Unto You by PLANET SHAKERS
I live for You
All of my days belong to You
You draw me toYour tenderness, You make me new
Into the secret place I will run
Where my heart can be free in the
Grace that I found in You
Unto You
Be all Glory and Praise
How my heart seeks Your Face
As I’m waiting on You
Only You
Are my strength and my tower
Fill my life with Your Power
As I stand here in awe of You
I stand here in awe of You
beautiful song...it show us how much God love us and only through Him we are complete and whole once again...one challenge here is not just stand in awe of Him but adore Him and eventually know Him more each day... the know here is not Adam knew Eve but it means an intimacy with God...How much do you and i noe Him? How willing are we to wait upon His promise of life wen life seems to be in a storm? How assured are we in His love and guidance? is truth really set us free?
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
More to see lyrics =)
More To See
Darlene Zschech, Mia Fieldes, Nigel Hendroff, Deborah Ezzy, Donia Makedonez
Key: Dm
Intro:
Dm C/E F Dm C/E F F/C Bb
Verse 1:
Dm C/E F
Well I know that I may have had
Dm C/E
My share of failing and falling
F F/C Bb G/B
But I have come to understand
C Dm C/E F
One thing remains
Verse 2:
Dm C/E
By all He's done
F
I have been made holy
Dm C/E F
Worthy of serving the One
F/C Bb G/B C
The One who wrote eternity
Bb
So deep in my heart
Chorus:
F/A Bb F/A Dm
Open your eyes and see
Am Dm
The wonder of a life
Eb/F Bbmaj7 F/A
So wonderfully free
Bb C#aug Dm Cm7
Lift up your head be - lieve
Bbmaj7
There is more
Bb/C Dm C/E F Dm C/E F F/C Bb
There's so much more to see
Verse 2:
Dm C/E
You remind me still
F
Of the hope and promise
Dm C/E F
Daring my heart to be brave
F/C Bb G/B C
And all the while You strengthen me
Bb
So deep in my heart
Bridge:
F/A Bb C/E F
His mercies are new every mor - ning
F/A Bb C Dm
His mercies are new every day
F/A Bb C#aug Dm Cm
His mercies are new every mor - ning
Bb F/A G/B Bb/C
Beautifully new every day
Other:
Dm C Bbmaj7 Dm C Bbmaj7
Dm C/E F Dm C/E F F/C Bb
Chorus 2:
F/A Bb A7 Dm C#m7 Cm F7 Bbmaj7
Open your eyes and see
F/A
The wonder of a life
G9 Eb9 Dm9
So wonderfully free
C/E C F/A
Lift up your head be - lieve
F7(b9) Gm
There is more
C7(b9) Dm C Bbmaj7 Dm C Bbmaj7
There's so much more to see
Tag:
Dm C Bbmaj7
Lift up your eyes and see
Dm C Bbmaj7
Lift up your eyes and see
Dm C Bbmaj7
Lift up your eyes and see
Dm C Bbmaj7
Lift up your eyes and see (continuous)
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
lovey dovey...=P
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.
If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.
If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.
If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
The instruction of God for gift of prophecy and tongues
Gifts of Prophecy and Tongues
Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy.
For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries with his spirit.
But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort.
He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. 5I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. He who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may be edified.
Now, brothers, if I come to you and speak in tongues, what good will I be to you, unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or word of instruction?
Even in the case of lifeless things that make sounds, such as the flute or harp, how will anyone know what tune is being played unless there is a distinction in the notes?
Again, if the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle?
So it is with you. Unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying? You will just be speaking into the air. Undoubtedly there are all sorts of languages in the world, yet none of them is without meaning. I then I do not grasp the meaning of what someone is saying, I am a foreigner to the speaker, and he is a foreigner to me. So it is with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in gifts that build up the church.
For this reason anyone who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret what he says. For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. So 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. If you are praising God with your spirit, how can one who finds himself among those who do not understand say "Amen" to your thanksgiving, since he does not know what you are saying? You may be giving thanks well enough, but the other man is not edified.
I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you. But in the church I would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue.
Brothers, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be adults. In the Law it is written:
"Through men of strange tongues
and through the lips of foreigners
I will speak to this people,
but even then they will not listen to me,"says the Lord.
Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers but for unbelievers; prophecy, however, is for believers, not for unbelievers. So if the whole church comes together and everyone speaks in tongues, and some who do not understand or some unbelievers come in, will they not say that you are out of your mind? But if an unbeliever or someone who does not understand comes in while everybody is prophesying, he will be convinced by all that he is a sinner and will be judged by all, and the secrets of his heart will be laid bare. So he will fall down and worship God, exclaiming, "God is really among you!"
Orderly Worship
What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. All of these must be done for the strengthening of the church. If anyone speaks in a tongue, two—or at the most three—should speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret. If there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and God.
Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said. And if a revelation comes to someone who is sitting down, the first speaker should stop. For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged. The spirits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets. For God is not a God of disorder but of peace. As in all the congregations of the saints, women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the Law says. If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church.
Did the word of God originate with you? Or are you the only people it has reached? If anybody thinks he is a prophet or spiritually gifted, let him acknowledge that what I am writing to you is the Lord's command. If he ignores this, he himself will be ignored.
Therefore, my brothers, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues.
But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.
From this, u can c dat God is a structred God and He want everything in orderly.... He command the instruction becoz at dat time the people missuse the gift of tongues and prophesy. They even talk to each other in tongue. Speaking in tongue is a way we communicate with God and dat devil will not understand wat we are telling God.The Lord is also concern about non-believers as He is worried dat speaking in tongue might draw non-believers away and even scared them...God is concern also dat we dun stumble our brother or sister in Christ. For example in 1 Corinthians 10 - So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Do not cause anyone to stumble.
1 Corinthians- Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak
But God do want us to have the gift...He want us to use it for His glory...=)
Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy.
For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries with his spirit.
But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort.
He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. 5I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. He who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may be edified.
Now, brothers, if I come to you and speak in tongues, what good will I be to you, unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or word of instruction?
Even in the case of lifeless things that make sounds, such as the flute or harp, how will anyone know what tune is being played unless there is a distinction in the notes?
Again, if the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle?
So it is with you. Unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying? You will just be speaking into the air. Undoubtedly there are all sorts of languages in the world, yet none of them is without meaning. I then I do not grasp the meaning of what someone is saying, I am a foreigner to the speaker, and he is a foreigner to me. So it is with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in gifts that build up the church.
For this reason anyone who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret what he says. For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. So 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. If you are praising God with your spirit, how can one who finds himself among those who do not understand say "Amen" to your thanksgiving, since he does not know what you are saying? You may be giving thanks well enough, but the other man is not edified.
I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you. But in the church I would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue.
Brothers, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be adults. In the Law it is written:
"Through men of strange tongues
and through the lips of foreigners
I will speak to this people,
but even then they will not listen to me,"says the Lord.
Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers but for unbelievers; prophecy, however, is for believers, not for unbelievers. So if the whole church comes together and everyone speaks in tongues, and some who do not understand or some unbelievers come in, will they not say that you are out of your mind? But if an unbeliever or someone who does not understand comes in while everybody is prophesying, he will be convinced by all that he is a sinner and will be judged by all, and the secrets of his heart will be laid bare. So he will fall down and worship God, exclaiming, "God is really among you!"
Orderly Worship
What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. All of these must be done for the strengthening of the church. If anyone speaks in a tongue, two—or at the most three—should speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret. If there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and God.
Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said. And if a revelation comes to someone who is sitting down, the first speaker should stop. For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged. The spirits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets. For God is not a God of disorder but of peace. As in all the congregations of the saints, women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the Law says. If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church.
Did the word of God originate with you? Or are you the only people it has reached? If anybody thinks he is a prophet or spiritually gifted, let him acknowledge that what I am writing to you is the Lord's command. If he ignores this, he himself will be ignored.
Therefore, my brothers, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues.
But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.
From this, u can c dat God is a structred God and He want everything in orderly.... He command the instruction becoz at dat time the people missuse the gift of tongues and prophesy. They even talk to each other in tongue. Speaking in tongue is a way we communicate with God and dat devil will not understand wat we are telling God.The Lord is also concern about non-believers as He is worried dat speaking in tongue might draw non-believers away and even scared them...God is concern also dat we dun stumble our brother or sister in Christ. For example in 1 Corinthians 10 - So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Do not cause anyone to stumble.
1 Corinthians- Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak
But God do want us to have the gift...He want us to use it for His glory...=)
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
holidays
I am on holidays...whew....but i still in kdu....never get one day of free from kdu... bz with chirstian fellowship and campus friends (basically both abreviation is cf haha) cf camp is coming so we have planning to do (some problem occur but by God grace it is overcome d and we are raring for the camp) God will alwiz be with us, Emanuel! Everything is able in Him as God say, is thr anything big enough for me? for Christian Fellwoship, prayer meet is on as usual at 5pm...we also have to set up booth to promote fri christian fellowship meeting...nowadays i on9 alot as i m waiting for the booth and prayer or commitee meet time to come...was quite tired and discourage at the booth wen thr is no one to help me...but God alwiz encourage me and He nvr forsake me...oh ya..i have anxiety over my exam result as well...(scary, result is coming out soon and i am really worry) I remember this verse at this time- in the multitude of my anxieties, God comforts light up my soul.. well, nowadays as i focus on God and receive Him, He show me more of His holy, perfect and unconditional love...i now realized the importance of soaking (receiving God love and presence) He is really working wen u surrender urself unto His hands, wen we decrease, He increase =p God love is holy as in He is above all the creation and He hate sin...He is never associated with anything unpure or sinful...that is why when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, "Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord." read Luke 5:1-8 for the whole verse.. why peter responded like dat when Jesus net is overflow with fish? peter can ask Jesus to teach him the way to catch fish like Jesus do instead of asking Jesus to leave them...This is because peter came to realized dat God is holy and God hate sin. of course we are sinners and yet God love us so much dat He give us Jesus, His only begotten son. peter kneel down and confess to Jesus dat he is of a sinful man...it act a sermon from covlife church (youth retreat mission camp)...
Some people claim dat they find it hard to receive God or how to receive Him or feel dat He is far from us... wat u can try is open some worship songs and sing...let the song prepare your heart to ponder on His love and den slowly invite holy spirit to come into your hearts (God is our gardener, He will plant seed in our heart, nurture it, water it and let it become a forest) one very important thing is u can't reasoned too much about God, u received Him with a child like faith...God also says that faith is something u dun c but believe in...thr is one verse- blessed are those who doesn't c but choose to belive in me...btw, God is nvr far from us but it is us who are far from Him..constantly communicate with God, He wan to hear u =p God also remind us of the importance of choosing the right friends. A righteous man is cautious in friendship,
but the way of the wicked leads them astray.As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend." (Proverbs 7:17) "Do not be deceived: "Evil company corrupts good habits." He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed." (Proverbs 13:20) read the article for more understanding- http://www.bible-knowledge.com/bible-friends.html
=) Ps: Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. hoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. (1 John 4:7-8)Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.
1 John 4:11
btw..can't wait for my next semester =) my final semester...times flies! wish i can strive more for God
Some people claim dat they find it hard to receive God or how to receive Him or feel dat He is far from us... wat u can try is open some worship songs and sing...let the song prepare your heart to ponder on His love and den slowly invite holy spirit to come into your hearts (God is our gardener, He will plant seed in our heart, nurture it, water it and let it become a forest) one very important thing is u can't reasoned too much about God, u received Him with a child like faith...God also says that faith is something u dun c but believe in...thr is one verse- blessed are those who doesn't c but choose to belive in me...btw, God is nvr far from us but it is us who are far from Him..constantly communicate with God, He wan to hear u =p God also remind us of the importance of choosing the right friends. A righteous man is cautious in friendship,
but the way of the wicked leads them astray.As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend." (Proverbs 7:17) "Do not be deceived: "Evil company corrupts good habits." He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed." (Proverbs 13:20) read the article for more understanding- http://www.bible-knowledge.com/bible-friends.html
=) Ps: Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. hoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. (1 John 4:7-8)Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.
1 John 4:11
btw..can't wait for my next semester =) my final semester...times flies! wish i can strive more for God
Monday, July 24, 2006
One rainy afternoon I was driving along one of the main streets
of town, taking those extra precautions necessary when the
roads are wet and slick.
Suddenly, my daughter, Aspen ,
spoke up from her relaxed position in her seat. "Dad, I'm
thinking of something."
This announcement usually meant she had been pondering some
fact for a while, and was now ready to expound all
that her six-year-old mind had discovered. I was eager to hear.
"What are you thinking?" I asked.
"The rain!" she began, "is like sin, and the windshield
wipers are like God wiping our sins away."
After the chill bumps raced up my arms I was able to respond.
"That's really good, Aspen."
Then my curiosity broke in. How far would this little girl take
this revelatio! n? So I asked... "Do you notice how the rain
keeps on coming? What does that tell you?"
Aspen didn't hesitate one moment with her answer:
"We keep on sinning, and God just keeps on forgiving us."
I will always remember this whenever I turn my wipers on.
In order to see the Rainbow, you must first endure some
water
READ THE FIRST LINE CAREFULLY.
If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.
Happy moments, praise God.
Difficult moments, seek God.
Quiet moments, worship God.
Painful moments, trust God.
Every moment, thank God.
This is a Thomas Kinkade painting.
Jesus Test
This is an easy test, you score 100 or zero. It's your choice. If you aren't ashamed to do this, please follow the directions.
Jesus said, "if you are ashamed of me, I will be ashamed of you before my Father."
Not ashamed Pass this on . . . only if you mean it.
Yes, I do Love God.
He is my source of existence and Savior.
He keeps me functioning each and everyday.
Without Him, I will be nothing. !
Without Him, I am nothing but with Him I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me.
Phil 4:13
This is the simplest test. If you Love God, and are not ashamed of all the marvelous things he has done for you.
Love
L - Life - Long commitment
O - Other - Centred lifestyle
V - Value - Based decision
E - Empowered - Growth relationship
For all you people who say, "I love you"
when you
have no clue what love is exactly!!!
Something to ponder upon...
Are your palms sweaty, is your heart racing
and is
your voice caught within your chest?
It isn't love, it's LIKE.
You can't keep your eyes or hands off of
her/him?
It isn't love, it's LUST.
Are you proud, and eager to show her/him off?
It isn't love, it's LUCK.
Do you want her because you know she's/he's
there?
It isn't love, it's LONELINESS.
Are you with her/him because it's what
everyone
wants?
It isn't love, it?s LOYALTY.
Are you with her because she/he kissed you,
or
held your hand?
It isn't love, it's LOW CONFIDENCE.
Do you stay for her/him confessions of love,
because you don't want to hurt her/him?
It isn't love, it's PITY.
Do you belong to her/him because the sight
of
her/him makes your heart skip a beat?
It isn't love, it's INFATUATION.
Do you pardon her faults because you care
about
her/him?
It isn't love, it's FRIENDSHIP.
Do you tell her/him every day she is the only
one
you think of?
It isn't love, it's a LIE.
Are you willing to give up all of your favorite
things
or her sake?
It isn't love, it's CHARITY.
====================
====================
Does your heart ache and break when she's
sad?
Then it's LOVE.
Do you cry for her/his pain, even when
she's/he's
strong?
Then it's LOVE.
Do her/his eyes see your true heart, and touch
your soul so deeply it hurts?
Then it's LOVE.
Do you stay because a blinding,
incomprehensible
mix of pain and relation pulls you close and
holds
you to her/him?
Then it's LOVE.
Do you accept her/his faults because it's a
part of
who she/he is?
Then it's LOVE.
Are you attracted to others, but stay with
her/him
faithfully without regret??
Then it's LOVE.
Would you give her/him your heart, your life,
your
death??
Then it's LOVE.
Now, if love is painful, and tortures us so,
why do
we love? Why is it all we search for in life?
This
pain, this agony? Why is it all we long for?
This
torture, this powerful death of self? Why? The
answer is so simple cause it's...LOVE. It is
such
an addictive thing that even people who are
not
having it wish to experience it and share it
with
others as well.
Pass this to all your friends so they don't
make the
same mistake with their LOVE LIVES!! I like
the
dreams of the future better than the history of
the
past...
Love hurts our feeling, but it's also the reason
our
soul heal...
Jesus love is sacrificing, how amazing is such love and grace?
only Jesus love can heal us!!! His love is perfect and unconditional!
He is the truth, the way and life!!
He is our hope, love, peace and care!!
O - Other - Centred lifestyle
V - Value - Based decision
E - Empowered - Growth relationship
For all you people who say, "I love you"
when you
have no clue what love is exactly!!!
Something to ponder upon...
Are your palms sweaty, is your heart racing
and is
your voice caught within your chest?
It isn't love, it's LIKE.
You can't keep your eyes or hands off of
her/him?
It isn't love, it's LUST.
Are you proud, and eager to show her/him off?
It isn't love, it's LUCK.
Do you want her because you know she's/he's
there?
It isn't love, it's LONELINESS.
Are you with her/him because it's what
everyone
wants?
It isn't love, it?s LOYALTY.
Are you with her because she/he kissed you,
or
held your hand?
It isn't love, it's LOW CONFIDENCE.
Do you stay for her/him confessions of love,
because you don't want to hurt her/him?
It isn't love, it's PITY.
Do you belong to her/him because the sight
of
her/him makes your heart skip a beat?
It isn't love, it's INFATUATION.
Do you pardon her faults because you care
about
her/him?
It isn't love, it's FRIENDSHIP.
Do you tell her/him every day she is the only
one
you think of?
It isn't love, it's a LIE.
Are you willing to give up all of your favorite
things
or her sake?
It isn't love, it's CHARITY.
====================
====================
Does your heart ache and break when she's
sad?
Then it's LOVE.
Do you cry for her/his pain, even when
she's/he's
strong?
Then it's LOVE.
Do her/his eyes see your true heart, and touch
your soul so deeply it hurts?
Then it's LOVE.
Do you stay because a blinding,
incomprehensible
mix of pain and relation pulls you close and
holds
you to her/him?
Then it's LOVE.
Do you accept her/his faults because it's a
part of
who she/he is?
Then it's LOVE.
Are you attracted to others, but stay with
her/him
faithfully without regret??
Then it's LOVE.
Would you give her/him your heart, your life,
your
death??
Then it's LOVE.
Now, if love is painful, and tortures us so,
why do
we love? Why is it all we search for in life?
This
pain, this agony? Why is it all we long for?
This
torture, this powerful death of self? Why? The
answer is so simple cause it's...LOVE. It is
such
an addictive thing that even people who are
not
having it wish to experience it and share it
with
others as well.
Pass this to all your friends so they don't
make the
same mistake with their LOVE LIVES!! I like
the
dreams of the future better than the history of
the
past...
Love hurts our feeling, but it's also the reason
our
soul heal...
Jesus love is sacrificing, how amazing is such love and grace?
only Jesus love can heal us!!! His love is perfect and unconditional!
He is the truth, the way and life!!
He is our hope, love, peace and care!!
plz help
It's so terrible.....
Please Read This...
Last week a 3 year old girl (in South Africa) was beaten and raped.
She is still alive. The man responsible was released on bail yesterday.
He is walking the streets. If you are too busy to read this then just
sign your name and forward this on.
The South African Government is planning to close the Child Protection
Unit and this is a petition against it. This is a very important
petition. It is an essential part of the justice system for children.
You may
have already heard that there's a myth in South Africa that having sex
with a virgin will cure AIDS. The younger the virgin, the more potent
the cure. This has led to an epidemic of rapes by infected males, with
the correspondent infection of innocent kids. Many have died in these
cruel rapes.
Recently in Cape Town, a 9-month-old baby was raped by 6 men. Please
think about that for a moment. The child abuse situation is now
reaching
catastrophic proportions and if we don't do something, then who will?
Kindly add your name to the bottom of the list and please pass this on
to as many people as you know.If you are signature no.120 - please
forward
the mail-list to childprotectpca@saps.org.za
mailto:childprotectpca@saps.org.za
Please don't be complacent, do something about the kids of South
Africa.
You can make a difference. That child is fighting for life.
This is just one of the million cases of child abuse, so please pledge
your support and help keep CPU (CHILD PROTECTION UNIT) open. Please
give your support to the petition and ensure that it goes to as many
people as possible.
Please don't just leave it, make a difference. In order to write your
name copy this message and paste it in a new mail (compose).
Or click on forward, delete all headers belonging to previous senders,
add your name to the list and send it on to others.
Again, if you are number 120 please send this to
childprotectpca@saps.org.za
1. Sharney Edwards (Queensland, Australia)
2. sara murphy (qld, australia)
3. Skye Butler (NSW, Australia)
4. Jodi Gardner (Sydney, Australia)
5. Jeva Centeno (Sydney, Australia)
6. Emma Yates ( Sydney, Australia)
7.Kate Pearce ( Sydney, Australia)
8. Bianca Falloon (Sydney, Australia)
9. Sasha Falloon (Sydney, Australia)
10.Lisa Hamrsworth (Sydney, Australia)
11 Melissa Hughes ( Sydney, Australia)
12. Lauren Harkin (Sydney , Australia)
13. [Jolie Huynh] (SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA)
14. Lisa Pham (Sydney, Australia)
15. Liem Nguyen (Sydney, Australia)
16. Fay Cuschieri (Sydney Australia)
17. Mirian Camacho Sydney Australia
18. George Camacho Sydney Australia
19. Sandra Camcho sydney Australia
20. David Camacho Sydney Australia
21. Carmen Cuschieri Sydney Australia
22. Mary Harris (Sydney Australia)
23. Tracey West (Sydney Australia)
24. Kay Liu (New York)
25. Carbo Bunnag (Thailand)
26. Ivy Schlageter (Thailand)
27. Regina von Burg (Hong Kong)
28. Madeleine Wheare (Hong Kong)
29 Helen Oakwater (London, England)
30. Lynda Gilbert (Hertfordshire, England)
31. Philly Morrall (Northamptonshire, England)
32. Clare Barclay (Norfolk, England)
33.Richard Collier (Norfolk, England
34Prue Willday (Cornwall England )
35. Emily Williams (Cambridge, England)
36. Dawn Pearson (Cambridge, England)
37. Jo Kingston (Cambridge, England)
38. Natasha Thomas (Cambridge, English)
39. Charlotte Jenner (Cambridge, English)
40. John Richardson (Stansted England)
41. Tracy Wigmore (Harlow, England)
42 Andrea McGirr (Harlow, England)
43 Anne McGirr (Harlow,England)
44 B A SCOTT -(FLORIDA USA)
45. V Harjani ( California, USA)
46. L Ramchand (London, UK)
47. Mei Sin Yeow (Singapore)
48. Craig Shim ( Australia)
49. Leena Salim ( Australia)
50. Karina Shim ( Australia)
51. Kin Shim ( Australia)
52. Michael Moorthy (Malaysia)
53 Janet Lim (Malaysia)
54. Angela Wong (New Zealand)
55. Siew Lee Kua (New Zealand)
57. Lynette Wong (Malaysia)
58. Aimi Lee (Malaysia)
59. Lee Siew Leng (Malaysia)
60. Kasturi ( Malaysia )
61. Susan Thavamani (Malaysia)
62. Yoogalatha (Malaysia)
63. Jega Jeevan (Malaysia)
64. Mahmathi (Malaysia)
65.M.Senthila (Malaysia)
66.San Mei Kim (Malaysia)
67.Abby Chung(Malaysia)
68.Michelle Tan (Malaysia)
69. Koh Wyhow(malaysia)
70. Teoh Shu Ning (Malaysia)
71.Sharon Tan Yi Mei(Malaysia)
72. Ku Guo Joon (Malaysia)
72. OH KAN SHA (Malaysian)
73. wee xiying (Malaysian)
Please Read This...
Last week a 3 year old girl (in South Africa) was beaten and raped.
She is still alive. The man responsible was released on bail yesterday.
He is walking the streets. If you are too busy to read this then just
sign your name and forward this on.
The South African Government is planning to close the Child Protection
Unit and this is a petition against it. This is a very important
petition. It is an essential part of the justice system for children.
You may
have already heard that there's a myth in South Africa that having sex
with a virgin will cure AIDS. The younger the virgin, the more potent
the cure. This has led to an epidemic of rapes by infected males, with
the correspondent infection of innocent kids. Many have died in these
cruel rapes.
Recently in Cape Town, a 9-month-old baby was raped by 6 men. Please
think about that for a moment. The child abuse situation is now
reaching
catastrophic proportions and if we don't do something, then who will?
Kindly add your name to the bottom of the list and please pass this on
to as many people as you know.If you are signature no.120 - please
forward
the mail-list to childprotectpca@saps.org.za
mailto:childprotectpca@saps.org.za
Please don't be complacent, do something about the kids of South
Africa.
You can make a difference. That child is fighting for life.
This is just one of the million cases of child abuse, so please pledge
your support and help keep CPU (CHILD PROTECTION UNIT) open. Please
give your support to the petition and ensure that it goes to as many
people as possible.
Please don't just leave it, make a difference. In order to write your
name copy this message and paste it in a new mail (compose).
Or click on forward, delete all headers belonging to previous senders,
add your name to the list and send it on to others.
Again, if you are number 120 please send this to
childprotectpca@saps.org.za
1. Sharney Edwards (Queensland, Australia)
2. sara murphy (qld, australia)
3. Skye Butler (NSW, Australia)
4. Jodi Gardner (Sydney, Australia)
5. Jeva Centeno (Sydney, Australia)
6. Emma Yates ( Sydney, Australia)
7.Kate Pearce ( Sydney, Australia)
8. Bianca Falloon (Sydney, Australia)
9. Sasha Falloon (Sydney, Australia)
10.Lisa Hamrsworth (Sydney, Australia)
11 Melissa Hughes ( Sydney, Australia)
12. Lauren Harkin (Sydney , Australia)
13. [Jolie Huynh] (SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA)
14. Lisa Pham (Sydney, Australia)
15. Liem Nguyen (Sydney, Australia)
16. Fay Cuschieri (Sydney Australia)
17. Mirian Camacho Sydney Australia
18. George Camacho Sydney Australia
19. Sandra Camcho sydney Australia
20. David Camacho Sydney Australia
21. Carmen Cuschieri Sydney Australia
22. Mary Harris (Sydney Australia)
23. Tracey West (Sydney Australia)
24. Kay Liu (New York)
25. Carbo Bunnag (Thailand)
26. Ivy Schlageter (Thailand)
27. Regina von Burg (Hong Kong)
28. Madeleine Wheare (Hong Kong)
29 Helen Oakwater (London, England)
30. Lynda Gilbert (Hertfordshire, England)
31. Philly Morrall (Northamptonshire, England)
32. Clare Barclay (Norfolk, England)
33.Richard Collier (Norfolk, England
34Prue Willday (Cornwall England )
35. Emily Williams (Cambridge, England)
36. Dawn Pearson (Cambridge, England)
37. Jo Kingston (Cambridge, England)
38. Natasha Thomas (Cambridge, English)
39. Charlotte Jenner (Cambridge, English)
40. John Richardson (Stansted England)
41. Tracy Wigmore (Harlow, England)
42 Andrea McGirr (Harlow, England)
43 Anne McGirr (Harlow,England)
44 B A SCOTT -(FLORIDA USA)
45. V Harjani ( California, USA)
46. L Ramchand (London, UK)
47. Mei Sin Yeow (Singapore)
48. Craig Shim ( Australia)
49. Leena Salim ( Australia)
50. Karina Shim ( Australia)
51. Kin Shim ( Australia)
52. Michael Moorthy (Malaysia)
53 Janet Lim (Malaysia)
54. Angela Wong (New Zealand)
55. Siew Lee Kua (New Zealand)
57. Lynette Wong (Malaysia)
58. Aimi Lee (Malaysia)
59. Lee Siew Leng (Malaysia)
60. Kasturi ( Malaysia )
61. Susan Thavamani (Malaysia)
62. Yoogalatha (Malaysia)
63. Jega Jeevan (Malaysia)
64. Mahmathi (Malaysia)
65.M.Senthila (Malaysia)
66.San Mei Kim (Malaysia)
67.Abby Chung(Malaysia)
68.Michelle Tan (Malaysia)
69. Koh Wyhow(malaysia)
70. Teoh Shu Ning (Malaysia)
71.Sharon Tan Yi Mei(Malaysia)
72. Ku Guo Joon (Malaysia)
72. OH KAN SHA (Malaysian)
73. wee xiying (Malaysian)
WOMEN OF STRENGTH
A strong woman works out every day to keep her body in shape ...
but a woman of strength kneels in prayer to keep her soul in shape...
A strong woman isn't afraid of anything ...
but a woman of strength shows courage in the midst of her fear...
A strong woman won't let anyone get the best of her ...
but a woman of strength gives the best of her to everyone...
A strong woman makes mistakes and avoids the same in the future...
a woman of strength realizes life's mistakes can also be God's blessings and capitalizes on them...
A strong woman walks sure footedly ...
but a woman of strength knows God will catch her when she falls...
A strong woman wears the look of confidence on her face ...
but a woman of strength wears grace...
A strong woman has faith that she is strong enough for the journey ...
but a woman of strength has faith that it is in the journey that she will become strong...
=)
but a woman of strength kneels in prayer to keep her soul in shape...
A strong woman isn't afraid of anything ...
but a woman of strength shows courage in the midst of her fear...
A strong woman won't let anyone get the best of her ...
but a woman of strength gives the best of her to everyone...
A strong woman makes mistakes and avoids the same in the future...
a woman of strength realizes life's mistakes can also be God's blessings and capitalizes on them...
A strong woman walks sure footedly ...
but a woman of strength knows God will catch her when she falls...
A strong woman wears the look of confidence on her face ...
but a woman of strength wears grace...
A strong woman has faith that she is strong enough for the journey ...
but a woman of strength has faith that it is in the journey that she will become strong...
=)
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
OUR LORD’s PRAYER
OUR LORD’s PRAYEROur Father Who Art In Heaven.Yes?Don't interrupt me. I'm praying.But -- you called Me! Called you? No, I didn't call you. I'm praying. Our Father who art in Heaven. There -- you did it again!Did what? Called Me. You said, "Our Father who art in Heaven" Well, here I am. What's on your mind? But I didn't mean anything by it. I was, you know, just saying my prayers for the day. I always say the Lord's Prayer. It makes me feel good, kind of like fulfilling a duty. Well, all right. Go on.Okay, Hallowed be thy name . .Hold it right there. What do you mean by that?By what?By "Hallowed be thy name"? It means, it means . . good grief, I don't know what it means. How in the world should I know? It's just a part of the prayer. By the way, what does it mean? It means honored, holy, wonderful.Hey, that makes sense. I never thought about what 'hallowed' meant before. Thanks. Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Do you really mean that?Sure, why not?What are you doing about it?Doing? Why, nothing, I guess. I just think it would be kind of neat if you got control, of everything down here like you have up there.
We're kinda in a mess down here you know.Yes, I know; but, have I got control of you?Well, I go to church. That isn't what I asked you. What about your bad temper? You've really got a problem there, you know. And then there's the way you spend your money, all on yourself. And what about the kind of books you read?Now hold on just a minute! Stop picking on me!I'm just as good as some of the rest of those people at church! Excuse Me. I thought you were praying for my will to be done. If that is to happen, it will have to start with the ones who are praying for it. Like you -- for example.Oh, all right. I guess I do have some hang-ups.
Now that you mention it, I could probably name some others.I haven't thought about it very much until now, but I really would like to cut out some of those things.I would like to, you know, be really free. Good. Now we're getting somewhere. We'll work together. You and Me. I'm proud of You. Look, Lord, if you don't mind, I need to finish up here. This is taking a lot longer than it usually does. Give us this day, our daily bread. You need to cut out the bread. You're overweight as it is. Hey, wait a minute! What is this? Here I was doing my religious duty, and all of a sudden you break in and remind me of all my hang-ups. Praying is a dangerous thing. You just might get what you ask for. Remember, you called ME -- and here I am.It's too late to stop now. Keep praying. ( . . . pause . . ) Well, go on.
I'm scared to.Scared? Of what?I know what you'll say.Try Me !Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. What about Ann? See? I knew it! I knew you would bring her up! Why, Lord, she's told lies about me, spread stories. She never paid back the money she owes me. I've sworn to get even with her!But -- your prayer -- What about your prayer?I didn't -- mean it. At least not in her case. Well, at least you're honest about it. But, it's quite a load carrying around all that bitterness and resentment isn't it?
Yes, but I'll feel better as soon as I get even with her. Revenge is sweet you know.Boy, have I got some plans for her. She'll wish she had never been born. No, you won't feel any better. You'll feel worse. Revenge isn't sweet at all.You know how unhappy you are -- Well, I can change that.You can? How?Forgive Ann. Then, I'll forgive you; And the hate and the sin, will be Ann's problem -- not yours. You will have settled the problem as far as you are concerned.Oh, you know, you're right. You always are. And more than I want to get even, I want to be right with You . (sigh).All right . . . O.K.. . I forgive her.There now! Wonderful! How does that feel?Hmmmm. Well, not bad. Not bad at all! In fact, I feel pretty great! You know, I don't think I'll go to bed uptight tonight.I haven't been getting much rest, you know.Yeah, I know. But, you're not through with your prayer are you? Go on.Oh, all right. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Good! Good! I'll do that. Just don't put yourself in a place where you can be tempted.What do you mean by that? You know what I mean.Yeah. I know.Okay. Go ahead. Finish your prayer.For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.Do you know what would bring me glory. What would really
make me happy?No, but I'd like to know. I want to please you now. I've really made a mess of things. I want to truly follow you. I can see now how great that would be.So, tell me . . How do I make you happy?You just did.
We're kinda in a mess down here you know.Yes, I know; but, have I got control of you?Well, I go to church. That isn't what I asked you. What about your bad temper? You've really got a problem there, you know. And then there's the way you spend your money, all on yourself. And what about the kind of books you read?Now hold on just a minute! Stop picking on me!I'm just as good as some of the rest of those people at church! Excuse Me. I thought you were praying for my will to be done. If that is to happen, it will have to start with the ones who are praying for it. Like you -- for example.Oh, all right. I guess I do have some hang-ups.
Now that you mention it, I could probably name some others.I haven't thought about it very much until now, but I really would like to cut out some of those things.I would like to, you know, be really free. Good. Now we're getting somewhere. We'll work together. You and Me. I'm proud of You. Look, Lord, if you don't mind, I need to finish up here. This is taking a lot longer than it usually does. Give us this day, our daily bread. You need to cut out the bread. You're overweight as it is. Hey, wait a minute! What is this? Here I was doing my religious duty, and all of a sudden you break in and remind me of all my hang-ups. Praying is a dangerous thing. You just might get what you ask for. Remember, you called ME -- and here I am.It's too late to stop now. Keep praying. ( . . . pause . . ) Well, go on.
I'm scared to.Scared? Of what?I know what you'll say.Try Me !Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. What about Ann? See? I knew it! I knew you would bring her up! Why, Lord, she's told lies about me, spread stories. She never paid back the money she owes me. I've sworn to get even with her!But -- your prayer -- What about your prayer?I didn't -- mean it. At least not in her case. Well, at least you're honest about it. But, it's quite a load carrying around all that bitterness and resentment isn't it?
Yes, but I'll feel better as soon as I get even with her. Revenge is sweet you know.Boy, have I got some plans for her. She'll wish she had never been born. No, you won't feel any better. You'll feel worse. Revenge isn't sweet at all.You know how unhappy you are -- Well, I can change that.You can? How?Forgive Ann. Then, I'll forgive you; And the hate and the sin, will be Ann's problem -- not yours. You will have settled the problem as far as you are concerned.Oh, you know, you're right. You always are. And more than I want to get even, I want to be right with You . (sigh).All right . . . O.K.. . I forgive her.There now! Wonderful! How does that feel?Hmmmm. Well, not bad. Not bad at all! In fact, I feel pretty great! You know, I don't think I'll go to bed uptight tonight.I haven't been getting much rest, you know.Yeah, I know. But, you're not through with your prayer are you? Go on.Oh, all right. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Good! Good! I'll do that. Just don't put yourself in a place where you can be tempted.What do you mean by that? You know what I mean.Yeah. I know.Okay. Go ahead. Finish your prayer.For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.Do you know what would bring me glory. What would really
make me happy?No, but I'd like to know. I want to please you now. I've really made a mess of things. I want to truly follow you. I can see now how great that would be.So, tell me . . How do I make you happy?You just did.
soar like eagles...grabbed from anna blog =b
SOARING LIKE EAGLES
Before you read, i would like to thank Aaron for passing this to me during cf camp at peacehaven.. I think these lessons are relevant for all you eagles out there..6 Lessons From Eagles"They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."Isaiah 40:31Have you ever wondered why Isaiah 40:31 is written the way it is?Q 1 :: Why is the Eagle mentioned specifically?Q 2 :: What so special about Eagles that they have a place in the Bible?Q 3 :: What is the linkage between waiting upon the Lord and renewal of strength?Q 4 :: Why is it that when you mount up with wings like eagles, you do not get tired?Read on and you will find the answer.The eagle is a creation of God. It is the most majestic of all birds and is mentioned many times in the Bible. In fact, the eagle is mentioned 38 times, much more than the dove or other birds.An eagle is around 90cm tall and reaches over 2m between the wings. She builds her nest on the cliff or in a high tree. The nest is so large that a human can sleep in it. It can weigh 700kg and is also comfortable.With the basis of God's Word, we shall see what the king of birds can show us concerning truths about God, and also about Christians. May the pracital lessons contained here be of encouragement to you. God Bless.Lesson 1 :: All Baby Eagles Must Learn To FlyHigh in the mountains, a baby eagle is born. Like all other babies, there are two things that baby eagles, known as eaglets love to do: Eat and sleep. The baby eagle would spend its initial life in the comfort of the nest. Everyday, mama eagle would find food and drop it directly into the open mouths of the hungry eaglet. With a satisfied stomach, the eaglet then goes to sleep and the cycle continues when it becomes hungry again.This goes on for a few weeks, until one day, mama eagle would just hover over the nest. This time, there is no food. After hovering a few rounds, mama eagle would make a dive into the nest and begins to shake it violently. She then takes one of her babies in her mouth and starts soaring into the skies. The baby eaglet begins to tremble, "Mama is mad! Mama is mad!". Suddenly she drops the baby eaglet that starts to struggle. Just before the eaglet smashes againt the rocks, mama eagle would sweep down and pick it up. This goes on for about five to eight times. The eaglet starts to wonder why mama is doing this. Every time it is being froppwed from the sky, the eaglet would streggle by flapping its wings."Mama can fly. I want to fly liker her too!" the eaglet says to itself.What a beautiful picture! Mama is teaching her young to fly. At about the fourteenth of fifteenth try, the eaglet begins to fly.Relevance :: Christians are like baby eagles, comfortable in the nest. They come to church once a week to find food. They would wait for pastor to drop "spiritual" food into their mouths. When the service is over, they would go home, "sleep" for a few days and the cycle continues, until one day, something happens and they streggle. The nest gets shaken and they dont know what to do."Its the devil! Its the devil!" they exclaim. No, its not! Its just our loving Father who allows our nest to be shaken because He wants us to grow into maturity, so that we can fly. Its no point being an eagle that cannot fly.The Word of God says in Exodus 19:4 that God bare the children of Israel on eagles wings. Here we see the eagle symbolises God, The way mama eagle treats her young shows us how God treats His children. Just when it seems like were going under.. SWISH.. like mama eagle, God, comes and picks us up.In the world, they pish people upward when they are going up. But God lets us fall down to get us up. Hard times come, but after a couple of times I start to pray a little bit more, I start to read God's word a little bit more. And suddenly I realise that the answers to my prayers are coming.hard times always come but I find Im not helpless, no, I see that I can stand on Gods word. What has happened? Ice learned to spread my wings! Ive learned to fly. GOD carries us supernaturally through all our trials, even if we dont feel it. Yea, who can see the wind. While mama eagle teaches her young to use their own wings, God teaches us to believe His Word and use our Faith.Lessons 2 :: Eagles Are Made For The High PlacesUnlike other birds that fly in the lowlands, eagles are made to fly in the high places, out of sight of the naked human eye and out of range of the hunters rifle.Relevance ::God made us to fly in the high places, free from the worlds control. A tourist to the Jurong Bird Park once commented that the eagles there looked very clean. In reply, the bird keeper said: "When eagles are in freedom, they are the cleanest birds. But when they are in captivity, they are the dirtiest."God made us pure and holy to conform to the image of His Son. If Christians are in captivity, that is, being subjected to the ways of the world, we can be there "dirtiest" of all creatures. Unless we "fly" in the high places, out of the worlds control, and according to how God has made us, well maintain the dirtiest of creatures.Lesson 3 :: Eagles So Not Fly, They SoarEagles do not fly like other birds, flapping their wings profusely and using their own strength. Instead, eagles SOAR majestically, making use of the wind currents to gain height. What makes the eagle so special is that she sits on the rock and reads the wind and when the time is perfect she takes off and soars upward with her great wings. There is a special up-going wind where the eagle rides the wind and circle high and higher toward the sky, without effort. She just spreads her wings.Relevance:The wind is referred many times in the Bible as the Holy Spirit. We can learn to cooperate with the Hily Spirit and let Him lift us closer to Jesus. The eagle in this case is the Christian who is being lifted by the Holy Spirit up and closer to Jesus.Like eagles, we should learn to ride on the current of the Holy Spirit, instead of relying on our own strength. Only then can we "gain height" to "fly" in the high places. Isaiah 40:31 talks about growing in Christ, that happens when we have fellowship with Him in the Spirit.Lesson 4 :: Eagles Go Through Specific Periods Of RenewalWhen they are about 60 years old, eagles go through a period of renewal. An eagle would find a secret place up in the mountains. It would start to claw at its face and tear out the feathers that have been damages over the years. As a result, it would bleed badly. The eagle would then wait patiently for the rays of the sun to heal it.Through this, the eagle renews its strength by getting rid of the unnecessary things. Otherwise it would not be able to live till 120 years that it normally does.Relevance ::Like eagles, Christians need to go through a renewal period sometime in our lives to rid ourselves of the unnecessary things and to wait upon the Lord. Renewal is a divine principal where God cuts off the unfruitful things in us so as to bring out the fruitful.Lesson 5 :: Eagles Get Sick, Just Like HumansWhen an eagle gets sick, it does not go to the doctor. It simply finds a favourite spot in the mountains and await the rays of the sun to heal it. The sun plays a major role in the life of an eagle and as such, is a major source of healing too.Relevance ::When we get sick, besides going to the doctor, do we also look to the Lord who plays a major role in our lives as our source of healing?Lesson 6 :: Every Eagle Has To DieWhen an eagle is about to die, it will fly to its favourite spot in the mountains, wraps its wings round itself and look at the suns rays and dies.Relevance ::Ideally, all Christians should die looking towards Jesus as our source of hope and comfort.Isaiah 40:31 -- "But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
Before you read, i would like to thank Aaron for passing this to me during cf camp at peacehaven.. I think these lessons are relevant for all you eagles out there..6 Lessons From Eagles"They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."Isaiah 40:31Have you ever wondered why Isaiah 40:31 is written the way it is?Q 1 :: Why is the Eagle mentioned specifically?Q 2 :: What so special about Eagles that they have a place in the Bible?Q 3 :: What is the linkage between waiting upon the Lord and renewal of strength?Q 4 :: Why is it that when you mount up with wings like eagles, you do not get tired?Read on and you will find the answer.The eagle is a creation of God. It is the most majestic of all birds and is mentioned many times in the Bible. In fact, the eagle is mentioned 38 times, much more than the dove or other birds.An eagle is around 90cm tall and reaches over 2m between the wings. She builds her nest on the cliff or in a high tree. The nest is so large that a human can sleep in it. It can weigh 700kg and is also comfortable.With the basis of God's Word, we shall see what the king of birds can show us concerning truths about God, and also about Christians. May the pracital lessons contained here be of encouragement to you. God Bless.Lesson 1 :: All Baby Eagles Must Learn To FlyHigh in the mountains, a baby eagle is born. Like all other babies, there are two things that baby eagles, known as eaglets love to do: Eat and sleep. The baby eagle would spend its initial life in the comfort of the nest. Everyday, mama eagle would find food and drop it directly into the open mouths of the hungry eaglet. With a satisfied stomach, the eaglet then goes to sleep and the cycle continues when it becomes hungry again.This goes on for a few weeks, until one day, mama eagle would just hover over the nest. This time, there is no food. After hovering a few rounds, mama eagle would make a dive into the nest and begins to shake it violently. She then takes one of her babies in her mouth and starts soaring into the skies. The baby eaglet begins to tremble, "Mama is mad! Mama is mad!". Suddenly she drops the baby eaglet that starts to struggle. Just before the eaglet smashes againt the rocks, mama eagle would sweep down and pick it up. This goes on for about five to eight times. The eaglet starts to wonder why mama is doing this. Every time it is being froppwed from the sky, the eaglet would streggle by flapping its wings."Mama can fly. I want to fly liker her too!" the eaglet says to itself.What a beautiful picture! Mama is teaching her young to fly. At about the fourteenth of fifteenth try, the eaglet begins to fly.Relevance :: Christians are like baby eagles, comfortable in the nest. They come to church once a week to find food. They would wait for pastor to drop "spiritual" food into their mouths. When the service is over, they would go home, "sleep" for a few days and the cycle continues, until one day, something happens and they streggle. The nest gets shaken and they dont know what to do."Its the devil! Its the devil!" they exclaim. No, its not! Its just our loving Father who allows our nest to be shaken because He wants us to grow into maturity, so that we can fly. Its no point being an eagle that cannot fly.The Word of God says in Exodus 19:4 that God bare the children of Israel on eagles wings. Here we see the eagle symbolises God, The way mama eagle treats her young shows us how God treats His children. Just when it seems like were going under.. SWISH.. like mama eagle, God, comes and picks us up.In the world, they pish people upward when they are going up. But God lets us fall down to get us up. Hard times come, but after a couple of times I start to pray a little bit more, I start to read God's word a little bit more. And suddenly I realise that the answers to my prayers are coming.hard times always come but I find Im not helpless, no, I see that I can stand on Gods word. What has happened? Ice learned to spread my wings! Ive learned to fly. GOD carries us supernaturally through all our trials, even if we dont feel it. Yea, who can see the wind. While mama eagle teaches her young to use their own wings, God teaches us to believe His Word and use our Faith.Lessons 2 :: Eagles Are Made For The High PlacesUnlike other birds that fly in the lowlands, eagles are made to fly in the high places, out of sight of the naked human eye and out of range of the hunters rifle.Relevance ::God made us to fly in the high places, free from the worlds control. A tourist to the Jurong Bird Park once commented that the eagles there looked very clean. In reply, the bird keeper said: "When eagles are in freedom, they are the cleanest birds. But when they are in captivity, they are the dirtiest."God made us pure and holy to conform to the image of His Son. If Christians are in captivity, that is, being subjected to the ways of the world, we can be there "dirtiest" of all creatures. Unless we "fly" in the high places, out of the worlds control, and according to how God has made us, well maintain the dirtiest of creatures.Lesson 3 :: Eagles So Not Fly, They SoarEagles do not fly like other birds, flapping their wings profusely and using their own strength. Instead, eagles SOAR majestically, making use of the wind currents to gain height. What makes the eagle so special is that she sits on the rock and reads the wind and when the time is perfect she takes off and soars upward with her great wings. There is a special up-going wind where the eagle rides the wind and circle high and higher toward the sky, without effort. She just spreads her wings.Relevance:The wind is referred many times in the Bible as the Holy Spirit. We can learn to cooperate with the Hily Spirit and let Him lift us closer to Jesus. The eagle in this case is the Christian who is being lifted by the Holy Spirit up and closer to Jesus.Like eagles, we should learn to ride on the current of the Holy Spirit, instead of relying on our own strength. Only then can we "gain height" to "fly" in the high places. Isaiah 40:31 talks about growing in Christ, that happens when we have fellowship with Him in the Spirit.Lesson 4 :: Eagles Go Through Specific Periods Of RenewalWhen they are about 60 years old, eagles go through a period of renewal. An eagle would find a secret place up in the mountains. It would start to claw at its face and tear out the feathers that have been damages over the years. As a result, it would bleed badly. The eagle would then wait patiently for the rays of the sun to heal it.Through this, the eagle renews its strength by getting rid of the unnecessary things. Otherwise it would not be able to live till 120 years that it normally does.Relevance ::Like eagles, Christians need to go through a renewal period sometime in our lives to rid ourselves of the unnecessary things and to wait upon the Lord. Renewal is a divine principal where God cuts off the unfruitful things in us so as to bring out the fruitful.Lesson 5 :: Eagles Get Sick, Just Like HumansWhen an eagle gets sick, it does not go to the doctor. It simply finds a favourite spot in the mountains and await the rays of the sun to heal it. The sun plays a major role in the life of an eagle and as such, is a major source of healing too.Relevance ::When we get sick, besides going to the doctor, do we also look to the Lord who plays a major role in our lives as our source of healing?Lesson 6 :: Every Eagle Has To DieWhen an eagle is about to die, it will fly to its favourite spot in the mountains, wraps its wings round itself and look at the suns rays and dies.Relevance ::Ideally, all Christians should die looking towards Jesus as our source of hope and comfort.Isaiah 40:31 -- "But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
chicken little (all i know lyrics) =)
Artist: FIVE FOR FIGHTING
Song Name: ALL I KNOW
I bruise you
you bruise me
we both bruise so easily
too easily to let it show
i love you, and thats all i know
-
and all my plans
keep fallin through
all my plans they
depend on you
depend on you
to help them grow
i love you
and thats all i know
when the singer's gone
let the song go on
there's a fine line between
the darkness and the dawn
-
they say in the darkest night
there's a light beyond and the ending always comes at last
endings always
come too fast
they come too fast
and they pass too slow
i love you and thats all, its really all i know
its all i know
its all i know
another lyrics grabbed from anna page hehe! i love the movie...chicken little is so cute...one important things is the movie potray parent and children relationship in a real and touching way...this movie also show us about winning and pride...we need more this kind of show that will touch and awaken us... this movie is what happen in realistic where parent and children have the gap and how they solve it...also we r alwiz struggling to achieve so that people will listen or look up on us especially our parent..it is pride i guess
Song Name: ALL I KNOW
I bruise you
you bruise me
we both bruise so easily
too easily to let it show
i love you, and thats all i know
-
and all my plans
keep fallin through
all my plans they
depend on you
depend on you
to help them grow
i love you
and thats all i know
when the singer's gone
let the song go on
there's a fine line between
the darkness and the dawn
-
they say in the darkest night
there's a light beyond and the ending always comes at last
endings always
come too fast
they come too fast
and they pass too slow
i love you and thats all, its really all i know
its all i know
its all i know
another lyrics grabbed from anna page hehe! i love the movie...chicken little is so cute...one important things is the movie potray parent and children relationship in a real and touching way...this movie also show us about winning and pride...we need more this kind of show that will touch and awaken us... this movie is what happen in realistic where parent and children have the gap and how they solve it...also we r alwiz struggling to achieve so that people will listen or look up on us especially our parent..it is pride i guess
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
high school musical (nice movie!!!)
Start of Something New
Living in my own world
Didn't understand
That anything can happen
When you take a chance
I never believed in
What I couldn't see
I never opened my heart
To all the possibilities
I know that something has changed
Never felt this way
And right here tonight
This could be the start
Of something new
It feels so right
To be here with you
And now looking in your eyes
I feel in my heart
The start of something new
Now who'd of ever thought that
We'd both be here tonight
And the world looks so much brighter
With you by my side
I know that something has changed
Never felt this way
I know it for real
This could be the start
Of something new
It feels so right
To be here with you
And now looking in your eyes
I feel in my heart
The start of something new
I never knew that it could happen
Till it happened to me
I didn't know it before
But now it's easy to see
It's a start
Of something new
It feels so right
To be here with you
And now looking in your eyes
I feel in my heart
That it's the start
Of something new
It feels so right
To be here with you
And now looking in your eyes
I feel in my heart
The start of something new
Start of something new
Get'cha Head in the Game
Coach said to fake right
And break left
Watch out for the pick
And keep an eye on defense
Gotta run the give and go
And take the ball to the hole
But don't be afraid
To shoot the outside "J"
Just keep ya head in the game
Just keep ya head in the game
And don't be afraid
To shoot the outside "J"
Just keep ya head in the game
U gotta
Get'cha get'cha head in the game
We gotta
Get our, get our, get our, get our head in the game
(repeat 3x)
Let's make sure
That we get the rebound
'Cause when we get it
Then the crowd will go wild
A second chance
Gotta grab it and go
Maybe this time
We'll hit the right notes
Wait a minute
It's not the time or place
Wait a minute
Get my head in the game
Wait a minute
Get my head in the game
Wait a minute
Wait a minute
I gotta
Get my, get my head in the game
You gotta
Get'cha, get'cha, get'cha, get'cha head in the game
(repeat 3x)
Why am I feeling so wrong
My head's in the game
But my heart's in the song
She makes this feel so right
(SPOKEN)
Should I go for it
Better shake this, yikes!
I gotta
Get my, get my head in the game
You gotta
Get'cha, get'cha, get'cha, get'cha head in the game
(repeat 4x)
What I've Been Looking For
Ryan:It's hard to believe
That I couldn't see
Together: You were always there beside me
Thought I was alone
With no one to hold
But you were always right beside me
Sharpay:This feelings like no other
Together:I want you to know
I've never had someone that knows me like you do
the way you do
I've never had somone as good for me as you
no one like you so lonely before i finally found
what i've been looking for
Sharpay:
So good to be seen
So good to be heard
Together:Don't have to say a word
Ryan:
For so long I was lost
So good to be found
Together:
I'm loving having you around
Ryan:
This feeling's like no other
Together:
I want you to know
I've never had someone that knows me like you do
The way you do
I've never had someone as good for me as you
No one like you
So lonely before, I finally found
what I've ben looking for
Together:
Doo Doo DooDooDoo Doo DooDooDo Do
Woa-ah-ah-oh
Stick to the Status Quo
Zeke:
You can bet
There's nothin' but net
When I am in a zone and on a roll
But I've got a confession
My own secret obsession
And it's making me lose control
Jocks:
Everybody gather 'round
Zeke(spoken):
Well if Troy can tell his secret than I can tell mine...I bake
Jock(spoken):
What?
Zeke(spoken):
I love to bake! Strudels, scones, even apple pandowdy
Jocks:
Not another sound
Zeke(spoken):
Someday I hope to make the perfect creme brulee
Jocks:
No, no, no, nooooooooooo
No, no, no
Stick to the stuff you know
If you wanna be cool
Follow one simple rule
Don't mess with the flow, no no
Stick to the status quo
Martha Cox:
Look at me
And what do you see
Intelligence beyond compare
But inside I am stirring
Something strange is occuring
It's a secret I need to share
Brainiacs:
Open up, dig way down deep
Martha Cox(spoken):
Hip hop is my passion! I love to pop and lock and jam and break!
Braniac(spoken):
Is that even legal?
Brainiacs:
Not another peep
Martha(spoken):
It's just dancing. Sometimes I think it's cooler than homework.
Brainiacs:
No, no, no, noooooooooo
No, no, no
Stick to the stuff you know
It is better by far
To keep things as they are
Don't mess with the flow, no no
Stick to the status quo
Skaterdude:
Listen well I'm ready to tell
About a need that I cannot deny
Dude, there's no explanation
For this awesome sensation
But I'm ready to let it fly
Dudes & Dudettes:
Speak your mind and you'll be heard
Skaterdude(spoken):
Alright, if Troy wants to be a singer... then i'm coming clean! I play the cello!
Dude 1(spoken):
Awesome!
Dude 2(spoken):
What is it?
Dude 1(spoken):
A saw?
Skaterdude(spoken):
No, dude, it's like a giant violin!
Dudes & Dudettes:
Not another word
Dude 2(spoken):
Do you have to wear a costume?
Skaterdude(spoken):
Coat and tie
Dudes & Dudettes:
No, no, no, nooooooooooo
No, no, no
Stick to the stuff you know
If you wanna be cool
Follow one simple rule
Don't mess with the flow, no no
Stick to the status quoooooooo
Jocks, Brainiacs, & Dudes:
No, no, no
stick to the stuff you know
It is better by far
To keep things as they are
Don't mess with the flow, no no
Stick to the status quo
Sharpay:
This is not what I want
This is not what I planned
And I just gotta say
I do not understand
Someting is really
Ryan:
Something's not right
Sharpay:
Really wrong
Sharpay & Ryan:
And we gotta get things
Back where they belong
We can do it
Skaterdude:
Gotta play
Dudes & Dudettes:
Stick with what you know
Sharpay & Ryan:
We can do it
Martha Cox:
Hip hop hooray
Brainiacs:
]She has got to go
Sharpay & Ryan:
We can do it
Zeke:
Creme Brulee
Jocks:
Keep your voice down low
Jocks, Brainiacs & Dudes/Dudettes:
Not another peep
No, not another word
No, not another sound
No
Sharpay:
Everybody quiet
Gabriella(spoken):
Why is everybody staring at you?
Monique(spoken):
Not me, you.
Gabriella(spoken):
Because of the callbacks? I can't have people staring at me! I really can't!
Jocks, Brainiacs...:
Noooooooooooooo, no, no, no
Sick to the stuff you know
If you want to be cool
Follow one simple rule
Don't mess with the flow, oh no
Stick to the status quooooooooooooo
No, no, no
Stick to the stuff you know
It is better by far
To keep things as they are
Don't mess with the flow, no no
Stick to the status
stick to the status
Stick to the status quo
When There Was Me and You
It's funny when you find yourself
Looking from the outside
I'm standing here but all I want
Is to be over there
Why did I let myself believe
Miracles could happen
Cause now I have to pretend
That I don't really care'
I thought you were my fairytale
A dream when I'm not sleeping
A wish upon a star
Thats coming true
But everybody else could tell
That I confused my feelings with the truth
When there was me and you
I swore I knew the melody
That I heard you singing
And when you smiled
You made me feel
Like I could sing along
But then you went and changed the words
Now my heart is empty
I'm only left with used-to-be's
Once upon a song
Now I know your not a fairytale
And dreams were meant for sleeping
And wishes on a star
Just don't come true
Cause now even I tell
That I confused my feelings with the truth
Cause I liked the view
When there was me and you
I can't believe that
I could be so blind
It's like you were floating
While I was falling
And I didn't mind
Cause I liked the view
Thought you felt it too
When there was me and you
Breaking Free
Troy:
We are soaring, flying
There are not a star in heaven
That we cant reach
Gabriella:
If we are trying
So we are breaking free
Troy:
You know the world can see us
In a way that is different than who we are
Gabriella:
Creating space between us
Til we have separate hearts
Both:
But your faith it gives me strength
Strength to believe
Chorus :
Troy:
We are breaking free
Gabriella:
We are soaring
Troy:
Flying
Both: There are not a star in heaven
That we can't reach
Troy:
If we are trying
Both: Yeah, we are breaking free
Troy:
Oh, we are breaking free
Gabriella:
Ohhhh
Troy:
Can you feel it building
Like a wave the ocean just can't control
Gabriella:
Connected by a feeling
Ohhh, in our very souls
Both: Rising til it lifts us up
So every one can see
Chorus:
Troy:
We are breaking free
Gabriella: We are soaring
Troy:
Flying
Both:
There are not a star in heaven
That we can't reach
Troy: If we are trying
Yeah we are breaking free
Gabriella:
Ohhhh running
Troy:
Climbing
To get to that place
Both:
To be all that we can be
Troy:
Now is the time
Both:
So we are breaking free
Troy:
We are breaking free
Gabriella:
Ohhh , yeah
Troy:
More than hope
More than faith
Gabriella:
This is true
This is fate
And together
Both: We see it coming
Troy:
More than you
More than me
Gabriella:
Not a want, but a need
Both:
Both of us breaking free
Chorus:
Gabriella:
Soaring
Troy:
Flying
Both:
There are not a star in heaven
That we can't reach
If we are trying
Troy:
Yeah we are breaking free
Gabriella:
Breaking free
Were running
Troy:
Ohhhh, climbing
Both:
To get to the place
To be all that we can be
Now is the time
Troy:
Now is the time
Gabriella:
So we are breaking free
Troy:
Ohhh, we are breaking free
Gabriella:
Ohhhh
Both:
You know the world can see us
In a way that is different than who we are
We're All in This Together
Together, together, together everyone
Together, together, come on lets have some fun
Together, were there for each other every time
Together together come on lets do this right
Here and now its time for celebration
I finally figured it out (yeah yeah)
That all our dreams have no limitations
That's what its all about
Everyone is special in their own way
We make each other strong (each other strong)
Were not the same
Were different in a good way
Together's where we belong
We're all in this together
Once we know
That we are We're all stars
And we see that
We're all in this together
And it shows
When we stand Hand in hand
Make our dreams come true
Together, together, together everyone
Together, together, come on lets have some fun
Together, were there for each other every time
Together together come on lets do this right
We're all here
and speaking out with one voice
we're going to rock the house (YEAH YEAH!)
the party's on now everybody make some noise
come on scream and shout
We've arrived because we stuck together
Champions one and all
We're all in this together
Once we know
That we are
We're all stars
And we see that
We're all in this together
And it shows
When we stand Hand in hand
Make our dreams come
We're all in this together
When we reach
We can fly
Know inside
We can make it
We're all in this together
Once we see
There's a chance
That we have
And we take it
Wild cats sing along
Yeah, you really got it goin' on
Wild cats in the house
Everybody say it now
Wild cats everywhere
Wave your hands up in the air
That's the way we do it
Lets get to it
Time to show the world
We're all in this together
Once we know
That we are
We're all stars
And we see that
We're all in this together
And it shows
When we stand Hand in hand
Make our dreams come
We're all in this together
When we reach
We can fly
Know inside
We can make it
We're all in this together
Once we see
There's a chance
That we have
And we take it
Wild cats everywhere
Wave your hands up in the air
That's the way we do it
Let's get to it
Come on everyone!
ppl, i really like the part of the movie whr ppl r in search of their dreams and how they overcome the trials. also the part coming put from the status quo...nice movie !! btw, the lyrics is grabbed from anna grace! hehe! thx yah sista! hope u dun mind! oh and nice songs! it quite inspirational especially the one about status quo...others are sweet and touching like breaking free...=) cant wait for the second to b out =p yipee, cant wait...
smile as God is with us by RBC website
I was in a convenience store one day, standing in line behind a man paying for his groceries. When he was finished, the clerk sent him off with a cheery "Have a great day!"
To the clerk's surprise (and mine) the man exploded in anger. "This is one of the worst days of my life," he shouted. "How can I have a great day?" And with that he stormed out of the store.
I understand the man's frustration; I too have "bad" days over which I have no control. How can I have a great day, I ask myself, when it's beyond my control? Then I remember these words: "This is the day the Lord has made" (Psalm 118:24).
The Lord has made every day, and my Father will show Himself strong on my behalf today. He has control over everything in it—even the hard things that will come my way. All events have been screened through His wisdom and love, and they are opportunities for me to grow in faith. "His mercy endures forever" (v.1). "The Lord is on my side; I will not fear" (v.6).
Now, when people give me the parting admonition to have a great day, I reply, "That's beyond my control, but I can be grateful for whatever comes my way, and rejoice—for this is the day the Lord has made." —David H. Roper—David H. Roper-->
When dawn announces each new day,Before you rise up out of bed,Rejoice—be glad and give God praise,And thank Him for what lies ahead. —Sper
A smile is a curve that can set things straight.
To the clerk's surprise (and mine) the man exploded in anger. "This is one of the worst days of my life," he shouted. "How can I have a great day?" And with that he stormed out of the store.
I understand the man's frustration; I too have "bad" days over which I have no control. How can I have a great day, I ask myself, when it's beyond my control? Then I remember these words: "This is the day the Lord has made" (Psalm 118:24).
The Lord has made every day, and my Father will show Himself strong on my behalf today. He has control over everything in it—even the hard things that will come my way. All events have been screened through His wisdom and love, and they are opportunities for me to grow in faith. "His mercy endures forever" (v.1). "The Lord is on my side; I will not fear" (v.6).
Now, when people give me the parting admonition to have a great day, I reply, "That's beyond my control, but I can be grateful for whatever comes my way, and rejoice—for this is the day the Lord has made." —David H. Roper—David H. Roper-->
When dawn announces each new day,Before you rise up out of bed,Rejoice—be glad and give God praise,And thank Him for what lies ahead. —Sper
A smile is a curve that can set things straight.
Rejoice and be glad by RBC website
Dr. Cliff Arnall, a British psychologist, has developed a formula to determine the worst day of the year. One factor is the time elapsed since Christmas, when the holiday glow has given way to the reality of credit-card bills. Gloomy winter weather, short days, and the failure to keep New Year's resolutions are also a part of Dr. Arnall's calculations. Last year, January 24 received the dubious distinction of being "the most depressing day of the year."
Christians are not immune to the effects of weather and post-holiday letdown, but we do have a resource that can change our approach to any day. Psalm 118 recounts a list of difficulties including personal distress (v.5), national insecurity (v.10), and spiritual discipline (v.18), yet it goes on to declare, "This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it" (v.24).
The psalm is filled with a celebration of God's goodness and mercy in the midst of trouble and pain. Verse 14 comes as a shout of triumph: "The Lord is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation."
Even when circumstances hang a sign on our calendar saying "Bad Day!" the Creator enables us to thank Him for the gift of life and to receive each day with joy. —David C. McCasland—David C. McCasland-->
"What a day to be alive!"A friend has often said to me;And I respond with head held high:"Alive in Christ, yes, that's the key." -Hess
Welcome each day as a gift from God.
Christians are not immune to the effects of weather and post-holiday letdown, but we do have a resource that can change our approach to any day. Psalm 118 recounts a list of difficulties including personal distress (v.5), national insecurity (v.10), and spiritual discipline (v.18), yet it goes on to declare, "This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it" (v.24).
The psalm is filled with a celebration of God's goodness and mercy in the midst of trouble and pain. Verse 14 comes as a shout of triumph: "The Lord is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation."
Even when circumstances hang a sign on our calendar saying "Bad Day!" the Creator enables us to thank Him for the gift of life and to receive each day with joy. —David C. McCasland—David C. McCasland-->
"What a day to be alive!"A friend has often said to me;And I respond with head held high:"Alive in Christ, yes, that's the key." -Hess
Welcome each day as a gift from God.
Fun In God’s Service by RBC website
Our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing. . . .
“The Lord has done great things for us, and we are glad.” —Psalm 126:2-3
My grandnephew, his wife, and their daughter are serving as missionaries in New Guinea. He closes his newsletters with these words: “Having fun serving Him.”
With the word fun, he means pleasure, not a sense of amusement. How pleasurable it is to be an instrument in God’s hand—leading people to the Savior, comforting the sick and sorrowing, bringing transformation to troubled marriages, and doing good in the name of Jesus.
I’m quite sure the writer of Psalm 126 would agree. The six verses radiate with a spirit of joy and gladness from beginning to end. The psalm opens with a reminder of a time when God “brought back the captivity of Zion” (v.1). God had miraculously delivered His people from a grave situation (exactly what it was we don’t know). It was like a dream come true—and His people were filled with joy as they responded with refreshing laughter and hearty singing. It was a revival!
After a prayer for another such revival, the psalmist made a promise to all who serve God: “Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy” (v.5).
An abundant spiritual harvest can lead to laughter and singing. Yes, serving Him is fun! —Herbert Vander Lugt—Herbert Vander Lugt-->
What a delight to be aroundPeople who have a faith profound!Letting their joy in Christ be known,Seldom are they to the doldrums prone. —Hess
Joy is a fruit of the Spirit that’s always in season.
“The Lord has done great things for us, and we are glad.” —Psalm 126:2-3
My grandnephew, his wife, and their daughter are serving as missionaries in New Guinea. He closes his newsletters with these words: “Having fun serving Him.”
With the word fun, he means pleasure, not a sense of amusement. How pleasurable it is to be an instrument in God’s hand—leading people to the Savior, comforting the sick and sorrowing, bringing transformation to troubled marriages, and doing good in the name of Jesus.
I’m quite sure the writer of Psalm 126 would agree. The six verses radiate with a spirit of joy and gladness from beginning to end. The psalm opens with a reminder of a time when God “brought back the captivity of Zion” (v.1). God had miraculously delivered His people from a grave situation (exactly what it was we don’t know). It was like a dream come true—and His people were filled with joy as they responded with refreshing laughter and hearty singing. It was a revival!
After a prayer for another such revival, the psalmist made a promise to all who serve God: “Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy” (v.5).
An abundant spiritual harvest can lead to laughter and singing. Yes, serving Him is fun! —Herbert Vander Lugt—Herbert Vander Lugt-->
What a delight to be aroundPeople who have a faith profound!Letting their joy in Christ be known,Seldom are they to the doldrums prone. —Hess
Joy is a fruit of the Spirit that’s always in season.
Given the bad influence of the mass media in modern culture, wouldn't it be best for Christians to exclude it from their lives? by RBC website
One dark night I was driving through Amish country when I suddenly encountered a black horse carriage slowly clattering down the road, half on the shoulder and half on the blacktop. Only a swaying kerosene lantern glowed in the back to warn me of its presence. It was an unnerving experience. As I drove past, still feeling the effects of a rush of adrenalin, I realized how easily I might have smashed into the rear of the carriage. I concluded that since Amish drivers have never driven automobiles, they don't understand the danger automobiles and trucks pose to them at night.
Most people acknowledge that there is a tremendous amount of superficial, tasteless, and immoral programming on television and radio. Further, most Christians and other people who believe in a personal God sense the entertainment industry's hostility towards biblical values. These circumstances make it tempting for Christian parents to unplug the television, turn off the radio, confiscate CD players, and prohibit movie attendance. Although this response is understandable, such an attempt to completely isolate oneself or one's family from the modern media is likely to backfire.
If Christians react to a largely corrupt media by ignoring it entirely, they face a danger similar to the danger that the Amish face when they ignore the reality of modern, high-speed transportation. Most Christians long for the "good old days" when movies, music, and books were censored (voluntarily, if not officially) and the influence of the entertainment media wasn't so pervasive. But, in spite of corruption and flaws, the media isn't wrong in and of itself. Like automobiles, medicine, electrical power, and most other tools of our modern world, the media can be used for both good and evil.
The Bible tells us that God sent His Son into the world as a light in the darkness. The Light of the world didn't flee from the darkness; He displaced it. As the "children of light" ( Ephesians 5:8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light ), we are God's light-bearers ( Matthew 5:14-16 ; 1 Thessalonians 5:4-8 ), called to expose the "unfruitful works of darkness" and redeem the time ( Ephesians 5:11,16 ).
If we are sensitive to the Holy Spirit and the authority of the Scriptures, we are capable of judging all things ( 1 Corinthians 2:15 The spiritual man makes judgments about all things, but he himself is not subject to any man's judgment). Of course, that doesn't mean we shouldn't exercise discernment in the things we devote time to. We also need to recognize our particular areas of weakness, and not give the devil a foothold in our life by yielding to temptation. Just as earlier generations were able to read literature with understanding and discernment, we can exercise discernment in our use of modern media.
Most people acknowledge that there is a tremendous amount of superficial, tasteless, and immoral programming on television and radio. Further, most Christians and other people who believe in a personal God sense the entertainment industry's hostility towards biblical values. These circumstances make it tempting for Christian parents to unplug the television, turn off the radio, confiscate CD players, and prohibit movie attendance. Although this response is understandable, such an attempt to completely isolate oneself or one's family from the modern media is likely to backfire.
If Christians react to a largely corrupt media by ignoring it entirely, they face a danger similar to the danger that the Amish face when they ignore the reality of modern, high-speed transportation. Most Christians long for the "good old days" when movies, music, and books were censored (voluntarily, if not officially) and the influence of the entertainment media wasn't so pervasive. But, in spite of corruption and flaws, the media isn't wrong in and of itself. Like automobiles, medicine, electrical power, and most other tools of our modern world, the media can be used for both good and evil.
The Bible tells us that God sent His Son into the world as a light in the darkness. The Light of the world didn't flee from the darkness; He displaced it. As the "children of light" ( Ephesians 5:8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light ), we are God's light-bearers ( Matthew 5:14-16 ; 1 Thessalonians 5:4-8 ), called to expose the "unfruitful works of darkness" and redeem the time ( Ephesians 5:11,16 ).
If we are sensitive to the Holy Spirit and the authority of the Scriptures, we are capable of judging all things ( 1 Corinthians 2:15 The spiritual man makes judgments about all things, but he himself is not subject to any man's judgment). Of course, that doesn't mean we shouldn't exercise discernment in the things we devote time to. We also need to recognize our particular areas of weakness, and not give the devil a foothold in our life by yielding to temptation. Just as earlier generations were able to read literature with understanding and discernment, we can exercise discernment in our use of modern media.
alcohol drink? by RBC website
If the wine Jesus created at the wedding of Cana was alcoholic, does this mean that He approved the consumption of alcohol?
The Greek word oinos, translated as "wine" in the New Testament, simply means wine. The Greeks had a different word for grape juice. The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia suggests that in New Testament times wine usually existed in a fermented form. It states:
Unfermented grape juice is a very difficult thing to keep without the aid of modern antiseptic precautions, and its preservation in the warm and not overly clean conditions of ancient Palestine is impossible (p.3086).
The references to wine in the New Testament are both positive and negative. For example, John the Baptist's refusal to drink wine was a sign of his special responsibility as the last prophet in the Old Testament tradition, and Jesus was not willing to take wine while on the cross because of His desire to experience fully the "cup of suffering" that His Father had given Him. On the other hand, Jesus used wine to illustrate His teaching. His first miracle was the creation of wine at the marriage in Cana ( John 2:1-11 ), and He used the illustration of "new wine" and "new skins" to stress the need for a change of perspective about the law ( Matthew 9:16-17 ).
Timothy was exhorted by Paul to take a little wine as medicine, while drunkenness is severely condemned ( Romans 13:13 Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy). The New Bible Dictionary gives the following summary of the New Testament's teaching about the use of alcoholic beverages:
To sum up, then, it may be said that while wine is not condemned as being without usefulness, it brings in the hands of sinful men such dangers of becoming uncontrolled that even those who count themselves to be strong would be wise to abstain, if not for their own sake, yet for the sake of weaker brethren (Romans 14:21).
The June 20, 1975, issue of Christianity Today contained an interesting article by Robert H. Stein: "Wine-Drinking In New Testament Times." He observes that the wine used in ancient times was mixed with water in ratios of up to four parts water to one part wine. Mr. Stein explains:
In the Talmud, which contains the oral traditions of Judaism from about 200 BC to AD 200, there are several tractates in which the mixture of water and wine is discussed. One tractate (Shabbath 77a) states that wine that does not carry three parts water is not wine. The normal mixture is said to consist of two parts water to one part wine. In a most important reference (Pesahim 108b) it is stated that the four cups every Jew was to drink during the Passover ritual were to be mixed in a ratio of three parts water to one part wine. From this we can conclude with a fair degree of certainty that the fruit of the vine used at the institution of the Lord's Supper was a mixture of three parts water to one part wine. In another Jewish reference from around 60 BC, we read, "It is harmful to drink wine alone, or again, to drink water alone, while wine mixed with water is sweet and delicious and enhances one's enjoyment" (II Maccabees 15:39).
Dr. M. R. De Haan expressed his viewpoint concerning the use of wine in moderation:
It is the abuse of wine rather than the use of wine which is strongly condemned in the Scriptures. I know that in European countries, even among Christians, wine is oftentimes used as an appetizer, but not in excess. Personally, I do not use it, and I wish that we could eliminate it entirely. But it is well to remember that the use of wine does not mean the abuse of wine. Certainly it was never meant to be used for the purpose of intoxication, and I believe that it would be a great deal better not to use it at all, seeing the evil to which it often leads
The Greek word oinos, translated as "wine" in the New Testament, simply means wine. The Greeks had a different word for grape juice. The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia suggests that in New Testament times wine usually existed in a fermented form. It states:
Unfermented grape juice is a very difficult thing to keep without the aid of modern antiseptic precautions, and its preservation in the warm and not overly clean conditions of ancient Palestine is impossible (p.3086).
The references to wine in the New Testament are both positive and negative. For example, John the Baptist's refusal to drink wine was a sign of his special responsibility as the last prophet in the Old Testament tradition, and Jesus was not willing to take wine while on the cross because of His desire to experience fully the "cup of suffering" that His Father had given Him. On the other hand, Jesus used wine to illustrate His teaching. His first miracle was the creation of wine at the marriage in Cana ( John 2:1-11 ), and He used the illustration of "new wine" and "new skins" to stress the need for a change of perspective about the law ( Matthew 9:16-17 ).
Timothy was exhorted by Paul to take a little wine as medicine, while drunkenness is severely condemned ( Romans 13:13 Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy). The New Bible Dictionary gives the following summary of the New Testament's teaching about the use of alcoholic beverages:
To sum up, then, it may be said that while wine is not condemned as being without usefulness, it brings in the hands of sinful men such dangers of becoming uncontrolled that even those who count themselves to be strong would be wise to abstain, if not for their own sake, yet for the sake of weaker brethren (Romans 14:21).
The June 20, 1975, issue of Christianity Today contained an interesting article by Robert H. Stein: "Wine-Drinking In New Testament Times." He observes that the wine used in ancient times was mixed with water in ratios of up to four parts water to one part wine. Mr. Stein explains:
In the Talmud, which contains the oral traditions of Judaism from about 200 BC to AD 200, there are several tractates in which the mixture of water and wine is discussed. One tractate (Shabbath 77a) states that wine that does not carry three parts water is not wine. The normal mixture is said to consist of two parts water to one part wine. In a most important reference (Pesahim 108b) it is stated that the four cups every Jew was to drink during the Passover ritual were to be mixed in a ratio of three parts water to one part wine. From this we can conclude with a fair degree of certainty that the fruit of the vine used at the institution of the Lord's Supper was a mixture of three parts water to one part wine. In another Jewish reference from around 60 BC, we read, "It is harmful to drink wine alone, or again, to drink water alone, while wine mixed with water is sweet and delicious and enhances one's enjoyment" (II Maccabees 15:39).
Dr. M. R. De Haan expressed his viewpoint concerning the use of wine in moderation:
It is the abuse of wine rather than the use of wine which is strongly condemned in the Scriptures. I know that in European countries, even among Christians, wine is oftentimes used as an appetizer, but not in excess. Personally, I do not use it, and I wish that we could eliminate it entirely. But it is well to remember that the use of wine does not mean the abuse of wine. Certainly it was never meant to be used for the purpose of intoxication, and I believe that it would be a great deal better not to use it at all, seeing the evil to which it often leads
Daddy I found U =) by RBC website
In his book Jesus Among Other Gods, Ravi Zacharias tells a story about a girl who became hopelessly lost in a dark and dense forest. She called and screamed, but to no avail. Her alarmed parents and a group of volunteers searched frantically for her. When darkness fell, they had to give up for the night.
Early the next morning the girl’s father reentered the forest to search for her and spied her fast asleep on a rock. He called her name and ran toward her. Startled awake, she threw her arms out to him. As he picked her up and hugged her, she repeated over and over, “Daddy, I found you!”
Applying this story to Mary Magdalene’s search for Jesus in John 20, Zacharias comments: “Mary discovered the most startling truth of all when she came looking for the body of Jesus. She did not realize that the person she had found was the One who was risen, and that He had come looking for her.”
We who believe on Jesus sometimes speak of “finding” Him. But why did we seek Him in the first place? Because, like the shepherd who went out into the darkness to find one lost sheep, God seeks us. He is waiting for us to realize our lostness and reach out to Him. He will pick us up, embrace us, and give us His peace. —Herbert Vander Lugt
Early the next morning the girl’s father reentered the forest to search for her and spied her fast asleep on a rock. He called her name and ran toward her. Startled awake, she threw her arms out to him. As he picked her up and hugged her, she repeated over and over, “Daddy, I found you!”
Applying this story to Mary Magdalene’s search for Jesus in John 20, Zacharias comments: “Mary discovered the most startling truth of all when she came looking for the body of Jesus. She did not realize that the person she had found was the One who was risen, and that He had come looking for her.”
We who believe on Jesus sometimes speak of “finding” Him. But why did we seek Him in the first place? Because, like the shepherd who went out into the darkness to find one lost sheep, God seeks us. He is waiting for us to realize our lostness and reach out to Him. He will pick us up, embrace us, and give us His peace. —Herbert Vander Lugt
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
journal entry in multiply
According to Acts 11:26 the DISCIPLES OF CHRIST were called Christians.
...and the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.
The Greek word for Christian (christianos) is derived from the word Christ (Christos). So likewise today, a person can be considered a Christian if he follows Jesus Christ.
A disciple is someone who strives to understand and imitate his Master. The decisions he makes in his life are based on what he learns from his Master's life and teaching.
And He summoned the crowd with His disciples, and said to them, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel's will save it." (Mark 8:34-35)
According to the New Testament everyone who follows Jesus is also called a child of God.
Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God... (John 1:12 NIV)
A follower of Jesus receives the gift of eternal life. He is spiritually reborn, allowing God to lead and form him. A child of God chooses to obey his Father.
By this we know that we have come to know Him if we keep His commandments. The one who says, "I have come to know Him" and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. (1 John 2:3-4)
As long as a person refuses to submit his life to the holy God he is spiritually dead because of his sins.
So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, "If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free." They answered Him, "We are Abraham's descendants and have never yet been enslaved to anyone; how is it that You say, 'You will become free'?" Jesus answered them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin. The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son does remain forever. So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed." (John 8:31-36)
Jesus wants everyone to be saved. If a person repents (regrets and turns from his sins), Jesus makes him free. He is made holy by God and is given the power to live a completely new life in God.
...that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth. (Ephesians 4:22-24)
Every member of the church has been sanctified (made holy) and is therefore a saint (Philemon 1:1; 2 Corinthians 1:1).
As children of God all Christians have one Father, God. So the relationship among believers is a brotherly relationship.
But do not be called Rabbi; for One is your Teacher, and you are all brothers. Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. Do not be called leaders; for One is your Leader, that is, Christ. But the greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted. (Matthew 23:8-12)
He said, "Who are My mother and My brother?" Looking about at those who were sitting around Him, He said, "Behold My mother and My brothers! For whoever does the will of God, he is My brother and sister and mother." (Mark 3:33-35)
Therefore we can use the terms disciple, child of God, saint and brother/sister synonymously with Christian.
HOW CAN WE KNOW WHO IS A CHRISTIAN?
Christian life is based on the acceptance of salvation through Jesus Christ. Jesus sets Christians free from sin. He reveals the truth to them so they are able to understand the right teaching about God's nature and live a holy life in his will. Having the right teaching and living according to the will of God are inseparably connected to each other.
Unfortunately there are many so-called churches around today that do not conform to these biblical standards. It is possible to see whether a religious denomination is biblical by thoroughly examining its teaching and lifestyle. It is more difficult though, to see whether the individual members are Christians because there is often a wide range of differing practices and opinions concerning faith within a single group because of the lack of effort made to reach deep unity. However, there are some essential elements belonging to a relationship with God which show clearly who lives with God.
a) LIVING ACCORDING TO THE WILL OF GOD
Becoming a Christian involves a conscious decision to follow Jesus. This is also known as repentance. John 1:12, quoted above, speaks about the necessity of "receiving" or accepting Jesus, showing that becoming a Christian is based on a decision. Not everyone who decides to follow Jesus knows the exact point in time when he made that decision. In some cases the decision to hand control of one's life over to God is the result of gradual positive steps, putting into practice what one has understood, and cannot be pinpointed to a certain date or a special experience.
The consequence of repentance (Greek: metanoia = change of mind) is that the new person sees the world with new eyes. He has a new system of values and lives for other aims than before he knew God. Through repentance the broken relationship between man and his creator is restored and it is through this relationship that a Christian lives according to the will of God. God makes his Holy Spirit to dwell within each Christian, enabling him to live a holy life.
For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. (Romans 8:14)
Repentance means regretting and leaving behind one's former sins and devoting oneself to seeking and doing good.
But thanks be to God that though you were slaves of sin, you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching to which you were committed, and having been freed from sin, you became slaves of righteousness. (Romans 6:17-18)
Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:1-2)
The life of a Christian is a continuous process of sanctification. God works within each Christian to conform him more and more to the image of his Son (Romans 8:29). That does not mean that a Christian is without sin for the rest of his life, but that he basically separates from sin. The result of this sanctification must be visible in the life of every Christian (John 15:1-10) because God gives him the power to strive for a holy life (2 Peter 1:3; Romans 6:12-14).
For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. (Romans 8:2)
The fruit of having a relationship with God is visible in the good a Christian does, manifested principally in brotherly love.
So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith. (Galatians 6:10)
Brotherly love (the love among believers) is the sign by which the disciples of Jesus are recognised (John 13:34-35). Brotherly love is based on the decision of each Christian to devote his life to his brothers and sisters.
We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. (1 John 3:16)
The knowledge of God's own loving nature is what leads Christians to devote themselves completely to serving God and others.
The one who does not love does not know God for God is love. (1 John 4:8)
...anyone who does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor the one who does not love his brother. (1 John 3:10)
Relationships among brothers and sisters in faith differ from other relationships because Christians have the same attitude towards life and share the same hope and aim in life. Since a Christian is not in unity with unbelievers in these points the amount of co-operation possible is limited, but even in this case Christians must do what they can to encourage mutual respect and a peaceful coexistence.
"I have been baptised so I am a Christian..."
Some people think that a person becomes a Christian through baptism. In Romans 2:28-29 we can read:
For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh. But he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that which is of the heart, by the Spirit...
In the same way it is the inward change that is important for becoming a Christian and baptism is only an outward expression of the inward change.
"I am a good person..."
There is an important difference between being a "good" person and being a Christian. Somebody can have many good attributes, he can even be a devoted helper or a generous person, but these things do not make him a Christian. Good attributes are advantageous for others on a certain level, but they can only be used in the best way after a person has repented to God. If a person wants to be "good" without repenting to God, there is a danger that his "goodness" or "greatness" will cause others to respect and honour him instead of honouring and following Jesus.
The example of the rich man (Luke 18:18-30) also shows that Jesus expects full submission to God from his disciples. The rich man was also a "good" man. No doubt, he really did follow the commandments Jesus mentioned (at least to a certain degree). Nevertheless, he himself sensed that something was still missing for him to receive eternal life. We can see from Jesus' answer that the superficial compliance with a list of laws is not enough. Jesus points out what the man does not want to put in God's hand. Jesus claims ownership over our whole life, as Peter recognised in this situation and said: "We have left our own homes and followed You" (verse 28).
Following Jesus means seeking what God wants to do with our life in all points and in all moments. We must be ready to give up everything because of God. We must turn from our egotism and materialistic pursuits and be ready to let go of our ambitions, careers and hobbies - not only when faced with persecution. We not only have to separate from our sins but we also have to set the right priorities in our life (Luke 9:57-62; Luke 14:25-30). We must be ready to abide in our faith even if our family or friends disagree (Matthew 10: 34-38). We have to accept that they might turn away from us and persecute us.
We must obey God rather than men! (Acts 5:29)
b) THE RIGHT TEACHING
Jesus said that the Father seeks worshippers who worship Him in spirit and truth (John 4:23). Jesus revealed the truth, as can be seen, for example, in Jesus' prayer shortly before his death:
For the words which You gave Me I have given to them; and they received them and truly understood that I came forth from You, and they believed that You sent Me. (John 17:8)
The gospel, and for that matter the whole word of God, the Bible, has been given as a guide to lead us to understand God's will. God revealed himself throughout the Old and New Covenants in order to show us how to live. The truth can be recognised by everyone - as Paul points out in his second letter to the Corinthians:
... by the manifestation of truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. (2 Corinthians 4:2-3)
Anybody who is ready to obey God can recognise what his will is.
If anyone is willing to do His will, he will know of the teaching, whether it is of God or whether I speak from Myself. (John 7:17)
The recognition of the truth, i.e. the right understanding of God's word is the basis of a relationship with God. Knowing God does not only mean understanding theoretically what God wants from us. It means grasping his message wholeheartedly and living in fellowship with Him.
This is the eternal life: that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. (John 17:3)
Therefore the New Testament lays special emphasis on the right teaching, even making it a condition of being saved.
Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you. (1 Timothy 4:16)
False teachings give a wrong understanding of God. The result is that if someone accepts false teachings he does not know the true God and cannot have a real relationship with Him (2 John 9). Only someone who is not willing to submit himself to the truth of God will accept and remain in false teachings.
Today there are numerous denominations which regard themselves as Christian churches. They have an array of different teachings and they offer various forms of religious life where their members are not required to devote themselves to God for a holy life.
Contrary to this, the church, the community of the believers, is built on the teaching of the apostles (Ephesians 2:20). It does not accept new teachings (Galatians 1:9). The church is the pillar and the foundation of the truth (1 Timothy 3:15). It's teaching is consistent, undivided and unchanging (1 Corinthians 1:10).
The different denominations cannot be called parts of one church because they have contradictory teachings. This does not mean that nobody can become a Christian in a denomination where false teachings are taught. But if he is growing in faith he will be confronted with the false teachings and he will have to refuse them in order to keep his relationship with God.
WHY MUST WE KNOW WHO IS A CHRISTIAN?
In this age of "tolerance" and pluralism it is considered disrespectful to question someone else's belief. The "delicate questions" are often avoided so as not to offend. But a relationship where problems and differences cannot be discussed is not harmonious or honest.
If we take on this thinking that we must not question what another person does or believes, we exclude the possibility of having really deep relationships and community. It would mean that we would not be able to help each other because we cannot see what the others need. However, God's plan is that Christians are accountable to one another and can give one another real support (Hebrews 3:12-14; 1 Thessalonians 2:8-12).
Only people who want to obey God belong to the church (Matthew 18:15-17; 1 Corinthians 5:9-13). The church must hold up a mirror to its contemporaries so that they can see the kind of relationship Christians have with God (Matthew 5:14-16).
Sadly, there are many people who claim to be Christians but who deny it by their deeds. We must examine their faith and show them what is missing in their relationship to God. They have to be called to repentance. That is what it means to really love them, because our desire should always be for everyone to live in obedience to God. It is not possible for Christians to have fellowship with people who consciously decide to live in error. We must not adopt their teaching or their way of thinking (2 John 7-11).
...and the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.
The Greek word for Christian (christianos) is derived from the word Christ (Christos). So likewise today, a person can be considered a Christian if he follows Jesus Christ.
A disciple is someone who strives to understand and imitate his Master. The decisions he makes in his life are based on what he learns from his Master's life and teaching.
And He summoned the crowd with His disciples, and said to them, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel's will save it." (Mark 8:34-35)
According to the New Testament everyone who follows Jesus is also called a child of God.
Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God... (John 1:12 NIV)
A follower of Jesus receives the gift of eternal life. He is spiritually reborn, allowing God to lead and form him. A child of God chooses to obey his Father.
By this we know that we have come to know Him if we keep His commandments. The one who says, "I have come to know Him" and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. (1 John 2:3-4)
As long as a person refuses to submit his life to the holy God he is spiritually dead because of his sins.
So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, "If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free." They answered Him, "We are Abraham's descendants and have never yet been enslaved to anyone; how is it that You say, 'You will become free'?" Jesus answered them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin. The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son does remain forever. So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed." (John 8:31-36)
Jesus wants everyone to be saved. If a person repents (regrets and turns from his sins), Jesus makes him free. He is made holy by God and is given the power to live a completely new life in God.
...that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth. (Ephesians 4:22-24)
Every member of the church has been sanctified (made holy) and is therefore a saint (Philemon 1:1; 2 Corinthians 1:1).
As children of God all Christians have one Father, God. So the relationship among believers is a brotherly relationship.
But do not be called Rabbi; for One is your Teacher, and you are all brothers. Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. Do not be called leaders; for One is your Leader, that is, Christ. But the greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted. (Matthew 23:8-12)
He said, "Who are My mother and My brother?" Looking about at those who were sitting around Him, He said, "Behold My mother and My brothers! For whoever does the will of God, he is My brother and sister and mother." (Mark 3:33-35)
Therefore we can use the terms disciple, child of God, saint and brother/sister synonymously with Christian.
HOW CAN WE KNOW WHO IS A CHRISTIAN?
Christian life is based on the acceptance of salvation through Jesus Christ. Jesus sets Christians free from sin. He reveals the truth to them so they are able to understand the right teaching about God's nature and live a holy life in his will. Having the right teaching and living according to the will of God are inseparably connected to each other.
Unfortunately there are many so-called churches around today that do not conform to these biblical standards. It is possible to see whether a religious denomination is biblical by thoroughly examining its teaching and lifestyle. It is more difficult though, to see whether the individual members are Christians because there is often a wide range of differing practices and opinions concerning faith within a single group because of the lack of effort made to reach deep unity. However, there are some essential elements belonging to a relationship with God which show clearly who lives with God.
a) LIVING ACCORDING TO THE WILL OF GOD
Becoming a Christian involves a conscious decision to follow Jesus. This is also known as repentance. John 1:12, quoted above, speaks about the necessity of "receiving" or accepting Jesus, showing that becoming a Christian is based on a decision. Not everyone who decides to follow Jesus knows the exact point in time when he made that decision. In some cases the decision to hand control of one's life over to God is the result of gradual positive steps, putting into practice what one has understood, and cannot be pinpointed to a certain date or a special experience.
The consequence of repentance (Greek: metanoia = change of mind) is that the new person sees the world with new eyes. He has a new system of values and lives for other aims than before he knew God. Through repentance the broken relationship between man and his creator is restored and it is through this relationship that a Christian lives according to the will of God. God makes his Holy Spirit to dwell within each Christian, enabling him to live a holy life.
For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. (Romans 8:14)
Repentance means regretting and leaving behind one's former sins and devoting oneself to seeking and doing good.
But thanks be to God that though you were slaves of sin, you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching to which you were committed, and having been freed from sin, you became slaves of righteousness. (Romans 6:17-18)
Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:1-2)
The life of a Christian is a continuous process of sanctification. God works within each Christian to conform him more and more to the image of his Son (Romans 8:29). That does not mean that a Christian is without sin for the rest of his life, but that he basically separates from sin. The result of this sanctification must be visible in the life of every Christian (John 15:1-10) because God gives him the power to strive for a holy life (2 Peter 1:3; Romans 6:12-14).
For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. (Romans 8:2)
The fruit of having a relationship with God is visible in the good a Christian does, manifested principally in brotherly love.
So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith. (Galatians 6:10)
Brotherly love (the love among believers) is the sign by which the disciples of Jesus are recognised (John 13:34-35). Brotherly love is based on the decision of each Christian to devote his life to his brothers and sisters.
We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. (1 John 3:16)
The knowledge of God's own loving nature is what leads Christians to devote themselves completely to serving God and others.
The one who does not love does not know God for God is love. (1 John 4:8)
...anyone who does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor the one who does not love his brother. (1 John 3:10)
Relationships among brothers and sisters in faith differ from other relationships because Christians have the same attitude towards life and share the same hope and aim in life. Since a Christian is not in unity with unbelievers in these points the amount of co-operation possible is limited, but even in this case Christians must do what they can to encourage mutual respect and a peaceful coexistence.
"I have been baptised so I am a Christian..."
Some people think that a person becomes a Christian through baptism. In Romans 2:28-29 we can read:
For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh. But he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that which is of the heart, by the Spirit...
In the same way it is the inward change that is important for becoming a Christian and baptism is only an outward expression of the inward change.
"I am a good person..."
There is an important difference between being a "good" person and being a Christian. Somebody can have many good attributes, he can even be a devoted helper or a generous person, but these things do not make him a Christian. Good attributes are advantageous for others on a certain level, but they can only be used in the best way after a person has repented to God. If a person wants to be "good" without repenting to God, there is a danger that his "goodness" or "greatness" will cause others to respect and honour him instead of honouring and following Jesus.
The example of the rich man (Luke 18:18-30) also shows that Jesus expects full submission to God from his disciples. The rich man was also a "good" man. No doubt, he really did follow the commandments Jesus mentioned (at least to a certain degree). Nevertheless, he himself sensed that something was still missing for him to receive eternal life. We can see from Jesus' answer that the superficial compliance with a list of laws is not enough. Jesus points out what the man does not want to put in God's hand. Jesus claims ownership over our whole life, as Peter recognised in this situation and said: "We have left our own homes and followed You" (verse 28).
Following Jesus means seeking what God wants to do with our life in all points and in all moments. We must be ready to give up everything because of God. We must turn from our egotism and materialistic pursuits and be ready to let go of our ambitions, careers and hobbies - not only when faced with persecution. We not only have to separate from our sins but we also have to set the right priorities in our life (Luke 9:57-62; Luke 14:25-30). We must be ready to abide in our faith even if our family or friends disagree (Matthew 10: 34-38). We have to accept that they might turn away from us and persecute us.
We must obey God rather than men! (Acts 5:29)
b) THE RIGHT TEACHING
Jesus said that the Father seeks worshippers who worship Him in spirit and truth (John 4:23). Jesus revealed the truth, as can be seen, for example, in Jesus' prayer shortly before his death:
For the words which You gave Me I have given to them; and they received them and truly understood that I came forth from You, and they believed that You sent Me. (John 17:8)
The gospel, and for that matter the whole word of God, the Bible, has been given as a guide to lead us to understand God's will. God revealed himself throughout the Old and New Covenants in order to show us how to live. The truth can be recognised by everyone - as Paul points out in his second letter to the Corinthians:
... by the manifestation of truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. (2 Corinthians 4:2-3)
Anybody who is ready to obey God can recognise what his will is.
If anyone is willing to do His will, he will know of the teaching, whether it is of God or whether I speak from Myself. (John 7:17)
The recognition of the truth, i.e. the right understanding of God's word is the basis of a relationship with God. Knowing God does not only mean understanding theoretically what God wants from us. It means grasping his message wholeheartedly and living in fellowship with Him.
This is the eternal life: that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. (John 17:3)
Therefore the New Testament lays special emphasis on the right teaching, even making it a condition of being saved.
Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you. (1 Timothy 4:16)
False teachings give a wrong understanding of God. The result is that if someone accepts false teachings he does not know the true God and cannot have a real relationship with Him (2 John 9). Only someone who is not willing to submit himself to the truth of God will accept and remain in false teachings.
Today there are numerous denominations which regard themselves as Christian churches. They have an array of different teachings and they offer various forms of religious life where their members are not required to devote themselves to God for a holy life.
Contrary to this, the church, the community of the believers, is built on the teaching of the apostles (Ephesians 2:20). It does not accept new teachings (Galatians 1:9). The church is the pillar and the foundation of the truth (1 Timothy 3:15). It's teaching is consistent, undivided and unchanging (1 Corinthians 1:10).
The different denominations cannot be called parts of one church because they have contradictory teachings. This does not mean that nobody can become a Christian in a denomination where false teachings are taught. But if he is growing in faith he will be confronted with the false teachings and he will have to refuse them in order to keep his relationship with God.
WHY MUST WE KNOW WHO IS A CHRISTIAN?
In this age of "tolerance" and pluralism it is considered disrespectful to question someone else's belief. The "delicate questions" are often avoided so as not to offend. But a relationship where problems and differences cannot be discussed is not harmonious or honest.
If we take on this thinking that we must not question what another person does or believes, we exclude the possibility of having really deep relationships and community. It would mean that we would not be able to help each other because we cannot see what the others need. However, God's plan is that Christians are accountable to one another and can give one another real support (Hebrews 3:12-14; 1 Thessalonians 2:8-12).
Only people who want to obey God belong to the church (Matthew 18:15-17; 1 Corinthians 5:9-13). The church must hold up a mirror to its contemporaries so that they can see the kind of relationship Christians have with God (Matthew 5:14-16).
Sadly, there are many people who claim to be Christians but who deny it by their deeds. We must examine their faith and show them what is missing in their relationship to God. They have to be called to repentance. That is what it means to really love them, because our desire should always be for everyone to live in obedience to God. It is not possible for Christians to have fellowship with people who consciously decide to live in error. We must not adopt their teaching or their way of thinking (2 John 7-11).
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