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!
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
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)
“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.
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)
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)
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
MY CHRISTMAS MIRACLE
It isn’t often that I have Christmas Dinner with my husband’s side of the family, but when we do, all 23 were expected this year at my house. The excitement and joy of having loved ones you haven’t seen for a while and those nearby makes Christmas a special day. But on Christmas morning I became ill. I didn’t know if what I had was the flu or something like it. All I knew was that in a few hours people would be knocking at my front door and there was still much to do. My husband and children try to get the preparations going as best as they could.
This was a day we usually take our traditional Christmas home picture on the stairs of our home. We normally do this on Christmas morning, but seeing how sick I was they refused. At my insistence, they went ahead and took the picture. Afterwards, I went straight to bed. My sick body was still taking its toll. As I lay in bed I lifted my Lord in prayer and praised Him, I knew I was not alone. I didn’t complain to the Lord of my misery, but said to him ‘may your will be done’. I closed my eyes for a few seconds and the most wonderful thing happened. It was in those seconds that something miraculous happened. All I know is when I opened my eyes I WAS HEALED! Yes, it was a miracle. Only Jesus could heal me from what was ailing me, and only He could turn my sadness into Joy. It was Jesus’ birthday and he gave me his gift, the miracle of healing me – what a merciful and compassionate God we serve. Praise His Name!
When I went downstairs and saw my husband and my children - they were amazed at the transformation. I was jumping with joy, and told them Christ had healed me. I had witnessed to them the miracle my Savior had performed. We celebrated Christmas with a spirit of humbleness and thanksgiving, because my God is an awesome God, he is Jehovajirah “God can see” (literal translation), but means “God will provide” and he met my need providing me with a Christmas miracle.
May you and loved ones have a blessed New Year and continue to uphold our Lord and King who is coming soon. God Bless!
It isn’t often that I have Christmas Dinner with my husband’s side of the family, but when we do, all 23 were expected this year at my house. The excitement and joy of having loved ones you haven’t seen for a while and those nearby makes Christmas a special day. But on Christmas morning I became ill. I didn’t know if what I had was the flu or something like it. All I knew was that in a few hours people would be knocking at my front door and there was still much to do. My husband and children try to get the preparations going as best as they could.
This was a day we usually take our traditional Christmas home picture on the stairs of our home. We normally do this on Christmas morning, but seeing how sick I was they refused. At my insistence, they went ahead and took the picture. Afterwards, I went straight to bed. My sick body was still taking its toll. As I lay in bed I lifted my Lord in prayer and praised Him, I knew I was not alone. I didn’t complain to the Lord of my misery, but said to him ‘may your will be done’. I closed my eyes for a few seconds and the most wonderful thing happened. It was in those seconds that something miraculous happened. All I know is when I opened my eyes I WAS HEALED! Yes, it was a miracle. Only Jesus could heal me from what was ailing me, and only He could turn my sadness into Joy. It was Jesus’ birthday and he gave me his gift, the miracle of healing me – what a merciful and compassionate God we serve. Praise His Name!
When I went downstairs and saw my husband and my children - they were amazed at the transformation. I was jumping with joy, and told them Christ had healed me. I had witnessed to them the miracle my Savior had performed. We celebrated Christmas with a spirit of humbleness and thanksgiving, because my God is an awesome God, he is Jehovajirah “God can see” (literal translation), but means “God will provide” and he met my need providing me with a Christmas miracle.
May you and loved ones have a blessed New Year and continue to uphold our Lord and King who is coming soon. God Bless!
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
THE TRUE LIGHT
“The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.” (John 1:9)
This true light the Scripture refers to in the book of John is Jesus Christ. He came into this world to bring us light, but it says that the world did not receive him. (v. 12) Here we have a glorious God sending his son Jesus into this world of darkness and yet he was not greeted with honor, or sounding trumpets, or a parade. Yet instead, he was hounded like a criminal by king Herod, who ordered the death of all children in Jerusalem. And was born in a stable where animals were kept – not a four star hotel – not a pretty picture. In spite all of this; Jesus’ birth symbolizes incomparable gifts of love, humbleness, peace and joy that are grasped in this story of one night’s miracle gift to all humanity.
“Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God – children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.” (John 1:12)
It is in Jesus that we find hope of becoming a new person – yes in him we can surrender all our faults and know that we can find forgiveness. He came to this world with grace and truth (v.17), only found in Jesus Christ. It is by his grace that we are saved. Therefore, once we are justified through faith, we have peace with God and we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. (Romans 5:1-2) Those gifts of peace and joy represent Jesus and are enfold in the Christmas story as we read it from the bible to our children.
Jesus is stretching out his arms telling you to come. There are no strings attached, but to love him with all your heart and soul. He wants you to become his child, so just come to Him and partake of his gifts of love, humility, peace and joy. WON’T YOU BECOME A CHILD OF GOD?
“The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.” (John 1:9)
This true light the Scripture refers to in the book of John is Jesus Christ. He came into this world to bring us light, but it says that the world did not receive him. (v. 12) Here we have a glorious God sending his son Jesus into this world of darkness and yet he was not greeted with honor, or sounding trumpets, or a parade. Yet instead, he was hounded like a criminal by king Herod, who ordered the death of all children in Jerusalem. And was born in a stable where animals were kept – not a four star hotel – not a pretty picture. In spite all of this; Jesus’ birth symbolizes incomparable gifts of love, humbleness, peace and joy that are grasped in this story of one night’s miracle gift to all humanity.
“Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God – children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.” (John 1:12)
It is in Jesus that we find hope of becoming a new person – yes in him we can surrender all our faults and know that we can find forgiveness. He came to this world with grace and truth (v.17), only found in Jesus Christ. It is by his grace that we are saved. Therefore, once we are justified through faith, we have peace with God and we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. (Romans 5:1-2) Those gifts of peace and joy represent Jesus and are enfold in the Christmas story as we read it from the bible to our children.
Jesus is stretching out his arms telling you to come. There are no strings attached, but to love him with all your heart and soul. He wants you to become his child, so just come to Him and partake of his gifts of love, humility, peace and joy. WON’T YOU BECOME A CHILD OF GOD?
Thursday, December 4, 2008
KNOWING HIS PEACE
“Peace I leave with you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do
Not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” John 14:27
The Lord Jesus knew how easy the human spirit could become unrest in this world. It’s easy to get frazzled when things don’t go our way or when we anxiously await hearing from the family member who is in Iraq or of the missionary in a distant land. I know as a veteran when I was in the midst of the Vietnam War how my concerns were not for myself as such, because I knew my Lord was my shield and protection from the explosions I heard nearby. But not knowing how my family back home was arose concerns, but God kept telling me to let it go and be at peace, because He was going to take care of my concerns. My friend, Jesus knows our needs, especially of unsaved loved ones, or of the sickness that’s crept into your body. He tells us not to be alarmed, but to have faith that He will take care of our needs. Remember he is our Savior, healer, comforter, provider, and he listens to our prayers.
When king David’s enemies sought to defeat him David called on the Lord (2 Samuel 5:19); when he sinned he had no peace and David confessed to the Lord (2 Samuel 12:13); Mary and Martha sought comfort in Jesus who were grieved by their brother’s death (John 11: 1-25); the angels announced Jesus birth proclaiming his peace to all of mankind (Luke 2:14). If those who knew our Lord recognized him as a peacemaker, then think of the peace that only is found in Jesus Christ who is our peace. When we have Christ in us his spirit will give us peace – it is one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. (Galatians 5:22) His peace is there for you. It is one of the gifts he has for you -but all you have to do is come, know Him and he will give you Peace, Peace, glorious Peace!
“Peace I leave with you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do
Not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” John 14:27
The Lord Jesus knew how easy the human spirit could become unrest in this world. It’s easy to get frazzled when things don’t go our way or when we anxiously await hearing from the family member who is in Iraq or of the missionary in a distant land. I know as a veteran when I was in the midst of the Vietnam War how my concerns were not for myself as such, because I knew my Lord was my shield and protection from the explosions I heard nearby. But not knowing how my family back home was arose concerns, but God kept telling me to let it go and be at peace, because He was going to take care of my concerns. My friend, Jesus knows our needs, especially of unsaved loved ones, or of the sickness that’s crept into your body. He tells us not to be alarmed, but to have faith that He will take care of our needs. Remember he is our Savior, healer, comforter, provider, and he listens to our prayers.
When king David’s enemies sought to defeat him David called on the Lord (2 Samuel 5:19); when he sinned he had no peace and David confessed to the Lord (2 Samuel 12:13); Mary and Martha sought comfort in Jesus who were grieved by their brother’s death (John 11: 1-25); the angels announced Jesus birth proclaiming his peace to all of mankind (Luke 2:14). If those who knew our Lord recognized him as a peacemaker, then think of the peace that only is found in Jesus Christ who is our peace. When we have Christ in us his spirit will give us peace – it is one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. (Galatians 5:22) His peace is there for you. It is one of the gifts he has for you -but all you have to do is come, know Him and he will give you Peace, Peace, glorious Peace!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
