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.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
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.
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.
“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!
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!
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!
“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)
“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)
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