the deal:

If you put God first in your life, God will take care of your needs.

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Matthew 6:33

Q 56) Are you the Head?

2006-12-29T16:57:00.000-08:00

We all have a number of tasks to do everyday. If you take on each task bearing the following principle in mind, there is a promised reward:

1. All your heart and might

Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might. Ecclesiastes 9:10

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Colossians 3:23-24

2. Diligent hands will rule

Working hard consistently will get you noticed. Work hard and become a leader. Proverbs 12:24

3. To get to the top, obey His word

Read the Bible and obey whatever God speaks through it everyday and God will bless your work.

The LORD will open the heavens, the storehouse of his bounty, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands. You will lend to many nations but will borrow from none. The LORD will make you the head, not the tail. If you pay attention to the commands of the LORD your God that I give you this day and carefully follow them, you will always be at the top, never at the bottom. Deuteronomy 28: 12, 13

Q 55 Are You Enjoying Your Life?

2006-12-29T16:56:00.000-08:00

Man can have everything his heart desires and still remain unhappy. Enjoying life is a gift from God.

Jesus said: The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life." John 10:10

· A gift from God

That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil —this is the gift of God. Ecclesiastes 3: 13,14

Are you thanking God for your job and letting him help you enjoy it?

· God gives happiness and wealth

God is the giver of all good things James 1:7

Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work—this is a gift of God. He seldom reflects on the days of his life, because God keeps him occupied with gladness of heart. Ecclesiastes 5:19, 20

· Include others

Extend help to others around you.

I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. Ecclesiastes 3:12

· God is the Source

To the man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness. Ecclesiastes 2:26

Q 54 Are you a Seeker?

2006-12-29T16:54:00.000-08:00

In a treasure hunt, you don't win the prize until you seek the clues and follow the directions. It's the same with God. If you seek him in real earnest, he will reveal himself to you.

God wants us to seek him

Seeking is a desperate attempt to find something precious, for instance if you've lost your wallet, you would definitely search until you found it.

Duet 4:29

But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul.

6From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. 27God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us. Acts 17: 26, 27

· God wants us to enjoy life

Maybe you have questions about God, the way to heaven, the truth about man, and eternal life, then here's a clue:

In John 10:10, Jesus says:

I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it ^[a]overflows).

John 14: 6

Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. Read more about eternal life.

Q 52 Where God Where?

2006-12-29T16:52:00.000-08:00

We all have people whom we root for, love, and admire - we also have people we look up to as models and icons. If is also common, that when we admire someone we begin to act like them or carry ourselves like they do. It is true that we become like the person we worship.

It's the same with God. We become like the one we worship. Are we worshipping a true God who created all things, or are we merely worshipping a creation, a figment of our imagination?

Jeremiah 23:23, 24 Do I not fill heaven and earth? says the LORD.

Where can man find God. Where does God live? Can man find God?

Acts 17: 24- 31

The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands. And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything, because he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else. From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us.

For in him we live and move and have our being.' As some of your own poets have said, 'We are his offspring.' Therefore since we are God's offspring, we should not think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone—an image made by man's design and skill. In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent. For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man (Jesus) he has appointed. He has given proof of this to all men by raising him from the dead.

Q 52 Where God Where?

2006-12-29T16:51:00.001-08:00

It's the same with God. We become like the one we worship. Are we worshipping a true God who created all things, or are we merely worshipping a creation, a figment of our imagination?

Jeremiah 23:23, 24 Do I not fill heaven and earth? says the LORD.

Where can man find God. Where does God live? Can man find God?

Acts 17: 24- 31

Q 52 Where God Where?

2006-12-29T16:51:00.000-08:00

It's the same with God. We become like the one we worship. Are we worshipping a true God who created all things, or are we merely worshipping a creation, a figment of our imagination?

Jeremiah 23:23, 24 Do I not fill heaven and earth? says the LORD.

Where can man find God. Where does God live? Can man find God?

Acts 17: 24- 31

51 Why did Jesus Come?

2006-12-29T16:48:00.002-08:00

Jesus did not come to establish a new religion. He came to bridge the separation between God and man. This separation came because of sin.

1. God is a holy.

Habakkuk 1:13 speaks about God.

Your eyes are too pure to look on evil;
you cannot tolerate wrong.

Sinful man could never approach a Holy God and so man performed many sacrifices to be forgiven and accepted by God. When Jesus came, he abolished the system of sacrifices. Jesus became the once-and-for-all sacrifice.

2. God is with us

Religion is a set of rules and regulations. Christ came to give us a Relationship not a religion - to touch our personal life, to help us in our weaknesses, to heal our sicknesses, and most of all to forgive our sins, and be with us to help us.

…you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."

23"The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel" —which means, "God with us." Matthew 1: 21, and 23

3. God helps us

We are not left alone to face our problems. God's help is assured.

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one (Jesus) who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence (God's throne), so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:15, 16

51 why did jesus come

Jesus did not come to establish a new religion. He came to bridge the separation between God and man. This separation came because of sin.

1. God is a holy.

Habakkuk 1:13 speaks about God.

Your eyes are too pure to look on evil;
you cannot tolerate wrong.

2. God is with us

…you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."

23"The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel" —which means, "God with us." Matthew 1: 21, and 23

3. God helps us

We are not left alone to face our problems. God's help is assured.

51 Why did Jesus Come?

2006-12-29T16:48:00.001-08:00

Jesus did not come to establish a new religion. He came to bridge the separation between God and man. This separation came because of sin.

1. God is a holy.

Habakkuk 1:13 speaks about God.

Your eyes are too pure to look on evil;
you cannot tolerate wrong.

2. God is with us

…you are to give him the name Jesus,^{[ c]} because he will save his people from their sins."

23"The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel" ^[d]—which means, "God with us." Matthew 1: 21, and 23

3. God helps us

We are not left alone to face our problems. God's help is assured.

51 why did jesus come

Jesus did not come to establish a new religion. He came to bridge the separation between God and man. This separation came because of sin.

1. God is a holy.

Habakkuk 1:13 speaks about God.

Your eyes are too pure to look on evil;
you cannot tolerate wrong.

2. God is with us

…you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."

23"The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel" —which means, "God with us." Matthew 1: 21, and 23

3. God helps us

We are not left alone to face our problems. God's help is assured.

51 Why did Jesus Come?

2006-12-29T16:48:00.000-08:00

Jesus did not come to establish a new religion. He came to bridge the separation between God and man. This separation came because of sin.

1. God is a holy.

Habakkuk 1:13 speaks about God.

Your eyes are too pure to look on evil;
you cannot tolerate wrong.

2. God is with us

…you are to give him the name Jesus,^{[ c]} because he will save his people from their sins."

23"The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel" ^[d]—which means, "God with us." Matthew 1: 21, and 23

3. God helps us

We are not left alone to face our problems. God's help is assured.

51 why did jesus come

Jesus did not come to establish a new religion. He came to bridge the separation between God and man. This separation came because of sin.

1. God is a holy.

Habakkuk 1:13 speaks about God.

Your eyes are too pure to look on evil;
you cannot tolerate wrong.

2. God is with us

…you are to give him the name Jesus,^{[ c]} because he will save his people from their sins."

23"The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel" ^[d]—which means, "God with us." Matthew 1: 21, and 23

3. God helps us

We are not left alone to face our problems. God's help is assured.

51 Why did Jesus Come?

2006-12-29T16:47:00.001-08:00

Jesus did not come to establish a new religion. He came to bridge the separation between God and man. This separation came because of sin.

1. God is a holy.

Habakkuk 1:13 speaks about God.

Your eyes are too pure to look on evil;
you cannot tolerate wrong.

2. God is with us

…you are to give him the name Jesus,^{[ c]} because he will save his people from their sins."

23"The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel" ^[d]—which means, "God with us." Matthew 1: 21, and 23

3. God helps us

We are not left alone to face our problems. God's help is assured.

51 why did jesus come

Jesus did not come to establish a new religion. He came to bridge the separation between God and man. This separation came because of sin.

1. God is a holy.

Habakkuk 1:13 speaks about God.

Your eyes are too pure to look on evil;
you cannot tolerate wrong.

2. God is with us

…you are to give him the name Jesus,^{[ c]} because he will save his people from their sins."

23"The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel" ^[d]—which means, "God with us." Matthew 1: 21, and 23

3. God helps us

We are not left alone to face our problems. God's help is assured.

51) Why did Jesus Come?

2006-12-29T16:47:00.000-08:00

Jesus did not come to establish a new religion. He came to bridge the separation between God and man. This separation came because of sin.

1. God is a holy.

Habakkuk 1:13 speaks about God.

Your eyes are too pure to look on evil;
you cannot tolerate wrong.

2. God is with us

…you are to give him the name Jesus,^{[ c]} because he will save his people from their sins."

23"The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel" ^[d]—which means, "God with us." Matthew 1: 21, and 23

3. God helps us

We are not left alone to face our problems. God's help is assured.

51 why did jesus come

Jesus did not come to establish a new religion. He came to bridge the separation between God and man. This separation came because of sin.

1. God is a holy.

Habakkuk 1:13 speaks about God.

Your eyes are too pure to look on evil;
you cannot tolerate wrong.

2. God is with us

…you are to give him the name Jesus,^{[ c]} because he will save his people from their sins."

23"The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel" ^[d]—which means, "God with us." Matthew 1: 21, and 23

3. God helps us

We are not left alone to face our problems. God's help is assured.

50 who is my creator?

2006-12-29T16:45:00.000-08:00

I was watching Star Trek the other day and the story was about Spock's brother who goes on a voyage to find his Creator. There is a Spock's brother in each of us.

• Who is my creator?

Isaiah 43: 1

1 But now, this is what the LORD says—

he who created you, O Jacob,

he who formed you, O Israel:

"Fear not, for I have redeemed you;

I have summoned you by name; you are mine.

John 1:18

No one has ever seen God. But his only Son (Jesus Christ), who is himself God, is near to the Father's heart; he has told us about him.

God sent Jesus into this world to make himself known as the Creator.

• Who is Jesus?

Colossians 1:15, 16, 17

Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before God made anything at all and is supreme over all creation. Christ is the one through whom God created everything in heaven and earth. 17. he holds all creation together.

Read 1 John 1 for an eye-witness account.

Q 38) Do you know the Holy Spirit?

2006-01-31T02:43:00.000-08:00

If Jesus were on earth, would you not long to meet him? The Holy Spirit is
now on the Earth, but how many of us really want to meet him?
We hear about the Trinity: Father, Son-Jesus Christ, and Holy Spirit. Did
you ever stop to really understand who the Holy Spirit is?

The Holy Spirit is a person he is here on the Earth. We first hear of the
Holy Spirit before the world's existed. Genesis 1:2,3 the Spirit of God was
hovering over the waters. And God said, "Let there be light,"...

The Holy Spirit is referred to by many names: Spirit of God, Counselor, and
Spirit of Truth. Jesus spoke often about the Holy Spirit.

Stage 1 - Receiving the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit lives in you when you accept Christ as your Lord. He brings
conviction in your heart and helps you repent of your sins.
Jesus said in John 16: 7, 8, 9 - But I tell you the truth: It is for your
good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to
you; but if I go, I will send him to you. When he comes, he will convict the
world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment: in regard to
sin

Stage 2 - Being Baptized in the Holy Spirit
Jesus baptizes you with the Holy Spirit. In Matthew 3: 11, John the Baptist
talks of Jesus as the baptizer- "I baptize you with water for
repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose
sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and
with fire.

The BAPTISM (Pouring Out Upon like a waterfall) in the Holy Spirit empowers
you with boldness and power to be his witness and for ministry and to live
victorious life daily. Jesus says in Acts 1:4, 5
Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you
have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days
you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit."

Are you ready to learn more about the Holy Spirit?

Q 39) How to Receive the Holy Spirit?

2006-01-31T02:41:00.000-08:00

The Holy Spirit is a free gift. Salvation was freely given to us when we believed, and so is the baptism in the Holy Spirit. Peter stood up to speak to the large crowd on the day of Pentecost,When the people heard Peter “they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?" Acts 2:37

* What shall we do?

Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:38
Repentance is a turning away from Sin to God, asking Jesus to forgive and cleanse you of every sin. Repentance is a conscious decision to do what is right. There might be times when you slip up, stumble, or fall. God is not looking for perfection; he is looking for a willingness to do the right. Water Baptism is a step of obedience and a public confession to the world and to Satan that you have made a decision to bury your old lifestyle of sin and walk in newness of life. The Lord makes all things new.

* Receiving the Spirit

Just as a light blub needs power to glow, in the same way, we need the power of the Holy Spirit to glow.
1) The Baptism in the Holy Spirit empowers you to live a life that pleases God. 2) It is also God’s power that enables us to minister to others (Anointing, to be set apart for service). It is a definite experience, just like baptism in Water by immersion is a definite experience. It gives you power to do right and boldness to be a witness.

* After Baptism, What Next

You need to be filled with the Holy Spirit daily, to be able to live and move in Him and to minister to people (Anointing). You need to ask the Holy Spirit to fill your soul everyday, and get a fresh touch from Him daily. Even Jesus was anointed, "how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him" Acts 10:38

* Thirst

Your part is to be thirsty for the Holy Spirit. Jesus is the baptizer, so cry out to Him:Let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely" (Revelation 22:16-17, NKJV).To continue – Scriptural Evidence of baptism in the Holy Spirit

Q 37) Do You feel Rejected?

2006-01-12T22:25:00.000-08:00

Do you feel rejected because of your family background, qualifications, or culture? Here's somebody who can identify with you.

Jesus faced rejection

Jesus was God on earth. Before Jesus' birth, many prophesies were made - he would be born of a virgin, in bethlehem. However, when Jesus was born, the Jews failed to recognize him as the promised one. They did not receive him as their savior, instead they chose to crucify him. Jesus knows what it is to be rejected. His virgin birth was questioned, and he was often branded as an "illegitimate child". John 1:10,11 - He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Isaiah 53: 2 3 He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering.

Jesus offers adoption

Jesus was a decendant of King David, he was royalty, and the legal heir to the throne. Jesus was not married and did not have children, but he did have children in the spiritual sense. The following verse talks about adoption into Jesus' family and how each one of us can become children of God:John 1: 12, 1312Yet to all who received him (Jesus), to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God.

Jesus makes you an hier

Jesus offers security, he gives you a family, and the right to be a Child of God with all the rights, priveledges, and inheritance. Romans 8:15, 17 For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father."And if we are children, then we are heirs also: heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ You can become a Child of God if you receive him in your heart and believe in his name.

Q 36) Do you Ask for God's Favor?

2006-01-03T03:39:00.003-08:00

Although Nehemiah was a cup-bearer to King Artaxerxes, he was an exile. The city of his fore-fathers was in ruins and he longed that it be re-built.
Prays for Favor
Before approaching the King Artaxerxes, Nehemiah prayed to the God for favor.O Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man."
Prays before answering the King
When Nehemiah appears before the King, the sadness in his face is noticeable. The King says: "Why does your face look so sad when you are not ill? This can be nothing but sadness of heart." Nehemiah replies: May the king live forever! Why should my face not look sad when the city where my fathers are buried lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?" Nehemiah 2:2The king said to me, "What is it you want?" Then I prayed to the God of heaven, 5 and I answered the king, "If it pleases the king and if your servant has found favor in his sight, let him send me to the city in Judah where my fathers are buried so that I can rebuild it."
Acknowledges God's hand
And because the gracious hand of my God was upon me, the king granted my requests. Nehemiah 2:7 . Nehemiah is quick to acknowledge God's hand in his success. When faced by a problem, do you pray for God's favor? Only the Lord can grant you what you desire. The king's heart is like a stream of water directed by the LORD; he turns it wherever he pleases. Proverbs 21:1 Joseph is an example of God's favor. He was successful wherever he went, even in Prison. Even Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men. Luke 2:52If you want favor in the sight of man (your boss, parents, relatives) and God, ask Him for it today.

Q 35) Is there a Way Out?

2006-01-03T03:39:00.002-08:00

You might be at a dead-end, your hopes deferred, your future uncertain, with no human help or solution in sight. There are times when the Lord's leading and direction is so clear, and its easy for us to trust him. But there are other times when circumstances seem grim, and that's when we need walk in faith.
Walking on the water
We may begin to walk by faith, but are we continuing in faith? The bible talks about an instance when Peter saw Jesus walking on the water, from the shore towards the boat, he cried out: "Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water." "Come," he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!" Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?" Matthew 28-30Peter saw the wind - a picture of tough circumstances and he began to sink midway. Jesus rebukes him for his little faith, but he doesn't leave him there to sink. Jesus bails him out.
Rebuking the wind and waves
Sometimes the enemy tries to cause circumstances to storm around us. Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, "Lord, save us! We're going to drown!"
He replied, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. Matthew Jesus rebuked the wind and the waves (circumstances), you can do that too, in His name. Sometimes you might even fast and pray with a beleiving friend. Stand up and re-claim those promises, read and re-read them, surround yourself with His word. Speak words of faith. God will make a way where there seems to be no way!