Tuesday, December 15, 2009

HOPE OF PEACE

When we reminisce about this year’s past and present events, we don’t see many changes in the world we live in, that is, our soldiers are still at war, divorce rate continues to rise, financial crisis booming high and our nation struggles with unemployment. It appears like no silver lining at the end of the day. But if you are a believer in Christ our Savior you will know that there is hope for you.

Our Savior was sent to us to make a change in us, “... so that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16) We are in this world, but not of this world. There may be wars, crisis in nature, our surroundings and even in our homes, but we have HOPE. If we lose our faith we lose hope, because that is what faith is according to Hebrews 11:1 “Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”

My friend, at the end of the day and of this year 2009 -don’t give up even when things don’t go your way or the world’s –grasp on to the One who gives Hope and stay with Him. My prayer at the end of the day is for Peace in my life, home and for this world.

PEACE

I heard the sounds of bombs
Exploding in the air
And I saw the children’s faces
With tears of losing loved ones there.
Then I looked around with great despair
In search of Peace for us all there
And looked above with hope of finding there:
Peace was the shout within,
Peace for the child that’s hurting,
Peace for the world today;
Peace, Peace, Peace.

(Author: Mary Perez Vansher)

Thursday, November 5, 2009

SERVING WITH GLADNESS

“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on a stand, and give light to everyone in the house. In the same way let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:15-16, NIV)

This time of the year I look forward to the holidays of Thanksgiving and Christmas and enjoying the company of family and having fellowship with believers. But there are also festivities our local church puts on during this time. These tasks entail participation – calling believers to volunteer for service. I realize that I’m a vessel to be used in God’s work for His glory and this can include giving up my time to serve with joy and enthusiasm with those in God’s temple.

My friend, serving is a blessing that sometimes we miss out on, because we say, “I don’t have the time.” In Jesus we find the essence of how to be a giver of self to others, for instance, he healed the sick, gave sermons, prayed to his Heavenly Father and did many wonderful things for people, but he never complained about how little time he had, or the number of people he healed; or the lack of faith that some of his disciples showed. Jesus did not complain, but gladly involved himself in serving others. He set the precedent for us to emulate.

The apostle Paul speaks to the church of Ephesus and to us in Ephesians 2:10 “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” We become Christians through God’s unmerited grace, not as the result of any effort, ability, intelligent choice, or act of service on our part. However, out of gratitude for this free gift, we will seek to help and serve others with kindness, love, and gentleness, and not merely to please ourselves. We are not saved for our own benefit, but we are saved to serve Christ and build up the Church.

I recently came from visiting Cornerstone Church in San Antonio, Texas where I saw enthusiasm of service in believers helping out during their Feast of Tabernacle celebration. It was a blessing to participate in this celebration, but what made it a success were those giving of themselves showing love and generosity to strangers. The world’s view is “what’s in it for me?” But instead we should be saying as Colossians 3:17 says “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” Be a blessing this holiday and serve others with gladness!

God Bless.

Thursday, October 8, 2009

LOOKING UP TO CHRIST

There are things we humans must go through in life, some good and some bad - but wasn't man responsible for the state of sin in this world that brought about diseases? Yes, But Christ gave us victory to see that even though these things exist there is a better life for us in Him and also an eternal life with Him when he comes a second time. This is our hope! Even though we suffer with trials, testing, persecutions and even death - our aim or as the apostle Paul says: "Our citizenship is in heaven." And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body." (Philippians 3:20-21)

My friend, you suffer and worry about what is happening to you, but Paul tells us not to worry (remember he was persecuted and executed) His example gives us hope! The Christ who raised Lazarus, healed the blind and the possesed by demons; and the disabled is YOUR GOD! Nothing is impossible to God! (Matthew 19:26) Did you know that you have intercessors ?Believers who can pray for you and won't give up! Even the Holy Spirit intercedes for us in our weakness. (Romans 8:26) The Psalmist tells us to "Cast your cares on the LORD and He will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall." In times of trouble call on His name.

Many times I've been laid in bed sick with pain, but when I think of God's word it brings strength to overcome the physical pain, because I can proclaim the name of Jesus Christ and His blood to overcome anything. I trust God to bring healing and sometimes that healing can be accomplished through a man with knowledge (physicians) that have been given gifts to help others in need. The Bible speaks of Luke, a regular physician and a godly man. He served in two areas, that is, as a physician and as a writer of the gospel of Luke and Acts. Therefore, my friend we must first place our trust in God Almighty to bring healing to our body and let our Lord use those he has imparted gifts of science and technology to bring about repairs to our physical body. Only God is in control and only He can make things possible.

What must you do?
1. Listen to God's voice - the truth (the Word)

2. Believe it - Take action by being faithful to God no matter what the circumstances are TRUST HIM.

3. Take Action -The patriarch Abraham listened to God (Ge.12:1), he obeyed Him (Ge. 12:2) acting on faith he left his nation, relatives to go to a place God had for him. His obedience to the Word (God's word is truth - John 17:17) brought blessings. Proclaim the name of Jesus Christ and his blood! They have power over any disease.

4. Worship- Abraham raised a second altar and called upon the name of the Lord. He showed thankfulness and honor to the One who called him Friend.

We are friends of the Almighty. Jesus called Lazarus his friend (John 11:11), and He calls "friends" all who believe on Him and obey Him (John 15:13-15).

It is my hope that you affirm your faith through the reading of God's Word and pray trusting Your Friend Jesus.

May The Lord Bless You!

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

TURNING YOUR EYES AWAY FROM GOD

“Do not be wise in your own eyes;
fear the Lord and shun evil.” (Proverbs 3:7 NIV)

There is a story in the Old Testament about King Uzziah who was blessed, because “he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord”... (2 Chronicles 26: 4) The Bible says “He sought God during the days of Zechariah, who instructed him in the fear of God.” Therefore, we can concur that this young king had a mentor who helped him grow in God’s law. Today we call them teachers. How many of you are blessed to have godly people helping you understand God’s word through bible studies? It is a blessing to have Christian men and women teach God’s Word and king Uzziah had such a person.
We learned that Uzziah had one requirement, that is “as long as he sought the Lord, he would be successful.” (2 Chronicles 26:5). Sometimes my friend, with success comes a heap of responsibility and character is tested. When we turn our eyes from God to this world –things are bound to go wrong.

The events of Uzziah’s life are impressive with regards to his accomplishments: he built towns; fortified towers, dug cisterns and God helped him against his enemies. He became famous and powerful amongst his neighbors. (v. 8)

What led to his downfall? He took his eyes away from the God who had given him success and power. The story of king Uzziah of Judah starts out in success, but ends up in defeat. The word of God says, that he became very powerful and his “pride led to his downfall.” (v.16)

“He went into the temple of the Lord and he burned incense on the altar of incense. Only the descendants of Aaron, who had been consecrated for this task, were allowed to do this. The courageous priests of the Lord confronted the king and told Uzziah to leave, because he had been unfaithful and had dishonored his Lord. Uzziah, who had a censer in his hand ready to burn incense, became angry. While he was raging at the priests in their presence before the incense altar in the Lord’s temple, leprosy broke out on his forehead.” (vs. 18-19) The end result was a life of solitude and separation for king Uzziah. He had leprosy until the day he died. (v. 20)

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WE TURN AWAY FROM GOD?
To the believer, there are consequences to pay. We know we have a forgiving Savior who paid the price for our sins. Yet, if we continue sinning knowing we are doing so, be ready to pay the price on Judgment day. (See Revelations 21:8) The Bible says: “ while there is time and we see the day approaching let us turn to our Lord in obedience, not conforming to the desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But live holy lives.” (1 Peter 1:14-15)

My friend, these stories and many others are written for us to learn from, so that we may grow in God’s love and abide in Him. Let us follow His ways with reverential fear knowing that we all have to give account for what we do.
Proverbs 3:5: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”

And keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. (Matthew 24:42)

God Bless.

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

I AM A FRIEND OF GOD

"And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness, and he was called God’s friend.” (James 2:23 NIV)

While listening on Sunday to the worship team sing, “I am a friend of God”, I remembered the apostle James using this verse to make a point about faith and deeds. He gave us the example of Abraham, who believed God’s promises regardless of the length of time it took for them to be accomplished. But what is beautiful about the story of Abraham is that he did not fail to believe even when he did not see it happening immediately. He waited on God no matter what his surrounding circumstances were. WOW! How many of us wait patiently to see God’s work fulfilled? Or do we give God a little hand and do it our way? Another point I would like to make is

It says that “Abraham believed, and it was credited to him as righteousness...” Well, Abraham did have his faults like any other human, but he did follow through in his obedience. He did what God told him to do.
His faith was credited as righteousness because he not only believed but obeyed what the Lord commanded. It’s not simply a matter of believing, but of taking action in obedience to God. The apostle gives us a good example: ‘suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well: keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?”

Abraham’s faith and his actions were working together. (v. 22) The apostle summarized it in this verse “You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone.”(James 2:24) The scriptures have given us the answer to our friendship with God – let’s believe it and act on it!

God Bless,
Vanessa

Monday, August 3, 2009

WHAT YOU DO ON YOUR WORST DAY

Do you pick-up yourself when life is pounding the worst on you? Well, my friend we all have moments when we feel it is the worst because of a bad day with the kids, or a pink slip given to you at the job, or the bad relationship that just ended. These are things some have experienced, but there are worse. We all face adversity in our life. However quote: “it’s not the adversity, but how we react to it that will determine the joy and happiness in our life.” That’s absolutely right! We can feel sorry for ourselves, or we can face life with gratitude.
Take for instance, the example of Patrick Henry Hughes who was born with no eyes, and a tightening of the joints, which left him crippled for life. However, as a child, he was fitted with artificial eyes and placed in a wheelchair.
Before his birthday, he discovered the piano. His mom said, “He could hit any note on the piano, and within one or two tries, he’d get it.” By his second birthday, he was playing requests (You are My Sunshine, Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star). His father was ecstatic. “We might not play baseball, but we can play music together.”

Today, Patrick is a junior at the university of Louisville. His father attends classes with him and he’s made nearly all A’s, with the exception of 3 B’s. He’s also a part of the 214 member marching band. You read it right. The marching band! He’s a blind, wheelchair-bound trumpet player, and he and his father do it together. They attend all the band practices and the half-time performance in front of thousands. His father rolls and rotates his son around the field to the cheers of Patrick’s fans. In order to attend Patrick’s classes and every band practice, his father works the graveyard shift at UPS, Patrick said.”My dad’s my hero.”

But even more than the musical talent of this young man, it was Patrick’s “attitude of gratitude”. On stage he would talk to the audience about how blessed he was. He said, “God made me blind and unable to walk. BIG DEAL! He gave me the ability. The musical gifts I have …the great opportunity to meet new people.”

It sounds very simple that one word. Gratitude can change your attitude, thus, your life forever.
“Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ.” (1 Cor.2: 14)

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

THINK JOY

“Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks and send to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10)

We find in the Old Testament the prophets Ezra and Nehemiah along with a small remnant of those who had been exiled by king Nebuchadnezzar returning to Jerusalem to rebuild the wall that had been left in ruins. This should have been a joyful time, but instead it was a sad time seeing the ruins of their beloved city and the wall. They had encountered opposition, but this did not stop them from fulfilling their mission directed by God. When they gathered together after completion of the wall, they were still weeping and saddened because they had listened to the words from the Law that Ezra had read. (Nehemiah 8:9)

When we receive God’s word in our lives it pierces our soul and we tend to weep because it convicts us of our wrongdoings. And when we confess them to Christ we are reconciled. A transformation has happened and our souls feel alive again. “There is no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.” (Romans 8:1-2) What brings this joy into our lives? - Our reconciliation with our Savior. Jesus said to his disciples “Rejoice with me, I have found my lost coin. In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” (Luke 15:9-10)

The Scriptures says that the prophet Nehemiah told them not to grieve, but to celebrate. As believers, we too should celebrate what the Lord has done for us. In our times, we may go through financial hardships, break-ups, loss of a loved one or even testing of our faith, but my brother and sister God is on our side “for the joy of the Lord is our strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10) Why were the people to celebrate? Because they understood the words that had been made known to them – God’s word!

When you my friend, in your time encounter a worst moment -think joy! Say to yourself ‘I think joy!” Pick yourself up from the trial or problem you are encountering, seek God in prayer and let him move you to the peace and rest that surpasses all understanding. The apostle Paul in midst of sufferings said “But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13-14)

My friend and fellow Saints, open your hearts to the joy of God’s grace and celebrate like those who had come from exile to celebrate the word of God in their lives. Today, we rejoice in praise for the rebuilding of your life in Christ Jesus.

God Bless.

Thursday, June 11, 2009

KEEP WATCH, BE READY

When is the Lord coming? I don't have the answer to this question and Jesus told his disciples "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father." (Matthew 24:36) One thing the Lord does admonish all of us to do is "to keep watch." He even gave us clues as to what would be taking place during this time. "As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man (Jesus Christ). For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away." (v.38)

Let's thing for a moment about what is going on in this world, specifically in our nation. There is increase of corruption and a lot of it has filtered right into the hightest office of the land. The increase in violence is such that people are guarding themselves with guns and rifles. What shocks me is when I hear of parents approving of their children's involvement in seductions or pornography. Also, the growing apathy towards the Judeo-Christian belief is disconcerting.
Remember, there is hope even in the chaos of things-our heavenly Father has not abandoned us.

The apostle Peter tells us "therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed." We are to be living holy lives "But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do"...(1Peter 1:13, 15) and finally, the Lord tells us to trust Him: "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. (Jesus) For he has given us a promise "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am." (John 14:3)

What Can I Do? Besides helping others - "Keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come." (Matthew 24:42) We must stay alert to the events that are happening in our nation and in the world. Pray, Worship, and Study God's word everyday. Also be ready, because Jesus is coming at an hour when we do not expect him-that is the Bible truth! (See Matthew 24:44)

God Bless.

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

A CHANGED LIFE TRULY THANKFUL

It didn’t take long to answer the questions on the test since I had studied every day and night preparing for the college entrance test. It sounds familiar this phrase, especially when we hear it from our kids or friends who are contemplating new careers. In a rapidly changing world it seems prevalent that people do want to change, but sometimes that change comes with a price. The word change means just that substituting something for something else. But when it comes to change in our lives we need to pause and ask: Where do I need to change? I see it as the vehicle that comes to a stop sign. The sign is there for a reason, that is, to look in all directions and see what’s ahead in our path. God wants us to grow and be successful, but at the same time he wants us to recognize Him as being in control of all things. Part of the change in our lives as Christians is to be grateful for all things even if things have not gone “our way” or the way we expected.

I remember reading in Psalm 23: 2, 3 “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters…” When we allow God our shepherd to guide us, we have contentment. When we choose to sin, however, we go our own way and cannot blame God for the environment we create for ourselves. It is easy to blame God for the unwanted pregnancy, the failed exam, the divorce of parents, or the mounting of bills at no end. But if we stop and pause about things we know it is not God’s fault, but our own mistakes – taking the wrong path and having a mindset that from the beginning of time have led mankind into sin, one that says “my way is better.”

Our Father wants us to give him acknowledgement for the things he does for us. In
1 Chronicles 16:7-36 king David is worshipping God with song. We find here an example of four elements of true thanksgiving we should remember: (1) what God has done, (2) tell others about it, (3) showing God’s glory to others, and (4) offering gifts of self, time, and resources. Remember, if you are truly thankful your life will show it.

God Bless.

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

TIME IN GOD’S HAND

“I trusted in, relied on, and was confident in You, O Lord; I said, You are my God.
My times are in your hands.” Psalm 31:14-15

Just recently my father found out that he had a heart problem. All these years he was unaware of his condition until he went to see the doctor. I asked him: Why he had waited this long? He said: “I did not want to create a problem.” The fact is he had a problem that had been laid to rest and gotten worse. He did not want to take the time nor the expense to take care of it. How many of us delay doing things until it is too late?

God has good, pleasing, and perfect plans for his children. He wants us to live holy lives, making time from our business to read, study and memorize His word in order to grow and strengthen our faith.

In Proverbs 31 the excellent woman finds time to take care of her household. She provides food for her family (v.15), she’s also a manufacturer, importer, manager, farmer and seamstress. Her strength and dignity do not come from achievements, but from her reverence to God. Her husband is respected (v.23). She is a woman of hope, trust and one that is compassionate towards others (v.20). But what makes her special is that she trusts and gives her God honor with her time. How many men and women give God time out from their business? My friend, let us not postpone time for the nourishment that will bring strength to carryout our work, wisdom to make difficult decisions and closeness with our Creator who designed us beautifully and gave us worth. Let our time be in His hands.

Monday, April 20, 2009

DETERMINE YOUR THOUGHTS

I began thinking of the day my daughter who was three came across a can of chili that that was left opened on the coffee table. I had placed it down for a second to go answer the phone. It only took a fraction of a second for my daughter to find it. I looked up and there in front of me, smiling like she had conquered the world by herself was her messy little face. It was an unforgettable moment when I looked back in the window of my memories and I just laugh.

God has a way of giving us small pictures in our small box of memories. They can be of happy times filling us with joy, love and inspiration. Some of them can be the birth of a child, the graduation of a son or daughter, a wedding, and even the time you said, “yes” to that wonderful man God brought into your path. But within that small box of memories or thoughts there are also the unhappy ones we want to erase. We can determine which ones we want to focus on to bring laughter and joy to us as a blessing from God. In the same manner we can use our thought life to bring glory to God.

This small box called “the brain”, which I call the storage house for our thoughts- a place where we harbor good and bad memories is a part of our body with a big task. We can use it to think good and bad things. But when we use this body part to meditate or store God’s word in it – the results are a blessing!

As God’s creation, we have a responsibility with every part of our body including this “small box” to be used to honor Him. Even king David realized that meditation of God’s word stored in our thought life was an important factor in order to please God. He stated beautifully in Psalms 19:14 “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.”

Would you change the way you live if you knew that God would examine every word and thought first? David asks that God approve his words and thoughts as though they were offerings brought to the altar. As you begin the day determine to have God’s love be your guide in how you think. Remember Good Thoughts Create Good Memories!

Thursday, April 2, 2009

GOD DOES NOT WAIT ON OUR DEMANDS

Blessed is Jehovah Jireh (God will provide) for his mercy and love that he bestows upon us at all times. When I think of Jehovah Jireh, I think of God to be able to provide for ALL my needs (Ph.4:19) including healing.

I don’t know when you have been in a situation when you were sick and couldn’t get to a phone to call someone at church to pray for you. It seemed like you were all alone and you begin to wonder if God was there by your side. I recently experienced this, but what I didn’t doubt was God, Jehovah Jireh, being there for me. As I layed in bed I called upon the Lord to relieve my pain, but it did not happen. My migraine pain and fever went on for a couple of days, but I believed that God’s will to do things is not based upon what or when we demand a response, but based on His terms Only. Then two days ago, when my pain was gone and I was able to focus with clarity on my scripture reading, I opened my Bible and saw this verse in Matthew 8:15:

“And he touched her hand, and the fever left her; and she arose, and ministered unto others.” (KJV)

Just that same day Jesus had been performing healing on a leper, a centurion’s servant, plus teaching about the kingdom of heaven to many. And then he came to Peter’s house. Was getting a little relief from the crowd part of Jesus’ plan? No! Jesus was not seeking his own convenience to accomplish things, but rather getting the job done that is, seeking to give his Father the glory. He sought out the opportunities and seeing Peter’s mother-in-law lying sick with fever in bed – he went directly to her and touched her hand and the fever was gone. The woman received God’s mercy when he came to her and she in return – after having received His gift of healing, ministered to Jesus and his disciples.

These last few days, I was unable to teach God’s word due to my sickness. I felt uneasy and wanted so much to get back on my feet again. My concern was not so much for myself, but for those I minister to – my students. I waited on God’s healing power to come to me in His timing. Praise God! Today, after having given my body rest -I was able to get up on my feet and prepare to teach His Word. Jehovah Jireh– my provider and healer of all our infirmities is listening to our prayers – his purpose for not answering on the spot when we ask of him is beyond my understanding, but one thing I know for certain, that his sovereign power is in control of us all. Let Him act on his timing and give him thanks! I leave you with this verse from Psalm 8:4:

"What is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?"

Praise be to our Jehovah Jireh!

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

THE KING’S TABLE
“You shall eat at my table always.” (2 Samuel 9:7)

There’s a story in the life of King David that illustrates God’s grace towards us through Christ Jesus. It is found in 2 Samuel chapter nine when King David takes in the son of Jonathan, Mephibosheth, who was crippled in both feet. After David was established King he kept his promise to Jonathan his loyal friend, that he would show kindness to anyone remaining of Saul’s family, for Jonathan’s sake. So Mephibosheth – crippled and destitute, unable to care for himself and living under someone else’s house – was brought into David’s house and ate from the King’s table. It says that David treated him like one of his sons. (2 Samuel 9:11, NIV). What a privilege to be seated at the King’s table! David illustrates Christ in his graciousness and kindness towards us. Being able to sit at the King’s table involved not only daily food but other privileges as well, so God’s salvation for Christ’s sake brings to us provisions we need: “And my God will meet all your needs, according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19, NIV) He is our King whom we can come to and ask to meet our needs. The same God of David is the same today and will take care of you just as he took care of Mephibosheth. Our King Jesus welcomes you to his table. So, COME!

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

THE SMALL AND NARROW WAY

“Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and thee are many who enter through it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.” (Matthew 7:13, 14)

It is hard to imagine not being able to serve the Lord, or attend a place of worship-where God is praised. During my children’s growing years, I promised the Lord that I would dedicate my life and my children in understanding God’s ways. I tried my best to lead them in his path and realized that God’s ways are better than the things this world has to offer. I prayed that the seed of his word would be planted in their hearts in making them wiser and in choosing the right path. I’m thankful to God, because he has given me direction in my children’s upbringing. Yet, I realize that though my choices for them have been godly - as adults they have a right to choose their own path. But for many parents the expectations they have for their children is not always “the small and narrow road” leading to righteousness. (Matthew 7:13,14)

Many young men and women start off in childhood on a godly path, but somehow along the way stray from the narrow road. They plunge themselves into a world of misconception about God and the Bible, driven by the world’s morality and its ways, while becoming tolerant to their own way of thinking and pleasing to their own way of life. What happened along the way? Somehow, like the car that makes a wrong turn and ends up at a dead end – that’s what happened to these young minds.

Lets consider the story of Daniel; Hananiah, Misahel and Azariah who were carried off to Babylon in their youth and were to be trained for three years, and after that they were to enter the king’s service. All the riches in the world were at their disposal, and the best foods to eat and the best wine. They were put to the test. Yet Daniel and his friends refused to defile themselves of the king’s food and drink. They feared a Most High God – greater than the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar. And because they refused to eat and drink from this pagan king’s table, God gave to these four young men knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. They chose their path – a narrow road and God blessed them for their righteousness. (See Daniel 1: 1-17)
Keep in mind what a wise man named Solomon said: “Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, “I find no pleasure in them” – (Ecclesiastes 12:1) God Bless!

“Thus says the Lord, ‘Stand by the ways and see and ask for the ancient paths,
Where the good way is, and walk in it; And you will find rest for your souls.”
(Jeremiah 6:16)

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

BEAUTY IN HEART

I’m often impressed and content when I see all the pictures of my photo album assembled perfectly to a color background, or on motif paper. The enhancement on the scrapbook makes them stand out beautifully. The right pieces: paper, colors or patterns on each design only perfects the projection of a message on each picture.

In many ways, like the scrapbook pieces, God has given us many parts with which we reflect ourselves to others. For instance, we have the hands to eat with, our ears to listen to, and feet to walk with. Each member has its own function and they enhance our personality; but they are all part of one body or one picture, that is, self. Much like the scrapbook we try to beautify each part so that the whole body may be appealing to those who see it. In some ways we scrap our body by using modern techniques, for example, some may use surgery to get rid of excess fat in the body, facial reconstruction, creams, exercise, diets, etc. There are many methods used in the world to make people look and feel beautiful, so that the picture of self will be more appealing, or healthier in our scrapbook-life. What about the heart? Jesus said:

“What comes out of a man is what makes him unclean. For from within, out of men’s hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. All these evils come from inside and make a man unclean.” Mark 7:20-23 NIV

“The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”1 Samuel 16:7 NIV

When we look in a mirror we see a poor reflection of ourselves, because we don’t see the whole picture of who we are. And even if the appearance of a person is improved with things the world offers, the whole picture is not yet revealed. On Judgment Day we will see face to face and “…know fully even as I am fully known.” (1 Corinthians. 13:12 NIV) Let us begin to be known by the acting in accordance to the fruit of the Spirit, which are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. (Galatians 5:22 NIV) May the picture we project to the world be always enhanced by the beauty that is within our hearts and not by what others think of us; so that the pages of our scrapbook (life) be portrayed with a message of love and not worldliness.

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

CHOICES

God has the freedom to make choices and he always makes the right choices for us. There are times when we think that our choices are better and disregard our heavenly Father to give us guidance. The Old and New Testaments provide us with examples of those who engaged in bad choices that led to dire consequence and some even to death as a result of sin. For example: Adam and Eve (Gen. 3: 1-20); King David (2 Samuel 11:1-4); Ananias and Saphira (Acts 5: 1-10); and even the apostle Peter when he denied our Lord Jesus (Matt.26: 69-75) Just like them, we are not immune to making bad choices in our sinful nature. It wants us to always go the opposite direction of what God wants for us. It is a battle we fight on a daily basis, but we can have victory when we accept Christ into our lives. Then, but only then will our minds be transformed. Our mindset becomes one with Christ as we allow him to take charge of our life. It says in Romans 8:1 that “there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.” We are powerless to do anything right, because of our sinful nature. The Bible says that “those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live according to the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit (of God) desires.” (Romans 8:5) Clearly, then, the answer to making right choices is found in our relationship with our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ. His Spirit will live in us once we accept Him to be our righteousness, empowering us with his Spirit to help us fight wrongful choices hurtful to us.

Application
“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12: 2)